A new surgical technique to treat corneal perforations using amniotic membrane and surgical adhesive / Nova técnica cirúrgica para tratamento de perfuração de córnea utilizando membrana amniótica e adesivo cirúrgico

The objectives of this study were to compare surgical techniques and the effects of using n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate and bovine amniotic membrane to repair perforated lesions in corneas. Penetrating keratoplasty was performed in sixty New Zealand White rabbits under general anesthesia. Group 1 (G1) was treated with n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate, group 2 (G2) received a fragment of amniotic membrane through the anterior chamber and application of n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate over the lesion, group 3 (G3) was treated with the same technique as G2 with the addition of an amniotic membrane bandage covering the cornea and sutured in the limbus region, and group 4 (G4) was treated with an amniotic membrane sutured to the lesion and an amniotic membrane bandage sutured in the limbus region. Clinical, histological and histomorphometric examinations of the corneas were performed. The membrane acted as a barrier for aqueous humor in G2 and G3, thereby keeping the surface dry for adhesive application; it also prevented the adhesive from contacting intraocular structures. The groups treated with amniotic membrane and surgical adhesive showed better results than the groups treated with either material alone. Thus, the combination of the membrane with the adhesive is recommended for this type of lesion...

Os objetivos deste estudo foram comparar técnicas cirúrgicas e efeitos do n-butil 2-cianoacrilato e da membrana amniótica bovina na reparação de lesões perfuradas em córneas. Sessenta coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia Branca foram submetidos à ceratoplastia penetrante sob anestesia geral. O grupo 1 (G1) foi tratado com n-butil 2-cianoacrilato; o grupo 2 (G2) recebeu um fragmento de membrana amniótica pela câmara anterior e aplicação de n-butil 2-cianoacrilato sobre a lesão; o grupo 3 (G3) foi tratado com a mesma técnica aplicada ao G2, adicionando-se uma bandagem de membrana amniótica cobrindo a córnea e suturada à região do limbo; e o grupo 4 (G4) foi tratado com membrana amniótica suturada nas bordas da lesão e bandagem de membrana amniótica suturada na região do limbo. Foram realizados exames clínico, histológico e histomorfométrico. A membrana atuou como barreira contra o extravasamento do humor aquoso nos grupos 2 e 3, manteve a superfície seca para posterior aplicação do adesivo e impediu o contato do adesivo com as estruturas intraoculares. Os grupos tratados com o adesivo associado à membrana amniótica demonstraram melhores resultados do que aqueles tratados com cada material isoladamente. Assim, a combinação da membrana com o adesivo é indicada neste tipo de lesão...

Tempo de reepitelização corneana com a instilação de colírio contendo hialuronato de sódio e carboximetilcelulose / Corneal reepithelialization time with instillation of eye drops containing sodium hyaluronate and carboxymethylcellulose

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o tempo de reepitelização corneana pós abrasão usando colírios comercialmente disponíveis, um contendo hialuronato de sódio a 0,4%, outro contendo carboximetilcelulose a 1%, e comparar com a reepitelização sem instilação de colírio. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 24 coelhos, nos quais foi feita a abrasão mecânica da córnea nos 8 mm centrais. Esses animais foram divididos em três grupos. O primeiro grupo recebeu um colírio disponível comercialmente contendo hialuronato de sódio 0,4%, o segundo recebeu um colírio contendo carboximetilcelulose 1% e o terceiro não recebeu nenhuma droga. A avaliação foi feita a cada 24 horas por meio da análise de fotografias digitais sob luz azul de cobalto e coramento das córneas com fluoresceína a 2%. O estudo das imagens foi feito pelo sistema de análise de imagens do Autocad 2009®. A análise dos dados foi feita comparando o tempo total de reepitelização da córnea e a cada 24 horas entre os três grupos. RESULTADOS: A velocidade de reepitelização do grupo que usou colírio contendo hialuronato de sódio foi em média 90 horas; o grupo que usou carboximetilcelulose apresentou média de 105 horas; e o grupo que não usou nenhum tipo de lubrificante apresentou média de 108 horas para total reepitelização. Houve uma melhor performance na reepitelização após 96 horas nas córneas dos coelhos que usaram os colírios lubrificantes, sendo essa diferença estatisticamente comprovada. CONCLUSÃO: O colírio contendo hialuronato de sódio 0,4% mostrou índice de eficácia maior que aquele contendo carboximetilcelulose 1%, e este maior eficácia que o controle. Os resultados encontrados neste estudo mostram que o uso de lubrificantes no processo de reepitelização são de extrema valia e devem ser usados de rotina na clínica oftalmológica.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the time of post-abrasion corneal re-epithelialization using commercially available eye drops, one of which containing 0.4% sodium hialuronate, and the other containing 1% carboxymethylcellulose, and compare them to the re-epithelialization without the drops. METHODS: 24 rabbits were used, which had the mechanical abrasion of the central 8 mm of their corneas done. These animals were divided in 3 groups. The first one received the drops containing 0.4% of sodium hialuronate, the second one received the drops containing 1% of carboxymethylcellulose and the third group did not receive any drugs. The evaluations took place every 24 hours through the analysis of digital pictures under cobalt blue light and coloring of the corneas with 2% fluorescein. The pictures were analyzed with the software Autocad 2009®. The data was analyzed through the comparison of the total re-epithelialization time among the three groups RESULTS: The time of total re-epithelialization of the group using sodium hialuronate was on average 90 hours and the group using carboxymethylcellulose 105 hours, while the group using no drugs was 108 hours. There was a better performance of those groups using the drops and this difference can be proved statistically. CONCLUSION: The drops containing 0.4% of sodium hialuronate showed a higher efficiency rate compared to the drops containing 1% of carboxymethylcellulose, which was higher than the control group. The results of the present study show that the use of lubricants in the process of re-epithelialization are extremely valid and must be used frequently in ophthalmologic clinic.

