New advances in medical management of dry eye: optimizing treatment strategies for enhanced relief.

PURPOSE: Dry eye disease (DED) is a prevalent ocular surface disease that is conventionally characterized by tear film hyperosmolarity and instability. This review presents a summarized classification of DED, followed by a comprehensive discussion of the most recent topical and systemic medications and clinical recommendations for selecting the most appropriate option for each patient. METHODS: An extensive literature search was conducted on electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, using keywords including "dry eye syndrome," "ocular surface disease," "medical management," "artificial tears," "topical immunomodulators," and "meibomian gland dysfunction." RESULTS: The underlying reasons for DED can range from insufficient aqueous tear production to increased tear evaporation. Recent literature has provided a more in-depth understanding of the pathophysiology of DED by examining the tear film's lipid, aqueous, and mucin layers. However, despite these advancements, medical management of patients with symptomatic DED has not fully reflected this modernized knowledge of its pathophysiology. CONCLUSION: To develop a rationalized strategy for treating DED, it is crucial to have updated knowledge of therapeutic options, their mechanisms of actions, and indications based on the DED type and underlying causes.

Effects of sesamin on Aß1-42-induced oxidative stress and LTP impairment in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease.

The present study examined the protective effect of sesamin (Ses) on ß-amyloid (Aß)-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) impairment at the PP-DG synapses in male rats. Wistar rats were randomly assigned to seven groups: control, sham, Aß; ICV Aß1-42 microinjection, Ses, Aß + Ses; first, ICV Aß injections and then receiving Ses, Ses + Aß: four weeks of pretreatment with Ses and then Aß injection, and Ses + Aß + Ses: pre (four weeks) and post (four weeks) treatment with Ses. Ses-treated groups received 30 mg/kg of Ses once a day by oral gavage for four weeks. After the treatment period, the animals were positioned in a stereotaxic device for surgery and field potential recording. The population spike (PS) amplitude and slope of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSP) were evaluated in the DG region. Serum oxidative stress biomarkers (total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)) were measured. Aß impaired LTP induction at the PP-DG synapses evidenced by a decrease in EPSP slope and PS amplitude of LTP. In Aß rats, Ses increased EPSP slope and PS amplitude of LTP in the DG granular cells. Also, an increase in TOS and a reduction in TAC caused by Aß were significantly corrected by Ses. Ses could prevent Aß-induced LTP impairment at the PP-DG synapses in male rats, which can be due to its preventive effects on oxidative stress.

The Association Between Computerized Tomography Findings and Ocular Trauma Score in Open Globe Injury: The Prognostic Value of Imaging.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between CT findings and Ocular Trauma Score (OTS) in open globe injury. METHODS: In 182 eyes with open globe injury, CT findings were categorized into 5 major types: scleral irregularity with decreased globe volume, dislocation of the crystalline lens, abnormal vitreous density, thickening of the chorioretinal layer, and intraocular foreign body/air. Association between different types and number of CT findings with OTS stages were evaluated through a multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 38 ± 8.5 years. The most common CT findings were severe scleral irregularity or globe collapse (71.9%) and abnormal vitreous density (56%). The most common OTS stages were II (44.5%) and I (30.7%). In multivariate analysis, abnormal vitreous density (odds ratio [OR] = 2.11, p < 0.001), chorioretinal thickening (OR = 1.89, p < 0.001), and intraocular foreign body/air (OR = 1.58, p = 0.001) were associated with more advanced OTS stages (I or II). Mean OTS in eyes with 1, 2, and 3 CT findings were 66 (stage III), 47 (stage II), and 37 (stage I), respectively ( p value = 0.008). Presence of 2 (OR = 2.46, p < 0.001) and 3 (OR = 2.92, p < 0.001) CT findings were associated with more advanced OTS stages (I or II). CONCLUSIONS: The type and number of CT findings may help to predict the OTS stage and visual prognosis in eyes with open globe injury.

PANRETINAL PHOTOCOAGULATION VERSUS INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB VERSUS A PROPOSED MODIFIED COMBINATION THERAPY FOR TREATMENT OF PROLIFERATIVE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY: A Randomized Three-Arm Clinical Trial (CTPDR Study).

