Comparação entre os resultados do implante de um segmento de arco longo versus dois segmentos de arco tradicional no tratamento de pacientes com ceratocone / Comparison between the results of implanting a long-arch segment versus two standard arch segments for treatment of keratoconus patients

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar retrospectivamente as alterações na ceratometria e no astigmatismo corneano obtidas após cirurgia de implante de anel intraestromal, comparando o uso de um segmento de arco longo versus o implante de dois segmentos de comprimento de arco tradicional. Métodos: A partir de um estudo transversal, obtivemos os dados de 94 olhos de pacientes diagnosticados com ceratocone, que foram submetidos ao implante de anel corneano. Eles foram divididos em dois grupos, dependendo do tipo de implante recebido: Grupo A, um segmento de arco longo; Grupo B, dois segmentos tradicionais. Todos os segmentos implantados possuíam 250µ de espessura. Os dados do pré-operatório dos dois grupos foram comparados, para garantir que as amostras eram similares (as diferenças encontradas entre os dois grupos não eram estatisticamente significativas). As variáveis analisadas no pré e no pós-operatório foram acuidade visual com correção, ceratometria, astigmatismo corneano e refração. Resultados: A amostra que recebeu apenas um segmento de arco longo (Grupo A) obteve redução da ceratometria média de 4,42D (8,7%) e do astigmatismo corneano de 2,43D (40,4%). Já na amostra dos olhos que receberam dois segmentos de arco tradicional (Grupo B), houve redução média de 2,66D (5,1%) em relação à ceratometria média e redução média de 2,11D (34,8%) em relação ao astigmatismo corneano. A redução obtida na ceratometria média no Grupo A foi maior que a obtida no Grupo B (diferença estatisticamente significativa). A redução obtida no astigmatismo do Grupo A não foi estatisticamente significante, se comparada com o resultado obtido no Grupo B (considerando p≤0,05). Conclusão: Foi demonstrado que o uso de um segmento de arco longo possui maior capacidade de aplanação corneana, se comparado com o uso de dois segmentos com comprimento de arco tradicional. Em relação à redução do astigmatismo, os dois grupos mostraram resultados equivalentes.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To retrospectively analyze the changes in corneal keratometry and astigmatism after intrastromal ring surgery, comparing the use of one long arch segment versus two traditional arc length segments. Methods: A cross-sectional study obtained data from 94 eyes of patients diagnosed with keratoconus that underwent surgical treatment with corneal ring implant. They were divided into two groups according to the type of implant received: one long-arch segment (Group A) or two traditional segments (Group B), both 250 microns thick. Preoperative data from the two groups were compared to ensure that the samples were similar (the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant). The variables (pre and post-operatively) analyzed were: best corrected visual acuity, keratometry, corneal astigmatism and refraction. Results: Group A, which received one long arch segment, showed a Km decrease of 4.42D (8.7%) and a corneal astigmatism reduction of 2.43D (40.4%). Group B, where the eyes acquired two traditional arch segments, showed an average Km decrease of 2.66D (5.1%) and corneal astigmatism reduction of 2.11D (34.8%). The mean keratometry (Km) reduction obtained was statistically significant (p≤0.05) when comparing both groups (A and B). The mean corneal astigmatism reduction was not statistically significant (p≤0.05) when comparing both groups (A and B). Conclusions: One long-arch segment has been demonstrated to have a greater capacity to reduce corneal curvature when compared to the use of two traditional-sized arch segments. No significant differences were found regarding the reduction of corneal astigmatism after comparing the results obtained in both groups.

Use of viscoelastic substance for preventing Descemet's membrane rupture in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty / Uso de substância viscoelástica na prevenção da ruptura da membrana de Descemet na ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of using a viscoelastic substance in Descemet's membrane rupture in "double bubble" deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty. Methods: The medical records and videos of surgeries of 40 patients who underwent surgery between January 2014 and July 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups: 20 patients whose perforation of the posterior stromal wall was performed without administration of any viscoelastic substance (group 1) and 20 patients whose perforation of the posterior stromal wall was performed with administration of viscoelastic substance onto the posterior stroma (group 2). The Descemet's membrane perforation rate was compared between groups. Results: Perforation of the Descemet's membrane was observed in 12 (60.0%) patients in group 1 and only three (15.0%) patients in group 2. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.003). Only one (5%) patient in group 2 had macroperforation during the procedure, and the surgery was converted to penetrating keratoplasty. Eleven (55.0%) patients in group 1 had macroperforation of Descemet's membrane, and surgeries were converted to penetrating keratoplasty. This difference between the groups was statistically significant (p=0.001). Conclusions: Administering a viscoelastic substance onto the posterior stromal side just before puncture is an effective method to decrease the risk of Descemet's membrane perforation in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty.(AU)

