Thyroid eye disease with choroidal folds.

Purpose: To determine the clinical course of patients with chorioretinal folds (CRF) in thyroid eye disease (TED).Methods: A multi-center retrospective case series of patients with TED who developed CRF.Results: Ten patients (17 eyes) with CRF related to TED were identified. The mean age of presentation was 59.3 ± 8.3 years old. The majority of patients were male (70%), hyperthyroid (70%), hyperopic (53%), had a history of radioactive iodine (60%), and currently on methimazole treatment (30%). Three patients (3 eyes) had unilateral involvement of CRF with bilateral TED. The average clinical activity score was 3.6 ± 2.1 at the time of presentation. The most commonly enlarged extraocular muscles were medial (76%), inferior (64%), superior (64%) and lateral rectus (35%). Compressive optic neuropathy was seen in 47% of eyes. Treatment included oral prednisone (70%), orbital decompression (59%), thyroidectomy (20%) and tocilizumab (10%). The CRF did not resolve over a follow up period of 24.7 ± 23.7 months in 70% of eyes. There was no significant difference in average axial length (25.7 ± 4.9 mm) and optic nerve to optic strut distance (37.8 ± 3.9 mm) between patients with CRF and the eight age-and sex-matched TED control patients without CRF (p = 0.81 and 0.65 respectively). A univariable and multivariable analysis found an enlarged inferior rectus as a factor in TED patients with persistent CRF.Conclusions: CRF are often an indicator of visually threatening situations and often do not resolve despite treatment of TED.

Piezosurgery in External Dacryocystorhinostomy.

BACKGROUND: Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) can be performed via an external or endoscopic approach. The use of ultrasonic or piezosurgery has been well described for endoscopic DCRs but is lacking for external DCRs. This study presents a case series of external DCRs performed using piezosurgery evaluating results and complications. METHODS: Prospective, consecutive case series of patients undergoing primary external DCR for lacrimal drainage insufficiency. A standard external DCR technique was used using 1 of 2 piezosurgery systems for all bone incision. All patients received silicone intubation to the lacrimal system. Surgical outcome was measured in terms of patient-reported epiphora as follows: 1) complete resolution, 2) improvement >50%, 3) improvement <50%, and 4) No improvement. Intra and postoperative complications were also recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients, 14 male and 38 female, were included in the study, with 2 patients having bilateral surgery. The average age of the patients was 55.8 years. The average length of follow up was 221 days. Surgical outcomes showed 72% of patients with complete resolution of epiphora and 21% with >50% improvement. There were 4 patients (7%) who had <50% improvement. There was 1 (2%) intraoperative complication and 2 (4%) postoperative complications recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Piezourgery is a viable modality for performing external DCRs. The lack of surgical complications shows a potential for decreased soft tissues damage. The surgical success rate based on patient-reported epiphora is similar to those published for mechanical external DCRs. This modality may benefit the novice surgeon in the reduction of soft and mucosal tissue damage.

Nasolacrimal System Aeration on Computed Tomographic Imaging: Sex and Age Variation.

PURPOSE: To investigate variation in aeration of the nasolacrimal drainage system between age groups and genders, and to report the reliability of repeated aeration grading and nasolacrimal canal measurements on CT. METHODS: Retrospective review of CT images from 92 individuals, 60 female and 32 male, was conducted by 3 independent reviewers for the presence of air within the nasolacrimal drainage system. Diameter and area measurements were also obtained at the smallest identifiable portion of the nasolacrimal canal by 2 independent reviewers. RESULTS: When air is present on CT, it is seen more fully throughout the nasolacrimal system in men as compared to women. Age data demonstrate that patients from the third and fourth decade have significantly more aeration than older patients. Diameter and area of the nasolacrimal duct within the canal at its narrowest point revealed no correlation with sex, age, or nasolacrimal system aeration. Inter-reviewer reliability shows strong repeatability of aeration grading and nasolacrimal duct measurements between multiple reviewers. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest CT is reliable and repeatable modality to assess nasolacrimal system aeration and nasolacrimal duct diameter. Decreased aeration of the nasolacrimal system in females and the elderly mirrors epidemiologic trends for those at risk to develop primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Variables in nasolacrimal drainage system anatomy, specifically nasolacrimal duct diameter and area, did not vary between sexes or age groups, suggesting aeration may be an overlooked variable in nasolacrimal system function.