PURPOSE: To compare safety and therapeutic effect of three treatment protocols on patients with naive proliferative diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: A total of 207 eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy were randomly divided into three groups: full panretinal photocoagulation group; intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) group with four monthly IVB injections; and modified combination group with two bimonthly IVB injections and a modified laser therapy. The best-corrected visual acuity and area of neovascularization leakage were compared at 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: The difference in final best-corrected visual acuity was not significant between the groups (P = 0.77). The modified combination group had the lowest final leakage area (P = 0.006). The difference in final mean deviation of visual field was not significant between IVB and modified combination groups (mean difference = 0.25, P = 0.23, 95% confidence interval, 0.12-1.38). There was no difference in rate of new-onset diabetic macular edema between IVB and modified combination groups (mean difference = 1.5%, P = 0.31, 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.88). Mean of total IVB injections were 3.5, 7.4, and 6.2 for panretinal photocoagulation, IVB, and modified combination groups, respectively (P = 0.002). Patients in the IVB group underwent more visits (P = 0.001). In subgroup analysis, the difference in the final leakage area was significant for the eyes with diabetic macular edema (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: A combination protocol of photocoagulation and IVB can be recommended for proliferative diabetic retinopathy, especially with baseline diabetic macular edema.

Corona virus disease 2019-associated Stevens-Johnson syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND: To report Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) in a patient with acute pneumonia secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection. CASE PRESENTATION: A 45-years-old woman with a diagnosis of acute pneumonia secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection who had received azithromycin and naproxen. Three days after starting the medication, she appeared ill and developed ocular discomfort, photophobia, dysuria, and macular rashes on the trunk and the extremities. On ophthalmological examination, a total epithelial defect was seen in both eyes. According to the examination, Stevens-Johnson syndrome was diagnosed and the patient was admitted to receive systemic and ocular support and medical care. The patient's condition improved during the 3 weeks and recovered from both COVID-19 and SJS life-threatening complications but ocular complications, including the destruction of the meibomian glands, irregularity of the eyelid margin, and corneal scarring remained for the patient. CONCLUSIONS: Although, it is not clear whether the cause of Stevens-Johnson syndrome in COVID-19 patients is the virus itself or whether the use of medication, but patients with COVID-19, especially patients receiving medication, should be screened for symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Combustion Synthesis of ZnO/ZnS Nanocomposite Phosphors.

In the present study, combustion synthesis of zinc oxide and zinc sulfide nanoparticles as well as their composite was studied using zinc nitrate and thioacetamide as starting materials, and ethylene glycol as fuel. The influence of different parameters such as oxidizer to fuel (O:F) ratios and calcination process on the structure, microstructure, photoluminescence and optical properties was studied. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed different combinations of wurtzite structure for zinc oxide and zinc sulfide phases obtained using different O:F ratios of 1:1 and 2:3. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed that particles with different morphologies were synthesized depending on the O:F ratio. Besides, nanometer particles, or even quantum dots, could be obtained. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs also showed the formation of zinc oxide/ zinc sulfide quantum dots composite using ethylene glycol fuel with O:F ratio of 2:3. Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) analysis of samples showed carbon bonds of carbonaceous matters in addition to Zn-O and Zn-S bonds due to incomplete combustion. Photoluminescent emission spectra indicated that the highest intensity of emission in blue-green region was obtained from the particle synthesized using ethylene glycol and O:F ratio of 2:3, which may be related to the high density of lattice defects. Band gaps estimated using UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectra were 3.4 and 5.4 eV which can be assigned to the dual nature of particles: in some parts quantum size and in the other parts nanosize particles.

Microwave-Assisted Combustion Synthesis of ZnO:Eu Nanoparticles: Effect of Fuel Types.

Nanoparticles of Europium oxide doped with Zinc oxide were synthesized via microwave-assisted combustion method. Citric acid as a simultaneous fuel and chelating agent and glycine as a fuel and mixture of these fuels were sleeted. X-Ray diffraction patterns (XRD) indicated the formation of ZnO structure with a few amount of Eu2O3 phase. Fourier transformation infra red (FTIR) spectra reveal the increase of ZnO4 bonds with glycine content of fuels mixture. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed the conversion of nanosphere to spongy-like structure with respect to change of fuel mixtures from citric to glycine. From transmission electron microscopy (TEM) nanoparticles of a mean size 30 nm are observed Green fluorescence emission of different samples was due to activation of self activated center of ZnO structure through transition of electron from Eu3+ to Vzn sites.

Exploring the Electrochemical Performance of Molybdenum Disulfide Nanoparticles Entrenched in Miscible Poly(methyl methacrylate)-Poly(lactic acid) Blends as Freestanding Electrodes for Supercapacitors.

