Successful correction of ichthyosis-related ectropion by autografts.

Ectropion is a rather frequent complication of ichthyosis with negative functional and esthetic impact. Lid surgery can provide significant improvement. We report on a series of four ichthyosis patients with ongoing bilateral eye problems despite intense medical treatment (mean age 27.8 ± 14.1 years). All patients suffered from lagophthalmos. Two of the patients had only lower lid ectropion. In two of the patients' ectropion was forming on the upper lid in addition to the lower lid when closing the eye. In three of four patients, ectropion was repaired by skin grafts from the supraclavicular region. In a child with lower and upper lid ectropion prepuce was used for repair surgery. At the end of the follow-up period of about 23.0 ± 12.7 months, none of the patients revealed lagophthalmos or corneal exposure. No intraoperative or postoperative complications have been observed in our patients. Ichthyosis patients with ectropion resistant to medical treatment, benefit from surgical treatment with full layer autografts. In boys, prepuce can be successfully used as autograft.

Introduction of a novel quantitative scoring system for acanthosis nigricans and its validation in a pilot study.

Inconsistent data exist regarding the diagnostic value of acanthosis nigricans (AN) or skin tags as clinical markers for obesity or diabetes. In an outpatient department-based prospective study, we designed a scoring for AN severity (SCANS) to evaluate AN and skin tags, their correlation with obesity or diabetes. Quantification of AN in six anatomic sites, in consideration of the affected skin surface areas, texture changes, number of skin tags, leads to a total severity score between 0 and 46. Among 336 adult patients (aged ≥18 years) with AN, a higher BMI was associated with AN (r = 0.299, P < .001), but not with diabetes (P = .43), as compared with 243 age- and sex-matched controls without AN. Among nondiabetics, AN scores were significantly correlated with waist circumference (r = 0.131, P = .024) and total cholesterol levels (r = 0.155, P = .04). Skin tags alone in the absence of AN were not associated with obesity (P = .333) or diabetes (P = .164). The total AN scores were positively correlated with the presence of skin tags (r = 0.132, P < .001), and the involvement of anterior neck (r = 0.668, P < .001) and axilla (r = 0.793, P < .001). Knuckles and groins were unaffected in our series. Our results indicate that combination of AN with skin tags can be used as clinical marker for obesity, but not for diabetes. Large-scale studies on patients of different ethnic background are required to further validate our proposed scoring.

Caspase-3, p53 and Bcl-2 expression in basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid.

INTRODUCTION: Eyelid tumours mostly originated from skin and its appendeges. External carcinogens like UV radiation causes cell damages in the eyelid skin and contributes to carcinogenesis. Apoptosis is a very important mechanism to prevent these damage and probable neoplatic change. AIM: To compare caspase-3, p53 and Bcl-2 levels between patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the eyelid and healthy individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pathology archives from October 2012 to April 2015 were scanned for BCC biopsies of the eyelid and tissue removed during blepharoplasty and entropion procedures. A total of 36 specimens were found. The specimens were divided into two groups: BCC group and controls (consisting of eyelid tissue removed during routine blepharoplasty). The pathology specimens were then stained using p53, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 stains and the intensity of staining was graded on a 0-3 scale. RESULTS: Samples from a total of 36 patients were included in the study. Eighteen (50.0%) patients were female. There were 13 patients in the BCC group and 23 patients in the control group. The mean age was 66.0 ±10.8 years in the BCC group, and 65.61 ±11.22 years in the control group. The caspase-3 staining was lower in the BCC group than in the control group. No significant differences were found between the BCC group and the control group in terms of p53 levels or Bcl-2 levels (both of them, p = 1.000). CONCLUSIONS: The caspase-3 level was lower in the BCC group. This result suggests that these enzymes can play a significant role in carcinogenesis of eyelid BCC.

Intra-scleral fixation of the iris hooks for trans-scleral capsular bag fixation in patient with zonular dialysis.

