Clinical and demographic profile of herpes zoster ophthalmicus: A hospital-based study of 1752 Indian patients.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical and demographic profile of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) in patients presenting to a multitier ophthalmology hospital network in India. METHODS: Cross-sectional hospital-based study included 3,004,470 new patients between August 2010 and October 2021. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of HZO in at least one eye were included. Data were collected using an electronic medical record system. RESULTS: In total, 1,752 (0.058%) patients were diagnosed with HZO. Nearly two-thirds were male (63.76%) in the seventh decade of life (339;19.35% patients) with unilateral (98.34%) affliction. Higher prevalence was seen in patients from higher socioeconomic status (0.059%) and metropolitan geography (0.062%). Most common ocular signs included eyelid edema (44.19%), conjunctival congestion (65.69%), punctate keratopathy (23.36%), and anterior uveitis (21.22%). Of the 1,781 eyes, mild/no visual impairment was seen in 952 (53.45%) eyes, moderate in 258 (14.49%) eyes, and severe to blindness in 363 (20.39%) eyes. Oral antivirals were started within 72 h (Group A) in 361 (20.61%) patients and after 72 h in 1391 (79.39%) patients (Group B). Significantly lesser severity of ocular involvement was noted in Group A ( P < 0.00001). Surgical intervention was required in 211 (11.85%) eyes. CONCLUSION: HZO more commonly affects males in the seventh decade of life and is predominantly unilateral. It more commonly affects those from higher socioeconomic strata and metropolitan regions. Half of the eyes have mild or no visual impairment, while others have moderate to severe impairment. Institution of antivirals within 72 h is associated with less severe involvement. Surgical intervention is warranted in a tenth of the eyes.

Clinical and Microbiological Spectra and Therapeutic Outcomes of Polymicrobial Keratitis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors, microbiology, and treatment outcomes of polymicrobial keratitis (PMK). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 65 patients diagnosed with PMK between 2016 and 2019. The clinical and microbiological characteristics and outcomes were evaluated. The primary outcome measure was clinical resolution of keratitis. Absolute success (group A) was defined as resolution of infection with medical treatment, qualified success (group B) was resolution with medical therapy and additional minor procedures, and failure (group C) was defined as worsening of infection and presence of corneal melting or perforation requiring therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty or evisceration. RESULTS: Of 4764 cases of microbial keratitis, PMK was identified in 65 eyes of 65 patients (1.36%). Infiltrate was central in 60% (39 eyes). Predisposing factors were higher in group C and included uncontrolled diabetes mellitus in 25% (7/28), history of trauma/foreign body in 57.1% (16/28), and poor presenting visual acuity (0.9 for group A vs. 1.79 for group B vs. 3.00 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution for group C; P = 0.02). Microbiological profiling revealed that a majority (95%: 62/65) had bacterial with fungal keratitis. High fluoroquinolone resistance was noted (57%; 34/59). Absolute success was achieved in 28.3% (17/60), qualified success in 16.6% (10/60), and treatment failure was noted in 55% (33/60). The final best corrected visual acuity in group A was significantly better than that in group B and C (0.44 vs. 3.00 vs. 2.78; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PMK is extremely rare but responds poorly to medical therapy. Bacterial with fungal etiology is predominant. Early surgical intervention to improve overall outcome is advocated.

Correlation of vitreous chamber depth with ocular biometry in high axial myopia.

PURPOSE: The proportion of axial length (AL) occupied by vitreous chamber depth (VCD), or VCD:AL, consistently correlates to ocular biometry in the general population. Relation of VCD:AL to ocular biometry in high myopia is not known. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relation of VCD and VCD:AL to ocular biometry of highly myopic eyes. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional retrospective study of records of 214 myopic eyes (<-1 D SE, aged 20-40 years) attending the refractive surgery services. High axial myopia was defined as AL >26.5 mm. Eyes with posterior staphyloma and myopic maculopathy were excluded. Records were assessed for measurements of AL, central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), white to white diameter (WTW), and vitreous chamber depth (VCD). Groups were formed based on increasing AL, while the sum of CCT, ACD, and LT was recorded as anterior segment depth (AS). The main outcome measure was the correlation of VCD and VCD:AL to ocular biometry. A comparison was also performed based on of degree of axial myopia. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 27.0 ± 5.2 years. VCD showed a very strong correlation with AL (R = 0.98, P < 0.001) but did not correlate to any anterior parameter. VCD:AL showed moderate negative relation with AS (R = -0.43, P < 0.001) and ACD (R = -0.3, P < 0.001), while it had a weakly negative relation with LT (R = -0.18, P = 0.006). VCD:AL showed strong negative relation (R > ~0.7) with AS in all individual groups of AL. Among anterior parameters, WTW showed the most consistent relation with ocular biometry. CONCLUSION: VCD:AL is a better correlate of ocular biometry in high myopia as compared to VCD. However, the correlation is weaker than that noted by previous studies done on the general population. Longitudinal studies of VCD:AL in the younger age group is recommended.