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar o efeito do uso de uma substância viscoelástica na ruptura da membrana de Descemet em casos de ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda em "bolha dupla". Métodos: Foram avaliados retrospectivamente prontuários e vídeos de cirurgias de 40 pacientes operados entre janeiro de 2014 e julho de 2015. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: 20 pacientes nos quais a parede posterior do estroma foi puncionada sem a colocação de nenhuma substância viscoelástica (grupo 1) e 20 pacientes nos quais uma substância viscoelástica foi aplicada sobre o estroma posterior ao ser puncionada a parede posterior do estroma (grupo 2). A taxa de perfuração da membrana de Descemet foi comparada entre os grupos. Resultados: Observou-se perfuração da membrana de Descemet em 12 casos (60,0%) no grupo 1 e em apenas 3 casos (15,0%) no grupo 2. Essa diferença foi estatisticamente significativa (p=0,003). Apenas um caso (5%) no grupo 2 teve macroperfuração durante o procedimento, sendo a cirurgia então convertida em uma ceratoplastia penetrante. Onze casos (55,0%) no grupo 1 tiveram macroperfuração da membrana de Descemet e essas cirurgias foram convertidas em ceratoplastias penetrantes. Essa diferença entre os grupos foi estatisticamente significativa (p=0,001). Conclusões: A aplicação de substância viscoelástica sobre o lado posterior do estroma logo antes da punção é um método eficaz para diminuir o risco de perfuração da membrana de Descemet na ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda.(AU)

Profundidad de la línea de demarcación del estroma corneal después de la reticulación del colágeno corneal usando epitelial corneal personalizado versus convencional desbridamiento / Corneal stromal demarcation line depth after corneal collagen cross-linking using customized versus conventional corneal epithelial debridement

Aim of the Study: Compare the corneal demarcation line (DL) depth after corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) with subtotal versus customized corneal epithelium debridement using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Design: Prospective case-control study. Materials and Methods: The study enrolled 18 patients with bilateral progressive keratoconus. Both eyes treated by CXL using 3 mW/cm2 / 30 minutes setting. One eye with subtotal epithelial debridement (about 9 mm diameter) and the contralateral eye with customized debridement (approximately 1 mm single horizontal central scratch). One month postoperatively, patients had AS-OCT imaging to detect and measure the depth ofDL. Results: Patients' age mean was 25.17 years +/- 4.81 SD. Epithelial healing completed with in 3-7 days in conventional treatment group and demarcation line was evident in 16 eyes (89%) with a mean depth of 290.31 µm while in customized debridement group, the epithelial healing lasted less than 24 hours and DL was detectable in 10 patients (55.5 %) with a mean DL depth of 221 µm with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Subjective postoperative pain graded as "moderate to severe" in about 77% of eyes underwent 9 mm epi-off CXL compared with 55% of those with customized debridement group. Conclusions: Although the DL if found in majority cases, but the shallow location in customized corneal debridement cases questioned the efficacy of this technique despite the quick re-epithelialization and less postoperative pain that accompanied it

Refractive and visual outcomes after Ferrara corneal ring segment implantation at a 60% depth in keratoconic eyes: case series / Resultados refrativos e visuais após a inserção do anel de Ferrara a uma profundidade de 60% em olhos com ceratocone: série de casos

ABSTRACT Purpose: This report addresses refractive, topographic, visual acuity, and optical coherence tomography outcomes 12 months after femtosecond, laser-assisted insertion of Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segments in keratoconic eyes at a depth of 60%. Methods: Interventional, prospective, non-comparative case series. We performed femtosecond, laser-assisted insertion of Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segments in 15 keratoconic eyes. We included patients with documented keratoconus who voluntarily signed informed consents if they had best spectacle-corrected visual acuity ≥0.30 logMAR and corneal thickness ≥400 μm. We excluded patients with previous ocular surgery or corneal curvatures >65 diopters (D). Our main outcome measures were best spectacle-corrected visual acuity and corneal topographic parameters (flattest, steepest and average keratometry [K]), evaluated at baseline and at 1-,3-,6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Results: The mean ± standard deviation baseline uncorrected visual acuity and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity were 1.03 ± 0.46 and 0.42 ± 0.13, respectively; the 12-month mean standard deviation uncorrected visual acuity and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity were 0.72 ± 0.37 and 0.31 ± 0.16, respectively, without significant differences (p=0.05 for both). The mean best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improvements were statistically significant after 3- (p=0.02) and after 6-months (p=0.02). The mean baseline flattest (K1), steepest (K2), and overall keratometries (mean power) were 48.35 ± 3.65 D, 53.67 ± 3.38 D, and 50.84 ± 3.36 D, respectively. The 12-month mean ± standard deviations for flattest-K1, steepest-K2, and overall K were 46.53 ± 3.70 D, 49.83 ± 3.50 D, and 48.12 ± 3.49 D respectively, with statistically significant differences for all three topographic parameters (p=0.01). Conclusions: Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segment insertions at a depth of 60% yield satisfactory visual, refractive, and keratometric results in keratoconic eyes.

