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Purpose@#To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Cataract-related Visual Function Questionnaire (CVFQ). @*Methods@#A prospective cross-sectional study of 141 cataract patients was conducted from March 2022 to June 2022. The questionnaire was created based on a literature review and advice from an expert panel. This study determined its construct validity, criterion validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. @*Results@#The CVFQ consists of 15 items distributed among five categories: overall visual quality, overall visual function, distance vision, near vision, and glare. In the exploratory factor analysis of validity, the first three principal components explained 77.8% of the variance. The p-values in the Spearman correlation test comparing the pre- and postoperative total CVFQ score and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were 0.006 and 0.004, respectively. In the reliability analysis, Cronbach’s alpha was > 0.9 for internal consistency and the p-values of each subcategory were all significant in the analysis of test-retest reliability. @*Conclusions@#Our results indicate that the CVFQ is useful for measuring the visual quality and visual function of cataract patients in Korea.
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Purpose@#To evaluate the long-term results of Boston type-I keratoprosthesis implantation in Korea. @*Methods@#Medical records of six patients (six eyes) who underwent Boston type-I keratoprosthesis implantation between August 2018 and November 2019 were retrospectively reviewed for more than 36 months. @*Results@#The mean follow-up period was 44.3 ± 7.0 months. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved significantly for all six eyes, from 2.33 ± 0.51 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) to 0.67 ± 0.59 logMAR. The vision recovered immediately after the surgery in all patients. Retroprosthetic membrane developed in three of the patients, but the visual acuity remained unchanged. Anatomical success was achieved in all six eyes after Boston type-I keratoprosthesis implantation. @*Conclusions@#The long-term analysis of Boston type-I keratoprosthesis implantation showed a faster recovery and improved visual acuity compared with conventional penetrating keratoplasty. Without the use of systemic immunosuppressants, all six eyes showed long-term survival of the Boston keratoprosthesis. Boston type-I keratoprosthesis implantation may be used in patients with recurrent graft failure after keratoplasty. This was the first study investigating the long-term results of Boston keratoprosthesis implantation in Korean patients.
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@#This paper describes the Geriatrics services in the hospital and community in Brunei and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the need for clinical staff to assess and manage COVID-19 cases at the national isolation centre and to assist with contact tracing, outpatient services were suspended. Patients had to be contacted regarding clinic cancellations and ensure they had adequate medications. There was an increase in phone-call consultations and virtual clinics were introduced. Home based nursing patients had the interval of routine nasogastric and indwelling urinary catheter changes extended. Data on the pandemic effects on Geriatric services including outpatient clinics, home visits, phone-call and virtual consultations, admissions to hospital and the home-based nursing case load after the pandemic are shown. After the pandemic, there is a need to strengthen measures to prevent pressure injuries and delirium, improve patient self-management of chronic conditions and manage the physical and mental health sequalae of the pandemic such as frailty and depression.
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Purpose@#To study the long-term efficacy and safety of Flexivue Microlens refractive corneal inlays in Koreans for compensation of presbyopia. @*Methods@#Flexivue Microlens inlays were implanted in nine eyes at Samsung Medical Center from October 2015 to February 2018. The follow-up period was 1.95 ± 0.6 years. Pre- and postoperative near/intermediate/distant visual acuity, spherical equivalent, contrast sensitivity, defocus curve, keratometry, and patient satisfaction were evaluated retrospectively. @*Results@#The uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) of the operated eye increased significantly to 0.27 ± 0.10 logarithm of the minimal angle resolution (logMAR) after 6 months (p = 0.012). At the last observation, it was 0.32 ± 0.21 logMAR, which improved compared to before surgery, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.127). The binocular UNVA improved significantly to 0.19 ± 0.78 logMAR at 6 months postoperatively (p = 0.017) and to 0.21 ± 0.13 logMAR at the last observation (p = 0.028). There was no difference in the binocular uncorrected distant visual acuity (UDVA) before and after surgery, but the UDVA of the operated eye decreased significantly to 0.38 ± 0.15 logMAR at 6 months postoperatively (p = 0.007) and to 0.32 ± 0.21 logMAR at the last observation (p = 0.012). Satisfaction with near vision improved significantly after surgery; 14.3% of the patients had a score of 4 (good) or higher and 42.9% did not require near-vision glasses. In one case, the inlay was removed after 17 months due to blurred vision. @*Conclusions@#The Flexivue Microlens has a low risk of complications and is a reversible technique. However, the near vision improvement was temporary and distance vision deteriorated. In addition, the Koreans examined had relatively low satisfaction and high spectacle dependence.