Neurotization of the human cornea - A comprehensive review and an interim report.

We present a comprehensive review of existing literature on surgical corneal neurotization (SCN) as a treatment modality for neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) with an interim report of seven cases where SCN was performed using the indirect approach and followed up till 18 months postoperatively to look for improvement in ocular surface, corneal sensations, and nerve regeneration by using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). A literature search was performed for publications with keywords "corneal nerves," "neurotization," "esthesiometry," "corneal anesthesia," and "neurotrophic keratopathy." All literature available till December 31, 2020 was reviewed and included to describe NK and its management options, particularly SCN. NK is associated with absent or reduced corneal sensations and is managed using a step-ladder algorithm ranging from medical management for symptomatic relief to surgical corneal neurotization. Both direct and indirect approaches of SCN have a favorable outcome with reduced surgical morbidity in the indirect approach using sural nerve graft. Post neurotization, corneal sensation recovery may take up to 3-6 months, while nerve regeneration on confocal microscopy can take as long as 6 months-1 year.

Outcomes of Penetrating and Lamellar Corneal Patch Grafts.

PURPOSE: To report the indications, long-term structural and functional outcomes, and prognostic factors for the success of penetrating and lamellar corneal patch grafts. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of 49 patients who underwent the corneal patch graft procedure over 8 years. The baseline, preoperative, and postoperative characteristics along with their outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-nine eyes (49 patients) with a mean follow-up of 20.3 ± 3.27 months (range 6-48) were included. Thirty-one patients underwent full-thickness grafts for corneal perforation, and 18 underwent lamellar grafts for severe thinning. The most common indication was corneal thinning and/or perforation secondary to microbial keratitis (17 eyes, 34.7%). Anatomic success was achieved in 31 eyes (63.2%), in which no further surgical intervention was required for tectonicity. Functional success was achieved in 22 of 37 eyes (59.5%), where along with anatomic success, significant visual gain was also obtained. Absolute graft failure was noted in 12 eyes (24.5%), which developed recurrence of primary pathology requiring reintervention within the first 6 months. Good prognostic factor for success included sterile corneal perforations. The presence of microbial keratitis was noted to be a guarded prognostic factor for success. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal patch graft can serve as a good therapeutic modality for corneal ulceration or thinning, not amenable to treatment with tissue adhesive application. Both anatomical success and functional success of 60% was achieved in our series. Those performed for immune-mediated conditions fared the best. Subsequent optical procedures may be performed for further visual rehabilitation at a later stage.

Giant Idiopathic Angioid Streaks.

PURPOSE: To present a case of gigantic idiopathic angioid streaks. CASE REPORT: A young male presented with macular choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) and peripheral retinal hemorrhages secondary to angioid streaks. Swept source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT) and ultrawide field imaging were performed. The latter revealed extension of the angioid streaks up to the equator in both eyes. SSOCT showed breaks in the retinal pigment epithelium-Bruch's membrane complex in the area of peripheral retinal hemorrhages. The patient was extensively worked up for systemic associations, and the only significant finding was a long history of steroid abuse in the past. CONCLUSION: Advanced imaging techniques helped to diagnose angioid streaks in this patient. The possible role of steroid abuse in accentuating the presentation of angioid streaks may be explored further.

Femtosecond laser-assisted successful management of subluxated cataractous lens with vitreous in anterior chamber.

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery was performed in a case of posttraumatic cataract with six clock hours subluxation and vitreous in the anterior chamber (AC). Femtosecond laser pretreatment allowed a closed-chamber creation of corneal incisions, capsulotomy, and lens fragmentation with minimal sudden lens-diaphragm movements and zonular stress. Integrated imaging systems allowed customization of the size and position of capsulotomy and nuclear fragmentation, based on the extent and site of subluxation. Presence of vitreous in AC did not hamper femtosecond laser application. Triamcinolone-assisted vitrectomy was performed before phacoemulsification and after implanting the intraocular lens (IOL). Postoperative uncorrected visual acuity was 20/20 with a stable IOL.

Evaluation of the vitreous chamber depth: An assessment of correlation with ocular biometrics.