Evolving Minimally Invasive Techniques for Tear Trough Enhancement.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate whether volumetric enhancement of the infraorbital rim area or, alternatively, of the deep medial cheek, results in greater improvement of tear trough deformity. METHODS: This prospective, single-blind study recruited 12 patients seeking correction of tear trough deformity. Pretreatment standardized photographs were obtained after which patients were randomized to receive hyaluronic acid gel filler augmentation of the tear trough on one side and hyaluronic acid gel augmentation of the cheek on the contralateral side. The patients were then re-examined at 3 weeks postinjection when standardized photographs were taken again. Following the photographs, filler was added to the side and location where they were not used at the original treatment, resulting in added volume in both the cheek and the tear trough. The patients returned 3 weeks later when final photographs were taken. The pre- and post-treatment images were randomized and evaluated by 3 masked observers asked to evaluate the depth of tear trough. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in the depth of the tear trough rating after initial treatment on the side treated in the tear trough (p = 0.0001). There was not a significant change in depth of tear trough rating, however, on the side receiving cheek only treatment (p = 0.0963). There was a statistically significant change in tear trough rating after both tear trough and cheek had been treated on each side (p = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between sides after lid and cheek treatment had been completed on each side (p = 0.5986). Intraclass correlation between reviewers for all subjects was excellent at 0.94. Tear trough injections were more technique sensitive than cheek volume augmentation to achieve satisfactory results. There were no complications from cheek volume enhancement. Varying degrees of ecchymosis were encountered with tear trough injections. CONCLUSIONS: When the patient's primary concern is the appearance of the tear trough, and the physician is limited to treating either the tear trough or the cheek alone, it appears that treatment in the tear trough offers greater improvement in the appearance of the tear trough deformity when compared with treatment in the cheek alone.

Risk of ocular blood splatter during oculofacial plastic surgery.

PURPOSE: To assess intraoperative blood splatter to the ocular surface and adnexa during oculofacial surgery. METHODS: Four surgeons and multiple assistants at three separate locations wore a total of 331 protective eye shields during 131 surgeries. Postoperatively, a luminol blood detection system was used to identify blood splatter on the shields. In the event of positive blood splatter, the total number of blood spots was counted. Controls were used to verify the blood detection protocol. A postoperative questionnaire was given to all surgeons and assistants after each case, and they were asked whether intraoperative blood splatter was noticed. RESULTS: Blood was detected on 61% of eye shields and in a total of 80% of surgical cases. However, only 2% of blood splatters were recognized intraoperatively by the surgical participants. There was no significant difference in the splatter rate between surgeons (64%), assistants (60%), and surgical technicians (58%) (p = 0.69). Shields worn during full-thickness eyelid procedures, direct brow lifting, orbitotomy with bony window, and orbital fracture repairs were more likely to be splattered (p = 0.03), and there was a significant difference between splatter rates among different surgeons (range, 29-90%; p = 0.0004), suggesting that blood splatter rate may be both procedure dependent and surgeon dependent. CONCLUSIONS: Mucocutaneous and transconjunctival transmission of human immunodeficiency virus and viral hepatitis has been documented. These results suggest that oculofacial plastic surgeons should consider eye protection for patients with known blood-borne diseases and in cases where blood splatter is expected. This precautionary practice is supported by the high incidence (98%) of undetected, intraoperative blood splatter.

Hydrogel explant extrusion masquerading as a malignant eyelid lesion.

