Comparison of the clinical effects of two different doses (0. 05% and 0. 1%) of topical cyclosporine A in dry eyes with meibomian gland dysfunction / Comparação de efeitos clínicos de duas doses diferentes (0, 05% e 0, 1%) de ciclosporina A tópica em olhos secos com disfunção da glândula tarsal

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of two different doses of topical cyclosporine A used in addition to artificial tears in the treatment of patients with meibomian dysfunction and secondary dry eye. Methods: Fifty patients aged 18 to 40 years, who presented to our clinic between June 2020 and June 2021 were included in our study. Patients were divided into two groups as Group A (topical cyclosporine A 0.05%) and Group B (topical cyclosporine A 0.1%). All the patients underwent a detailed ophthalmological examination, basal Ocular Surface Disease Index measurement, and Schirmer 1 and tear break-up time tests at all visits. Results: The mean age was 32±7.1 years in Group A and 30.7±8.5 years in Group B. In Group A, there were 15 women and ten men, and Group B consisted of 14 women and 11 men. There was no difference between the groups in terms of age and gender distribution (p>0.05). Schirmer 1 and tear break-up time results and Ocular Surface Disease Index score also did not significantly differ between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Cyclosporine A 0.05% and 0.1% eye drops were both seen to be effective in managing dry eye disease in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar a eficácia clínica de duas doses diferentes de ciclosporina A tópica utilizada além da lágrima artificial no tratamento de pacientes com disfunção da glândula tarsal e olho seco secundário. Métodos: No estudo, foram incluídos 50 pacientes com idades entre 18 e 40 anos, que se apresentaram em nossa clínica entre junho de 2020 e junho de 2021. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: Grupo A (ciclosporina A 0,05% tópica) e Grupo B (ciclosporina A 0,1% tópica). Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a um exame oftalmológico detalhado, medição basal do Índice de Doença da Superfície Ocular, e testes de Schirmer 1 e de tempo de ruptura em todas as visitas. Resultados: A idade média foi de 32±7,1 anos no Grupo A e 30,7±8,5 anos no Grupo B. No Grupo A, havia 15 mulheres e dez homens, e o Grupo B consistia de 14 mulheres e 11 homens. Não havia diferença significativa entre os grupos em termos de distribuição por idade e gênero (p>0,05). Os resultados do Schirmer 1 e do tempo de ruptura e do Índice de Doenças da Superfície Ocular também não apresentaram diferença significativa entre os grupos (p>0,05). Conclusão: Observou-se que os colírios de ciclosporina A 0,05% e 0,1% são eficazes no tratamento da síndrome do olho seco em pacientes com disfunção da glândula tarsal.

Effects of two different contact lenses on ocular physiological parameters and tear function tests / Efeitos de duas lentes de contacto diferentes nos parâmetros fisiológicos oculares e nos testes de função lacrimal

Abstract Objective: To investigate the effects of two types of contact lenses made of two different types of silicone hydrogel material on ocular physiological parameters and tear function tests. Methods: The contact lenses with the appropriate diopters were supplied to the volunteering patients. The patients were evaluated before wearing the contact lenses (visit0:V0), at the first month(visit1:V1) and at the thirth month(visit2:V2) following their wear. At all visits a detailed biomicroscopic examination was done, ocular physiological variables were collected, the tear function tests were performed and the tear meniscus area (TMA) was visualized and measured with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Results: The results of Schirmer 1 test were 12.07 ± 1.51 [9-16] mm for the right eyes (samfilcon A group) and 12.09 ± 1.5 [9-16] mm for the left eyes (senofilcon A group) at V0. (p=0.950) At V2, the mean Schirmer 1 test results were 11.92±1.34 [9-15] mm in the samfilcon A group and 12.2±1.41 [9-16] mm in the senofilcon A group (p=0.239). The mean TMA dimensions in the AS-OCT images were 338.42±47.1 [241-401] microns in the samfilcon A group and 338.42±47.1 [241-401]microns in the senofilcon A group at V0. (p>0.05). At V2, the mean TMA dimensions were 337.2±45.53 [241-402] microns in thesamfilcon A group and 340.31±48.22 [240-411] microns in the senofilcon A group (p=0.728). Conclusions: Our study has demonstrated that contact lenses containing samfilcon A and senofilcon A silicone hydrogel material do not cause meaningful ocular surface problems.