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Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of liver disease worldwide. The estimated global incidence of NAFLD is 47 cases per 1,000 population and is higher among males than females. The estimated global prevalence of NAFLD among adults is 32% and is higher among males (40%) compared to females (26%). The global prevalence of NAFLD has increased over time, from 26% in studies from 2005 or earlier to 38% in studies from 2016 or beyond. The prevalence of NAFLD varies substantially by world region, contributed by differing rates of obesity, and genetic and socioeconomic factors. The prevalence of NAFLD exceeds 40% in the Americas and South-East Asia. The prevalence of NAFLD is projected to increase significantly in multiple world regions by 2030 if current trends are left unchecked. In this review, we discuss trends in the global incidence and prevalence of NAFLD and discuss future projections.
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Background/Aims@#Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with the development of cardiovascular disease. While existing studies have examined cardiac remodeling in NAFLD, there has been less emphasis on the development of carotid atherosclerosis and stroke. We sought to conduct a meta-analysis to quantify the prevalence, risk factors, and degree of risk increment of carotid atherosclerosis and stroke in NAFLD. @*Methods@#Embase and Medline were searched for articles relating to NAFLD, carotid atherosclerosis, and stroke. Proportional data was analysed using a generalized linear mixed model. Pairwise meta-analysis was conducted to obtain odds ratio or weighted mean difference for comparison between patients with and without NAFLD. @*Results@#From pooled analysis of 30 studies involving 7,951 patients with NAFLD, 35.02% (95% confidence interval [CI], 27.36–43.53%) had carotid atherosclerosis with an odds ratio of 3.20 (95% CI, 2.37–4.32; P<0.0001). Pooled analysis of 25,839 patients with NAFLD found the prevalence of stroke to be 5.04% (95% CI, 2.74–9.09%) with an odds ratio of 1.88 (95% CI, 1.23–2.88; P=0.02) compared to non-NAFLD. The degree of steatosis assessed by ultrasonography in NAFLD was closely associated with risk of carotid atherosclerosis and stroke. Older age significantly increased the risk of developing carotid atherosclerosis, but not stroke in NAFLD. @*Conclusions@#This meta-analysis shows that a stepwise increment of steatosis of NAFLD can significantly increase the risk of carotid atherosclerosis and stroke development in NAFLD. Patients more than a third sufferred from carotid atherosclerosis and routine assessment of carotid atherosclerosis is quintessential in NAFLD.
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Background/Aims@#Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely associated with diabetes. The cumulative impact of both diseases synergistically increases risk of adverse events. However, present population analysis is predominantly conducted with reference to non-NAFLD individuals and has not yet examined the impact of prediabetes. Hence, we sought to conduct a retrospective analysis on the impact of diabetic status in NAFLD patients, referencing non-diabetic NAFLD individuals. @*Methods@#Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2018 was used. Hepatic steatosis was defined with United States Fatty Liver Index (US-FLI) and FLI at a cut-off of 30 and 60 respectively, in absence of substantial alcohol use. A multivariate generalized linear model was used for risk ratios of binary outcomes while survival analysis was conducted with Cox regression and Fine Gray model for competing risk. @*Results@#Of 32,234 patients, 28.92% were identified to have NAFLD. 36.04%, 38.32% and 25.63% were non-diabetic, prediabetic and diabetic respectively. Diabetic NAFLD significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke, chronic kidney disease, all-cause and CVD mortality compared to non-diabetic NAFLD. However, prediabetic NAFLD only significantly increased the risk of CVD and did not result in a higher risk of mortality. @*Conclusions@#Given the increased risk of adverse outcomes, this study highlights the importance of regular diabetes screening in NAFLD and adoption of prompt lifestyle modifications to reduce disease progression. Facing high cardiovascular burden, prediabetic and diabetic NAFLD individuals can benefit from early cardiovascular referrals to reduce risk of CVD events and mortality.