The focus of the study in this article is analyzing the electrochemical properties of molybdenum disulfide on miscible poly(methyl methacrylate)-poly(lactic acid) blends for supercapacitors. The interaction between molybdenum disulfide and miscible poly(methyl methacrylate)-poly(lactic acid) blends, affinity toward water, surface morphology, and mechanical properties are inspected by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, water contact angle, scanning electron microscopy, and universal testing machine, respectively. Among the developed membranes, 0.75 wt% of molybdenum disulfide on poly(methyl methacrylate)-poly(lactic acid) shows better electrochemical performances. It exhibits a maximum specific capacitance of 255.5 F g-1 at a current density of 1.00 mA g-1, maximum energy density of 22.7 Wh kg-1, and maximum power density of 360 W kg-1. A cycle study reveals 92% capacitance retention after 2500 cycles. The designed supercapacitor device shows a maximum specific capacitance of 1240 µF g-1 at a current density of 0.5 µA g-1, maximum energy density of 43 µWh kg-1, and maximum power density of 700 µW kg-1. Flexible membranes of molybdenum disulfide are expected to be a potent combination for supercapacitor applications.

Resident-Performed Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery: Impact of Resident-Level Characteristics.

Purpose: To evaluate the rate of complications in resident-performed phacoemulsification and influencing factors. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, the outcomes of cataract surgeries performed by 18 ophthalmology residents were analyzed. The outcome of first 80 phacoemulsification cataract surgeries (1440 cataract surgeries) performed by each resident were analyzed. Outcome measures included the rate of intraoperative capsular rupture requiring anterior vitrectomy, nucleus drop, and incomplete attempts at uncomplicated procedures. Changes in the rate of complications over the surgical training course were also assessed. Results: The most common surgical complications were capsular rupture (7.5%), followed by incomplete attempt(s) (5.9%), and nucleus drop (1.1%). Comparing the first 40 and second 40 surgeries, the rate of complications decreased as a function of surgeon experience in all resident cohorts. Greater theoretical skills and younger surgeon age were associated with a lower rate of intraoperative capsular rupture (hazard ratios = 1.421 and 1.481, respectively; P = 0.047 and P = 0.041, respectively). The use of antianxiety drugs and number of surgeries in the first 6 months demonstrated no predictive value for a lower rate of intraoperative complications (hazard ratios = 0.929 and 1.002; P = 0.711 and P = 0.745, respectively). Conclusion: The use of antianxiety medication and more surgeries in the first 6 months did not decrease the rate of intraoperative complications of phacoemulsification, while improvement of theoretical skills may have increased the safety of resident-performed cataract surgery.

Role of Blepharoexfoliation in Demodex Blepharitis: A Randomized Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of blepharoexfoliation in the treatment of Demodex blepharitis. METHODS: Patients with microscopically approved Demodex blepharitis were enrolled. Patients in the treatment group were treated once with in-office blepharoexfoliation (BlephEx LLC; Franklin, TN) using tea tree oil 2% shampoo, followed by eyelid scrubs with tea tree oil 2% shampoo twice a day for 8 weeks. Patients in the control group were treated with the same protocol, except for the in-office sham blepharoexfoliation procedure. As the main outcome measurement, the changes in the severity of symptoms [Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score] were compared. The changes in Demodex count and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) severity were compared as the secondary outcome measurements. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients (36 male and 45 female) were included. The mean age of the patients was 53.56 ± 8.13 years. The mean baseline OSDI score was 33.30 ± 11.80. The mean baseline Demodex count was 4.84 ± 1.49. The Demodex count at the baseline visit was moderately correlated with the baseline OSDI score (R = 0.526, P = 0.011) and baseline MGD severity ( P = 0.02). At the 8-week visit, the OSDI score was 22.62 ± 8.23 and 27.09 ± 9.11 in the blepharoexfoliation and control groups, respectively ( P = 0.016). At the 8-week visit, the Demodex count was 2.6 ± 1.08 and 3.03 ± 1.27 in the treatment and control groups, respectively ( P = 0.025). MGD improved in both groups ( P = 0.84). In the blepharoexfoliation group, the change in the OSDI score was moderately correlated with the baseline OSDI score (R = 0.611, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: One session of blepharoexfoliation, followed by manual eyelid scrubs was more effective than eyelid scrubs alone in reducing patients' symptoms and Demodex count.