PURPOSE: To report a technique of intra-scleral fixation of the iris hooks for trans-scleral capsular bag fixation in patient with zonular dialysis. METHODS: Two scleral flaps, two scleral tunnels and two sclerotomies were formed. The anterior capsule was captured and pulled by the iris hooks resulting in the IOL adopting an appropriate position at which point the iris hooks extracted from the sclerotomies. The tips of the iris hooks were implanted into the scleral tunnels. Each of them was fixed with a 10.0 nylon suture to the scleral bed. The scleral flaps and conjunctiva were sutured. One of the iris hooks was seen loosened at the first-week postoperative examination but the IOL remained centralized. The loosened hook was removed. RESULTS: No complications were witnessed during the patient's 24-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Intra-scleral fixation using iris retractors in the capsular bag for patients having suffered dislocation of IOL despite the attachment of a capsular hook because of zonular dialysis can be safely implemented.

Scleral suture fixation technique for dislocated plate haptic toric IOL.

Purpose We describe a scleral suture fixation technique for dislocated plate haptic toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Materials and methods A double-armed 10-0 straight polypropylene suture was passed into the eye from the sclera (2 mm away from the limbus). A suture needle was passed through the hole on the corner of the IOL and pulled out from the paracentesis with a 27-gauge needle. Afterward, the suture needle was reinserted from the same paracentesis and then removed from the eye with the help of a 27-gauge needle entering the eye from a nearby point to the first scleral entrance. The needle was passed through the end of the loop and pulled slightly to initiate the formation of a cow-hitch knot. The same procedure was applied to the other hole on the plate haptic. Both sutures were adjusted and fixed to the sclera with a Z suture. Results No complications were observed and at the follow-up visits, uncorrected visual acuity was 0.8 with decimal. Conclusion Axial, sagittal, and rotational stability rules are taken into consideration, scleral fixation surgery for a dislocated plate haptic foldable toric IOL is an alternative method to eliminate astigmatic refractive error.

Ocular surface findings in patients with rheumatoid arthritis under methotrexate or biological agent therapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ocular findings in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate (MTX) or MTX with biological agents. METHODS: One hundred and twelve eyes of 56 patients with RA and treated with MTX or MTX with biological agents were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups using DMARDs only (group 1) and patients using DMARDs and biologic agents together (group 2). In both groups; Schirmer's II test, tear film break-up time (tBUT), central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal volume (CV), intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, and anterior segment and fundus examinations of the eye with slit lamp were carried out. Ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score questionnaire were performed. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients with a mean age of 53.00 ± 8.19 years were in group 1 and 18 patients with a mean age of 51.00 ± 9.54 years were in group 2. The mean duration of RA was 6.89 ± 7.96 years in group 1 and 5.70 ± 9.00 years in group 2. There was a statistically significant difference between two groups with tBUT, CCT, CV, IOP (p < 0.05) and there was no significant difference with age, sex, disease duration, disease activity, and Schirmer's II test (p > 0.05). The disease duration showed a significant moderate negative correlation with CCT and CV in group 2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although tBUT values were significantly higher in the combination treatment group, CCT and CV values were significantly lower. Due to the decrease in corneal thickness, IOP was determined to be significantly lower.

Safety and efficacy of autologous serum eye drop for treatment of dry eyes in graft-versus-host disease.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the treatment of autologous serum eye drops (ASED) on dry eyes in patients with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 35 patients with a history of ocular GVHD following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation that used ASED to alleviate dry eye symptoms was performed. Patients were categorized into three different groups. If patients had available ophthalmic data before and after starting treatment was group 1 (n = 14), had available ophthalmic data after starting treatment in group 2 (n = 10) and had available ophthalmic data before treatment or did not have any data after starting treatment in group 3 (n = 11). Data were collected on patient's age, gender, primary diagnosis, visual acuity and fluorescein corneal staining were collected on individual eyes in order to evaluate the efficacy of the ASED on alleviating dry eye-related signs and symptoms. RESULTS: No adverse ocular effect from the ASED was found in our series (except one fungal keratitis). All patients reported either improvement (55%) or stability (45%) in their ocular symptoms upon the use of ASED. In patients with available data before and after starting treatment, the corneal staining score improved by a median of 1 (p = 0.003) and the LogMAR visual acuity had a non-significant improvement. CONCLUSION: In our study, ASED used by patients with ocular GVHD were both safe and effective. ASED should be considered in patients with GVHD who suffer from dry eyes.

Overcorrecting minus lens therapy in patients with intermittent exotropia: Should it be the first therapeutic choice?