RESUMO Objetivos: Este estudo aborda os resultados refrativos, topográficos, acuidade visual e tomografia de coerência óptica, 12 meses após a inserção do segmento de Anel de Ferrara em túnel corneano a 60% de profundidade com o laser de femtosegundo, em pacientes com ceratocone. Métodos: Série de casos não comparativos, prospectivos e intervencionistas. Realizamos a inserção do Anel de Ferrara através de incisão com o laser de femtosegundo em 15 olhos ceratocônicos. Foram incluídos pacientes com ceratocone documentado que voluntariamente assinaram consentimentos informados que tivessem melhor acuidade visual corrigida ≥0.30 tabela logMAR, espessura corneana ≥400µm. Foram excluídos pacientes com cirurgia ocular prévia ou curvatura corneana > 65 dioptrias (D). As principais variáveis medidas foram acuidade visual corrigida e os parâmetros topográficos da córnea (ceratometria mais plana (K1), mais curva (K2) e ceratometria média (K médio), avaliadas no pré-operatório e com 1, 3, 6 e 12 meses de seguimento. Resultados: A média ± desvio padrão da acuidade visual sem correção e acuidade visual corrigida foi 1.03 ± 0.46 e 0.42 ± 0.13, respectivamente; o desvio padrão médio de 12 meses, a acuidade visual sem correção e acuidade visual corrigida foram de 0.72 ± 0.37 e 0.31 ± 0.16, respectivamente, sem diferenças significativas (p=0,05 para ambos). A melhora da acuidade visual corrigida foi estatisticamente significante após 3 meses (p=0,02), e após 6 meses (p=0,02). Os valores médios da linha de base K1, K2, e média (K médio) foram 48,35 ± 3,65D, 53,67 ± 3,38D, e 50,84 ± 3,36D, respectivamente. A média de 12 meses ± desvio padrão para K1, K2, e K médio foi 46,53 ± 3,70D, 49,83 ± 3,50 D, e 48,12 ± 3,49D respectivamente, com diferença estatisticamente significativas para todos os 3 parâmetros topográficos (p=0,01). Conclusões: A inserção do Anel de Ferrara a uma profundidade de 60% no estroma corneano produz resultados visuais, refracionais e ceratométricos satisfatórios em olhos com ceratocone.

Microscopia confocal no auxílio diagnóstico de Distrofia Corneana de Schnyder / In vivo confocal microscopy as a diagnostic tool in Schnyder Corneal Dystrophy's case

Resumo Neste relato, descrevemos um caso de Distrofia corneana de Schnyder que apresentou o desfecho de seu diagnóstico baseado em achados característicos na microscopia confocal, ferramenta que se aponta em destaque no universo oftalmológico.

Abstract Schnyder's corneal dystrophy (SCD) is a rare corneal condition characterized by cholesterol and phospholipids deposition in the stroma and Bowman's layer. We present a case report of a patient who had a progressive corneal stromal haze in both eyes since he was 15 years old. Etiological diagnosis of SCD was well established by In Vivo Confocal Microscopy (IVCM).

Infectious Crystalline Keratopathy Caused by Alternaria

PURPOSE: To report a case of infectious crystalline keratopathy caused by Alternaria in the corneal center. CASE SUMMARY: A 66-year-old male visited our clinic with right ocular pain and visual loss after corneal trauma caused by a foreign body hitting his right eye while performing farm work 1 month prior to his visit. The patient had no history of corneal surgery and long-term use of topical corticosteroid. A corneal epithelial defect and whitish snowflake margin infiltration around the corneal stroma were observed in the corneal center, but there was an absence of conjunctival injection and anterior segment inflammation. Cultures and a biopsy of the corneal scrapings revealed Alternaria species fungus. The patient was treated with 1% topical voriconazole and 0.5% moxifloxacin, together with oral voriconazole (400 mg/day). After 2 months of treatment, the disease was completely cured, with a minute corneal opacity. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully treated a rare case of infectious crystalline keratopathy caused by Alternaria, which has not been previously reported in the Republic of Korea.