Purpose: The mechanism of ocular growth eludes us and research on vitreous chamber depth (VCD) is lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of VCD and its ratio to axial length (AL) in relation to ocular biometry. Methods: This retrospective study of patients planned for cataract surgery was performed at a tertiary center. Data regarding AL, anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), and central corneal thickness (CCT) of 640 eyes was noted. Anterior segment (AS) was measured as sum of CCT, ACD, and LT, while VCD was calculated as the difference between AL and AS. Correlation of VCD and VCD: AL with ocular biometry was the primary outcome measure. Three groups were formed on the basis of AL and Pearson correlation coefficient (R) was applied. Results: Mean VCD was 15.38+/-1.14 mm. Mean VCD: AL was 0.66+/-0.02. VCD had a very strong relation with AL (R = 0.9, P < 0.001) only, whereas VCD: AL had a good--strong relation with AL (R = 0.5, P < 0.001), AS (R = 0.7, P < 0.001), ACD (R = 0.3, P < 0.001), and LT (R = 0.5, P < 0.001). The relation of VCD: AL with AS was very strong across all groups (R ≤ -0.8, P < 0.001 in all groups). 85% of eyes in group with AL <22 mm had VCD: AL <0.67, conversely 85% of eyes with AL >24.5 mm had VCD: AL >0.67. Conclusion: : We found VCD to have the strongest relation with AL. VCD: AL was more consistent and showed a strong relation to ocular biometry across all ALs. This suggests the possible utility of the ratio VCD: AL while evaluating ocular growth, refractive status, and myopia-related complications.

Microkeratome-assisted ultrathin Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty: A randomized trial comparing single-pass versus double-pass technique.

Purpose: To compare the outcomes of two techniques, for preparation of microkeratome-assisted ultrathin grafts for Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). Methods: The study involved 20 eyes of 20 patients with pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, randomized into two groups. Group 1 eyes underwent microkeratome-assisted DSAEK using the single-pass technique for lenticule preparation, whereas group 2 eyes underwent microkeratome-assisted DSAEK using the double-pass technique. Patients were followed up till 6 months, postoperatively. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at final follow-up was considered as the primary outcome measure, whereas graft thickness (GT) contrast sensitivity and endothelial cell loss were considered as the secondary outcome measures. A P value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Baseline characteristics of two groups were comparable. The mean central GT was comparable in both groups at 6 months follow-up [group 1: 98 ± 24.46 µm, group 2: 129 ± 31.46 µm (P = 0.18)]. Both groups fared equally in terms of BCVA (P = 0.33). Contrast sensitivity was significantly better in group 1 eyes (P = 0.045). A statistically significant negative correlation was found between postoperative BCVA and postoperative GT (R = -0.728, P = 0.016). The percentage endothelial cell loss was slightly higher in group 2 eyes, although not statistically significant. Two eyes in group 2 experienced complications during lenticule preparation. None of the eye experienced any complication in the postoperative period. Conclusion: Both techniques provided grafts with comparable thickness and endothelial cell loss and were associated with comparable BCVA, at final follow-up visit. The contrast sensitivity was, however, better in eyes receiving grafts prepared with the single-pass technique.

Autoimmune thyroiditis and central serous chorioretinopathy may have a relation.

Autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) is an important cause of hypothyroidism, and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is an independent disease of the choroid and retina that leads to accumulation of fluid beneath the retina. While AT has been associated with multiple antibodies, CSCR is still regarded as idiopathic despite extensive research. We hypothesize a causative association between these 2 conditions on the basis of our experience of a case where both CSCR and AT presented simultaneously and depicted a parallel course. CSCR was documented with retinal imaging while AT was documented with serum antibody titers. Further, we discuss the possible mechanisms that may be involved in this intriguing association.

Long-term Functional and Anatomic Outcomes of Repeat Graft After Optically Failed Therapeutic Keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the functional and anatomic outcomes of repeat penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in optically failed therapeutic grafts. DESIGN: Prospective interventional case series. METHODS: All cases admitted at the apex tertiary care center for repeat keratoplasty following optically failed therapeutic PK were enrolled over a period of 1 year. Repeat optical PK was performed in all eyes. Primary outcome measures were postoperative graft clarity and visual acuity. Secondary outcome measures were complications including graft rejection, infections, failure, and secondary glaucoma. Follow-up examinations were undertaken on day 1; on day 7; at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months; and yearly thereafter. RESULTS: Thirty-two eyes underwent repeat PK with mean follow-up of 18.4 ± 8.9 months. Clear grafts were observed in 63.14% of cases 1 year after regraft, and graft survival further decreased to 50% at last follow-up. Visual acuity ≥ 20/200 was achieved in 43.8% of cases, and no case had a visual acuity of ≥ 20/40. Multivariate Cox regression analysis analyzed risk factors for regraft survival, and observed a hazard ratio of 3.56 with size of initial therapeutic graft ≥ 8.75 mm, and 10.99 with deep vascularization in 1 or more quadrants. Graft survival (P = .004), visual acuity (P = .039), and rejection rates (P = .036) were significantly better in cases with initial therapeutic graft size < 8.75 mm. Secondary glaucoma was present in 59.4% (19/32) after regrafts. CONCLUSION: Regraft after therapeutic PK is associated with suboptimal visual outcomes and long-term graft survival. Large size of initial therapeutic graft and deep vascularization adversely affect graft survival.