To evaluate medium-term outcomes of overminus lens treatment in patients with intermittent exotropia [X(T)]. A retrospective analysis was performed of the outcomes of 19 children with X(T) who were prescribed overminus lens (-2.00 to -4.00 D) for a median period of 18 months (6-33). The success was evaluated using two assessment methods: 1. Newcastle Control System (NCS), and 2. Jampolsky's assessment. The mean age of the patients was 6.8 ± 3.3 years (range 3-14 years). After the therapy, the median NCS score significantly improved from 5 to 1 (p < 0.001). Sixteen children (84 %) showed a NCS score of 2 or less after overminus lens treatment. According to Jampolsky's assessment, 84 % of the patients showed marked improvement from the baseline (47 % had qualitative improvement, 37 % quantitative decrease in the angle of deviation in addition to a qualitative improvement). The median pre-treatment distant angle decreased from 25 prism diopters (PD) to 18 PD after the treatment (p = 0.002). Overcorrecting minus lens treatment has a reasonable rate of success in the medium term and may be advised as primary therapeutic alternative for X(T). Both NCS and Jampolsky's scoring system appear to be useful and comparable for follow-up of patients with X(T).

An easy and practical method for toric intraocular lens implantation: marking corneal astigmatic axis at slit-lamp.

The objective of this study was to present a practical method of marking the corneal astigmatic axis for the patient sitting at the slit-lamp before toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Eighteen eyes of 18 patients, who underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification, with an implantation of Acrysof toric IOL were included. We marked the astigmatic axis while the patient sitting at the slit-lamp before surgery. The patient was asked to look at a distant target at head height with the fellow eye. Using the rotator switch, the slit light of the slit-lamp was just turned on to the steep astigmatic meridian in the orthograde position. Then, two tips of the astigmatic meridian were marked with a marking pen, where the slit light crossed at the limbus 180° away. Preoperative corneal and postoperative refractive astigmatism values were compared. Uncorrected and corrected postoperative visual acuities (UDVA and BCVA) and IOL rotations at early and late periods were noted. The mean age and mean follow-up were 63.6 ± 14.6 years and 9.4 ± 5.3 months (range 3-16 months), respectively. Mean postoperative UDVA and BCVA at Snellen chart were 0.62 ± 0.21 and 0.82 ± 0.13, respectively. Mean preoperative keratometric and mean postoperative refractive astigmatism values were 2.48 ± 0.87 D and 0.66 ± 0.48 D, respectively. Reduction of astigmatism was significant (p < 0.01). The mean rotation at 1 week and that at last follow-up were 2.1° ± 3.1° and 2.3° ± 3.0°, respectively. Marking corneal astigmatic axis at slit-lamp is a simple and effective method in toric intraocular lens implantation. Surgeon does not need additional instrument except a slit-lamp and a marking pen, and can complete the marking task in just one setting.

Measurements of central corneal thickness and endothelial parameters with three different non-contact specular microscopy devices.

We aimed to compare the measurements of central corneal thickness (CCT) and endothelial parameters with three different non-contact specular microscopy (SM) devices. Fifteen eyes of 15 healthy individuals (6 males; 9 females) were enrolled in the study. Mean age was 37.93 ± 15.13 years. Endothelial parameters and CCT were measured with Nidek CEM-530, Topcon SP-3000P, and Tomey EM-3000 SM devices by the same physician. Endothelial parameters included endothelial cell count (ECC), maximum, minimum, and average endothelial cell size. and hexagonality ratio. There were no statistically significant differences in ECC, CTT, and average endothelial size (AES) between the devices (p > 0.05). The measurement of maximum endothelial size (MES) was different between Nidek SM and Topcon SM devices (p = 0.001), but there was no difference in MES between Nidek SM and Tomey SM (p = 0.058), and between Topcon SM and Tomey SM (p = 0.081). There was no difference in minimum endothelial size (MinES) between Nidek SM and Topcon SM (p = 0.794); however, there was a significant difference in MinES between Tomey SM and Nidek SM (p < 0.001), and between Tomey SM and Topcon SM (p < 0.001). Comparison of hexagonality ratio showed statistically significant difference between the devices (p < 0.001). No significant differences in the measurements of ECC, CCT, and AES were detected between different SM devices, whereas a statistically significant difference in hexagonality ratio was detected between the devices. These devices should not be used alternatively in the endothelial morphology assessment in patient's follow-up.

Reproducibility and repeatability of central corneal thickness measurement in healthy eyes using four different optical devices.

