Clinical profile and corneal complications of staphylococcal blepharitis at the Philippine General Hospital

Objectives@#Staphylococcal blepharitis is a common ocular condition that can cause significant visual morbidities due to corneal complications. This study described the clinical profile of patients with staphylococcal blepharitis seen in a tertiary referral eye center, and determined the frequency and the type of corneal complications, the possible reasons for the delay in diagnosis, and the management prior to the consult.@*Methods@#This study was a single-center, five-year retrospective case series design. The charts of all patients from January 2016 to December 2021 with the diagnosis of staphylococcal blepharitis seen at the External Disease and Cornea Clinic of the Philippine General Hospital that have fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. The data extracted were age, sex, chief complaint, laterality, time of onset of symptoms to consult, previous consults, lid and lid margin findings, conjunctival and corneal findings, pre- and post-treatment uncorrected distance visual acuity, duration of follow-up, and treatments received.@*Results@#Fifty-five (55) charts out of 107 charts with a diagnosis of staphylococcal blepharitis were included. Eighty percent (80%) or 44 patients had bilateral disease. Ninety-nine (99) eyes of 55 patients were analyzed. The median age of the study population was 19 years. Sixty-seven percent (67%) were female, and 33% were male. The mean duration of follow-up at the External Disease and Cornea Clinic was 10.8 ± 14.61 months. Corneal opacity, eye redness, and blurring of vision comprised 70% of the reasons for consult. The mean time from the onset of symptoms to consult was 18.36 ± 25.69 months. Sixty-seven percent (67%) had prior consults elsewhere and 45% came in with a different diagnosis. Seventy-eight (78) eyes had fibrin or crust on the lashes. Fifty percent (50%) of the eyes had concomitant conjunctivitis, while 30% had meibomitis. Fifty-eight percent (58%) of patients had corneal complications. Seventy-two percent (72%) of eyes had bilateral involvement. The median age of patients with corneal complications subgroup was 13 years. The most common corneal complications noted were neovascularization, phlyctenulosis, pannus formation, and marginal infiltrates or ulcers. Twenty-two percent (22%) of all study eyes had visually disabling corneal complications like corneal ulcer, descemetocele, corneal perforation, and corneal scar. Ninety percent (90%) of the patients received standard medical treatment and three patients underwent penetrating keratoplasty. The mean uncorrected distance visual acuity at initial consult of eyes with corneal complication was 20/55 (LogMAR 0.43 ± 0.51) and 20/35 (LogMAR 0.25 ± 0.40) after treatment (p = 0.032).@*Conclusion@#Staphylococcal blepharitis was most prevalent among young female patients, and it affected both eyes. Almost all patients manifested the typical lid margin lesions. Nearly 60% of the patients presented with corneal complications and 22% had corneal lesions that were potentially blinding. Close to 50% had delay in treatment due to misdiagnosis.

Puntoplastia en dos cortes modificada en estenosis de puntos y canalículos lagrimales inferiores / Modified two-snip punctoplasty for stenosis of inferior lacrimal points and canaliculi

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar los resultados alcanzados con la utilización de la puntoplastia en dos cortes modificada en el manejo de los pacientes con estenosis de los puntos y canalículos lagrimales inferiores. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de una serie de casos, en el Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico "Comandante Manuel Fajardo", desde enero del año 2016 a diciembre de 2018. La muestra quedó conformada por 22 pacientes (38 ojos), sometidos a la técnica quirúrgica, y fue caracterizada de acuerdo con la edad, el sexo, el color de la piel, la bilateralidad, la localización anatómica de la obstrucción, los antecedentes patológicos personales, las complicaciones y la evaluación funcional final. Resultados: De un total de 22 pacientes, 17 estuvieron entre las edades de 60 y 79 años, el 72,7 por ciento del sexo femenino y el 86,4 por ciento con piel de color blanco. La blefaritis fue el principal antecedente oftalmológico encontrado (18,2 por ciento), la obstrucción fue bilateral en el 72,7 por ciento de los casos, y fundamentalmente a nivel del punto lagrimal (16 casos). El 86,8 por ciento no mostró complicaciones posoperatorias; 3 casos presentaron extrusión del tutor de silicona, los cuales estuvieron en relación con el fallo en el resultado final. En el 92,1 por ciento se constató el éxito de la cirugía. Conclusiones: La estenosis de la vía lagrimal se produce principalmente en mujeres, de raza blanca, mayores de 60 años y sin antecedentes patológicos referidos. La afectación es más frecuente a nivel del punto lagrimal. Con la técnica quirúrgica se logra un resultado excelente y con complicaciones mínimas(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective: Determine the results achieved by modified two-snip punctoplasty in the management of patients with stenosis of inferior lacrimal points and canaliculi. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted of a case series at Comandante Manuel Fajardo Clinical Surgical University Hospital from January 2016 to December 2018. The sample was 22 patients (38 eyes) undergoing the surgical technique. The variables studied were age, sex, skin color, bilaterality, anatomical location of the obstruction, personal pathological antecedents, complications and final functional evaluation. Results: Of the total 22 patients, 17 were in the 60-79 years age group, 72.7 percent were female and 86.4 percent were white. Blepharitis was the main ophthalmological antecedent (18.2 percent). Obstruction was bilateral in 72.7 percent of the cases, fundamentally at the lacrimal punctum (16 cases). 86.8 percent did not have any postoperative complication, whereas 3 presented extrusion of the silicone tutor. These were related to failure in the final result. Surgery was successful in 92.1 percent of the cases. Conclusions: Lacrimal duct stenosis prevails in white skin women aged over 60 years without reported pathological antecedents. The disorder is more common at the lacrimal punctum. The surgical technique used achieves excellent results with minimum complications(AU)