Optimizing Structural, Optical, Dielectric, and Magnetic Properties of (Bi1-x La x )FeO3 (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.06) Sintered Ceramics.

(Bi1-x La x )FeO3 (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.06) ceramics have been synthesized through a mixed oxide route to investigate their structural, morphological, optical, dielectric, and magnetic properties. All the samples are revealed to be in rhombohedral structures along with the R3c space group and 161 space group number. A high relative permittivity and the lowest tangent loss are observed in BLFO samples at the frequency range 1-100 MHz. The optical studies show that the excitation energy increases with the increasing La content. Moreover, the magnetization being strongly affected by crystallite size and microstrain has been investigated. The band gap energy increases with the increasing La content. The overall result of pure and doped La contents in BFO ceramics shows enhanced structural, dielectric, and optical properties.

Association of White Blood Cell Counts, Leukocyte Ratios, and Serum Uric Acid with Clinical Outcome of Intravitreal Bevacizumab in Diabetic Macular Edema.

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of serum uric acid and leukocyte counts and ratios as predictors of clinical outcomes of intravitreal bevacizumab in diabetic macular edema. METHODS: In this prospective study, the patients were treated with three monthly intravitreal bevacizumab. The correlation of serum uric acid and immune cell indices with the changes of best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness at the end of month 3 were evaluated through univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 80 eyes from 80 diabetic patients were included in the study. The difference of uric acid level and immune indices between groups with different retinopathy severity was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Lower duration of diabetes (p = 0.045), monocyte count (p = 0.021), and uric acid level (p < 0.001) were correlated with larger improvement in visual acuity at 3-month visit. Higher logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution of baseline visual acuity (p = 0.007), lymphocyte count (p = 0.008), lymphocyte to neutrophil ratio (p < 0.001) and lymphocyte to platelet ratio (p < 0.001) were correlated with larger improvement in visual acuity at 3-month visits. According to multivariate analysis, baseline logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (r = 0.125, p = 0.009), duration of diabetes (r = -0.216, p = 0.047), lymphocyte to neutrophil ratio (r = 0.712, p < 0.001), lymphocyte to platelet ratio (r = 0.238, p < 0.001), and uric acid level (r = -0.397, p < 0.001) were the significant predictors of changes in visual acuity in our subset of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Serum uric acid and leukocyte counts and ratios may predict the response of diabetic macular edema to intravitreal injection.

Oral Vitamin D Supplementation and Clinical Outcomes of Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection for Macular Edema Secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusions.

Purpose: To evaluate the therapeutic response of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) to intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) with and without concomitant vitamin D supplementation. Methods: Seventy eyes of 68 patients with macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) received three monthly IVB injections. Patients with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) higher than 30 ng/ml were considered as the sufficient group. Cases with serum 25(OH) D levels below 30 ng/ml were randomized into the treatment and control groups. The control group received 50,000 IU of oral vitamin D, weekly for two months. One month after the last IVB injection, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were measured and compared with the preinjection values. Results: While 43 eyes (61.4%) of 42 patients had BRVO, 27 eyes (38.6%) of 26 patients had CRVO. In BRVO patients, changes of CMT and BCVA were not significantly different between the sufficient, control, and treatment groups (P = 0.58 and 0.64, respectively). In the CRVO group, CMT reduction in the control group was significantly less than the sufficient and treatment groups (P = 0.048). In addition, improvement of BCVA in the control group was significantly less (P = 0.036) than the sufficient and treatment groups. Conclusion: Oral vitamin D supplement therapy may improve anatomical and functional outcomes in patients with CRVO and vitamin D deficiency.

Update on Management of Non-proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy without Diabetic Macular Edema; Is There a Paradigm Shift?

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the major cause of visual impairment and blindness in the working-age population. Conventional management for nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) without diabetic macular edema (DME) is derived from the findings of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS). Although the ETDRS protocol basically includes observation, selected cases of severe NPDR may undergo scatter laser photocoagulation. Post-hoc analysis of recent trials has shown that patients with NPDR receiving intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) for DME would experience improvement in the DR severity scale (DRSS). In addition, recent randomized trials (PANORAMA and Protocol W) have revealed that early intervention with intravitreal aflibercept in eyes with moderately severe to severe NPDR is associated with significant improvement in DRSS and reduced vision-threatening complications of DR. Based on recent studies, it seems that the therapeutic approach to NPDR may undergo a substantial change and a paradigm shift toward considering early intervention with the administration of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. However, the long-term results and the duration of adherence to anti-VEGF therapy for eyes with NPDR are not yet defined. It is also not apparent whether improvement in DRSS is a true disease modification. Studies showed that DRSS improvement is not associated with retinal reperfusion. In addition, DRCR.net Protocol W showed no visual acuity benefit with the early intravitreal aflibercept injection in moderate to severe NPDR as compared with performing observation plus intravitreal aflibercept applied only after progression to proliferative DR or vision-impairing DME. The cost-benefit ratio is also a challenge. Herein, we look at different aspects of early anti-VEGF application and discuss its pros and cons in the process of treating NPDR.

Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis: A Review.

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) is a rare but serious ocular condition that is an important clinical entity due to its ophthalmological and systemic implications. It is characterized by progressive peripheral corneal stromal thinning with an associated epithelial defect and can be associated with an underlying local or systemic pro-inflammatory condition, or present in an idiopathic form (Mooren ulcer). Associated conditions include autoimmune diseases, systemic and ocular infections, dermatologic diseases, and ocular surgery. Cell-mediated and auto-antibody-mediated immune responses have been implicated in the pathogenesis of PUK, destroying peripheral corneal tissue via matrix metalloproteinases. Clinically, patients with PUK present with painful vision loss, a peripheral corneal ulcer, and often adjacent scleritis, episcleritis, iritis, or conjunctivitis. Diagnostic evaluation should be focused on identifying the underlying etiology and ruling out conditions that may mimic PUK, including marginal keratitis and Terrien marginal degeneration. Treatment should be focused on reducing local disease burden with topical lubrication, while simultaneously addressing the underlying cause with antimicrobials or anti-inflammatory when appropriate. Existing and emerging biologic immunomodulatory therapies have proven useful in PUK due to autoimmune conditions. Surgical treatment is generally reserved for cases of severe thinning or corneal perforation.

Health and Environmental Risks of Incense Smoke: Mechanistic Insights and Cumulative Evidence.

Incense burning is practiced alongside many sacred rituals across different regions of the world. Invariable constituents of incense brands are 21% (by weight) herbal and wood powder, 33% bamboo stick, 35% fragrance material, and 11% adhesive powder. Major incense-combustion outputs include particulate matter (PM), volatile organic content, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. The relative toxicity of these products is an implicit function of particle size and incomplete combustion, which in turn vary for a specific incense brand. Lately, the attention given to the Air Quality Index by international regulatory bodies has created concern about mounting PM toxicity. The uncharacteristically small physical dimensions of these entities complicates their detection, and with no effect of gravity PM fractions rapidly contribute to oxidative stress, enhancing random biochemical reactions upon being inhaled. Incense burning generates four times the PM extent (45 mg•g-1) of cigarettes (~10 mg•g-1). Several poisonous gases, such as CO, CO2, NO2, and SO2, and the unavoidable challenge of disposing of the burnt incense ash further add to the toxicity. Taken together, these issues demonstrate that incense burning warrants prompt attention. The aim of this article is to highlight the toxicity of incense-combustion materials on the environment and human health. This discussion could be significant in framing future policy regarding ecofriendly incense manufacture and reduced usage.

Pterygium: an update on pathophysiology, clinical features, and management.

Pterygium is a relatively common ocular surface disease. The clinical aspects and the treatment options have been studied since many years ago, but many uncertainties still exist. The core pathologic pathway and the role of heredity in the development of pterygium are still attractive fields for the researchers. The role of pterygium in corneal irregularities, in addition to the refractive properties of pterygium removal, has been increasingly recognized through numerous studies. The association between pterygium and ocular surface neoplasia is challenging the traditional beliefs regarding the safe profile of the disease. The need for a comprehensive clinical classification system has encouraged homogenization of trials and prediction of the recurrence rate of the pterygium following surgical removal. Evolving surgical methods have been associated with some complications, whose diagnosis and management are necessary for ophthalmic surgeons. According to the review, the main risk factor of pterygium progression remains to be the ultraviolet exposure. A major part of the clinical evaluation should consist of differentiating between typical and atypical pterygia, where the latter may be associated with the risk of ocular surface neoplasia. The effect of pterygium on astigmatism and the aberrations of the cornea may evoke the need for an early removal with a purpose of reducing secondary refractive error. Among the surgical methods, conjunctival or conjunctival-limbal autografting seems to be the first choice for ophthalmic surgeons because the recurrence rate following the procedure has been reported to be lower, compared with other procedures. The use of adjuvant options is supported in the literature, where intraoperative and postoperative mitomycin C has been the adjuvant treatment of choice. The efficacy and safety of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents and cyclosporine have been postulated; however, their exact role in the treatment of the pterygium requires further studies.