Corneal Stromal Edema during Lidocaine Injection for Blepharoplasty

PURPOSE: To report a case of corneal edema caused by an iatrogenic lidocaine injection into the corneal stroma created while performing a local anesthetic (lidocaine) injection into the eyelid for a blepharoplasty procedure. CASE SUMMARY: A 15-year-old female visited our clinic after the onset of severe pain and decreased visual acuity while receiving a local anesthetic injection in the upper blepharon for a blepharoplasty procedure. At the first clinical visit, visual acuity was hand motion and an accurate anterior chamber examination was difficult because of corneal edema. The Seidel test was negative. On corneal optical coherence tomography, the corneal thickness was 1,580 µm without any sign of Descemet's membrane detachment. We prescribed 5% NaCl four times a day and prednisolone acetate eight times a day. On the next day after injury, the corneal edema was significantly improved (central corneal thickness: 660 µm), and Descemet's membrane detachment was still not observed. One week after injury, the naïve visual acuity was 20/20, the central corneal thickness was 560 µm, and the endothelial cell count was 3,260 cells/cm². Three weeks after injury, the corneal edema was fully resolved and only slight temporal corneal haziness remained. After 2 months, the cornea was clear without any subjective discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal edema without Descemet's membrane detachment can be resolved spontaneously without aggressive treatment such as gas or air injection. However, endothelial cell count and corneal opacity need to be monitored on follow up exam. This clinical experience suggests that severe corneal edema in anterior stromal layer could be spontaneously resolved without severe complication.

A Removed Chestnut Thorn after Corneal Incision

PURPOSE: To report the surgical technique to remove a chestnut thorn through a corneal incision. CASE SUMMARY: A 54-year-old female visited our clinic complaining of a sudden foreign body sensation and conjunctival injection in her left eye after picking chestnuts 4 days prior to her visit. Visual acuity of both eyes was 1.0 and the intraocular pressures were within normal limits. Slit lamp examination revealed that a chestnut thorn had deeply penetrated the left corneal stroma and a small number of inflammatory cells were observed in the anterior chamber. There was no corneal defect stained with fluorescein and the Seidel test was negative. A corneal foreign body comprised of a chestnut thorn and its remnants was diagnosed and emergency surgery was performed. A partial corneal incision was made along the foreign body and the exposed foreign body was easily and completely removed. The patient was treated with topical antibiotics after surgery and no complication was observed during a follow-up period of 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: In the case of a corneal foreign body comprised of a chestnut thorn, the foreign body with its remnants were easily removed by performing a partial corneal incision.

Dellen corneal secundario a carcinoma epidermoide de conjuntiva / Corneal dellen secondary to epidermoid carcinoma of the conjunctiva

El dellen corneal es un área de adelgazamiento corneal localizado como consecuencia de la deshidratación provocada por la falta de humectación relacionada con una zona adyacente de abultamiento conjuntival. Se presenta una paciente femenina de 72 años, blanca, con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial, quien refirió lagrimeo y sensación de cuerpo extraño en el ojo izquierdo, de una semana de evolución. Al examen biomicroscópico se observó tejido fibrovascular en conjuntiva bulbar nasal que infiltraba la córnea, sobreelevado, de superficie lisa, no queratinizada, acompañada de inyección conjuntival y múltiples neovasos. En la córnea periférica y adyacente a esta se observó depresión de base limpia, redondeada, de 6 mm de extensión y profundidad hasta estroma anterior. Teniendo en cuenta las características de la lesión, se planteó como diagnóstico presuntivo dellen corneal secundario a pterigium grado II sintomático. La biopsia informó carcinoma de células escamosas, moderadamente diferenciado, asociado con un extenso infiltrado inflamatorio a predominio de linfocitos(AU)

Corneal dellen is an area of localized corneal thinning as a result of dehydration caused by lack of humectation associated to an adjoining conjunctival bulging. Here is a 72-years old Caucasian woman with a history of hypertension, who presented continuous tearing and feeling of a foreign body in her left eye during a week. The biomicroscopic exam showed fibrovascular tissue in nasal bulb conjunctiva, which infiltrated into the cornea, it was raised of flat surface, unkeratinized, accompanied with conjunctival injection and multiple neovessels. In the peripheral cornea and adjacent to it, there was a clean, rounded depression measuring 6 mm of extension and depth up to the anterior stroma. The presumptive diagnosis was corneal dellen secondary to symptomatic grade II pterygium. The biopsy yielded the presence of squamous cell carcinoma, moderately differentiated, and associated with extensive inflammatory infiltrate with predominance of lymphocytes(AU)

Two-staged treatment for advanced keratoconus in children / Tratamento em dois estágios para ceratocone avançado em crianças