Corneal metallic foreign bodies among Jordanian soldiers

To review the spectrum of metallic foreign bodies among Jordanian soldiers and the efficacy of treatment. A retrospective review was conducted at Prince Rashid Bin Al-Hassan Hospital between August 2011 and March 2012. File and photographs review of 55 patients who attended the ophthalmology clinic and found to have corneal metallic foreign body were included in this study. The following data were extracted and analyzed: age, gender, past ocular history, mechanism and time of injury and whether any eye protective measures were taken for those who were exposed to trauma during work, time to receive treatment, method of corneal foreign body removal, number of foreign bodies, location, depth of foreign body in the cornea, whether the eye was patched or not after removal of corneal foreign body, associated ocular injury, presence of Bell's phenomenon, complications, and duration of absence from work. All patients were males and the age ranged between 17 and 55 years [mean 31.3 years]. Eighty- two percent of eye trauma occurred during work and all of them did not use any protective measure during their work activity. The mid third of the cornea was involved in 39% of patients followed by the paracentral zone in 27%. Corneal foreign bodies were removed by 27 gauge needle in 68% of patients. Eye patch was not used in 48% of patients after removal of foreign body. The most common associated finding was corneal rust in 63% of cases. Absence from work ranged between two to nine days. Corneal foreign bodies are potentially sight threatening that occurs mostly as a result of occupational accidents in male workers who do not comply with the use of eye protection. Educational and safety programs and patient counselling on proper eye protection are essential and must be implemented in the work places to prevent serious eye injuries and work loss.

Effects of conditioned media from human amniotic epithelial cells on corneal alkali injuries in rabbits

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of conditioned media (CM) from human amniotic epithelial cells (HAECs) on the corneal wound healing process. Eighteen rabbits (36 eyes) were used and randomly assigned to three groups according treatment: CM from HAECs (group 1), vehicle alone (group 2), and saline (group 3). Corneal alkali injuries were induced with 1 N sodium hydroxide. Each reagent used for treatment evaluation was injected into the dorsal bulbar subconjunctiva and the area of the corneal epithelial defect was measured every other day. Two animals from each group were euthanized at a time on days 3, 7, and 15, and the cornea was removed for histological examination. The sum of the epithelial defect areas measured on day 0 to day 6 as well as day 0 to day 14 in group 1 was significantly smaller than those of other groups. Histological examination revealed that the group 1 corneas had less inflammatory cell infiltration and showed more intact epithelial features compared to the other groups. These results suggest that CM from HAECs promote corneal wound healing in rabbits.

Phialemonium obovatum Keratitis after Penetration Injury of the Cornea

Phialemonium keratitis is a very rare case and we encountered a case of keratitis caused by Phialemonium obovatum (P. obovatum) after penetrating injury to the cornea. This is the first case report in the existing literature. A 54-year-old male was referred to us after a penetration injury, and prompt primary closure was performed. Two weeks after surgery, an epithelial defect and stromal melting were observed near the laceration site. P. obovatum was identified, and then identified again on repeated cultures. Subsequently, Natacin was administered every two hours. Amniotic membrane transplantation was performed due to a persistent epithelial defect and impending corneal perforation. Three weeks after amniotic membrane transplantation, the epithelial defect had completely healed, but the cornea had turned opaque. Six months after amniotic membrane transplantation, visual acuity was light perception only, and corneal thinning and diffuse corneal opacification remained opaque. Six months after amniotic membrane transplantation, visual acuity was light perception only, and corneal thinning and diffuse corneal opacification remained.