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This report provides a detailed description of the methodology for ophthalmic examinations according to the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) VII and VIII (from 2017 to 2021). The KNHANES is a nationwide survey which has been performed since 1998 in representatives of whole Korean population. During the KNHANES VII and VIII, in addition to the ophthalmic questionnaire, intraocular pressure measurement, visual field test, auto refractometry, axial length and optical coherence tomography measurements were included. This new survey will provide not only provide normative and pathologic ophthalmic data including intraocular pressure, refractive error, axial length, visual field and precise measurement of anterior segment, macula and optic nerve with optical coherence tomography, but also a more accurate diagnosis for major adult blindness diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and other ocular diseases, for the national Korean population.
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Purpose@#To report two cases of treatment using high-frequency radio wave electrosurgery for corneal neovascularization that recurred after medication and laser photocoagulation attempts.Case summary: (Case 1) A 53-year-old man visited our hospital complaining of corneal opacity. The best-corrected visual acuity in the left eye was 0.6. Lipid keratopathy indicated new inferior vessels. There was no significant change in corneal opacity after medication and laser photocoagulation; however, the recurrence of feeder vessels was observed. Therefore, electrocautery was performed via high-frequency radio wave electrosurgery. Visual acuity, measured 1 month later, improved to 0.9. Over the subsequent 4-year observation period, new vessels did not recur and the corneal opacity decreased gradually. (Case 2) A 23-year-old woman visited complaining of left eye pain. She had undergone laser photocoagulation three times for corneal new vessels. Visual acuity in her left eye was 0.4. Recurrence of new vessels at the upper cornea was observed, and electrocautery was performed. After 2 months, corneal opacity decreased without revascularization, and visual acuity improved to 0.5. @*Conclusions@#In patients with corneal neovascularization, electrocautery using high-frequency radio wave electrosurgery is simple and effective and can reduce corneal opacity and improve vision without complications.
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Purpose@#To report two rare cases of Brown McLean syndrome after cataract surgery in a patient with aphakia.Case summary: (Case 1) A 54-year-old woman with Marfan’s syndrome who had aphakia and peripheral corneal edema after left eye cataract surgery 4 years ago. The patient had an elevated lesion in the peripheral cornea without involving the central cornea, and had symptoms of pain, irritation and tearing. Specular microscopy showed normal endothelial cell density and morphology in the edematous cornea. The peripheral corneal edema improved after use of antibiotics, autoserum eyedrops and 5% NaCl eyedrops. (Case 2) A 61-year-old woman with aphakia in her left eye after bilateral cataract surgery 11 years ago, underwent surgery for a macular hole in both eyes. The patient developed peripheral corneal erosions and edema in the left eye 2 months after the surgery. Specular microscopy showed normal endothelial cell density and morphology. The peripheral corneal edema was static over the years while using 5% NaCl eyedrops and artificial tears, and did not progress to involve the central cornea. @*Conclusions@#Brown McLean syndrome is a rare disease but the possibility should be considered if a patient with aphakia after cataract surgery has peripheral corneal edema for several years.
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This report provides a detailed description of the methodology for ophthalmic examinations according to the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) VII and VIII (from 2017 to 2021). The KNHANES is a nationwide survey which has been performed since 1998 in representatives of whole Korean population. During the KNHANES VII and VIII, in addition to the ophthalmic questionnaire, intraocular pressure measurement, visual field test, auto refractometry, axial length and optical coherence tomography measurements were included. This new survey will provide not only provide normative and pathologic ophthalmic data including intraocular pressure, refractive error, axial length, visual field and precise measurement of anterior segment, macula and optic nerve with optical coherence tomography, but also a more accurate diagnosis for major adult blindness diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and other ocular diseases, for the national Korean population.