Alcohol and the Eye.

In this article, we present a review of ocular conditions related to alcohol consumption. A search of the literature published from 1952 to March 2020 was performed. The titles and abstracts were screened and the eligible studies were selected. PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge database, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched. We categorized the relationship between alcohol intake and ocular conditions by the type of ocular exposure to alcohol. Accordingly, ocular findings following acute alcohol intoxication, optic neuropathy following methanol toxicity, congenital conditions related to maternal alcohol consumption, and ocular disease related to chronic alcoholism are discussed. The main feature of alcohol intoxication in the eye is abnormal eye movement. Acute optic neuropathy secondary to methyl alcohol consumption is a serious ocular disease with permanent vision loss or scotoma. Prenatal exposure to ethanol may end in fetal alcohol spectrum disease, where ocular findings are a constant component. The association between chronic alcohol consumption and increased risks of cataract, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, different types of optic neuropathy, impairment of visual quality, retinal vascular disease, and ocular surface disease has also been reported. Along with detrimental medical and social effects, the role of alcohol consumption in different ocular conditions should be considered, as alcohol-induced visual disturbances may contribute to the heavy burden of alcohol abuse on the healthcare system and overall quality of life.

Plaque brachytherapy in iris and iridociliary melanoma: a systematic review of efficacy and complications.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and vision-threatening complication rate of plaque brachytherapy with iodine-125 (125I), palladium-103 (103Pd), and ruthenium-106 (106Ru) for treatment of iris and iridociliary melanoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature review was done based on results yielded from searching PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane database, using following key words: iris melanoma, iridociliary melanoma, brachytherapy, iodine-125 brachytherapy, palladium-103 brachytherapy, and ruthenium-106 brachytherapy. Initially, relationships between mean radiation dose to apex and local recurrence and complication rate were analyzed, and then, a comparison was performed between 125I, 103Pd, and 106Ru studies. RESULTS: Twelve retrospective and prospective studies were selected, with 491 patients treated primarily with plaque brachytherapy. The range of radiation dose to tumor apex were from 84 to 151.5 Gy. Ranges of mean and median of follow-up time were from 27 to 96 months. Local recurrence rate following brachytherapy ranged from 0 to 8%. A decrease in the average study dose was not associated with an increased local recurrence or metastasis rate (p = 0.373 and 0.195, respectively); however, an increase in radiation dose was associated with higher radiation-related cataract and glaucoma (p < 0.05). The rate of post-treatment glaucoma was higher in studies with 125I plaque brachytherapy (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: For brachytherapy of iris and iridociliary melanoma, in a range of 84 to 150 Gy, an increase in radiation dose may increase the risk of complications, while the tumor control rate does not change.

Surgical management of ptosis in chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia.

PURPOSE: To determine possible complications and efficacy of ptosis surgery in a series of chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO) patients with healthy tear film. METHOD: It is a prospective interventional study on 24 eyes from 12 patients with the diagnosis of CPEO and ptosis. Pre-operatively, tear breakup test (TBUT) and Schirmer test were performed to assess lacrimal function unit. Levator resection was performed for 16 eyes with levator function (LF) more than 4 mm, while eight eyes from four patients with poorer LF underwent frontalis silicone sling surgery. Main outcome measures included change in marginal-to-reflex distance (MRD1) and incidence of post-operative exposure keratopathy. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 45 ± 15 years. The mean of TBUT and Schirmer test were 12 ± 1.98 s and 15 ± 2.76 mm, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 34 months. Four eyes encountered mild to moderate exposure keratopathy. All cases were managed medically, with no need for surgical revision. The mean pre-operative MRD1, LF, and chin-up angle were -0.54 ± 1.03 mm, 4.21 ± 1.41 mm, and 21.6 ± 6.01 degrees, respectively. The mean post-operative MRD1, LF, and chin-up angle were 2.42 ± 0.60, 4.46 ± 1.53 mm, and 3.3 ± 1.01 degrees, respectively. At 1-year follow-up visit, improvement in MRD1 and chin-up posture was statistically significant (p-value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Normal TBUT and Schirmer test results, prophylactic lubricating therapy, and close follow-up can be as important as Bell's phenomenon and palpebral fissure height in predicting post-operative complications.