LASIK Interface-Captured Foreign Bodies after Mild Traumatic Corneal Scratch without Flap Displacement

A 38-year-old woman developed diffusely distributed opacities with crystalline materials in the laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) interface of her eye after she was scratched by a sprig during mountain climbing. No sign of flap displacement was noted. Despite two days of topical and systemic antibiotics therapy, the corneal infiltration with interface opacities persisted. The following day, the distribution of the crystalline materials had rotated in a counterclockwise direction. Flap lifting and foreign body removal using sufficient irrigation were performed. One month after surgery, the patient's postoperative uncorrected visual acuity was 0.8 with cleared interface. No signs of epithelial ingrowth or flap striae were noted. Mild traumatic corneal scratching without flap displacement may threaten the integrity of the LASIK interface. If foreign bodies are suspected to be the cause of inflammation, early flap lifting with irrigation is imperative for successful treatment.

Corneal injuries: incidence and risk factors in the Intensive Care Unit / Lesões na córnea: incidência e fatores de risco em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva / Lesiones en la córnea: incidencia y factores de riesgo en Unidad de Terapia Intensiva

Patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) may present risk for corneal injury due to sedation or coma. This study aimed to estimate the incidence of corneal injuries; to identify the risk factors and to propose a risk prediction model for the development of corneal injury, in adult patients, in an intensive care unit of a public hospital. This is a one year, prospective cohort study with 254 patients. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, univariate and logistic regression. Of the 254 patients, 59.4 percent had corneal injuries and the mean time to onset was 8.9 days. The independent variables that predispose to risk for punctate type corneal injury were: duration of hospitalization, other ventilatory support device, presence of edema and blinking less than five times a minute. The Glasgow Coma Scale and exposure of the ocular globe were the variables related to corneal ulcer type corneal injury. The injury frequencies were punctate type (55.1 percent) and corneal ulcers (11.8 percent). Risk prediction models for the development of punctate and corneal ulcer type corneal injury were established.

Pacientes internados em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) podem apresentar risco para lesão na córnea devido à sedação ou coma. Este estudo teve por objetivo estimar a incidência das lesões na córnea, identificar os fatores de risco e propor modelo de predição de risco para o desenvolvimento de lesão na córnea, em pacientes adultos, em unidade de terapia intensiva, de um hospital público. É estudo de coorte prospectiva de um ano, com 254 pacientes. Os dados foram analisados por estatística descritiva, univariada e de regressão logística. Dos 254 pacientes, 59,4 por cento tiveram lesão na córnea e o tempo médio para o seu aparecimento foi de 8,9 dias. As variáveis independentes que predispõem ao risco para lesão na córnea, tipo puntacta, foram: tempo de internação, outro dispositivo de assistência ventilatoria, presença de edema e piscar de olhos menor que cinco vezes por minuto. Escala de coma de Glasgow e exposição de globo ocular foram as variáveis relacionadas à lesão na córnea do tipo úlcera de córnea. As lesões foram do tipo puntacta (55,1 por cento) e úlceras de córnea (11,8 por cento). Modelos de predição de risco para lesões na córnea do tipo puntacta e úlcera foram estabelecidos.

Pacientes internados en Unidad de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) pueden presentar riesgo de lesión en la córnea debido a la sedación o al coma. Este estudio tuvo por objetivo estimar la incidencia de las lesiones en la córnea; identificar los factores de riesgo y proponer un modelo de predicción de riesgo para el desarrollo de lesión en la córnea, en pacientes adultos, en Unidad de Terapia Intensiva, de un hospital público. Estudio de cohorte prospectivo de un año con 254 pacientes. Los datos fueron analizados por estadística descriptiva, univariada y de regresión logística. De los 254 pacientes, 59,4 por ciento tuvieron lesión en la córnea y el tiempo promedio para su aparición fue de 8,9 días. Las variables independientes que predisponen al riesgo de lesión en la córnea tipo punteada fueron: tiempo de internación, otro dispositivo de asistencia ventilatoria, presencia de edema y parpadeo de ojos menor que cinco veces por minuto. La escala de coma de Glasgow y la exposición del globo ocular fueron las variables relacionadas a la lesión en la córnea del tipo úlcera de córnea. Las lesiones fueron del tipo punteada (55,1 por ciento) y úlceras de córnea (11,8 por ciento). Modelos de predicción de riesgo para lesiones en la córnea del tipo punteada y úlcera fueron establecidos.