Association between Dry Eye Questionnaires and Dry Eye Sign in Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

PURPOSE: The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and the Standardized Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) which are standard questionnaires of dry eye syndrome were used to determine the associations between clinical dry eye tests and meibomian gland dysfunctions (MGD).METHODS: Forty-one patients with MGD were enrolled in this study. The score of the dry eye syndrome questionnaire and the degree of blepharitis (score: 0–4), Schirmer test results, degree of fluorescence staining of cornea (Oxford Grading System), tear break-up time (TBUT), Pentacam imaging, and anterior segment optical coherence tomography results were used to compare and analyze the results of each test for possible correlations with the dry eye questionnaire answers.RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between OSDI and SPEED (R = 0.278, p = 0.011). SPEED was correlated with the Oxford grade (R = 0.478, p < 0.001) and MGD grade (R = 0.280, p = 0.011) while there was no significant correlation with corneal aberrations, tear meniscus height, tear meniscus area, Schirmer test results, or TBUT. The OSDI correlated with the MGD grade (R = 0.651, p < 0.001), TBUT (R = −0.360, p = 0.001), and age (R = −0.230, p = 0.037). Using multiple regression analyses, the MGD grade affected the OSDI (β = 0.580, p < 0.001) and the Oxford grade significantly influenced the SPEED (β = 0.447, p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS: In Koreans, the OSDI questionnaire answers were associated with the MGD grade and SPEED questionnaire answers were associated with the corneal surface status. The OSDI questionnaire was therefore clinically useful in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction.

Blefarite: epidemiologia, etiologia, apresentações clínicas, tratamento e evolução de nossos pacientes / Blepharitis: epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentations, treatment and evolution of our patients

Resumo Objetivo: A blefarite é uma das condições mais comumente encontradas na prática oftalmológica e se constitui em uma causa frequente de irritação e desconforto ocular. Por ser uma doença de difícil tratamento, os autores buscaram compreender melhor a epidemiologia, etiologia, apresentações clínicas, tratamento e evolução de seus pacientes, visando maior sucesso terapêutico. Métodos: Foram avaliados retrospectivamente e transversalmente o prontuário de 124 pacientes do Centro de Oftalmologia Tadeu Cvintal, os quais apresentavam blefarite e foram submetidos à classificação de gravidade e coleta de secreções palpebrais para cultura bacteriana e antibiograma. Resultados: A media da idade dos pacientes foi de 67,4 anos, o sexo feminino foi responsável por 70 (56,4%) casos e o masculino por 54 (43,5%). Quanto à gravidade da doença, constatou-se 71 casos de blefarite leve (56,8%), 52 (41,6%) com intensidade moderada e 2 (1,6%) casos graves. Avaliando o seguimento do tratamento da doença, foi observado que 103 (82,4%) pacientes não retornaram para avaliar o resultado do tratamento e apenas 22 (17,6%) retornaram. Em relação às culturas realizadas, 82 (66,1%) não apresentaram crescimento microbiano. Dentre as 42 (33,8%) amostras positivas, os Staphylococcus coagulase negativo foram os mais prevalentes, sobretudo os Staphylococcus epidermidis, responsável por 35 (83,3%) delas. Quanto à sensibilidade aos antibióticos, os agentes de nossa amostra demonstraram maior resistência à Penicilina, Eritromicina e Ciprofloxacino e 100% de sensibilidade à Linezolida, Vancomicina e Daptomicina. Conclusão: Conhecendo melhor as características epidemiológicas da blefarite e a sensibilidade antimicrobiana das bactérias envolvidas, é possível oferecer tratamentos mais eficazes.

Abstract Objective: Blepharitis is one of the most commonly encountered conditions in ophthalmic practice and is a frequent cause of eye irritation and discomfort. Being a difficult to treat disease, the authors sought to better understand the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentations, treatment and evolution of their patients, aiming at greater therapeutic success. Methods: The medical records of 124 patients of Centro de Oftalmologia Tadeu Cvintal who had blepharitis were retrospectively and cross-sectionally evaluated and underwent severity classification and collection of eyelid secretions for bacterial culture and antibiogram. Results: The mean age of the patients was 67.4 years, females accounted for 70 (56.4%) cases and males for 54 (43.5%). Regarding the severity of the disease, there were 71 cases of mild blepharitis (56.8%), 52 (41.6%) with moderate intensity and 2 (1.6%) severe cases. Evaluating the follow-up of treatment of the disease, it was observed that 103 (82.4%) patients did not return to evaluate the treatment outcome and only 22 (17.6%) returned. In respect of the cultures performed, 82 (66.1%) did not show microbial growth. Among the 42 (33.8%) positive samples, coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most prevalent, especially Staphylococcus epidermidis, responsible for 35 (83.3%) of them. As for antibiotic sensitivity, the agents in our sample showed greater resistance to Penicillin, Erythromycin and Ciprofloxacin and 100% sensitivity to Linezolid, Vancomycin and Daptomycin. Conclusion: By better understanding the epidemiological characteristics of blepharitis and the antimicrobial sensitivity of the bacteria involved, it is possible to offer more effective treatments.