Hydrogel was a commonly used material for scleral buckling in the early 1980s to the mid-1990s. Use of hydrogel ceased due to a high complication rate, including frequent migration. Various symptoms and clinical findings have been reported with hydrogel migration. There have been no published reports of hydrogel migration to the eyelid anterior to the orbital septum with erosion of the orbicularis and bleeding as a presenting symptom. The authors describe a patient with hydrogel migration to the upper eyelid, with symptomology and clinical findings consistent with a malignant eyelid lesion. Excisional biopsy of extraorbital hydrogel is recommended in these cases.

Isolated, complete paralytic mydriasis secondary to herpes zoster ophthalmicus.

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus is a manifestation of herpes zoster when the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve becomes involved. Ocular symptoms are varied and mainly due to inflammatory mechanisms. Total, external and/or internal ophthalmoplegias, as well as isolated third, fourth and sixth cranial nerve palsies have all been reported as complications. In a minority of cases, concurrent pupillary paralysis has been documented. The presentation of complete paralytic mydriasis as the sole cranial nerve complication following herpes zoster ophthalmicus infection is a rare finding. The postulated pathophysiologic aetiology is a partial third nerve palsy with the pupillary fibres for light and accommodation-convergence affected and motor fibres spared. The mechanism responsible for the postulated lesion is speculative.

Atypical presentations of orbital cellulitis caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the epidemiologic and clinical features of orbital cellulitis caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). DESIGN: Multicenter, retrospective case series. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen patients with culture-positive MRSA orbital cellulitis. METHODS: All recent cases of orbital cellulitis at several hospitals and surgical centers were reviewed, and cases with culture-positive MRSA from aspirates were identified. The data collected and analyzed retrospectively included patient demographics, medical history, presenting sign, imaging results, surgical procedure performed, surgical culture results, visual acuity at presentation and last follow-up, and duration of antibiotics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Presenting sign, radiographic evidence of paranasal sinus disease, radiographic evidence of multiple orbital abscesses, presence or absence of antecedent upper respiratory infection, and final visual acuity. RESULTS: Fifteen cases were identified. The mean patient age was 31.9 years (standard deviation, 24.2 years). Lid swelling was the presenting sign in 14 of 15 patients. No patients had a preceding upper respiratory infection, and only 1 patient had antecedent eyelid trauma. Only 3 of 15 patients had documented adjacent paranasal sinus disease on imaging. Lacrimal gland abscess or dacryoadenitis was the presenting finding in 5 of 15 patients. Multiple orbital abscesses were identified in 4 of 15 patients by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Fourteen of 15 cases required surgical intervention. Four of 15 cases had loss of visual acuity to light perception or worse. All 4 of these cases had a delay in referral for surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: In these 15 patients with MRSA orbital cellulitis, the typical clinical setting of orbital cellulitis was absent; chiefly, there was no identified antecedent upper respiratory illness, nor was there a preceding traumatic injury. Lid swelling in the absence of recent upper respiratory illness, lacrimal gland focus, multiple orbital abscesses, and lack of adjacent paranasal sinus disease may be predictive factors that suggest MRSA as the causative organism of orbital cellulitis. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Reliability of estimating ductions in thyroid eye disease: an International Thyroid Eye Disease Society multicenter study.

PURPOSE: To determine intraobserver and interobserver reliability of 3 clinical techniques for measuring ocular ductions in patients with thyroid eye disease and to compare these with an established method using a Goldmann perimeter. Our secondary goals were to compare the clinical methods for test duration, ease of learning and performance, and whether these differed between novices and experts. DESIGN: Multicenter, prospective, comparative trial. PARTICIPANTS: We recruited 38 patients with thyroid orbitopathy and reduced ocular motility from 7 academic centers. METHODS: At each center, 2 novices and 2 experts measured the ocular ductions of each eye of each patient in 4 directions (0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°) using 3 techniques (best guess [BG], light reflex [LR], and a ruler measuring [RU] technique). Test duration and clinicians' feedback were recorded. A subjective and objective measurement for ocular ductions using a Goldmann perimeter was performed for each subject by a trained technician. The 3 clinical measurements and the perimetry measurements were performed twice, separated by ≥1 hour. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We measured the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the 3 clinical techniques and intraobserver reliability of Goldmann perimeter. Clinical testing reliability was compared between experts and novices. We also examined test duration and clinician feedback. RESULTS: The LR technique had significantly better intraobserver and interobserver repeatability compared with the BG or RU clinical measurements and statistically was equivalent to the gold-standard perimetric technique. Reliability was constant regardless of the amount of restriction in ocular movement. There was no difference between reliability values for experts and novices. The LR and BG techniques were significantly faster than the RU or perimetry techniques and were considered easiest to learn and perform, but clinicians had most confidence in the LR technique results. CONCLUSIONS: The LR technique for measuring ocular ductions in thyroid orbitopathy is more reliable than other clinical techniques and as reliable as the established technique using the perimeter. However, unlike the latter method, it is easier to learn and perform by both novices and experts, is significantly faster, and can be performed by the clinician without machinery or a trained technician.

Efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic energy in postoperative recovery from blepharoplasty.

BACKGROUND: A novel medical device that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration is available for treatment of postsurgical edema. The device emits a low-level, pulsed electromagnetic energy field, which modulates resting cell membrane potential, allowing a return to physiologic resting membrane potential. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the benefits of electromagnetic energy in eyelid wound healing. METHODS: Fifty-seven individuals participated in this randomized, double-blinded study. All patients underwent upper blepharoplasty. At the postoperative visit, patients rated pain, edema, and ecchymosis, and the physician rated edema, ecchymosis, and erythema. RESULTS: There was no difference (p = .76) in patient pain rating when comparing placebo (1.6) with the patch (1.3). Patients reported 6% less edema (p = .11) and 10% less ecchymosis (p = .17) with the active patch eye than in control eye. The physician-graded edema, ecchymosis, and erythema had a mean Likert-type scale difference between placebo and active eyes of -0.3 (p = .12), -0.3 (p = .17), and -0.2 (p = .004) respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of pulsed electromagnetic energy did not have an effect on postoperative pain, edema, or ecchymosis as rated by patients and physicians. There was a statistically significant reduction in physician-graded erythema for active patch eyes versus placebo.

Percutaneous drainage and ablation as first line therapy for macrocystic and microcystic orbital lymphatic malformations.

PURPOSE: To review the management of orbital lymphangiomas and to propose a new treatment for both macrocystic and microcystic lymphatic malformations of the orbit. METHODS: A retrospective case series of all patients from the authors' practice from 2001 to the present who met the histopathologic and/or diagnostic imaging criteria for orbital lymphatic malformation was reviewed. Lymphatic malformation was diagnosed if there was a multilobulated pattern on CT or a cystic internal structure on ultrasonography. In patients that were treated, macrocysts (>1 cm) were treated with dual-drug chemoablation (sequential intracystic sodium tetradecyl sulfate and ethanol); doxycycline injections were used for microcysts. The goal of treatment was complete cyst ablation documented by ultrasonography or MRI. RESULTS: Twenty patients met the inclusion criteria. They were separated in 3 groups based on the anatomical location of the lymphatic malformation: deep, superficial, or combined. Deep orbital lymphatic malformation presented in 14 patients (70%), superficial presented in 4 patients (20%), and both deep and superficial presented in 2 patients (10%). Thirteen of the 20 patients underwent percutaneous sclerotherapy. Of those treated, 7 patients (53.8%) had lymphatic malformations (LM), while 6 patients (46.2%) had venous-lymphatic malformations (VLMs). The average number of treatments required to achieve complete cyst ablation in patients with LM was 1.7. The average number of treatments required for patients with VLM was 3.0; however, some of these patients continue to have the venous component of their lesions treated. Clinically, all treated patients maintained or improved an average of one Snellen line (-0.16 decimal Snellen equivalent) from their preoperative visual acuity to their last recorded follow-up visit. There was a mean reduction in proptosis of 2.4 mm (p - 0.003, confidence interval [CI] 0.838 to 3.962), which was statistically significant. There were no recurrences (0%) in patients who completed treatment with cyst ablation (n - 8) at an average follow-up period of 43 months (range 6-96, standard deviation 30). There were no data available as to the recurrence status of one patient. Four patients were still undergoing treatment for a venous component at the time of this review. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous sclerotherapy provides a safe and effective treatment for both macrocystic and microcystic orbital lymphatic malformations as a primary treatment or for recurrence after surgical intervention.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline: Eyelid Surgery for Upper Visual Field Improvement.