Tectonic Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty in Impending Corneal Perforation Using Cryopreserved Cornea

We report a case of tectonic corneal transplantation for impending corneal perforation to preserve anatomic integrity using cryopreserved donor tissue. An 82-year-old woman exhibiting impending corneal perforation suffered from moderate ocular pain in the left eye for one week. After abnormal tissues around the impending perforation area were carefully peeled away using a Crescent blade and Vannas scissors, the patient received tectonic deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty using a cryopreserved cornea stored in Optisol GS(R) solution at -70degrees C for four weeks. At six months after surgery, the cornea remained transparent and restored the normal corneal thickness. There were no complications such as corneal haze or scars, graft rejection, recurrent corneal ulcer, and postoperative rise of intraocular pressure. Cryopreserved donor lamellar tissue is an effective substitute in emergency tectonic lamellar keratoplasty, such as impending corneal perforation and severe necrotic corneal keratitis.

Novos conceitos em modelamento corneano: [revisão] / New concepts in corneal reshaping: [review]

A córnea possui grande influência no processo visual. Porém é passível de deformação, tal como o aplanamento. Quando esse aplanamento é causado pelo uso de lentes de contato, chamamos de "corneal warpage". Neste caso, alguns sintomas podem ocorrer como visão embaçada com os óculos, hiperemia conjuntival, sensação de corpo estranho, etc. Pensava-se que a córnea era mais rígida e, com o tempo, percebeu-se que a córnea possui entidade viscoelástica. Podemos dizer que a córnea possui uma entidade biomecânica e que, quando sofre instabilidade, ocorrem algumas alterações, como no caso do ceratocone, onde ocorre uma degeneração progressiva corneana. Com o intuito de buscar a estabilização corneana, foi desenvolvida a técnica de "crosslink", que consiste em promover ligações covalentes entre as lamelas da córnea para torná-la mais firme e menos elástica. Outra alteração corneana pode ser induzida, de forma planejada, através do modelamento corneano com o uso de lentes de contato rígidas, com coeficiente de transmissibilidade de oxigênio (DK/L) maior. Elas são usadas somente durante o sono, não sendo necessário o seu uso diurno. Esta técnica é conhecida como Ortoceratologia e seus conceitos serão abordados neste estudo.

The cornea has a great influence in the visual process. However, it is liable to distortion, such as flattening. When this flattening is caused by the use of contact lenses, we call "corneal warpage". In this case, some symptoms may occur as blurred vision with glasses, conjunctival hyperemia, foreign body sensation, etcà Used to think that the cornea was more rigid and, in time, realized that the cornea has viscoelastic properties. We can say that the cornea has a body biomechanics property and suffers instability when there are some changes, such as keratoconus, which is a progressive corneal degeneration. In order to preserve the cornea more stable, the cross-linking technique was developed to promote covalent bonds between the lamellae of the cornea to make it stronger and less elastic. Other corneal change that may occur is based on the induction in corneal reshaping by using rigid contact lenses (only during sleeping) with high oxygen transmissibility (DK / L). This technique is known as Orthokeratology and its concepts will be addressed in this study.

Lesões na córnea: incidência e fatores de risco em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva de adultos / Injuries in the cornea: incidence and risk factors in the Intensive Care Unit for adults

Pacientes internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) de adultos podem apresentar um maior risco para lesão na córnea, pois, geralmente, encontram-se sedados ou comatosos, impossibilitados de um fechamento palpebral eficaz. Esse tipo de agravo pode trazer prejuízos significativos para a qualidade de vida do paciente, bem como dificuldade de reinserção social. O objetivo geral deste estudo é analisar o problema da lesão na córnea em pacientes internados em UTI geral de adultos de um hospital público e de ensino, e os objetivos específicos são: estabelecer o grau de concordância na avaliação corneana entre uma enfermeira intensivista, médico intensivista e um oftalmologista; estimar a incidência das lesões na córnea em pacientes internados em UTI geral de adultos de um hospital público e de ensino; identificar os fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de lesões na córnea em pacientes internados em uma UTI geral de adultos de um hospital público e de ensino; propor um modelo de predição de risco para o desenvolvimento de lesão na córnea a partir das variáveis selecionadas no modelo logístico. Trata-se de um estudo de coorte prospectivo, realizado no período de maio de 2008 a maio de 2009, em que foram acompanhados 254 pacientes para verificar o desenvolvimento ou não de lesões na córnea e os fatores de risco para agravo. Os dados foram submetidos a análise descritiva, univariada e regressão logística múltipla. Dos 254 pacientes incluídos no estudo, 59,4% desenvolveram lesão na córnea durante o período de estudo, com tempo médio de aparecimento da lesão de 8,9 dias. As lesões foram do tipo puntacta (55,1%) e úlceras de córnea (11,8%). O modelo final, a partir da análise por regressão logística múltipla, através do método de Forward, incluiu as variáveis independentes que predispõem o paciente ao risco para o desenvolvimento de lesão na córnea. As demais variáveis independentes se mantiveram constantes: tempo de internação até o aparecimento/regressão...