Is it always blepharitis? Urbach-Wiethe syndrome (lipoid proteinosis) / É sempre blefarite? Síndrome de Urbach-Wiethe (proteinose lipóide)

ABSTRACT A 12-year-old girl presented with recurrent crusty debris and dandruff at the base of both eyelashes despite having completed different medical treatments. She had had a hoarse voice since her early childhood. Upon anterior segment examination of the eyes, we found yellow-white, bead-like papules on the margins of the eyelids. An otolaryngologist detected multiple nodules on the vocal cords and buccal mucosa. Ultrasonography revealed salivary stones in the main parotid ducts. And a dermatological examination revealed thickened skin lesions on the elbows and knees with a biopsy showing histopathological findings of lipoid proteinosis. We diagnosed the patients as having Urbach-Wiethe syndrome or lipoid proteinosis, a rare autosomal recessive multisystem disorder with variable manifestations vary that difficult the diagnosis. The ocular manifestations are not well known among ophthalmologists, but the typical lid lesions are pathognomonic and ophthalmologists should be aware of this presentation to identify patients with Urbach-Wiethe syndrome.

RESUMO Uma menina de 12 anos apresentava restos crostosos e caspa recorrente na base de ambos os cílios, apesar de ter completado diferentes tratamentos médicos. Ela tinha uma voz rouca desde a infância. No exame do segmento anterior dos olhos, encontramos pápulas amarelo-esbranquiçadas nas margens das pálpebras. Um otorrinolaringologista detectou múltiplos nódulos nas cordas vocais e na mucosa bucal. A ultrassonografia revelou cálculos salivares nos principais ductos parotídeos. Um exame dermatológico revelou lesões cutâneas espessas nos cotovelos e joelhos com uma biópsia mostrando os achados histopatológicos de proteinose lipoide. Diagnosticamos os pacientes da síndrome de Urbach-Wiethe ou proteinose lipoide, um distúrbio multissistêmico autossômico recessivo raro, com manifestações variáveis, que dificultam o diagnóstico. Manifestações oculares não são bem conhecidas entre oftalmologistas, mas as lesões típicas da pálpebra são patognomônicas e os oftalmologistas devem estar atentos a essa apresentação para identificar pacientes com síndrome de Urbach-Wiethe.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Tear Lipid Layer Analysis after Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE: We report the clinical manifestations of dry eye syndrome after cataract surgery involving meibomian gland structure, meibomian gland function, and tear lipid layer analysis. METHODS: The clinical manifestations of dry eye syndrome were retrospectively evaluated in 34 eyes of 31 patients who underwent cataract surgery from September to November 2017. The ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear break-up time (tBUT), Oxford stain score, presence or absence of blepharitis, and meibomian gland expression were measured preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months postoperatively. Lipid layer thickness (LLT), partial blinks, and meibomian gland images were measured using LipiView® (TearScience, Morrisville, NC, USA), an interferometric eye surface measuring device. RESULTS: The postoperative OSDI was significantly higher than preoperative OSDI (17.09 ± 1.81): 22.76 ± 1.99 at 1 week, 23.12 ± 1.91 at 1 month, and 22.68 ± 1.92 at 2 months (p < 0.05). The postoperative tBUT was significantly lower than preoperative tBUT (5.07 ± 0.39): 3.99 ± 0.31 at 1 week, 3.49 ± 0.27 at 1 month, and 4.72 ± 0.39 at 2 months (p < 0.05). The Oxford staining score increased after surgery, but the difference was not statistically significant. Postoperative meibomian gland expression was significantly lower preoperative values (4.9 ± 2.8): 4.4 ± 2.8 at 1 month, and 3.9 ± 2.8 at 2 months (p < 0.05). The LLT decreased at 1 month postoperatively and increased at 2 months postoperatively, but these differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Cataract surgery resulted in a short-term meibomian gland dysfunction, leading to deterioration of dry eye after cataract surgery. However, we could not confirm structural changes in the meibomian gland, so it will be necessary to observe the clinical features of dry eye syndrome over a longer period of time.