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Purpose@#To report two cases of treatment using high-frequency radio wave electrosurgery for corneal neovascularization that recurred after medication and laser photocoagulation attempts.Case summary: (Case 1) A 53-year-old man visited our hospital complaining of corneal opacity. The best-corrected visual acuity in the left eye was 0.6. Lipid keratopathy indicated new inferior vessels. There was no significant change in corneal opacity after medication and laser photocoagulation; however, the recurrence of feeder vessels was observed. Therefore, electrocautery was performed via high-frequency radio wave electrosurgery. Visual acuity, measured 1 month later, improved to 0.9. Over the subsequent 4-year observation period, new vessels did not recur and the corneal opacity decreased gradually. (Case 2) A 23-year-old woman visited complaining of left eye pain. She had undergone laser photocoagulation three times for corneal new vessels. Visual acuity in her left eye was 0.4. Recurrence of new vessels at the upper cornea was observed, and electrocautery was performed. After 2 months, corneal opacity decreased without revascularization, and visual acuity improved to 0.5. @*Conclusions@#In patients with corneal neovascularization, electrocautery using high-frequency radio wave electrosurgery is simple and effective and can reduce corneal opacity and improve vision without complications.
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Purpose@#To report two rare cases of Brown McLean syndrome after cataract surgery in a patient with aphakia.Case summary: (Case 1) A 54-year-old woman with Marfan’s syndrome who had aphakia and peripheral corneal edema after left eye cataract surgery 4 years ago. The patient had an elevated lesion in the peripheral cornea without involving the central cornea, and had symptoms of pain, irritation and tearing. Specular microscopy showed normal endothelial cell density and morphology in the edematous cornea. The peripheral corneal edema improved after use of antibiotics, autoserum eyedrops and 5% NaCl eyedrops. (Case 2) A 61-year-old woman with aphakia in her left eye after bilateral cataract surgery 11 years ago, underwent surgery for a macular hole in both eyes. The patient developed peripheral corneal erosions and edema in the left eye 2 months after the surgery. Specular microscopy showed normal endothelial cell density and morphology. The peripheral corneal edema was static over the years while using 5% NaCl eyedrops and artificial tears, and did not progress to involve the central cornea. @*Conclusions@#Brown McLean syndrome is a rare disease but the possibility should be considered if a patient with aphakia after cataract surgery has peripheral corneal edema for several years.
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Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to compare corneal astigmatism correction between “wound open” and “wound intact” methods during femtosecond laser-assisted transepithelial arcuate keratotomy. @*Methods@#From April 2016 to December 2018, a retrospective survey was conducted on patients undergoing femtosecond laser cataract surgery at the Ophthalmology Department of Samsung Medical Center. Size comparison and vector analysis of corneal astigmatism before and after surgery were performed in the wound open and wound intact groups. @*Results@#In the wound open and wound intact groups, the target-induced astigmatism (TIA) was 1.28 ± 0.55; and 1.26 ± 0.29 diopters, the surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was 0.80 ± 0.52; and 0.53 ± 0.32 diopters, and the correction index (CI) was 0.63 ± 0.28; and 0.43 ± 0.26, respectively. The astigmatism correction was superior in the wound open group (p = 0.048, p = 0.025). In a subgroup with TIA 1.2 diopters, the SIA was 1.09 ± 0.59; and 0.54 ± 0.37 diopters and the CI was 0.60 ± 0.28; and 0.36 ± 0.23 in the wound open and wound intact groups, respectively (p = 0.022, p = 0.047). Thus, astigmatism correction was superior in the wound open group. @*Conclusions@#The wound open method during femtosecond laser-assisted transepithelial arcuate keratotomy was superior for astigmatism correction compared to the wound intact method.