Analysis of the risk factors predisposing to fungal, bacterial & Acanthamoeba keratitis in south India.

Background & objectives: Infective keratitis is rare in the absence of predisposing factors. The pattern of risk factors predisposing to infective keratitis varies with geographical regions and also influences the type of infection that occurs. The present study was aimed to identify the specific risk factors that predispose the infective keratitis (non viral) and to determine the association between the risk factors identified and the microbial aetiology of infective keratitis in a geographic region (south India). Methods: A retrospective analysis of all patients clinically diagnosed infective keratitis (non viral) presenting between September 1999 and September 2002 was performed to identify risk factors. After diagnosing infective keratitis clinically, corneal scrapes were performed and subjected to microscopy and culture. Results: A total of 3295 patients with infective keratitis were evaluated, of whom, 1138 (34.5%) patients had fungal growth alone, 1066 (32.4%) had bacterial growth alone, 33 (1%) had Acanthamoeba growth alone, 83 (2.5%) had mixed microbial growth and the remaining 975 (29.6%) had no growth. Corneal injury was identified in 2356 (71.5%) patients and it accounted for 91.9 per cent in fungal keratitis (P<0.0001) (OR: 73.5; 95%CI: 61.3-98.5), 28.1 per cent in bacterial keratitis and 100 per cent in Acanthamoeba keratitis (P<0.0001). Injuries due to vegetative matter (61.2%) was identified as significant risk for fungal keratitis (P<0.0001) (OR: 15.73; 95%CI: 12.7-19.49) and mud (84.85%) for Acanthamoeba keratitis (P<0.0001) (OR: 16.52; 95%CI: 6.35-42.99). Co-existing ocular diseases predisposing to bacterial keratitis accounted for 724 (69%) patients (P<0.0001) (OR: 33.31; 95%CI: 26.98-41.12). Bacterial pathogens alone were recovered from all 35 patients with contact lens associated keratitis (100%). Co-existing ocular diseases (78.3%) were frequently documented among patients older than 50 yr (P<0.0001) (OR: 27.0; 95%CI: 25.0-28.0) and corneal injury (89.7%) was frequently recorded among patients younger than 51 yr (P<0.0001) (OR: 72.0; 95%CI: 70.0-73.0). Interpretation & conclusions: Corneal injury was found to be the principal risk factor for fungal and Acanthamoeba keratitis, while co-existing ocular diseases for bacterial keratitis. Corneal injury with vegetative matter was more often associated with fungal keratitis and injury with mud with Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Effects of ethyl-cyanoacrylate and octyl-cyanoacrylate on experimental corneal lesions in rabbits / Efeitos do etil-cianoacrilato ou do octil-cianoacrilato sobre lesões corneais experimentais em coelhos

The use of ethyl-cyanoacrylate and octyl-cyanoacrylate were clinically and histopathologically compared on the corneas of 36 rabbits after lamellar keratectomy (standardized diameter and depth). The animals were distributed into two groups, one for each type of adhesive. From each group, six subgroups were histopathologically evaluated on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st, 30th, and 60th day post-operative. General (daily) and ophthalmic (days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, 30, 44, and 60) evaluations clinically indicated that there were significant differences for the variables water intake, attitude, blepharitis, corneal edema, and fluorescein test. The adhesive permanence time for octyl-cyanoacrylate (17.22 days) was greater than that for ethyl-cyanoacrylate (7.66 days). With respect to the histopathological evaluation, corneal epithelization and collagen organization occurred without severe complications. However, treatment with ethyl-cyanoacrylate led to a moderate inflammatory reaction in the initial phases. With octyl-cyanoacrylate, re-epithelization and collagen organization proceeded more slowly with a discrete inflammatory reaction in the initial phases. From clinical and histopathologic points of view, octyl-cyanoacrylate showed advantages over ethyl-cyanoacrylate, whereas wound healing was achieved in both groups without major complications.