Corneal Ulcer Caused by Corynebacterium macginleyi

PURPOSE: To report a case of a Corynebacterium macginleyi-infected corneal ulcer of a patient who had been treated for conjunctivitis for more than 3 months. CASE SUMMARY: A 72-year-old female was transferred from a private ophthalmic clinic for evaluation of herpetic keratitis with progressive corneal edema and infiltration in the left eye. She had a history of conjunctival hyperemia and eyeball pain in her left eye 3 months prior to her visit. She was treated with levofloxacin eye drops and acyclovir ointment (Herpesid®, Samil, Co., Ltd. Seoul, Korea). On slit lamp examination, 5.4 × 4.0 mm corneal epithelial defects and stromal infiltrations were observed in the upper to central cornea, and endothelial keratic precipitates were found. Gram positive bacteria were detected on Gram staining and Corynebacterium macginleyi was identified on bacterial cultures from the conjunctiva and cornea. She was treated with topical vancomycin eye drops. After 3 months of treatment, the corneal ulcer was completely resolved, leaving mild superficial opacity on the cornea. CONCLUSIONS: While Corynebacterium macginleyi, normal flora of the conjunctiva, is considered a major causative agent for conjunctivitis and blepharitis, Corynebacterium macginleyi should also be considered a possible cause of slowly progressive keratitis in patients with chronic conjunctivitis.

Fine dust and eye health

This paper aims to make recommendations for the management of eye health related to fine dust exposure. Fine dust is one of the biggest problems related to air pollution in Korea and is becoming a social issue. Fine dust can be classified into fine dust, ultrafine dust, and nanoparticles according to the size of the constituent particles. Although studies evaluating the harmful effects of particulate matter (PM) have been conducted mainly on cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, the ocular surface is a tissue that is continuously exposed to the atmosphere. Eye symptoms caused by PM exposure include eye redness, irritation, and sensation of a foreign body. Typical eye diseases caused by PM exposure include conjunctivitis, dry eye disease, and blepharitis. PM is thought to induce and exacerbate ocular surface diseases and lead to damage through oxidative stress, toxicity, and immune and inflammatory reactions on the ocular surface. For eye health management related to PM exposure, it is necessary to reduce the chance of exposure to PM in advance according to the PM forecast, avoid additional repeated exposure after PM exposure, and remove PM through eye washing and eyelid cleaning. In addition, eye drops, such as artificial tears, diquafosol, and cyclosporin A, can be used to prevent and treat ocular surface disease and deterioration of the damage. In patients who already have ocular surface disease, the harmful effects of PM exposure may be greater and more attention should be paid to eye health management.

Ácaros del género Demodex: ¿parásitos colonizadores de personas sanas o asociados a patología ocular? / Demodex genus: colonizing parasites of healthy people or mites associated with ocular pathology?

Las especies Demodex folliculorum y Demodexbrevis, responsables de la demodicosis humana, afectan la piel y en ocasiones están vinculadas con afecciones oculares. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer si existe asociación significativa entre la presencia del ácaro y de patologías palpebrales, y el papel de factores como la edad y el sexo de los pacientes. Se analizaron las pestanas de un conjunto de pacientes sintomáticos y asintomáticos (n = 72) de entre 9 y 82 años. El 53% de los pacientes fueron positivos para la presencia del ácaro Demodex. De ellos, el 66% manifestó síntomas o patologías oculares, dentro de las cuales la blefaritis y el ojo seco resultaron prevalentes. Se observaron asociaciones significativas tanto entre la presencia de este ácaro y una edad mayor de 60 años (p < 0,001), como entre la presencia del ácaro y ojo seco o blefaritis o ambos (p <0,001). Consideramos necesaria la búsqueda de Demodex sp. en pacientes con síndrome de ojo seco o blefaritis, especialmente durante la inmunosenescencia, a fin de instaurar tratamientos antiparasitarios específicos.

Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis are mites that are responsible for human demodicosis affecting skin and frequently linked to ocular diseasess. The aim of this work was to determine the association between Demodex sp. and eyelid and eyelash diseases and to establish the predisposing factors for acquiring this parasitic disease. Eyelashes from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (n = 72) between 9 and 82 years old were analyzed, where 53% were positive for Demodex sp., of which 66% manifested ocular symptoms and pathologies, blepharitis and dry eye being prevalent. Significant correlations between Demodex and patients over 60 years of age (p <0.001) and between Demodex sp. and dry eye patients / blepharitis (p <0.001) were observed. We consider that it is necessary to search for Demodex sp. especially in those patients suffering from dry eye and blepharitis and/or during immunosenescence in order to implement specific antiparasitic treatments.

Prevalence and associated factors of external punctal stenosis among elderly patients in Turkey / Prevalência e fatores associados à estenose externa do ponto lacrimal em pacientes idosos na Turquia