Abstract We present a case of a 12-year-old patient with advanced keratoconus in both eyes who received a two-staged treatment in the right eye (OD) to decrease keratoconus progression rate and rehabilitate patient's vision. At the initial clinical examination, visual acuity without correction in OD was count fingers; cycloplegic refraction was -22.00 - 7,50 x 100° = 20/400; corneal topography demonstrated a curvature of 64.28 x 105° / 55.38 x 15°; and tomography (WaveLight - Allegro Oculyzer) demonstrated a curvature of 68.1 x 114° / 63.3 x 163° Q = -2.67. Initially, the patient received an intrastromal ring segment (210 mm / 200 µm) slightly off center to avoid the thinnest part of the cornea. Six months later a phakic lens was implanted in the anterior chamber. At the follow-up visit 13 months after phakic lens implantation (19 months after ring implantation), visual acuity in OD was 20/20 without correction; cycloplegic refraction was -0.50 -0.75 x 180o = 20/20; and corneal topography showed keratometry of 63.22 x 44o / 61.10 x 134o. The results demonstrated that the associated procedures were successful in decreasing irregular astigmatism and markedly improving patient's uncorrected visual acuity in OD, postponing the need for corneal transplantation to a more suitable age, if required.

Resumo Apresentamos o caso de um paciente de 12 anos de idade com ceratocone avançado em ambos os olhos, que recebeu um tratamento em dois estágios no olho direito (OD) de modo a diminuir a taxa de progressão do ceratocone e reabilitar a visão do paciente. No exame clínico inicial, a acuidade visual sem correção no OD era contar dedos; refração sob cicloplegia era -22.00 - 7,50 x 100° = 20/400; a topografia demonstrou uma curvatura de 64,28 x 105° / 55,38 x 15°; e a tomografia (WaveLight - Allegro Oculyzer) demonstrou uma curvatura de 68,1 x 114° / 63,3 x 163° Q = -2,67. Inicialmente, o paciente recebeu um segmento de anel intraestromal (210 mm /200 µm) ligeiramente fora de centro de modo a evitar a porção mais fina da córnea. Seis meses mais tarde, uma lente fácica foi implantada na câmara anterior. No acompanhamento de 13 meses após a implantação da lente fácica (19 meses após a implantação do anel), OD apresentava uma acuidade visual de 20/20 sem correção; uma refração sob cicloplegia de -0,50 -0,75 x 180o = 20/20; e a topografia da córnea demonstrou ceratometria de 63,22 x 44° / 61,10 x 134°. Os resultados demonstraram que a associação de procedimentos foi bem sucedida na diminuição do astigmatismo irregular, com uma melhora significativa da acuidade visual sem correção no OD, adiando a necessidade de transplante de córnea para uma idade mais adequada, caso necessário.

Persistence of granular corneal dystrophy type-1 deposits in the predescemetic layer after big-bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty / Persistência de depósitos da distrofia corneal granular tipo-1 na camada pre-Descemet após transplante lamelar anterior profundo

ABSTRACT We report intraoperative finding of Granular Corneal Dystrophy Type-1 (GCD1) deposits after stromal pneumodissection in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) in a 61-year-old female. Pneumodissection was performed from the center to the periphery of the cornea, characterizing a big bubble type 1 technique which dissects the deep stroma from the predescemetic layer. After stromal removal, persistence of whitish deposits inside the predescemetic layer was noted. During post-operative evaluation, anterior biomicroscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography showed granular opacities between the patient's Descemet's membrane and the donor cornea, suggesting possible involvement of the predescemetic layer in GCD1. This may require the surgeon's attention to choose between DALK keratoplasty or penetrating keratoplasty.

RESUMO Relatamos o achado intraoperatório de persistência dos depósitos de Distrofia Granular Tipo 1 (GCD1) após pneumodissecção estromal no transplante de córnea lamelar anterior profundo (DALK) em uma mulher de 61 anos. A pneumodissecção começou a partir do centro para a periferia da córnea, caracterizando uma big bubble tipo 1, que disseca o estroma profundo da camada pré-Descemet. Após a remoção do estroma, notamos a persistência de depósitos esbranquiçados no interior da camada pré-Descemet. Na avaliação pós-operatória, a biomicroscopia anterior e a tomografia de coerência óptica do segmento anterior evidenciaram opacidades granulares entre a membrana de Descemet e a córnea doadora, sugerindo o possível envolvimento da camada pré-Descemet na GCD1, o que pode chamar atenção do cirurgião para decidir entre manter o DALK ou converter para transplante penetrante.