Comparou-se o uso do etil-cianoacrilato e do octil-cianoacrilato em córneas de 36 coelhos após ceratectomia lamelar (diâmetro e profundidade padronizados). Os animais foram distribuídos em dois grupos, segundo o tipo de adesivo, e redistribuídos em seis subgrupos com três animais cada, para as avaliações histológicas aos 3, 7, 14, 21, 30 e 60 dias de pós-operatório. As avaliações clínicas gerais (diárias) e as oftálmicas (dias 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, 30, 44 e 60), indicaram diferença entre os dois grupos, quanto ao consumo de água, atitude, blefarite, edema da córnea e teste da fluoresceína. O Tempo de permanência, sobre o leito corneal, do adesivo octil-cianoacrilato (17,22 dias), foi maior que o do etil-cianoacrulato (7,66 dias). A histopatologia, para ambos os grupos, mostrou que a re-epitelização e a organização do colágeno ocorreram sem graves intercorrências. O grupo tratado com o etil-cianoacrilato apresentou, nas fases iniciais, reação inflamatória mais evidente que o tratado com octil-cianoacrilato. Neste, a re-epitelização e a organização do colágeno ocorreram mais lentamente e com reação inflamatória discreta. Sob os pontos de vista clínico e de avaliação histológica simples, os resultados mostraram vantagens do octil-cianoacrilato, entretanto, a cicatrização da córnea ocorreu em ambos os grupos.

Sistemas de análisis digital de imágenes en el glaucoma / Systems of imaging digital systems in case of glaucoma

A la luz del desarrollo tecnológico actual incorporado a la Oftalmología, no se concibe el seguimiento riguroso del Glaucoma sin el uso de los sistemas de análisis digital de imágenes de la papila y de la capa de fibras neurorretinianas. Se realiza una revisión bibliográfica sobre los aportes de la Polarimetría Láser de Barrido (GDx VCC, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA), la Tomografia Confocal Láser (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph HRT, Heidelberg Engineering Inc.) y la Meditec, Alemania) en el diagnóstico y seguimiento del Glaucoma. Se considera que las mensuraciones objetivas brindadas deben ser incorporadas de forma eficiente e intuitiva para sacarles el máximo de provecho en beneficio de los pacientes.

Now a day we can´t consider the strict follow up in Glaucoma without the use of the digital analysis of image system of the optic nerve head and the retinal nerve fiber layer. This is a review about some contributions of Scanning Laser Polarimetry (GDx VCC, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA), Confocal Scanning Laser (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph HRT, Heidelberg Engineering Inc.) and Optical Coherence Tomography (Stratus OCT, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Alemania) in the diagnosis and follow up of Glaucoma. It´s considered that objective measurement giving by them must be incorporate in the rigorous analysis of each glaucomatous patient.

role of autologous limbal stem cell transplantation in ocular surface reconstruction

Stem cells are present in all self-renewing tissues and have unique properties. In certain pathological conditions, the limbal stem cells may be destroyed partially or completely resulting in varying degrees of stem cells deficiency with conjunctivalization of the cornea with vascularization. To evaluate the outcome of autologous limbal stem cell transplantation in ocular surface reconstruction. Forty two randomly chosen eyes with partial or complete unilateral limbal deficiency treated by autologous limbal stem cell transplantation. There were 18 males and 24 females with mean age 46.8 +/- 14.4 years. The indications for intervention included Bowen's disease, primary and recurrent pterygium, contact lens induced keratopathy, persistent epithelial defect and chemical injury. The mean preoperative best corrected visual acuity was 0.49 +/- 0.29. While the mean postoperative best corrected visual acuity was 0.74 +/- 0.21. There was a highly statistically significant difference between the results. Autologous limbal cell transplantation is an effective procedure in reconstructing of the ocular surface for ocular disorders associated with partial or diffuse limbal stem cell deficiency as it could be carried out from the same or contralateral healthy eye. It is a safe technique with minimal complications

A Case of Epithelial Inclusion Cyst of Iris

To report on an epithelial inclusion cyst of the iris that was successfully treated with needle aspiration and Ab externo laser photocoagulation. A 6-year-old boy was treated for a 6.0 mm fluid-filled cyst in the anterior chamber of the right eye. Thirteen months previously, he had undergone primary closure of a 6 mm full-thickness corneal laceration. The subsequent cyst was diagnosed as an epithelial inclusion cyst of the iris. His vision decreased to finger-count at 30 cm as the cyst grew over the pupil. We performed needle aspiration of the cyst and Ab externo laser photocoagulation of the cyst wall. The treated lesion was completely removed. The patient's visual acuity recovered to 20/40 without complications. There was no recurrence as determined by slit lamp examination up to 6 months after treatment. Needle aspiration and Ab externo laser photocoagulation can be used to effectively treat epithelial inclusion cysts of the iris.

