The efficacy of Viscocanalostomies and combined phacoemulsification with Viscocanalostomies in the treatment of patients with glaucoma: a non-randomised observational study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the outcomes of Viscocanalostomy (VC) and Phacoviscocanalostomy (PV) in controlling primary and secondary glaucoma in a large cohort of patients from a single eye unit and performed by a single surgeon. METHODS: This non-randomised, retrospective study was conducted on 620 eyes of 458 patients. All patients who had either viscocanalostomy (VC) or combined phacoemulsification and viscocanalostomy (PV) over a three-year period were included. Intraocular pressures (IOP), number of anti-glaucoma medications used, and any complications were recorded over a 3-year follow up period. Paired T-Test was used to compare preoperative and post-operative IOP at specified time points. Kaplan-Meier survival models were used to determine success rates over the study period. RESULTS: Six hundred twenty procedures were performed during the 3-year study period, of which 427 were PV and 193 VC. The mean follow-up was 31.8 months. Overall complete success (IOP ≤ 21 mmHg, without medication) at 3 years was achieved in 65.7% of patients, with qualified success (IOP ≤21 mmHg with or without medication) achieved in 96.0%. Subgroup analysis showed complete success rate of 76.0% for PV and 63.1% for VC (p = 0.005), with qualified success 95.9% for PV and 94.0% for VC (p = 0.668). Mean pre-operative IOP (mmHg) for all procedures was 23.02 ± 5.6, with PV and VC subgroups at 22.54 ± 5.10 and 24.06 ± 6.45. Post-operatively IOP at month 12 and 36 was 14.74 ± 3.57 and 14.40 ± 3.17 respectively for all procedures, 14.62 ± 3.26 and 14.44 ± 3.10 for PV, and 15.03 ± 4.18 and 14.31 ± 3.33 for VC. Across all procedures, pre-operatively an average of 3.05 ± 0.96 anti-glaucoma medications were used. This reduced to 0.13 ± 0.39 in 12 months and 0.38 + 0.71 by 36 months. Sixty-five cases had complications due to trabeculo-Descemet window perforation during viscocanalostomy with 7 cases developing complications from the cataract element. In the 12.9% of patients who had complications there were no differences of IOP noted at 3 years. CONCLUSION: VC and PV have good IOP lowering capacity and are both effective at sustaining a reduction in IOP at 3 years. PV achieved a higher success rate without medication. The low complication profile with reduced post-operative care means these procedures may be a preferred option for early surgical intervention.

Folded bandage contact lens retention in a patient with bilateral dry eye symptoms: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Bandage contact lenses are commonly used by ophthalmic practitioners to protect the patient's cornea. We report a case of folded bandage contact lens retained for six and a half years in the upper subtarsal space. To our knowledge, no other cases of retained bandage contact lens have previously been reported in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A patient was applied a pair of bandage contact lenses due to persistent ocular pain secondary to dry eye symptoms. At her subsequent visit, bandage contact lens was removed from her left eye, but none was found in the right eye. Documentation from further visit stated that the bandage contact lenses were no longer in situ. 6.5 years since the lens insertion, lid eversion revealed a 'foreign body' retained beneath her right upper eyelid, which was noted to be a folded, discoloured bandage contact lens. CONCLUSIONS: The 'upper fornix trap', where the contact lens may be retained by the upper tarsal edge, presents an anatomical hazard for contact lens users. Moreover, soft contact lenses may be more likely to retain asymptomatically and to fold onto itself compared to hard lenses. Our case report highlights the importance of performing a thorough eye examination, which includes double eversion of the upper eyelids and sweeping of the fornices with cotton buds, and maintaining clinical suspicion of contact lens retention.

Bilateral Cystoid Macular Edema and Corneal Endothelial Graft Rejection following Influenza and Varicella-Zoster Vaccinations.

PURPOSE: Multiple cases of corneal graft rejection after various vaccinations have been reported over the past decades. Here we described a case of bilateral cystoid macular edema (CME) and endothelial rejection in a DSAEK patient following influenza and varicella vaccines. CASE REPORT: A 72-year-old woman with bilateral Fuch's endothelial dystrophy received bilateral DSAEK surgeries. She received an influenza vaccination and her left visual acuity (VA) decreased due to CME. Half a year later, the patient received a varicella-zoster virus vaccine. 11 days later, she was found to have signs of endothelial graft rejection in both eyes. Unfortunately, her vision further deteriorated despite intensive topical steroid treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In view of the current worldwide efforts on mass vaccination against the COVID-19 pandemic, we suggest an increased use of topical corticosteroids both before and after vaccination may be helpful in reducing this risk.

Antibiotic Resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae after Azithromycin Distribution for Trachoma.

Trachoma is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Mass distribution of azithromycin (AZM) is part of the strategy for the global elimination of blinding trachoma by 2020. Although resistance to AZM in C. trachomatis has not been reported, there have been concerns about resistance in other organisms when AZM is administered in community settings. We identified studies that measured pneumococcal prevalence and resistance to AZM following mass AZM provision reported up to 2013 in Medline and Web of Science databases. Potential sources of bias were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. A total of 45 records were screened, of which 8 met the inclusion criteria. We identified two distinct trends of resistance prevalence, which are dependent on frequency of AZM provision and baseline prevalence of resistance. We also demonstrated strong correlation between the prevalence of resistance at baseline and at 2-3 months (r = 0.759). Although resistance to AZM in C. trachomatis has not been reported, resistance to this commonly used macrolide antibiotic in other diseases could compromise treatment. This should be considered when planning long-term trachoma control strategies.