Resumo Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos de dois tipos de lentes de contacto feitas de dois tipos diferentes de material de hidrogel de silicone nos parâmetros fisiológicos oculares e testes de função lacrimal. Métodos: As lentes de contacto com as dioptrias apropriadas foram fornecidas aos pacientes voluntários. Os pacientes foram avaliados antes do uso das lentes de contacto (visita0: V0), no primeiro mês (visita1: V1) e no terceiro mês (visita2: V2), após o uso destas. Em todas as visitas, foi realizado um exame biomicroscópico detalhado, as variáveis fisiológicas oculares foram recolhidas, os testes de função lacrimal foram realizados e a área do menisco lacrimal (TMA) foi visualizada e medida com tomografia de coerência óptica do segmento anterior (AS-OCT). Resultados: Os resultados do teste de Schirmer 1 foram 12,07 ± 1,51 [9-16] mm para os olhos direitos (grupo samfilcon A) e 12,09 ± 1,5 [9-16] mm para os olhos esquerdos (grupo senofilcon A) em V0. (p = 0,950) Em V2, os resultados médios do teste de Schirmer 1 foram 11,92 ± 1,34 [9-15] mm no grupo samfilcon A e 12,2 ± 1,41 [9-16] mm no grupo senofilcon A (p = 0,239). As dimensões médias do TMA nas imagens AS-OCT foram 338,42 ± 47,1 [241-401] mícrons no grupo samfilcon A e 338,42 ± 47,1 [241-401] mícrons no grupo senofilcon A em V0. (p> 0,05).> Em V2, as dimensões médias do TMA foram 337,2 ± 45,53 [241-402] mícrons no grupo samfilcon A e 340,31 ± 48,22 [240-411] mícrons no grupo senofilcon A (p = 0,728). Conclusões: O nosso estudo demonstrou que as lentes de contacto que contêm material de hidrogel de silicone de samfilcon A e senofilcon A não causam problemas significativos na superfície ocular.

Dry eye in systemic lupus erythematosus patients / Olho seco em pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico

Abstract Objective: To study the association of dry eye with lupus disease activity and cumulative damage. To verify if epidemiological, treatment and autoantibody profile of SLE (systemic Lupus erythematosus) patients influence the presence of dry eye. Methods: We studied 70 SLE patients for the presence of dry eye by Schirmer test, disease activity by SLEDAI (SLE-Disease activity index) and cumulative damage by SLICC/ACR DI (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index). Patients were also submitted to the OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index) questionnaire. Epidemiological and treatment data and autoantibody profile were extracted from the charts. Results: Dry eye by Schirmer test was present in 51.4% of the sample. No association of the presence of dry eye with SLEDAI and SLICC DI were found (p = ns). Subjective symptoms of dry eye measured by OSDI showed a modest correlation with SLEDAI (Spearman rho = 0.32). Treatment profile did not influence in the presence of dry eye that was more common in older patients (p < 0.0001). Anti dsDNA had a negative association with the presence of positive Schirmer test (p = 0.0008). Conclusions: Dry eye detected by Schirmer test in SLE patients has no association with disease activity nor cumulative damage. Anti dsDNA seems to have a protective effect in this context.

