Application of biodegradable collagen matrix (Ologen™) implants in Dacryocystorhinostomy surgeries, a randomized clinical study.

BACKGROUND: To introduce and evaluate the application of Ologen implants in external Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) Surgeries. METHODS: Prospective comparative randomized study was carried out on 60 patients coming to ophthalmology department, Menoufia University Hospitals. Patients included were suffering from primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction with positive regurge test. Patients were randomly enrolled into two groups using alternating choice technique. Group A included 30 patients who had DCR surgery to treat the obstruction with Silicone tubes. Group B included 30 patients had a Dacryocystorhinostomy with Silicone tubes and Ologen implants. RESULTS: Success rates as regard to relief of symptomatic epiphora were 86.7% in group A and 96.7% in group B and time of dye clearance test was 4.5 ± 0.6 min in group A and 3.9 ± 0.4 min in group B with p value 0.353 &0.001 consecutively. Apart from immediate mild post operative hemorrhage that was encountered in 2 cases in group B and 1 case in group A, there were no significant complications in both groups. CONCLUSION: The current study shows that application of Ologen implants in external DCR surgeries may improve symptomatic epiphora without exposing the patients to more intra-operative or post-operative complications. To the best of our knowledge, the current study is the first one to use Ologen implants in external DCR surgeries. However, the follow-up period was relatively short and the sample size is relatively small and further work is required to verify the effect of Ologen in external DCR surgeries. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials PACTR201711002809215 , and the date of registration is 29 November 2017. The trial is Retrospectively registered.

Evaluation of Conjunctival Autografting Augmented with Mitomycin C Application versus Ologen Implantation in the Surgical Treatment of Recurrent Pterygium.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of augmenting conjunctival autografting with intraoperative mitomycin C (MMC) application versus Ologen implantation in the management of recurrent pterygium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective randomised study included 63 eyes of 63 patients, with recurrent nasal pterygium, who presented to the outpatient clinic of Menoufia University Hospital in Shebin El Kom and Manshiet Soltan from January 2016 to December 2019. Patients were randomly enrolled into two groups. Group A included 32 eyes of 32 patients who underwent conjunctival autografting augmented with the topical application of MMC (0.2 mg/mL), and group B included 31 eyes of 31 patients who underwent conjunctival autografting augmented with Ologen implantation. All the patients underwent follow-up examinations for a period of 24 months. During each visit, a complete ophthalmic examination was performed. Pterygium regrowth of 1 mm or more, over the cornea, was considered a recurrence. RESULTS: In the MMC group, no recurrence was reported during the 24-month follow-up period. In the Ologen implantation group, recurrence was reported in 2 (8%) eyes. The time interval from surgery to recurrence was 5 months in one case and 8 months in the other. No other serious postoperative complications were reported, and there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in this regard. CONCLUSION: Ologen implantation with conjunctival autografting shows promising results in the surgical management of recurrent pterygium with mild non-vision-threatening postoperative complications comparable to that of MMC application with conjunctival autografting. Registration number: ClinicalTrials.govNCT04419038.

Evaluation of intraoperative lagophthalmos formula for levator resection in congenital ptosis in Egyptian patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the recent intraoperative lagophthalmos formula method for levator resection in determining postoperative lid height in congenital ptosis on Egyptian patients. METHODS: This is a prospective case series which included 20 eyelids of 17 Egyptian children with congenital ptosis whose levator function is 4 mm or better. They underwent levator muscle resection guided by the recently presented intraoperative lagophthalmos formula. Preoperative Margin-to-Reflex Distance 1 (MRD1) and levator function were measured then intraoperative palpebral fissure opening was determined from formula: Intraoperative lagophthalmos = 9.08 - (0.48 × Preoperative MRD1) - (0.26 × Levator function). Success was defined as postoperative MRD1 ⩾ 3 mm and difference between both eyelid height ⩽1 mm at 6 months. RESULTS: From 20 eyelids, there were five cases with mild (25%), 11 with moderate (55%), and four with severe (20%) ptosis. They showed success in four cases (80%), eight cases (73%), and three cases (75%) in each degree respectively with an overall success of 15 cases (75%). CONCLUSION: Proposed intraoperative lagophthalmos formula showed relatively good results in predicting postoperative eyelid level in Egyptian children with simple congenital ptosis with fair to good levator function.