ABSTRACT Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of external punctal stenosis (EPS) in the elderly population and investigate associated factors. Methods: A total of 278 patients ≥65 years of age were evaluated for evidence of EPS from January to July 2016. Associated systemic, ocular, demographic, and lifestyle factors were investigated. Multiple logistic regression analyses were applied to evaluate the factors related to having EPS. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of EPS in this study population was 63.3%, with a mean age of 70.67 ± 7.85 (65-92 years). The ocular factor that was most commonly related to EPS was chronic blepharitis (48.9%). EPS was also associated with taking glaucoma medications (95% CI, 0.08-0.96, p=0.043), smoking history (95% CI, 0.13-0.84, p=0.021), ectropion (95% CI, 0.004-0.26, p=0.001), complaints of tearing (95% CI, 1.11-3.52, p=0.02), and outdoor occupational activity (95% CI, 3.42-9.97, p<0.05). Conclusions: EPS is more common in elderly patients than in the general population. Outdoor occupational activity, taking antiglaucomatous medications, ectropion, and smoking are significantly associated with EPS. In addition, surgical treatment decisions should be made after complete evaluation and interviewing the patients.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência de estenose externa do ponto lacrimal (EEPL) na população idosa e investigar os fatores associados. Métodos: Foram avaliados 278 pacientes ≥65 anos com estenose externa do ponto lacrimal de janeiro a julho de 2016. Todos os fatores sistêmicos, oculares, demográficos e de estilo de vida associados foram investigados. Foram utilizadas análises de regressão logística múltipla para avaliar os fatores relacionados a estenose externa do ponto lacrimal, valores de p<0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados: A prevalência de estenose externa do ponto lacrimal foi de 63,3%, com idade média de 70,67 ± 7,85 (65-92 anos). O fator ocular mais relacionado com estenose externa do ponto lacrimal foi blefarite crônica. (IC de 95%, 0,08-0,96, p=0,043), história de tabagismo (IC 95%, 0,13-0,84, p=0,021), ectrópio (IC 95%, 0,004-0,26, p=0,001), queixa de lacrimejamento (95% IC, 1,11-3,52, p=0,02) e atividade ocupacional ao ar livre (IC 95%, 3,42-9,97, p<0,05). Conclusão: A estenose externa do ponto lacrimal é um distúrbio mais comum em pacientes idosos do que na população em geral. Atividade ocupacional ao ar livre, medicação antiglaucomatosa, ectrópio e tabagismo foram significativamente associados com estenose externa do ponto lacrimal. A decisão sobre tratamento cirúrgico deve ser dada após a avaliação completas dos fatores associados em cada paciente.

Síndrome de Sjögren asociado a neuritis periférica, pupila tónica de Adie y fenómeno de Raynaud / Sjögren syndrome associated with peripheral neuropathy, Adie tonic pupil and Raynaud phenomenon

Objetivo: Describir el caso clínico de una paciente con Síndrome de Sjögren asociado a Neuritis periférica, pupila tónica de Adie y fenómeno de Raynaud. Diseño del estudio: Reporte de caso. Metodología: Reportamos el caso clínico de una paciente con Síndrome de Sjögren y sus asociaciones poco frecuente, que consulto a la clínica Instituto Oftalmológico Fernández Vega, Oviedo ­ España. Se realizó una revisión exhaustiva de la historia clínica, del paciente y sus paraclínicos. Resultados: Paciente femenino con antecedentes de Síndrome de Sjögren acude por presentar cervicalgia y neuralgias, además de sensación de ojo seco y disconfort ocular de predominio en OI. En el examen se evidenció agudeza visual mejor corregida (AVMC) 20/20, fenómeno de Raynaud, pupila tónica de Adie en OI (Test de pilocarpina positiva), Test de Schirmer 6 mm en ambos ojos (AO), estesiometría y Lancaster normal AO. Se manejó con corticoides e inmunomoduladores tópicos sin mejoría. La analítica sanguínea para estudios de causas infecciosas e inmunologicas resultópositiva para ANA. Se diagnosticó síndrome de Sjögren asociado a neuropatía periférica. Se inicia tratamiento a metotrexato sistémico con mejoría notoria de síntomas. Test de Schirmer control 16 mm OD y 20 mm OI. Conclusión: Las neuropatías periféricas son posibles manifestaciones del síndrome de Sjögren primario, y se podrían presentar con más frecuencia cuando se asocian a los anticuerpos y fenómeno de Raynaud. Por su parte las neuropatías periféricas podrían ser la primera manifestación en el síndrome de Sjögren en alrededor del 50% de los pacientes.

Objective: To report the clinical case of a female patient with Sjögren syndrome associated with peripheral neuropathy, Adie tonic pupil and Raynaud phenomenon. Study design: Case report. Methods: We performed a descriptive case report with detailed review of the medical record of a female patient with Sjögren syndrome and its associations. The patient was treated at Fernandez Vega Eye Institute, Oviedo-Spain. Her medical records was reviewed and analyzed. Ancillary tests were taken. Results: Female patient with a previous history of Sjögren's syndrome complained about neck pain, neuralgia, dry eye and ocular discomfort predominantly in OS. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20. Raynaud's phenomenon was positive. Slit lamp examination: Adie tonic pupil in OS. Schirmer Test 6 mm OU. We started corticosteroids and topical immunomodulators without improvement. Blood tests for infectious and immunological studies (ANA) were positive. After these results Sjögren syndrome associated with peripheral neuropathy was diagnosed and started methotrexate systemic treatment with improvement. Conclusion: Peripheral neuropathies are manifestations of primary Sjögren's syndrome. These manifestations can be present more often when are associated with antibodies (ANA) and Raynaud's phenomenon. On the other hand peripheral neuropathies may be the first manifestation in Sjögren's syndrome in about 50% of patients.