Avaliação da cinética do epitélio corneano com marcadores de proliferação celular / Evaluation of the corneal epithelium kinetics using cell proliferation markers

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a cinética celular do epitélio corneano de coelhas em três situações: controle, hiperproliferação e hipoproliferação celular, com a utilização dos marcadores de proliferação celular BrdU, Ki-67/MIB-1 e AgNOR. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizadas quinze coelhas albinas que tiveram seus olhos aleatoriamente divididos em 3 grupos (A, B e C). O grupo A incluiu olhos que foram submetidos à instilação de tampão fosfato (total de 10 olhos); o grupo B, instilação de tampão fosfato após a remoção de uma área central do epitélio corneano de 10 mm (total de 10 olhos) e o grupo C, instilação de 5-fluoruracil em superfície ocular íntegra (total de 10 olhos). RESULTADOS: Os resultados da média e desvio-padrão do número de células marcadas pela BrdU nos grupos A, B e C foram, respectivamente, de 7,17 ± 0,74; 35,00 ± 3,01 e 0,22 ± 0,1 células marcadas por 100 células basais. As diferenças entre os grupos foram estatisticamente significantes. A média e o desvio padrão do número de células marcadas utilizando o Ki-67 foram de 7,55 ± 1,22 no grupo A; 35,55 ± 3,84 no grupo B e 0,34 ± 0,14 no grupo C. As diferenças entre os grupos foram estatisticamente significantes. A média e o desvio-padrão da medida da área das NORs no grupo A foram de 1,92 ± 0,24, no grupo B foram de 3,61 ± 0,27 e no grupo C foram de 1,71 ± 0,26. CONCLUSÕES: Os marcadores BrdU, Ki-67 e AgNOR apresentaram uma correlação positiva e estatisticamente significante nas situações de proliferação celular avaliadas (controle, hiperproliferação e hipoproliferação); o emprego do AgNOR não permitiu identificar diferenças na proliferação celular nas situações controle e hipoproliferação e houve maior concordância de resultados entre a BrdU e o Ki-67 nas três situações de proliferação celular.

PURPOSE: In order to maintain its clear and uniform structure, the corneal epithelium needs constant equilibrium between production (division) and desquamation of its epithelial cells. The author aimed to evaluate the cell kinetics of corneal epithelium of rabbits in three situations (control, hypoproliferation and hyperproliferation) using BrdU, Ki-67/MIB-1 and AgNORs proliferation markers. METHODS: Fifteen white female rabbits had their eyes randomly divided into three groups (A, B and. C). Group A included eyes submitted to phosphate buffer saline instillation (total 10 eyes); group B, instillation of phosphate buffer saline after removing a 10 mm central area of the corneal epithelium (total 10 eyes) and group C, instillation of 5-fluorouracil in normal epithelium (total 10 eyes). RESULTS: The results of the mean number and standard deviation of the marked cells using BrdU in groups A, B e C were, respectively, 7.17 ± 0.74; 35.00 ± 3.01 e 0.22 ± 0.1 marked cells per 100 basal cells. Differences among groups were statistically significant. The mean number and standard deviation of the labelled cells using Ki-67 were 7.55 ± 1.22 in group A; 35.55 ± 3.84 in group B and 0.34 ± 0.14 in group C. Differences among groups were statistically significant. The mean area and standard deviation of NORs in group A were 1.92 ± 0.24, in group B, 3.61 ± 0.27 and in group C, 1.71 ± 0.26. CONCLUSIONS: The markers BrdU, Ki-67 and AgNOR showed a positive correlation with statistical significance among the cellular proliferation situations studied (control, hypoproliferation and hyperproliferation); the AgNOR did not show statistically significant differences among the control and hypoproliferation situations and there was more agreement in the results among markers BrdU and Ki-67 in three cell proliferation situations.