Augmented Subscleral Trabeculectomy With Beta Radiation and Mitomycin C in Egyptian Glaucoma Patients.

PURPOSE: Subscleral trabeculectomy is the most common surgical treatment for glaucoma. However, wound healing and scar formation may result in bleb fibrosis, leading to bleb failure. The healing response of the wound is reported to be the single most important risk factor in determining the final intraocular pressure (IOP) after glaucoma filtration surgery. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effect of preoperative beta irradiation and intraoperative mitomycin C (MMC) treatment as combined adjuncts to subscleral trabeculectomy in the management of glaucoma in Egyptian patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective, interventional, comparative masked clinical study was performed between October 2016 and January 2018. This study included 50 subjects, 25 of whom underwent trabeculectomy augmented by MMC intraoperatively and beta radiation preoperatively at the bleb area (patient group #1). The remaining 25 subjects underwent trabeculectomy with MMC alone (control group #2). Beta radiation was administered 5 to 7 days before the surgery as a single dose (1000 cGy) using a strontium-90 probe. MMC (0.2 mg/mL) was administered for 2 minutes. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in postoperative IOP between the groups from the second week. Intraoperative hyphema occurred in 6 cases in the control group #2, whereas no intraoperative hyphema was observed in patient group #1; this difference was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Subscleral trabeculectomy augmented by beta radiation and MMC gives greater control over IOP. Therefore, we recommend using beta radiation before trabeculectomy in patients who may have a high risk of developing conjunctival fibrosis.

Accelerated versus standard corneal cross linking in the treatment of ectasia post refractive surgery and penetrating keratoplasty: a medium term randomized trial.

AIM: To compare the clinical outcomes of the standard corneal cross linking (CXL) and the accelerated CXL in patients with progressive corneal ectasia post refractive surgery and penetrating keratoplasty. METHODS: Totally 120 eyes of 83 patients scheduled to receive either standard CXL (3 mW/cm2 for a period of 30min) or accelerated CXL (18 mW/cm2 for a period of 5min). The main outcomes for comparison were the change in: maximum-K reading (K-max), manifest refractive spherical equivalent (SE), central corneal thickness (CCT), and the best corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA). RESULTS: One hundred and eleven eyes completed the study. The main outcome measurement was the K-max reading. Both group showed significant improvement in the value postoperatively at 6 and 12mo. The mean change in the standard group was 1.21±0.11 D and in the accelerated group was 0.90±0.05 D at the end of 12mo postoperatively, with no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. Similarly, CDVA improved significantly from their preoperative value in the standard group by 2.98±0.11 letters, and in the accelerated group by 2.20±0.06 letters, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Both of the SE, and CCT showed no statistically significant difference at the end of follow up period in each group. CONCLUSION: Both standard CXL and accelerated CXL are safe and effective treatment in halting ectasia after corneal refractive surgery. The accelerated CXL results are comparable to the standard CXL with short time exposure of the cornea to ultraviolet irradiation, leading to reduced operation time, reduced operative ocular discomfort, and corneal haze.

A Simple Surgical Approach for the Management of Acquired Severe Lower Punctal Stenosis.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of using pigtail probe to detect and open severely stenosed lower lacrimal punctum followed by self-retaining bicanalicular intubation. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective nonrandomized clinical study. METHODS: The study included 24 patients with severe lower punctal stenosis (grade 0 according to Kashkouli scale) attending at Menoufia University Hospitals. The upper punctum and canaliculus were patent. All patients were complaining of epiphora and had a thorough ophthalmological examination including dye disappearance test and slit-lamp examination. Pigtail probe was used from patent upper punctum to detect the lower stenosed punctum which was opened with a scalpel. Syringing of the lower lacrimal passages was done to confirm its patency, and self-retaining silicone bicanalicular stent was inserted. The silicone tube was left in place for 6 months before it was removed. Patients were then followed-up for 1 year after the surgery. RESULTS: One year after surgery, epiphora was absent (grade 0) in 16 eyes (66.7%) and was present only occasionally (grade 1) in 4 eyes (16.7%). The difference from preoperative epiphora was statistically significant. One year after surgery, fluorescein dye disappearance time was grade 1 (<3 minutes) in 20 cases (83.3%), and grade 2 (3-5 minutes) in 4 cases (16.7%). There was a statistically significant difference compared with preoperative results. CONCLUSION: Using the pigtail probe is effective in treatment of severe punctal stenosis. Maintaining the punctal opening and prevention of restenosis can be achieved by using self-retaining bicanalicular stent after confirmation of nasolacrimal duct patency. This trial is registered with NCT03731143.