Intrastromal Corneal Foreign Body – Case Series and Discussion on the Physics of Injury

@#Traumatic injury to the eye can occur due to various causes, most of which are avoidable. Here we report three cases of intrastromal corneal foreign bodies (FB) which required surgical removal. Most corneal FBs are removed easily at the slit lamp, however, these cases required surgical intervention due to the mechanism of which the FB penetrated into the stroma. Although the mechanism of injury was similar, with all three cases occurring at high velocity, we observed that the entry and level of penetration differed in each case. In the first case, the corneal FB penetrated the cornea and was embedded in the anterior stroma, whereas in the second case, the FB was embedded in the posterior stroma, but with an intact endothelium. In the third case, the FB caused a full thickness, self-sealed laceration wound but remained embedded in the stroma. Through further evaluation, we noted that several factors contribute towards the severity of the injury, namely, anatomy of the cornea, area affected, shape, size, mass and velocity of the object. We speak in depth about the mechanism of injury and physics associated with these injuries and why the penetration differed in each case.

Indications and visual outcomes of intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation in a large patient series

OBJECTIVES: To describe the indications for and visual outcomes of intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation. METHODS: A large retrospective case-series chart-review study was conducted using Sorocaba Ophthalmological Hospital medical records. This study included 1222 eyes (1196 patients) that were surgically treated between November 2009 and December 2012. The following preoperative data were collected: age, gender, type of medical care and funding source, surgical technique, best-corrected visual acuity, manifest sphere and cylinder refractive error, maximum and minimum central keratometry, and pachymetry measurements of the cornea at the thinnest point and at the ring channel. The postoperative best-corrected visual acuity and patient satisfaction were also determined. The cases were classified into six groups: four keratoconus groups (severe, advanced, moderate and mild), a pellucid marginal degeneration group and a post-graft irregular astigmatism group. This study was approved by the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (UTN number 1111-1182-6181, TRIAL RBR-6S72RF). RESULTS: The age (mean±standard deviation) of the patients was 31.0±10.0 years. The most prevalent pathology was keratoconus (1147 eyes, 93.8%). A correlation was found between ectasia severity and medical assistance (p<0.001), and the most serious cases was treated by the Brazilian public health system. No complications were found in a total of 1155 surgeries, and after surgery, 959 patients were satisfied. Among the 164 dissatisfied patients, the majority failed to show improved best-corrected visual acuity. CONCLUSION: Patients in the public health system underwent surgical intervention for keratoconus later than those with private sources of funding. In the vast majority of operated cases, the patients reported improvements in vision.

Complete depigmentation of a small aperture corneal inlay implanted for compensation of presbyopia / Despigmentação completa de um implante corneano de pequena abertura para correção da presbiopia

ABSTRACT We describe a case of late-onset remarkable depigmentation of a small aperture corneal inlay implanted for presbyopia compensation. The patient was a participant in a clinical trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the AcuFocusTM ACU-10R160, which is a 10 µm-thick polyimide film tinted with an organic dye. Inlay implantation occurred under mechanical microkeratome Lasik flaps set for a depth of 120 µm. The patient returned to the clinic 11 years after surgery and reported loss of near-vision acuity. Clinical examination showed the complete absence of pigments in the device and the total loss of the initial effect on near vision, despite normal distance vision. Manifest refraction remained stable during the follow-up period. Scheimpflug images characterized the loss of the small aperture effect on incoming light. Confocal analysis revealed small hyper-reflective round images on the endothelium and no signs of inflammation.

RESUMO Descrevemos um caso de importante despigmentação de início tardio de implante corneano de pequena abertura implantada para compensação de presbiopia. O paciente foi um dos participantes de ensaio clínico destinado a avaliar a segurança e eficácia do AcuFocusTM ACU-10R160, uma película de poliimida de 10 microns de espessura, tingida com um corante orgânico. A implantação ocorreu sob um flap de Lasik criado por microcerátomo mecânico ajustado para profundidade de 120 µm. O caso aqui descrito foi avaliado 11 anos após a cirurgia, relatando diminuição de acuidade de visão para perto. O exame clínico mostrou ausência total de pigmentos no dispositivo e perda total do efeito inicial na visão de perto, apesar da visão normal para distância. A refração manifesta permaneceu estável durante o período de seguimento. As imagens de Scheimpflug caracterizaram a perda do efeito da abertura pequena na luz entrante. A análise de microscopia confocal revelou pequenas imagens hiper-reflexivas redondas sobre o endotélio, sem sinais de inflamação.