The Relationship between Subjective Ocular Discomfort and Blepharitis Severity in Dry Eye Patients

PURPOSE: Although a number of clinical parameters are well known to affect dry eye (DE) disease, it is unknown which factor mostly affects the discomfort of DE. Blepharitis is recognized as one of the leading causes of evaporative-type DE disease, but there have been no large-scale study to investigate the effect of blepharitis on DE symptoms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors influencing subjective ocular discomfort in DE patients with blepharitis and to determine which parameter is most highly related to severity of blepharitis. METHODS: This investigation was a cross-sectional, clinical study. The test population consisted of DE patients suffering from moderate blepharitis. Seventy-three subjects aged 22 to 81 years (mean age 56.36) were enrolled, 49 of whom completed the investigation on a total of 49 eyes. A detailed assessment was conducted, including history taking, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scoring, ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, blepharitis severity grading (score 0-4), conjunctival, corneal fluorescein staining (score 0-4), and tear break up time (TBUT) assessment. RESULTS: The results revealed significant correlations between subjective symptoms and blepharitis severity. Significant increases in overall VAS score, OSDI score (p = 0.031, p = 0.006) were recorded in DE patients with severe blepharitis. Conjunctival erosion was significantly related to VAS score (p = 0.016). Other parameters were not significantly related with VAS and OSDI scores. Additionally, conjunctival erosion was related with blepharitis severity (p < 0.0001), and corneal erosion was not correlated with blepharitis severity. TBUT also did not show any statistical correlation with blepharitis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that blepharitis severity is the main factor influencing subjective pain and discomfort in DE patients, although blepharitis severity was not related with the known clinical parameters of DE such as corneal erosion and TBUT. This study indicates that targeting treatment for blepharitis can significantly improve quality of life for patients suffering from DE disease.

Syndrome in question

Abstract: Morbihan Syndrome is a rare entity with unknown etiology. It is clinically characterized by chronic erythematous edema on the face - especially in the middle and upper third of the face - and creates abnormal facial contours that are initially intermitent but become permanent with the development of the syndrome. The histopathology is nonspecific and its therapy is a major challenge due to poor response to the various treatment options. We present the case of a male patient with a five-month-history of disease.

Demodex spp en pacientes con blefaritis crónica / Demodex spp in chronic blepharitis patients

Background: Blepharitis is a very common disease in the ophthalmologic practice generally taking a chronic course with intermittent exacerbations. Several studies have linked the presence of Demodex folliculorum with chronic blepharitis, since the mite has the capacity to perpetuate the follicular inflammatory process. The prevalence of infection by Demodex spp. is variable depending on the population. In Paraguay, information on the frequency of the infestation in patients with chronic blepharitis is not available. Aim : To determine the frequency of Demodex spp, and the ocular microbiota in patients with chronic blepharitis attending the Department of Ophthalmology at the Teaching Hospital of the National University of Asuncion. Patients and Methods: Consecutively, 28 patients with chronic blepharitis, who agreed to participate in the study, were included. Eyes lashes from the upper and lower eyelids were extracted for immediate mite search by direct observation under a light microscope. Samples from eyelids were taken with Kimura spatula and then cultured on blood agar and in enrichment media and incubated in 5% CO2 at 35° C for 72 hours. Results: Among participants, females were more frequent (64%), the age ranged from 17 to 87 years (mean: 38.0; SD: ±13.5 years). The prevalence of Demodex sp was 54%. Bacteria were isolated 92.9% of cases, most frequently coagulase-negative staphylococci (75%). No association was found between socio-demographic or clinical characteristics and the presence of Demodex sp. Conclusion: The observed high prevalence of infestation by Demodex spp in patients with chronic blepharitis is consistent with other studies.

Introducción: La blefaritis es una enfermedad muy común en la práctica oftalmológica, generalmente de curso crónico con exacerbaciones intermitentes. Varios estudios han relacionado la presencia del Demodex folliculorum con la blefaritis crónica, por su capacidad potencial de perpetuar el proceso inflamatorio a nivel folicular. La frecuencia de D. folliculorum varía de acuerdo a la población. Objetivo: Determinar la presencia de Demodex spp y, caracterizar la microbiota ocular en pacientes con blefaritis crónica y dar a conocer estos resultados. Pacientes y Métodos: Las muestras fueron obtenidas de pacientes que consultaron en la Cátedra de Oftalmología del Hospital de Clínicas de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción (UNA). Fueron incluidos en forma consecutiva 28 pacientes con blefaritis crónica que accedieron a participar en forma voluntaria en el estudio. Se extrajeron las pestañas del párpado superior e inferior de los pacientes para la búsqueda inmediata del ácaro por observación directa bajo el microscopio óptico. Para el cultivo de microorganismos se tomaron muestras del párpado con espátula de Kimura, las que fueron cultivadas en agar sangre y en medios de enriquecimiento e incubadas en CO2 al 5% a 35°C durante 72 h. Resultados: El sexo femenino fue más frecuente (64%), el rango de edad estuvo entre 17 y 87 años con una media de 37,9 ± 13,5. Se observó la presencia de Demodex sp en 54% y aislamiento de bacterias en 92,9%; Staphylococcus coagulasa negativa fue el más frecuente (75%). No se encontraron asociaciones entre las características socio-demográficas o clínicas y la presencia de Demodex sp. Conclusión: La alta infestación por Demodex spp observada en los pacientes con blefaritis crónica coincide con otros estudios.