Resumo Objetivos: Estudar a associação do olho seco com a atividade do lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES) e seus danos cumulativos. Verificar se o perfil epidemiológico, de tratamento e de auto anticorpos de pacientes com LES influencia a presença de olho seco. Métodos: Foram estudados 70 pacientes com LES para a presença de olho seco pelo teste de Schirmer, atividade da doença por SLEDAI (SLE Disease Activity Index) e dano cumulativo por SLICC/ACR DI (Clínicas Colaborativas Internacionais de Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index). Os pacientes também foram submetidos ao questionário OSDI (índice de doenças da superfície ocular). Os dados epidemiológicos e de tratamento e o perfil de auto anticorpos foram extraídos dos prontuários. Resultados: Olho seco pelo teste de Schirmer esteve presente em 51,4% da amostra. Nenhuma associação da presença de olho seco com SLEDAI e SLICC/ACR DI foi encontrada (p = ns). Os sintomas subjetivos do olho seco medidos por OSDI mostraram uma correlação modesta com SLEDAI (Rho de Spearman = 0,32) . O perfil do tratamento não influenciou na presença de olho seco que era mais comum em uns pacientes mais idosos (p < 0, 1). Anti dsDNA teve uma associação negativa com a presença de teste positivo de Schirmer (p = 0, 8). Conclusões: Olho seco detectado pelo teste de Schirmer em pacientes com LES não tem associação com atividade da doença nem dano cumulativo. Anti dsDNA parece ter um efeito protetor neste contexto.

Evaluation of tear production in juvenile opossum using three different methods / Avaliação da produção lacrimal em gambás filhotes por três diferentes métodos

The establishment of parameters for tear production in different species is important for better understanding eye´s health and is one of the components of the ophthalmic semiological technique. Particularities derived from the anatomophysiology of non-domestic species induce the search for more reliable methodologies. The aim was to evaluate and compare tear production of white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris) and Brazilian common opossum (Didelphis aurita) by three different methods. Fifteen individuals of each species, juveniles, healthy, of both sexes, with 60 to 90 days of life, were physically restrained. Phenol red thread test (PRTT), endodontic absorbent paper point tear test (EAPPTT) and modified -Schirmer tear test (mSTT) were performed. PRTT was the most difficult to perform because of the wire malleability, while EAPPTT was more feasible for both species. The median ± semi-quartile range for PRTT were 19.79±2.61mm/15 "and 5.22±2.92mm/15", for EAPPTT were 16.25±1.82mm/min and 10.9±3.04mm/min, and for STTm were 0±1.63mm/min and 0±1.63mm/min for white-eared opossum and Brazilian common opossum respectively. There was no difference between the right and left eye neither sex. A significant difference was obtained for the same test to different species. No significant correlation was found between the tests for both species. The description of tear production parameters for juvenile white-eared opossum and Brazilian common opossum may be used as a tool, which will allow the early diagnosis of ocular diseases.(AU)

O estabelecimento do parâmetro de produção lacrimal nas diferentes espécies é importante para o entendimento da saúde do olho e é um dos componentes da semiotécnica oftálmica. Particularidades derivadas da anatomofisiologia das espécies não domésticas induzem a busca de metodologias que sejam mais fidedignas aos parâmetros. Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar e comparar a produção lacrimal de gambás-de-orelha-branca (Didelphis albiventris) e gambás-de-orelha-preta (Didelphis aurita) por três diferentes métodos. Quinze indivíduos de cada espécie, juvenis, hígidos, de ambos os sexos, com 60 a 90 dias de vida, foram contidos fisicamente para realização do teste lacrimal do vermelho de fenol (TLVF), da ponta de papel absorvente estéril e do teste lacrimal de Schirmer modificado (TLSm). O TLVF foi o mais difícil de ser executado devido à maleabilidade do fio, enquanto a TEPA se mostrou mais exequível para ambas as espécies. A mediana ± intervalo semi-interquartil para o TLVF foi de 19,79±2,61mm/15" e 5,22±2,92mm/15", para a TEPA foram de 16,25±1,82mm/min e 10,93±3,04mm/min, e para o TLSm foram de 0±1,63mm/min e 0±1,63mm/min, para gambás-de-orelha-branca e gambás-de-orelha-preta, respectivamente. Não houve diferença entre o olho direito e esquerdo e nem quanto ao sexo. Obteve-se diferença significativa para um mesmo teste entre as espécies. Não foi encontrada correlação significativa entre os testes para ambas as espécies. A quantificação da porção aquosa da lágrima poderá auxiliar no diagnóstico precoce de doenças oculares nas espécies estudadas.(AU)

Dacryoliths causing intermittent epiphora associated with a patent lacrimal system / Dacriolitíase causando epífora intermitente associada a um sistema lacrimal de patente

ABSTRACT We present two patients with dacryoliths and patent lacrimal drainage with intermittent tearing and without infection. Dacryoliths can be present in the lacrimal sac or lacrimal duct without acute or chronic inflammation. In these cases, we believe dacryolith formation was a causative factor of intermittent epiphora even with a patent drainage system, and we propose that dacryoliths and even fungal colonization formation may be the first event before dacryocystitis and should be considered as a cause of epiphora.