A Case of Recurrent Myxomatous Corneal Degeneration Treated by Interferon Alpha-2b

PURPOSE: To report a case of recurrent myxomatous corneal degeneration after pterygectomy. CASE SUMMARY: A 65-year-old man with a history of abdominal keloid was referred to our hospital for assessment of a well-circumscribed, gelatinous, whitish corneal mass on the nasal corneal area of the left eye that appeared one month prior. The patient had undergone pterygectomy on his left eye 2 years ago. The patient experienced mild foreign body sensation. The other anterior segment and fundus examination of the left eye were both normal. We diagnosed the case as keloid and we performed excisional biopsy of the corneal mass. Histologic findings revealed proliferation of myxoid-appearing material in the anterior corneal stroma. On immunohistochemical examination, sections were stained positive for actin and calretinin, and negative for S-100. We diagnosed the tumor as myxomatous corneal degeneration. After six months, a recurrent mass was found on the previously excised site. Re-excisional biopsy and topical interferon α-2b treatment were then performed in response. After re-excision, there was no recurrence or complications during one year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Myxomatous corneal degeneration should be considered during differential diagnosis of an elevated, whitish, gelatinous lesion of the cornea with previous history of trauma or operation, such as pterygectomy. An interferon α-2b topical treatment is useful for recurrent corneal myomatous degeneration.

A Case of a Corneal Stromal Penetrating Injury via an Ejected Needle during Stromal Hydration

PURPOSE: We report a case of a horizontally penetrating injury of corneal stroma via an ejected irrigating needle during stromal hydration in cataract surgery. CASE SUMMARY: A 79-year-old woman presented with decreased visual acuity in her right eye. Her best corrected visual acuity in the right eye was 0.3. The cataract score of her right eye was nuclear opacity 3, cortical opacity 1−2, and posterior subcapsular opacity 1. She underwent phacoemulsification using a clear corneal approach while under topical anesthesia, and an intraocular lens was successfully implanted in the bag. A plastic syringe with an irrigating needle was used to hydrate the corneal stroma at the clear cornea site. As a result of the increased pressure applied to the connection between the syringe and irrigating needle, the loosened irrigating needle was forcefully ejected toward the corneal endothelium, horizontally penetrating the stroma without injuring the corneal epithelium. On the 1st postoperative day, her right eye exhibited a visual acuity of 0.5, astigmatism of −1.25 diopter (D) cyl., corneal edema with Descemet's folds, and insignificant scarring of the corneal endothelium. Three weeks after surgery, the visual acuity was 0.9, the astigmatism was −0.50 D, and any other abnormalities such as corneal opacity were no longer present. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a penetrating needle injury through the corneal endothelium and stroma, the corneal wound healing process did not result in corneal opacity or worsened astigmatism. To prevent sequela due to an ejected irrigating needle, operators and assistants should be actively aware of tight locking between the needle and syringe.

Change of Corneal Epithelial and Stromal Thickness after Cataract Surgery through Scleral Tunnel Incision

PURPOSE: To compare preoperative and postoperative thickness and to investigate the difference in the thickness change of corneal epithelium and stroma after cataract surgery through scleral tunnel incision. METHODS: Forty eyes of forty patients who were 40 years old or older and underwent small-incision superior scleral tunnel cataract surgery with phacoemulsification were included. Using the RTVue instrument (Optovue Inc., Fremont, CA, USA), corneal epithelial (ET) and stromal thicknesses (ST) of all subjects were measured preoperatively and at 3 days, 1 week, and 1 month postoperatively. Thicknesses were classified into 3 zones according to the distance from the vertex: central zone (within 2 mm), paracentral zone (2-5 mm diameter) and midperipheral zone (5-6 mm diameter). RESULTS: Mean central ST was 486.68 ± 25.15 µm, 535.16 ± 48.13 µm, 515.98 ± 44.07 µm, and 502.28 ± 34.87 µm preoperatively, and at 3 days, 1 week, and 1 month postoperatively, respectively (p < 0.001 for all). ST showed significant thickening in all three zones from 3 days to 1 month postoperatively (p < 0.001 for all). Mean central, paracentral, and midperipheral ET was 52.13 ± 3.41 µm, 50.42 ± 2.97 µm, 49.12 ± 3.05 µm at preoperatively and 51.03 ± 3.63 µm, 48.96 ± 3.62 µm, 47.67 ± 3.81 µm at 1 month postoperatively, respectively (p = 0.061, 0.006, 0.001, respectively), while there were no signficant changes in all three zones at 3 and 7 days postoperatively. Changes in ET and ST were prominent at the superotemporal incision site. CONCLUSIONS: After scleral tunnel cataract surgery, corneal edema was observed in the stroma immediately after surgery. There was no significant change at early times after surgery in the epithelium, and there was a decrease in the peripheral cornea at 1 month postoperatively. The change in ET was considered a compensatory change due to stromal edema and appeared between 1 week to 1 month postoperatively.