AIM: The aim of the study is to compare the measurements of central corneal thickness (CCT) performed by two examiners with four different methods at different times inter- and intra-individually. METHODS: Thirty healthy people were included in the study. In these measurements, an optical low-coherence reflectometry (OLCR), an optic coherence tomography (OCT), a specular microscopy (SM), and a corneal topography (CT) were used. Two examiners performed the measurements in a consecutive manner. After 1-7 days of the first measurements, the second measurements were performed again consecutively. The mean of three measurements was taken in each session for all devices. RESULTS: In OCT measurements, there was a significant difference between two examiners in both sessions (p < 0.001), while no significant differences were found between two examiners in first and second sessions in SM, CT, and OLCR measurements. When each examiner's measurements were compared to two sessions, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05, for all) except the SM measurements of the first examiner (p = 0.041). When the first measurements of two examiners were compared, the smallest values were of OCT. At the first session of two examiners, there was a significant difference between OCT and CT measurements, and between OCT and OLCR (p < 0.001, p = 0.002 for the first examiner and p < 0.001 for the second examiner, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that CCT measurements made by CT and OLCR methods were almost same and highly correlated for both the examiners' measurements. CCTs measured by OCT were on average 30 µm thinner than CT and OLCR.

Effect of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome on corneal thickness.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) might be a risk factor for the development of eye disorders. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of OSAS on central corneal thickness (CCT). A total of 195 patients were enrolled in the study, and underwent polysomnography. Patients were divided according to their apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) scores into control group (AHI < 5), mild (AHI, 5-15), moderate (AHI, 15-30), and severe OSAS (AHI > 30) groups. In ophthalmological examinations, CCT, auto refractometer measurement, tear break-up time, and Schrimer's test results were evaluated. Central corneal thickness was significantly decreased in patients with OSAS compared to the control group (542.14 ± 31.21 vs. 569.92 ± 13.46, p < 0.001). As the severity of OSAS increased, CCT decreased (mild OSAS = 567.48 ± 23 mm, moderate OSAS = 530.21 ± 30.2 mm, and severe OSAS = 557.97 ± 16.52 mm, respectively, p < 0.001). The mean values of auto refractometer, tear break-up time, and Schrimer's test were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). CCT was negatively correlated with AHI, oxygen desaturation index, desaturation percentages, and positively correlated with minimum oxygen saturation values (p < 0.05). This study showed that central corneal thickness is inversely correlated with the severity of OSAS. OSAS affects all organ systems particularly cardiovascular and neurological mechanisms. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the effect of OSAS treatment on CCT.

Three eyelid localized cutaneous anthrax cases.

Anthrax is primarily seen in the developing countries, but it can be a worldwide medical concern due to bioterrorism threats. Palpebral anthrax is a rare form of cutaneous anthrax. Untreated cutaneous anthrax can be lethal. Patients with palpebral anthrax can develop complications including cicatrisation and ectropion. Thus, anthrax should be considered in differential diagnosis for patients presenting with preseptal cellulitis in high-risk regions. Herein, we report three anthrax cases (with different age) involving eyelids that were cured without any complications due to early diagnosis and treatment.

Bilateral lower eyelid basosquamous cell carcinoma: a rare case.

Basosquamous cell carcinoma is a subtype of basal cell cancer. It is known to be more aggressive than basal cell cancer. A 70-year-old male patient was admitted to our clinic for evaluation of cosmetic problems caused by masses on both lower eyelids for at least two years. The mass excision from and reconstruction of lower eyelids were performed. Histopathological examination of the resected masses was consistent with basosquamous cell carcinoma. We present a case of basosquamous cell carcinoma involving bilateral lower eyelids with a different clinical appearance. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of bilateral basosquamous cell carcinoma in a patient.

Heterozygous Pyrin (MEFV) E148Q allele carriers indicate a reduced glaucoma risk for Turkish population: a prospective clinical analysis.