RESUMO Apresentamos dois pacientes com dacriolitíase e drenagem lacrimal patente com lacrimejamento intermitente, sem infecção. Os dacriolitos podem estar presentes no saco lacrimal ou duto lacrimal, sem inflamação aguda ou crônica. Neste caso nós acreditamos que a dacriolitíase foi um fator causador da epífora intermitente mesmo com sistema de drenagem patente e propomos que dacriolitíase e até mesmo a colonização fúngica pode ser o primeiro evento antes dacriocistite, e deve ser adicionada como uma das causas de epífora.

Tear osmolarity and tear function assessment in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome / Avaliação da osmolaridade lacrimal e da função lacrimal em pacientes com síndrome dos ovários policísticos

ABSTRACT Purpose: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disease characterized by chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism. Hormonal changes can affect tear function. This study evaluates tear function and impact of hyperandrogenism on it in PCOS patients. Methods: Fifty patients with PCOS and thirty control volunteers were examined for tear break-up time, Schirmer-I and tear osmolarity. Also, serum levels of total testosterone, FSH, LH and AMH were determined in venous blood samples in the early follicular phase. PCOS patients were divided into two groups by plasma total testosterone level: Group A with normal (≤0.513 ng/ml;n=27), Group B with higher hormone level (>0.513 ng/ml;n=23). Healthy control group indicated as Group C (n=30). Results: LH, total testosterone levels were higher in the PCOS group than in the control group (p=0.012; p=0.025). Mean values of tear break-up time and Schirmer-I were different between groups and especially Group A and C were near to each other differing from B (p>0.05). Tear osmolarity results were higher in Group B, compared to A and C (p=0.049; p=0.033). No significant difference detected in tear osmolarity value means of Group A and C (p=0.107). AMH levels were higher in Group B, compared to A and C (p=0.002; p=0.001). AMH levels in Group A were higher than that of C (p=0.002). Positive correlation between levels of total testosterone and AMH was detected in all PCOS patients (n=50;Pearson's r=0.579; p<0.001). Conclusion: Tear function can be affected in PCOS patients with hyperandrogenism. Tear osmolarity is the most sensitive and objective assessment method for ocular surface changes in PCOS.

RESUMO Objetivo: A síndrome do ovário policístico (SOP) é uma doença endócrina caracterizada por anovulação crônica e hiperandrogenismo. As alterações hormonais podem afetar a função cardíaca. Este estudo avalia a função lacrimal e o impacto do hiperandrogenismo sobre ela em pacientes com SOP. Métodos: Cinquenta pacientes com SOP e trinta voluntárias de controle foram examinadas para tempo de ruptura lacrimal, Schirmer-I e osmolaridade lacrimal. Além disso, os níveis séricos de testosterona total, FSH, LH e HAM foram determinados em amostras de sangue venoso na fase folicular precoce.As pacientes com SOP foram divididas em dois grupos por nível de testosterona plasmática total: Grupo A com nível normal (≤0.513 ng/ml; n = 27), Grupo B com nível superior de hormônio (> 0,513 ng/ml; n = 23). Grupo de controle saudável indicado como Grupo C (n = 30). Resultados: Os níveis de LH e testosterona total foram maiores no grupo com SOP do que no grupo controle (p = 0,012; p = 0,025). Os valores médios de tempo de ruptura lacrimal e Schirmer-I foram diferentes entre os grupos, e especialmente os Grupos A e C estavam próximos um do outro, diferente do B (p > 0,05). Os resultados de osmolaridade lacrimal foram maiores no Grupo B, em comparação com A e C (p = 0,049; p = 0,033). Não houve diferença significativa detectada em valor médio de osmolaridade lacrimal nos Grupos A e C (p = 0,107). Os níveis de HAM foram maiores no Grupo B, em comparação com A e C (p = 0,002; p = 0,001). Os níveis de AMH no Grupo A foram superiores aos de C (p = 0,002). Uma correlação positiva entre os níveis de testosterona total e AMH foi detectada em todas as pacientes com SOP (n = 50; Pearson's r = 0,579; p < 0,001). Conclusão: a função lacrimal pode ser afetada em pacientes com SOP com hiperandrogenismo. A osmolaridade lacrimal é o método de avaliação mais sensível e objetivo para alterações da superfície ocular em SOP.