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Aims@#The objective of this study is to investigate the potential of fungi isolated from forest soil as biocontrol against Ganoderma boninense, the causal pathogen of basal stem rot disease in Elaeis guineensis Jacq. (oil palm). @*Methodology and results@#Total 195 isolates were isolated from 20 soil samples collected from Crocker Range of Sabah and 54 fungal isolates were identified with 14 of them showed Percentage Inhibition of Radial Growth (PIRG) greater than 50%. A potential fungi (F15) with PIRG of 84.85% was later identified as Penicillium simplicissimum using molecular technique. Microscopy examination on P. simplicissimum and G. boninense interaction showed the evidence on the damage of pathogen hyphae when challenged by P. simplicissimum. The secondary metabolites of P. simplicissimum which may possibly contribute to this observation were later extracted using hexane, ethyl acetate and acetone and the extracts were tested in agar dilution bioassay (0.2 mg/mL to 1.0 mg/mL) against the pathogen. Ethyl acetate extract gave the highest inhibition to G. boninense (14.12 % in 0.4 mg/mL of ethyl acetate extract). @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#This is the first report, on the bioactivity of P. simplicissimum isolated from Crocker Range of Sabah against Ganoderma boninense, the causal pathogen of basal stem rot disease. Overall, our results indicated that P. simplicissimum has the potential to be further investigated as a biocontrol agent against G. boninense.
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PURPOSE: To report a case of bilateral posterior subcapsular cataract after taking oxcarbazepine (Trileptal®, Novartis, Basel, Swiss). CASE SUMMARY: A 19-year-old female visited our clinic with decreased vision in both eyes. Her best-corrected visual acuity was 0.3 in the right eye and 0.5 in the left eye, and slit-lamp examination revealed a bilateral cortical opacity and subcapsular cataract. She had been taking oxcarbazepine for epilepsy for 10 years, which was discontinued 3 years ago. Her mother had undergone cataract surgeries when she was approximately 46 years of age. No other risk factors for cataract were present. CONCLUSIONS: In the present case, bilateral cortical opacity and subcapsular cataract were assumed to be associated with the use of oxcarbazepine. We suggest that oxcarbazepine could induce a cataract and recommend a regular follow-up by a qualified ophthalmologist.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Young Adult , Cataract , Epilepsy , Follow-Up Studies , Mothers , Risk Factors , Visual AcuityABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To discuss the clinical course and diagnosis of corneal dysplasia in a xeroderma pigmentosum patient based on a genetic evaluation. CASE SUMMARY: A 42-year-old female visited our clinic for decreased left visual acuity and corneal opacity. She had undergone several surgeries previously due to the presence of basosquamous carcinoma in the left lower eyelid, neurofibroma, and malignant melanoma of the facial skin. The patient showed repeated corneal surface problems, with a suspicious dendritic lesion; however, antiviral therapy was ineffective, and herpes simplex virus polymerase chain reaction results were negative. Despite regular follow-ups, the patient showed neovascularization around the corneal limbus and an irregular corneal surface. We performed corneal debridement with autologous serum eye drops for treatment. The patient's visual acuity and corneal surface improved after the procedure. The impression cytology result was corneal dysplasia. In whole exome sequencing, two pathogenic variants and one likely pathogenic variant of the POLH gene were detected. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first genetically identified xeroderma pigmentosum case with ophthalmological lesions of the eyelid and cornea in Korea. Debridement of the irregular corneal surface and autologous serum eye drop administration in xeroderma pigmentosum could be helpful for improving visual acuity.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Carcinoma, Basosquamous , Cornea , Corneal Opacity , Debridement , Diagnosis , Exome , Eyelids , Follow-Up Studies , Ichthyosis , Korea , Limbus Corneae , Melanoma , Neurofibroma , Ophthalmic Solutions , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Simplexvirus , Skin , Visual Acuity , Xeroderma PigmentosumABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the efficacy and sensation of instillation between 0.05% cyclosporine nanoemulsion group and microemulsion group. METHODS: This is a double-blind, prospective randomized clinical trial. Patients had 2 weeks of wash-out period before the study. They were randomly assigned to either nanoemulsion group or microemulsion group and treated with each group's cyclosporine eye drop. Artificial eye drop and topical steroid were used together according to severity of dryness of cornea. We checked every patient's Break-up time (BUT), Schirmer test, Staining Score and Ocular surface disease index (OSDI) on baseline, 1 month and 3 months after. Patients also self-checked frequency of use of artificial eye drop and topical steroid. Sensation of instillation was also checked. RESULTS: Both nanoemulsion eye-drop and microemulsion eye-drop improved BUT, Schirmer test, Staining Score and OSDI throughout 12 weeks. The nanoemulsion type reduced OSDI significantly compared to the microemulsion type. The mean frequency of use of artificial tear and topical steroid was similar in both groups. Foreign body sense score was higher in microemulsion group. CONCLUSIONS: 0.05% cyclosporine nanoemulsion type has simillar efficacy and subjectively less foreign body sensation.