BACKGROUND: A group of experts from different disciplines was convened to develop guidelines for the management of upper visual field impairments related to eyelid ptosis and dermatochalasis. The goal was to provide evidence-based recommendations to improve patient care. METHODS: A multidisciplinary group of experts representing their specialty organizations was selected. A systematic literature review was performed including topics regarding documentation of the underlying cause for visual field impairment, selection of an appropriate surgical repair, assessment of the type of anesthesia, the use of adjunctive brow procedures, and follow-up assessments. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology process was used to evaluate the relevant studies. Clinical practice recommendations were developed using BRIDGE-Wiz (Building Recommendations In a Developers' Guideline Editor) software. RESULTS: Each topic area was assessed. A clinical recommendation was made, and the relevant literature was discussed. CONCLUSIONS: The review of the literature revealed varied complication rates and diverse treatment modalities for the correction of upper visual field deficit. Strong recommendations could not be made in most topic areas because of a paucity of methodologically sound studies in the literature. More rigorously designed studies are needed to measure outcomes of interest, with fewer sources of potential error or bias. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.

Functional indications for upper eyelid ptosis and blepharoplasty surgery: a report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional indications and outcomes for blepharoplasty and blepharoptosis repair by assessing functional preoperative impairment and surgical results. METHODS: Literature searches of the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were conducted on July 24, 2008, with no age or date restrictions, and they were limited to articles published in English. These searches retrieved 1147 citations; 87 studies were reviewed in full text, and 13 studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the evidence analysis. RESULTS: The 13 studies reported the functional effects or treatment results of simulated ptosis; several types of blepharoptosis repair, including conjunctiva-Müller's muscle resection, frontalis suspension, and external levator resection; and upper eyelid blepharoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Repair of blepharoptosis and upper eyelid dermatochalasis provides significant improvement in vision, peripheral vision, and quality of life activities. Preoperative indicators of improvement include margin reflex distance 1 (MRD(1)) of 2 mm or less, superior visual field loss of at least 12 degrees or 24%, down-gaze ptosis impairing reading and other close-work activities, a chin-up backward head tilt due to visual axis obscuration, symptoms of discomfort or eye strain due to droopy lids, central visual interference due to upper eyelid position, and patient self-reported functional impairment. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Clinical and pathologic eyelid alterations in a patient with Darier disease.

Darier disease (DD) is a rare autosomal dominant dermatosis that has infrequent ocular manifestations, especially those involving the eyelids. The authors describe a patient with long-standing DD who presented with both classic and unique clinical findings. Eyelid biopsy samples studied with electron microscopy demonstrated histopathological changes consistent with DD. The authors postulate how clinical findings not previously reported as "classic" to DD may be associated. To the authors' knowledge, electron micrographs detailing changes associated with DD have not been published for eyelid tissue.

Isolated bilateral abducens nerve palsy without radiographic etiology and unique mechanism of injury.

Isolated bilateral abducens palsy is a rare event, especially in the setting of closed head injury. Cases that lack radiographic or pathologic findings to explain the etiology of the palsy are limited to case reports. Injury mechanisms have been postulated, but a consensus does not exist. The authors describe a case of traumatic isolated bilateral abducens palsy lacking radiographic and pathologic findings. A previously unreported potential pathophysiologic injury mechanism is theorized based upon anatomical structure and mode of injury.