Combined Oral and Topical Beta Blockers for the Treatment of Early Proliferative Superficial Periocular Infantile Capillary Hemangioma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combined oral and topical beta blockers for the treatment of superficial periocular infantile hemangioma at the early proliferative stage. METHODS: This was a randomized, controlled comparison trial involving 25 patients. Patients were randomly enrolled into two groups: the topical and systemic treatment and systemic treatment only groups. The topical and systemic treatment group was treated with oral propranolol (1 mg/kg per day initially, increased to 2 mg/kg per day gradually in 2 weeks) and timolol maleate 0.5% gel. The systemic treatment only group received oral propranolol (1 mg/kg per day initially, increased to 2 mg/kg per day gradually in 2 weeks) and simple eye ointment to be applied to the lesion. The Hemangioma Activity Score was used to record the proliferative activity of the hemangioma. The main outcomes of the study were the change in the hemangioma size, the proliferative activity, and the treatment side effects. RESULTS: At the end of the treatment period, the Hemangioma Activity Score was significantly improved in both groups from their values before treatment. However, the score obtained after treatment was significantly better in the topical and systemic treatment group (P < .05). Regarding the response to treatment, 10 and 3 cases in the topical and systemic treatment and systemic treatment only groups, respectively, showed a good response, with a significant difference between the two groups (P < .50). There were no recorded serious local or systemic complications during treatment in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The results from combining topical with oral beta blockers showed that topical beta blockers are of additive value in treating superficial periocular infantile hemangioma in the early proliferative stage. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2018;55(1):37-42.].

Association between cataract progression and ischemia-modified albumin in relation to oxidant-antioxidant profiles in the serum, aqueous humor, and lens.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the levels of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) in relation to oxidant-antioxidant profiles in the serum, aqueous, and lens in cataract patients. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Menoufia University, Shebin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt. DESIGN: Prospective case series. METHODS: Patients were divided into 2 groups. The cataract (study) group comprised patients with senile cataract and the control group, age- and sex-matched healthy persons. Patients with systemic disease or cataract formation secondary to identifiable causes were excluded. In all cases, a complete history was taken and a clinical examination was performed. In the cataract group, the lens was examined, and the cataract type and severity were graded. Blood levels of catalase, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and IMA were measured in all participants and in the aqueous and lens lysate of cataract patients. RESULTS: Each group comprised 30 participants. Cataract patients had significant higher levels of serum MDA and IMA than the control group but had lower levels of serum catalase and SOD. Patients with cortical cataracts had higher level of serum IMA, aqueous catalase, and SOD levels patients with nuclear cataracts but had a lower level of lens SOD. There was a significant positive correlation between serum MDA and the patient's age and serum catalase levels. CONCLUSION: Patients with cortical cataract had increased local oxidative stress and diminished antioxidant activity compared with systemic oxidative activity, which was not the same in patients with nuclear cataract.

Impact of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis on School Children in Egypt.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and its impact on school children in Egypt. METHODS: A total of 3,706 students from six randomly selected schools of Menoufia were included where 126 had symptoms according to the VKC related symptoms questionnaire. Selected children were referred to a hospital for further assessment. RESULTS: The mean age of included children was 8.79±31.87 years, with a VKC prevalence of 3.3%, and male-to-female ratio of 2.3:1. The most frequently reported symptoms were ocular itching, followed by burning sensation, tearing, red eye, discharge, and photophobia. Signs vary between mild and severe cases; however, all cases had a negative impact on school attendance and performance. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of VKC differs according to the age group of included cases and the local temperature of the study area. School attendance, performance, lifestyle, and social activities were negatively affected by VKC.