A fibrin-related line of research and theoretical possibilities for the use of fibrin glue as a temporary basal membrane in non-perforated corneal ulcers and in photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)-operated corneas

PURPOSE: To report a specific line of research developed at the University of São Paulo/Brazil on fibrin glue used for sealing corneal perforations and the perspectives of use on non-perforated corneal ulcers and photorefractive keratectomy-operated corneas. METHODS: To describe fibrin glue manufacture, development of a device to test the glued perforated corneal area resistance, subsequent experimental investigations of the use of the fibrin glue in corneal perforations, reporting its efficacy, mechanical resistance experiments and histological study. Finally, the medical literature basis is searched to propose studies on the use of fibrin as a temporary basal membrane on non-perforated corneal surfaces like non-infectious corneal ulcers and on post-photorefractive keratectomy corneal surfaces. RESULTS: The development of fibrin glue, the device for resistance experiments, the efficacy, resistance and histological studies on fibrin glue used for sealing corneal perforations are reported as well as the scientific literature basis for the proposed studies on the use of fibrin as a temporary basal membrane on non-perforated corneas like non-perforated corneal ulcers and photorefractive keratectomy corneal surfaces. CONCLUSION: A specific line of research was reported on fibrin glue to seal corneal perforations at the University of São Paulo/Brazil and the theoretical perspectives for the use of fibrin in non-perforated corneal ulcers and on photorefractive keratectomy-operated corneas in an attempt to reduce corneal haze.

OBJETIVO: Relatar uma linha de pesquisa desenvolvida no Brasil (Universidade de São Paulo) em cola de fibrina para tamponamento de perfuração corneana e a perspectiva de seu uso em úlceras corneanas não perfuradas e em córneas operadas de ceratectomia fotorrefrativa. MÉTODOS: Relatar a fabricação da cola de fibrina, desenvolvimento de instrumentação para ensaio de resistência da área colada, estudo experimental da eficácia, da resistência e histológico e levantada a literatura médica para embasar proposta de estudo da cola de fibrina como membrana basal provisória sobre superfícies corneanas não perfuradas como úlceras corneanas tróficas e superfícies corneanas operadas de ceratectomia fotorrefrativa. RESULTADOS: O desenvolvimento da cola de fibrina, do equipamento para seu ensaio de resistência, os estudos experimentais de eficácia, resistência e histológico da área corneana colada com fibrina são relatados. É mostrada a base na literatura científica para a proposição de estudos com o uso de fibrina como membrana basal provisória sobre superfícies corneanas não perfuradas como úlceras tróficas e superfícies corneanas pós-ceratectomia fotorrefrativa. CONCLUSÃO: Foi relatada uma linha de pesquisa em cola de fibrina para tamponamento de perfuração corneana no Brasil (Universidade de São Paulo) e suas perspectivas teóricas de uso em úlceras corneanas não perfuradas e sobre córneas operadas de ceratectomia fotorrefrativa com intenção de reduzir "haze".

Dose-dependent in vitro inhibition of rabbit corneal matrix metalloproteinases by an extract of Pothomorphe umbellata after alkali injury

The in vitro ability of Pothomorphe umbellata ethanolic crude extract to inhibit matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in normal cornea and in cornea after alkali injury was demonstrated. Corneas of albino rabbits were injured with 1 N NaOH for 20 s. After 48 h the corneas were excised, homogenized and analyzed for MMP-9 (92 kDa), pro-MMP-2 (72 kDa) and MMP-2 (67 kDa) activity by gelatin zymography. The activity was also measured in untreated corneas. After electrophoresis of 20 æg protein, gels were incubated with 50, 100, or 250 µg/mL lyophilized hydroethanolic (1:1) root crude extract of P. umbellata standardized for 4-nerolidylcatechol (7.09 percent). The activity of the enzymes was compared with that of untreated gel. At 48 h after injury, the activity of all MMPs was increased compared with untreated eyes. When the gels were incubated with P. umbellata extract the activity of MMP-2, pro-MMP-2 and MMP-9 decreased in a dose-dependent manner. MMP-9 activity decreased by approximately 50 percent after incubation with 50 µg/mL and was completely abolished at 100 and 250 µg/mL of the extract. After incubation with 50 µg/mL the activity of pro-MMP-2 and MMP-2 also decreased by 50 percent. The activity of pro-MMP-2 was almost completely abolished after incubation with 250 µg/mL of the extract. For MMP-2 the incubation with 100 or 250 µg/mL of the extract of P. umbellata promoted a 10-fold decrease in activity. In conclusion, P. umbellata root crude extract can be useful as an alternative therapy to control MMP activity after corneal injury.

Expansive mortar-induced ocular injury.

We describe here a case of bilateral chemical injury (with an expansive mortar which is being used in recent times to cut the rocks). On examination limbal ischemia was more in the left eye (9 clock hours) than the right eye (2 clock hours). The case was managed by bilateral removal of foreign bodies, along with conjunctival resection and amniotic membrane transplantation in the left eye. At six-month follow-up, patient had best corrected visual acuity of 20/30 and 20/60 in the right and left eyes respectively. Since this being an occupational hazard, proper eye protection gear should be used by persons using this expansive mortar.