ABSTRACT
Purpose: To report the spectrum of posterior segment manifestations and visual outcomes in a large series of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: Retrospective study at a tertiary referral eye center in south India between 2016 and 2022. Results: Charts of 109 patients diagnosed to have SLE were retrieved from our medical database. Only nine cases of SLE (8.25%) had posterior segment involvement. The male: female ratio was 1:8. The mean age was 28 years. Unilaterality was the most common presentation in eight cases (88.89%). Lupus nephritis was the most common systemic presentation in five cases (55.56%). Antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA) positivity was seen in two cases (22.22%). Ocular manifestations included microangiopathy (cotton wool spots) in one case, occlusive retinal vasculitis with cotton wool spots in four cases (five eyes), optic disc edema with combined venous and arterial occlusion (one case), central retinal vein occlusion with cotton wool spots and hemorrhages (one case), macular edema (four cases), posterior scleritis with optic disc edema and exudative retinal detachment in the posterior pole (one case), and tubercular choroidal granuloma (one case). Treatment included systemic steroids, hydroxychloroquine sulfate (HCQS), and immunosuppression in all cases, blood thinners in two cases, and laser photocoagulation in four cases. HCQS?related retinal toxicity was not seen in any of the 109 cases. Ocular manifestation was the initial presentation of SLE in one case. Visual outcome was poor in three cases. Conclusion: Presence of posterior segment findings in cases with SLE may suggest a severe systemic disease. Early detection and aggressive treatment result in better visual outcomes. Ophthalmologists could play a vital role in guiding systemic therapy.
ABSTRACT
Background: Cataract and corneal blindness continue to be leading causes of reversible blindness in India. These can co-exist in a multitude of pathologies such as trauma, healed keratitis (old herpetic scar), chronic degenerative changes such as labrador keratopathy, bullous keratopathy, corneal dystrophies etc. Phacoemulsification in such eyes is rewarding to the patient in terms of minimal intervention, less risk of complications owing to reduced open sky time (as in case of combined keratoplasty), and better predictable visual outcomes. Approach to such eyes with poor visualisation is highly challenging. Purpose: We illustrate a modified surgical technique of chandelier illumination through pars plana for cataract surgery in eyes with corneal opacity of varying grades. Synopsis: Five patients with dense cataract and small pupils, associated with corneal opacity (leucomatous and macular grade) are described. Closed chamber phacoemulsification with intraocular lens with or without pupil expanders was performed assisted by 23 or 25 gauge pars plana chandelier illumination introduced in the vitreous cavity through a sclerotomy wound made prior to phacoemulsification in the inferotemporal quadrant. Highlights: Chandelier illumination aids in reducing the light scatter that occurs due to corneal opacity. Ease of visualisation of lens structures and of performing cataract surgery was noticed. One case was combined with penetrating keratoplasty with reduced open sky time. This assisted technique has advantages such as enhancing visualisation intraoperatively and allowing working in closed chamber. Its self-retaining nature aids bimanual manipulation. No complications were encountered. The video highlights the utility, advantages and practicality of chandelier retroillumination in patients with corneal opacities of varying degree undergoing phacoemulsification.