The effects of riboflavin and ultraviolet light on keratocytes cultured in vitro / Avaliação do efeito da riboflavina e luz ultravioleta sobre os ceratócitos in vitro

ABSTRACT Purpose: To culture quiescent human keratocytes and evaluate the effects of ultraviolet light and riboflavin on human corneal keratocytes in vitro. Methods: Keratocytes were obtained from remaining corneoscleral ring donor corneas previously used in corneal transplant surgeries and cultured in DMEM/F12 with 2% FBS until confluence. Characterization of cultured cells was performed by immunofluorescence analysis for anti-cytokeratin-3, anti-Thy-1, anti-α-smooth muscle actin, and anti-lumican. Immunofluorescence was performed before and after treatment of cultured cells with either ultraviolet light or riboflavin. Corneal stromal cells were covered with collagen (200 µL or 500 µL) and 0.1% riboflavin, and then exposed to ultraviolet light at 370 nm for 30 minutes. After 24 hours, cytotoxicity was determined using MTT colorimetric assays, whereas cell viability was assessed using Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide. Results: Cell cultures achieved confluence in approximately 20 days. Expression of the lumican was high, whereas no expression of CK3, Thy-1, and α-SMA was observed. After crosslinking, MTT colorimetric assays demonstrated a low toxicity rate, whereas Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide staining demonstrated a low rate of apoptosis and necrosis, respectively, in all collagen-treatment groups. Conclusion: Keratocytes can be successfully cultured in vitro and characterized by immunofluorescence using lumican. MTT colorimetric assays, and Hoechst 33342, and propidium iodide staining demonstrated a higher rate of cell death in cells cultured without collagen, indicating collagen protects keratocytes from the cytotoxic effects of ultraviolet light.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da aplicação da luz ultravioleta e riboflavina sobre ceratócitos da córnea humana in vitro. Métodos: Os ceratócitos foram obtidos a partir das rimas corneoesclerais remanescentes da trepanação de córneas previamente utilizadas em cirurgias de transplante de córnea e cultivadas em meio DMEM/F12 com 2% de FBS até atingir confluência. As culturas de células foram caracterizadas por imunofluorescência com os anticorpos K3 (marcador de células epiteliais), Thy-1 (marcador de fibroblasto) SMA (marcador de miofibroblasto) e Lumican (marcador de ceratócitos). Imunofluorescência também foi feita após o tratamento. As células do estroma da córnea foram cobertas com colágeno (200 µL e 500 µL) e 0,1% de riboflavina e exposta a luz UVA a 370 nm por 30 minutos. Após 24 horas, citotoxicidade foi determinada por ensaio de MTT e a viabilidade celular foi feita por Hoechst 33342/Iodeto de propideo. Resultados: As culturas de células atingiram confluência em aproximadamente 20 dias. Imunofluorescência apontou alta expressão para o marcador de ceratócitos (Lumican) e expressão negativa par os marcadores de células epiteliais (K3), fibroblasto (Thy-1) e miofibroblasto (α-SMA). Após o cross linking a análise de MTT mostrou baixa taxa de toxicidade e com a coloração de Hoechst 33342/Iodeto de propideo baixa taxa de apoptose e necrose respectivamente em todos os grupos que continham colágeno. Conclusão: As culturas de ceratócitos foram obtidas e caracterizadas por imunofluorescência através do marcador Lumican com sucesso. O ensaio de MTT e a coloração por Hoechst 33342 e iodeto de propídio, apresentaram maior índice de morte celular nos grupos que não continham colágeno, provando que protege as células contra os efeitos da luz UVA.

Mucocele con expansión orbitaria / Mucocele with orbital expansion

El mucocele es una lesión quística benigna, que se desarrolla en el interior de los senos perinasales por la obstrucción de su drenaje natural en el curso de los procesos inflamatorios, traumas y cirugías. Se presentan tres casos con mucocele frontoetmoidal y expansión intraorbitaria, los cuales fueron atendidos en el Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras entre los meses de febrero a diciembre del año 2013. El propósito del presente estudio es el análisis de los resultados terapéuticos obtenidos y determinar la posible influencia de la vía de abordaje utilizada sobre la efectividad terapéutica y la recidiva tumoral en cada uno de estos pacientes(AU)

Mucocele is a benign cystic lesion that emerges inside the perinasal sinuses due to the obstruction of their natural drainage in inflammatory processes, traumas and surgeries. Here are three cases with frontoethmoidal mucocele and intraorbital expansion, which were treated at Hermanos Ameijeiras hospital from February to December, 2013. The objective of this study was to analyze the therapeutic results and to determine the possible influence of the approach path on the therapeutic effectiveness and the tumor recurrence in each of the patients(AU)