Resistant Microbial Keratitis in South Nile Delta, Egypt: Influence of Regional Risk Factors.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted in an attempt to identify the regional, geographic, climatic, socioeconomic, and other risk factors for microbial keratitis in south Nile Delta, Egypt. METHODS: This is a prospective cross-sectional study that was carried out on 340 eyes of 340 patients with microbial keratitis attending at the outpatient clinic of Ophthalmology Department of Menoufia University Hospital during a period of three years between March 2010 and March 2013. RESULTS: Epidemiological factors, lines of management, and follow-up results were recorded and statistically analyzed and there were regional variations in the prevalence, risk factors, and outcome in resistant corneal ulcers. CONCLUSION: Higher incidence of affections and complications has appeared in farmers, rural area residents, and illiterates which are considered the main predisposing factors for ulcer resistance. According to culture results, bacterial organisms (especially Staphylococcus aureus) were the main cause of resistant corneal ulcers.

Mucous Membrane Grafting Augmented with Topical Mitomycin C Application in Contracted Socket Repair Surgeries.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of intraoperative topical application of mitomycin C (MMC) for managing cases of recurrent socket contraction. METHODS: A prospective comparative randomized study was carried out on 40 patients suffering from contracted sockets. They were randomly enrolled into 2 groups. Group A included 20 patients who had a surgery to treat contracted socket without augmentation with MMC. Group B patients had an MMC-augmented repair for the contracted socket. Patients were followed up over a period of 12 months for changes in inferior fornix (IF) depth and ability to retain the ocular prosthesis. RESULTS: At the end of the follow-up period, postoperative IF depth was significantly deeper in group B (with MMC) than in group A (without MMC). As well, 75% of the patients in group B could maintain the prosthetic eye shell, whereas only 35% of group A could maintain the prosthesis. CONCLUSION: This study shows that using intraoperative MMC (0.2 mg/mL) in contracted socket reconstruction plays a significant role in maintaining prosthetic eye. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to use MMC on a relatively large scale of patients with contracted socket. However, the follow-up period was relatively short and further work is required to verify the effect of MMC on a longer follow-up period.

Subscleral trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C versus ologen for treatment of glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To compare the results of subscleral trabeculectomy (SST) augmented with mitomycin-C (MMC) versus Ologen™ implant regarding intraocular pressure (IOP) control and incidence of complications. METHODS: Sixty eyes of 60 patients, who planned to undergo SST, were divided into 2 groups. Group I eyes (included thirty eyes) were operated upon with SST augmented with intraoperative MMC. Group II eyes (included 30 eyes) were operated upon with SST using an Ologen implant. IOP and bleb status, as well as reporting postoperative complications, were followed up. RESULTS: The follow-up period was 12 months. At 12 months postoperatively, the mean IOP was 19.33±3.22 mmHg in group I, and 19.87±4.17 mmHg in group II, with no significant difference between groups. One case in each group had hyphema, and 4 cases in group I and 2 cases in group II had shallow anterior chamber. One case in group I and no cases in group II had blebitis. There was no significant difference regarding the complications between both groups. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the use of the Ologen implant in SST is comparable to the use of MMC with advantage of avoiding the potential dangerous complications related to MMC use in the early (12 months) follow-up period.

Preoperative subpterygial mitomycin C injection versus limbal conjunctival autograft transplantation for prevention of pterygium recurrence.

PURPOSE: To evaluate postoperative outcome and recurrence rate after primary pterygium excision using preoperative Mitomycin C (MMC) injection versus limbal conjunctival autograft transplantation (LCAT). METHODS: Ninety-one eyes with primary pterygium were divided into 2 groups. Group A eyes (included 48 eyes) were operated upon with pterygium excision 1 month after subpterygial injection of MMC 0.015%. Group B eyes (included 43 eyes) were operated upon with pterygium excision followed by LCAT technique. Pterygium regrowth over the cornea for 1 mm or more was considered as a recurrence. RESULTS: The follow-up period was 24 months. In group A, reported recurrence was found in 2 (4.2%) eyes with a complication rate of 16.80%. While in group B, recurrence was reported in 4 (9.3%) eyes with a complication rate of 11.63%. No serious postoperative complications were reported. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups regarding the recurrence rate as well as the complication rate. CONCLUSION: Both techniques used in the current study proved to be effective in reducing the recurrence rate after excision of primary nasal pterygium with minimal postoperative complications. Preoperative MMC injection was technically easier, with shorter operative and preservation of healthy conjunctiva. However, LCAT is a one-stage procedure and independent from adjunctive pharmacological or radiation therapies with their hazards.