Microbial Keratitis After Accelerated Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking in Keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To assess the pattern of microbial keratitis after accelerated corneal collagen cross-linkage (aCXL) in patients with keratoconus. METHOD: The medical records of cases of keratoconus that underwent aCXL from June 2014 to May 2017 were reviewed. Cases that developed microbial keratitis after aCXL were included in the study. The clinical, microbiological profile and the treatment outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 532 eyes that underwent aCXL, 7 cases developed microbial keratitis during the study period. Median age at presentation was 11 years (range 8-17). Association with vernal keratoconjunctivitis was noted in 57.1% of cases (n = 4/7). The median time at the onset of infection was 3 days after aCXL (range 1-4). Microbiological reports revealed mixed infection in 3 cases [coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) + Aspergillus fumigatus, Staphylococcus aureus and Mucor spp., Staph. aureus and Acanthamoeba], Staph. aureus in 2 cases, and CoNS and Alternaria spp. in 1 case each. Resistance to fourth-generation fluoroquinolones was noted in 83.3% of cases of bacterial keratitis (n = 5/6). All cases were initially managed with empirical antibiotic treatment that was later tailored based on microbiological reports. One case eventually required therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty for corneal perforation. At 6 months, the corrected distance visual acuity was >6/60 in 3 cases while 4 cases had corrected distance visual acuity <6/60. CONCLUSIONS: Microbial keratitis after aCXL is rare; however, the infection tends to be severe with high preponderance of mixed infection and resistance to fourth-generation fluoroquinolones.

Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) techniques: patient selection and perspectives.

Refractive lenticule extraction is becoming the procedure of choice for the management of myopia and myopic astigmatism owing to its precision, biomechanical stability, and better ocular surface. It has similar safety, efficacy, and predictability as femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) and is associated with better patient satisfaction. The conventional technique of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) involves docking, femtosecond laser application, lenticule dissection from the surrounding stroma, and extraction. It has a steep learning curve compared to conventional flap-based corneal ablative procedures, and the surgical technique may be challenging especially for a novice surgeon. As SMILE is gaining worldwide acceptance among refractive surgeons, different modifications of the surgical technique have been described to ease the process of lenticule extraction and minimize complications. Good patient selection is essential to ensure optimal patient satisfaction, and novice surgeons should avoid cases with low myopia (thin refractive lenticules), difficult orbital anatomy, high astigmatism, or uncooperative, anxious patients to minimize complications. A comprehensive MEDLINE search was performed using "small incision lenticule extraction," "SMILE," and "refractive lenticule extraction" as keywords, and we herein review the patient selection for SMILE and various surgical techniques of SMILE with their pros and cons. With increasing surgeon experience, a standard technique is expected to evolve that may be performed in all types of cases with optimal outcomes and minimal adverse effects.

Pythium Keratitis Leading to Fatal Cavernous Sinus Thrombophlebitis.

PURPOSE: To report a case of Pythium insidiosum keratitis leading to fatal cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 70-year-old man presented with excruciating pain, redness, and diminution of vision in his left eye for 2 weeks after washing his hair with tap water. A total corneal ulcer with surrounding infiltrates and associated corneal thinning was present. Corneal scraping revealed the presence of Gram-positive cocci. KOH wet mount and in vivo confocal microscopy revealed branching hyphae. Combined antibacterial and antifungal treatment was started, but 4 days later, the ulcer showed signs of worsening with perforation for which a large therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty was done. The host cornea showed branching septate hyphae on Sabarouds Dextrose Agar. Two weeks later, the patient developed left eye proptosis with associated extraocular movement restriction. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head and orbit revealed cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis. Lid sparing partial exenteration was performed. Polymerase chain reaction revealed P. insidiosum. The patient subsequently developed a cerebrovascular attack and died of its complications. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular pythiosis may lead to cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis and can even be life threatening. Timely diagnosis and early radical surgery are of value. A high index of suspicion must be kept for P. insidiosum in cases with suspected fungal etiology not responding to conventional treatment.

Sclerokeratouveitis and lens dislocation in a patient with genital ulcer: was the great imitator imitated?

Uveitis is the most common ocular manifestation of syphilis, while scleritis is rare. A case of nodular scleritis, peripheral keratitis and uveitis in a patient with genital ulcer is presented in this report. This patient had a clinical profile suggestive of syphilis, though the serology was negative for treponemal antibodies. Other possible differential diagnosis imitating syphilis are discussed.