Prospective in vivo evaluation of three different hyaluronic acid gels to varying doses of hyaluronidase with long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: Several injectable hyaluronic acid dermal fillers exist in the market, each with different rheologic and cross-linking properties. Their reversibility is useful for managing complications. We sought to determine the response of three different hyaluronic acid gels to varying doses of hyaluronidase. METHODS: Each of 18 arms of nine subjects were prospectively randomized to receive intradermal injections of hyaluronic acid gel (Restylane-L, Juvéderm Ultra, Juvéderm Voluma). Seven sites on each arm were randomized to receive 0.2 mL of hyaluronic acid gel in anticipation of dissolution 1 week later with varying doses of hyaluronidase (Hylenex), 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 units or to be a control site. The outcome measures of diameter, elevation, and firmness were measured pre-injection and at varying time points to beyond 4 years. Subjects, graders, and injectors were masked. RESULTS: The most dramatic changes for all fillers occurred starting at the 30-min time point through 3 h time point, with continued gradual degradation through week 2. A mild dose response was found for Juvéderm and Restylane; however, a clear dose response was seen from 2.5 to 10 units for Voluma, with 2.5 units showing features more like those of saline only or no hyaluronidase control. One Restylane arm had controls lasting four years. CONCLUSIONS: All fillers had a dose response, with Voluma exhibiting it most clearly. Voluma required higher doses of hyaluronidase for dissolution, i.e., more than 20 units per 0.2 mL of filler. Restylane appeared to respond most readily to hyaluronidase, at the dose of even 2.5 units, but it also was fastest to dissolve on its own.

Comparison of fibrin sealant versus suture for wound closure in Müller muscle-conjunctiva resection ptosis repair.

PURPOSE: To compare fibrin sealant (Tisseel) versus suture for wound closure in Müller muscle-conjunctiva resection ptosis repair. METHODS: The charts of 114 patients (211 eyelids) who had undergone Müller muscle-conjunctiva resection were retrospectively reviewed. Suture versus Tisseel were used for wound closure. Preoperative and postoperative eyelid measurements, postoperative symmetry within 0.5 mm, and complications were compared. RESULTS: Müller muscle-conjunctiva resection ptosis repair was performed on 211 eyelids of 114 patients. Seventeen cases were unilateral and 97 cases were bilateral. Method of wound closure included suture (45 eyelids of 31 patients) versus Tisseel (166 eyelids of 83 patients). For the suture group, the mean preoperative MRD1 was 1.2 mm and the postoperative MRD1 was 3.0 mm; the difference was 1.9. For the Tisseel group, the mean preoperative MRD1 was 1.2 mm and the postoperative MRD1 was 3.0 mm; the difference was 1.8. The 2 groups did not differ statistically in preoperative (p = 0.97) or postoperative MRD1 values (p = 0.53), the difference (p = 0.63), or postoperative symmetry within 0.5 mm (p = 0.39). In the suture group, complications included moderate to severe pain (10%), suture granuloma (6%), corneal abrasion (3%), loose suture (3%), and persistent keratopathy (3%). We found no evidence of keratopathy attributable to the Tisseel (p = 0.0001). This difference in the prevalence of complications was statistically significant (p = 0.0001). Four patients in the suture group (13%) underwent subsequent procedures including suture granuloma removal (2) and suture removal (1); 1 patient (3%) required levator resection. Three patients in the Tisseel group (4%) subsequently underwent levator resection. CONCLUSIONS: Müller muscle-conjunctiva resection ptosis repair using fibrin sealant for wound closure offers comparable eyelid position results compared with suture. Use of Tisseel showed fewer postoperative complications and was associated with fewer subsequent surgical procedures.

Addition of dermis-fat graft to diminish cable visibility in frontalis suspension for patients with pre-existing deep superior sulci.

PURPOSE: To propose and demonstrate a technique modification for frontalis suspension to simultaneously address ptosis and diminish abnormalities related to deep superior sulcus defect. METHODS: Six patients underwent simultaneous frontalis suspension and placement of a superior sulcus dermis-fat graft. RESULTS: Postoperative visibility of the cables, anticipated in patients with deep superior sulci, was prevented in these 6 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Dermis-fat grafting may be added to improve cosmesis after frontalis suspension in patients at risk for postoperative cable visibility.