Conceptos actuales en la disfunción de las glándulas de meibomio / Current concepts about the meibomian gland dysfunction

Los científicos han estado interesados en el estudio de las secreciones de las glándulas de Meibomio desde hace muchos años. Enfermedades asociadas, como los cánceres y la blefaritis posterior, se han observado en la literatura médica, desde la primera parte del siglo XX. Sin embargo, el término "disfunción de las glándulas de Meibomio" fue introducida por Korb y Henríquez en 1980. No existía una definición establecida publicada en la literatura hasta que más de 50 expertos internacionales participaron en un taller, que tuvo lugar durante un período de dos años, donde se llegó a definir como una anormalidad crónica y difusa de estas glándulas, comúnmente caracterizada por la obstrucción del conducto terminal y cambios cualitativos/cuantitativos en la secreción de esta. Esto puede resultar en la alteración de la película lagrimal, síntomas de irritación ocular, inflamación clínicamente aparente y enfermedad de la superficie ocular. Es en el mismo Taller Internacional, donde se decide clasificar de acuerdo con los cambios anatómicos, fisiopatológicos, o la gravedad de la enfermedad, donde la forma obstructiva fue la más generalizada. Constituye una afección frecuente con disminución de la calidad de vida y perjuicios potencialmente graves para el bienestar humano.

Scientists have been interested in the study of secretions from meibomian glands for many years. Related illnesses as cancer and posterior blepharitis have been found in the medical literature since the first half of the 20th century. However, the term «meibomian gland dysfunction¼ was introduced by Korb and Henríquez in 1980. There was not a set definition published in the literature until over 50 international experts participated in a workshop held for 2 years. It was there where this disorder was finally defined as a chronic diffuse anomaly occurred in these glands, which is generally characterized by obstructed terminal duct and qualitative/quantitative changes in the gland secretion. This may cause altered lachrymal film, ocular irritation symptoms, clinically apparent inflammation and ocular surface disease. In the same international workshop, it was decided to classify meibomian gland dysfunction according to the anatomical, physiopathological changes or to the severity of the disease, being the obstructive type the most generalized form. This is a frequent illness that reduces the quality of life and causes potentially serious damages for the human wellbeing.

Carcinoma de glándulas sebáceas palpebrales / Carcinoma of palpebral sebaceous glands

El carcinoma de glándulas sebáceas es un tumor altamente maligno y potencialmente letal. Puede enmascarar enfermedades inflamatorias como blefaritis, blefaroconjuntivitis, meibomitis, tarsitis y chalazión recurrente. Por eso, ante la presencia de una lesión palpebral de presentación atípica o recidivante se impone una exéresis completa con margen oncológico para su estudio anatomopatológico. Esta afección cursa con un diagnóstico clínico difícil, y en ocasiones inadvertido, por lo que se realizó una revisión bibliográfica para profundizar en sus diferentes formas de presentación, pronóstico y tratamiento.

The sebaceous gland carcinoma is a highly malignant tumor and potentially lethal; it may masquerade inflammatory diseases such as blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, meibomitis, tarsitis and recurrent chalazion. Hence, the presence of palpebral injury of recurrent or atypical presentation imposes a complete resection with oncological margin for pathological examination. This condition presents with difficult clinical diagnosis and sometimes unnoticed, so we conducted a literature review to delve into its various forms of presentation, prognosis and treatment.

Frecuencia, características epidemiológicas y clínicas de la rosácea ocular / Frequency, clinical and epidemiological characteristics of ocular rosacea

Objetivo. Describir la frecuencia, características epidemiológicas y clínicas de la rosácea ocular (RO) en el servicio de Oftalmología del Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza, en el período 2005-2012. Material y métodos. estudio transversal. Se revisó 112 historias clínicas de pacientes con diagnóstico de RO y se obtuvo datos demográficos, sintomatología ocular, signos oculares a la evaluación por el especialista, agudeza visual (AV), resultados de exámenes auxiliares, resultado de evaluación dermatológica, antecedentes y tratamiento indicado para la patología ocular. Resultados. La frecuencia de RO fue de 5,3 diagnosticados por cada 1 000 pacientes atendidos, el sexo femenino fue el más comprometido (83%). El promedio de edad fue 43,98 años (rango: 12-84 años). Sesenta pacientes fueron sintomáticos, presentaron con mayor frecuencia sequedad/prurito (39%) y disminución de agudeza visual (34%). Los signos más frecuentes fueron blefaritis (83%), chalación (24%), congestión conjuntival (67%), queratitis (87%) y úlcera corneal (15%). En total, 84 casos (75%) presentaron signos conjuntivales, 83 pacientes (74%) presentaron algún signo palpebral y 40 (35,7%) presentaron lesiones corneales. Conclusión. La frecuencia de diagnóstico de RO fue baja. El compromiso ocular fue frecuente en la rosácea cutánea, sin embargo, no hubo asociación entre la gravedad de los compromisos dérmico y ocular.