PURPOSE: The MEFV gene encodes pyrin, a protein linked to increased severity of symptoms in Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). We consider that inflammation due to MEFV variants would increase eye inflammation and damage aqueous humor regulation. The present study is the first analysis investigating a MEFV (E148Q) variant as a marker protecting from glaucoma. METHODS: In this prospective clinical analyze, we performed detailed gene sequencing focusing on 22 specific regions of the pyrin (MEFV) gene. The study involved two distinct groups: individuals diagnosed with glaucoma (n = 200) and control subjects without glaucoma (n = 100). Both groups were carefully selected to exclude individuals with symptoms or a previous diagnosis of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). The diagnosis of glaucoma for each participant was rigorously established through comprehensive direct ophthalmic examinations. RESULTS: A significant odds ratio for protection against glaucoma was found in carriers of the subclinical E148Q allele (OR:2.22; 95%CI: 1.098-4.485). No significant differences were found for other variants. One mutant E148Q-allele could decrease the probability of glaucoma development by approximately 68,9%. We observed no differences in the genotype frequency between glaucoma and healthy for the other MEFV gene variants. CONCLUSION: The pyrin variant of the MEFV gene resulting in a subclinical phenotype appears to reduce the incidence of glaucoma, and heterozygous pyrin (MEFV) E148Q allele carriers confer protection against glaucoma. It is important to consider the limitations arising from the relatively small number of studies conducted on this topic.

Two techniques for sutureless intrascleral posterior chamber IOL fixation.

PURPOSE: To compare two different techniques for sutureless scleral fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) in patients with insufficient capsule support. METHODS: Of 29 patients, 17 received the needle technique using a 24-gauge needle for the scleral tunnel opening and 12 received the novel trocar technique, in which the scleral tunnel was prepared with a 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy trocar and a three-piece foldable IOL was placed through clear corneal incision. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, related complications, and IOL stability were assessed postoperatively. RESULTS: Postoperative visual acuities significantly improved with both techniques (P = .028 and .012, respectively). Postoperative intraocular pressure did not significantly change with either technique. Sufficient IOL stabilities were provided in all patients. Complications were similar in both techniques and none of the complications affected the patients' vision. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative visual acuity improvement, intraocular pressure changes, and complications were similar in both techniques.

Effect of brow lifting using botulinum a toxin on upper eyelid height in patients with ptosis undergoing the frontal sling technique.

In this study, brow lifting with botulinum A toxin was performed on patients whose ptosis was corrected using the frontal sling technique, and the effects of this application on ptosis were investigated. Seven patients (with 12 eyelids) on whom the frontal sling procedure was performed using a tensor fascia lata graft were enrolled in the study. The patients underwent brow lifting using botulinum A toxin. Digital photographs of the patients were obtained before and 21 days after botulinum A injection. In digital imaging analysis, although a statistically significant elevation was detected in the eyelids and brows of the patients following botulinum A injection, it did not to lead to a significant difference in the degree of lagophthalmos. In the current study, this procedure was found to reduce the degree of ptosis without increasing the degree of lagophthalmos in patients who had previously undergone ptosis correction using the frontal sling.

Nasolacrimal system obstruction, ptosis and esotropia due to chemotherapy in acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Eight-year-old girl was admitted to our clinic with the complaint of constant epiphora in the right eye. It was reported that this complaint began after the start of chemotherapy with a diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) about 5 years ago. In addition, eyelid ptosis associated with esotropia also occurred during that period. We found that nasolacrimal duct obstruction did not improve with medical treatment but ptosis and esotropia improved with pyridoxine and pyridostigmine treatment during that period. Examination of the eye on admission revealed nasolacrimal duct obstruction on the right side. Other ocular findings were normal. Nasolacrimal system obstruction, ptosis and esotropia combination has not been reported previously in patients using systemic drugs or receiving chemotherapy due to ALL.

A case of Spider bite localized to the eyelid.

Loxosceles Spiders have a worldwide distribution and are considered one of the most medically important groups of Spiders. The venom from Spiders of the genus Loxosceles, the most famous being Loxosceles reclusa (brown recluse Spider), can promote severe local and systemic damages. This report describes a girl presenting with a Spider bite over her right upper eyelid.

Giant molluscum contagiosum in an immunocompetent child.

Molluscum contagiosum is a skin disorder caused by DNA poxvirus and frequently seen in children. It is self-limited in immunocompetent hosts. It can present as numerous, treatment-resistant, atypical lesions in immunosuppressive patients and resistant to treatment. Atypical forms can rarely be seen in immunocompetent patients. A case of a two-year-old child with umbilicated papules on the eyelid is presented here. Laboratory investigations were unremarkable for systemic diseases, and surgical excision was successfully performed.