Subject(s)
Humans , Cornea , Cyclosporine , Dry Eye Syndromes , Eye, Artificial , Foreign Bodies , Prospective Studies , Sensation , TearsABSTRACT
PURPOSE@#To report contact lens related Acanthamoeba keratitis with corneal epithelial defect cases which were diagnosed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).CASE SUMMARY: A 51-year-old male visited our hospital for loss of visual acuity and ocular pain in both eyes. He had been wearing therapeutic contact lenses in both eyes for 4 days prior to his visit, and showed a corneal epithelial defect with corneal edema in both eyes. The corneal edema did not improve after treatment for bacterial and herpes keratitis, so we conducted PCR for Acanthamoeba using the aqueous fluid in the anterior chamber, which showed positive results. A 32-year-old male complained of low visual acuity and ocular pain in both eyes. He had a history of corneal erosion. He had been wearing therapeutic contact lenses in both eyes for 3 days prior to his visit for a corneal epithelial defect. We suspected recurrent corneal erosion syndrome, but PCR for Acanthamoeba of the corneal scraping showed positive results. A 26-year-old female visited our hospital for ocular pain, and discomfort in her left eye. Because of severe dry eye, she had been wearing therapeutic contact lenses for 6 weeks prior to her visit. Her left eye showed corneal infiltration and epithelial defects. The left cornea scraping was positive for bacteria, and PCR for Acanthamoeba also showed positive results.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Clinicians should consider the use of PCR for the early diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis in contact lens-related keratitis with corneal epithelial defects.
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PURPOSE@#To report the ocular manifestations and treatment outcomes of infective keratitis in a patient with keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness (KID) syndrome and to report a newly discovered mutation in the GJB2 gene in Korea.CASE SUMMARY: A 32-month-old boy was referred to the Ophthalmology Clinic for bilateral corneal opacity and glare. The patient showed alopecia, hyperkeratotic skin in both limbs, and hearing loss in both ears. Ocular examination showed loss of eyebrows and eyelashes, hyperkeratotic lesions of the eyelids, mucopurulent discharge in the eyelids, and opacity and scarring with superficial vascularization and conjunctivalization in both corneas. Molecular analysis showed a pathogenic variant in the GJB2 gene and confirmed the diagnosis of KID syndrome. Superficial keratectomy and amniotic membrane transplantation were performed in both eyes. Corneal opacity recurred in the left eye; treatment with bevacizumab eyedrops was instituted and penetrating keratoplasty was performed in the left eye. Corneal stromal opacity relapsed in the left eye; 5% vancomycin and 5% ceftazidime eyedrops were started and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was cultured from a corneal scraping specimen.@*CONCLUSIONS@#A careful observation of ocular manifestations in KID syndrome is needed to prevent infective keratitis and limbal cell deficiency; intensive antibiotic eyedrop treatment is recommended to prevent permanent visual impairment.