objective: To describe the frequency, epidemiological and clinical characteristics of ocular roseacea (OR) in the service of Ophthalmology Archbishop Loayza National Hospital in the period 2005-2012. Material and methods. Cross-sectional study. One hundred ad twelve patients records were reviewed diagnosed with OR and demographic data, ocular symptoms, ocular evaluation by the specialist signs, visual acuity (VA), results of laboratory findings resulting from dermatological evaluation, history and treatment was obtained suitable for ocular pathology. Results. OR frequency was 5.3 diagnsed per 1 000 patients treated, female gender was the most affected (83%). The average age was 43,98 years (range: 12-84 years). Sixty patients were symptomatic, most often present dryness/ itchning (39%) and decreased visual acuity (34%). The most common signs were blepharitis (83%), chalazion (24%), conjunctival injection (67%), keratitis (87%) and corneal (15%) ulcer. In total, 84 cases (75%) had conjuctival fidings, 83 patients (74%) showed some sign palpebral and 40 (35,7%) had corneal lesions. conclusion. The OR diagnostic frequency was low. Ocular involvement was frequent in cutaneous rosacea, however, no association between the severity of ocular and dermal commitments.

Clinical Efficacy of Polyhexamethylene Biguanide Lid Scrub on Demodex Blepharitis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the treatment efficacy of polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) lid scrub on Demodex blepharitis. METHODS: Thirty-one patients diagnosed with Demodex blepharitis were evaluated every 2 weeks during 8 weeks of lid scrub treatment with 0.4% PHMB. Patients underwent epilation of 4 eyelashes in each eye, and the number of Demodex lesions was counted. The patients answered questionnaires regarding ocular surface discomfort and underwent ophthalmologic exams including slit lamp and tear breakup time (TBUT). Compliance was recorded as 1 of 3 stages (good, moderate, poor). RESULTS: One patient was excluded for poor compliance. After PHMB lid scrub for 8 weeks, Demodex count was reduced in 28 of 30 patients (pre-PHMB 7.9 +/- 3.6 counts, post-PHMB 2.2 +/- 2.4 counts, p < 0.01). In addition, TBUT showed a statistically significant increase after PHMB lid scrub (pre-PHMB 2.7 +/- 0.8 seconds, post-PHMB 3.4 +/- 0.9 seconds, p < 0.01). Ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score was reduced in 28 of 30 patients (pre-PHMB 22.0 +/- 10.7 points, post-PHMB 7.4 +/- 6.0 points, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Eight weeks of treatment with polyhexamethylene biguanide lid scrub on Demodex blepharitis had good treatment efficacy for reducing Demodex counts and OSDI scores and increasing TBUT.

Corneal Perforation in Phlyctenular Keratitis

PURPOSE: Corneal perforation from phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis is rarely reported worldwide and no case has been reported in Korea. We report a case of corneal perforation in a patient with phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis along with a literature review. CASE SUMMARY: A 15-year-old female presented to our clinic with repetitive tears, conjunctival injection, and discomfort in her right eye for several months. Slit-lamp examination revealed oily plugs at the meibomian gland orifices with collarettes, conjunctival injection and a round, whitish elevated lesion accompanying neovascularization of the inferotemporal side of the cornea. As an initial treatment, topical antibiotic was given but no signs of improvement were observed. Hence, topical steroid was applied on suspicion of phlyctenular keratitis and the patient's symptoms and corneal lesion improved. Two months later, the patient's symptoms relapsed and the lesion was found progressing towards the central cornea. The treatment was restarted and the symptoms improved but the corneal lesion continuously progressed towards the center, thinning the central cornea. Seventeen months from the time of initial diagnosis, the patient revisited prior to the scheduled appointment complaining of abrupt tears in her right eye. Slit-lamp examination revealed a corneal perforation at the center of the thinned cornea. Hence, we performed an emergent tectonic corneal patch graft. After the operation, opacity remained covering the visual axis at the central cornea, thus penetrating keratoplasty was performed 10 months later. Henceforth, the patient has remained free of symptoms and visual acuity has been recovered. CONCLUSIONS: Usually phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis responds well to treatment and does not have a significant influence on vision. However, occasionally phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis may not respond to treatment and may spread to the central cornea causing loss of visual acuity and even corneal perforation in rare occasions. Therefore, in order to prevent such complications, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential.

A Case of Corneal Opacity Improved by Treatment of Demodex Blepharitis

PURPOSE: To report a case of corneal opacity improved by treatment of demodex blepharitis. CASE SUMMARY: A 50-year-old female who received sub-laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap surgery was referred to our clinic with corneal opacity and neovascularization in her left eye. Her visual acuity was 0.5. Telangiectasis of the eyelid margin and meibomian gland dysfunction were observed. Seven Demodex folliculorum were found in 4 eyelashes of the left eye. Lid scrub with 0.4% polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) and ointment containing dexamethasone was started for demodex blepharitis treatment. After 6 months of treatment, the number of Demodex folliculorum was decreased to 2 and the best corrected visual acuity was 0.8. Corneal opacity and neovascularization were also improved. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that demodex blepharitis can induce atypical corneal opacity and neovascularization after LASIK surgery. Evaluation and treatment of demodex blepharitis in these patients is important.