Progress in tear microdesiccate analysis by combining various transmitted-light microscope techniques

BACKGROUND: Tear desiccation on a glass surface followed by transmitted-light microscopy has served as diagnostic test for dry eye. Four distinctive morphological domains (zones I, II, III and transition band) have been recently recognized in tear microdesiccates. Physicochemical dissimilarities among those domains hamper comprehensive microscopic examination of tear microdesiccates. Optimal observation conditions of entire tear microdesiccates are now investigated. One-µl aliquots of tear collected from individual healthy eyes were dried at ambient conditions on microscope slides. Tear microdesiccates were examined by combining low-magnification objective lenses with transmitted-light microscopy (brightfield, phase contrasts Ph1,2,3 and darkfield. RESULTS: Fern-like structures (zones II and III) were visible with all illumination methods excepting brightfield. Zone I was the microdesiccate domain displaying the most noticeable illumination-dependent variations, namely transparent band delimited by an outer rim (Ph1, Ph2), homogeneous compactly built structure (brightfield) or invisible domain (darkfield, Ph3). Intermediate positions of the condenser (BF/Ph1, Ph1/Ph2) showed a structured roughly cylindrical zone I. The transition band also varied from invisibility (brightfield) to a well-defined domain comprising interwoven filamentous elements (phase contrasts, darkfield. CONCLUSIONS: Imaging of entire tear microdesiccates by transmitted-light microscopy depends upon illumination. A more comprehensive description of tear microdesiccates can be achieved by combining illumination methods.

Tear Stasis Caused by Severely Protruded Lacrimal Puncta Treated by Novel Punctal Fixation Technique

No abstract available.

Lacrimal osmolarity and ocular surface in experimental model of dry eye caused by toxicity / Osmolaridade lacrimal e superfície ocular em modelo de olho seco por toxicidade

Purpose: Describe an animal model of dry induced by topical instillation of BAK and evaluate ocular surface biomarkers and histological findings. Methods: Male Wistar rats were used.Topical instillation of 0.2% BAK eyedrops twice a day during 7 days, in the right eye of each animal, while the other eye was taken as control. After 7 days treatment, we performed evaluation of tear film osmolarity, the red phenol thread and ocular surface staining with fluorescein and lissamine green. Afterwards, the animals were sacrificed for tissue extraction and histological evaluation under optical microscopy and H&E staining. Results: Compared with untreated controls, the BAK-group presented tear secretion significantly decreased, increased ocular surface staining by fluorescein and lissamine green and tear film hyperosmolarity (p <0,05). Histological evaluation revealed epithelial thinning and estromal oedema. Conclusions: A toxicity animal model of dry eye induced by topical instillation of benzalkonium chloride, which presents corneal and ocular surface alterations, decreased tear film volume and tear hyperosmolarity as seen in dry eye condition.

Objetivo: Descrever um modelo animal de olho seco induzido pela aplicação tópica de cloreto de benzalcônio (BAC) e avaliar marcadores de integridade da superfície ocular e os achados histológicos. Métodos: Foram utilizados ratos wistar machos adultos. Foi realizada a administração tópica de colírio de BAC 0,2% no olho direito de cada animal duas vezes por dia, durante 7 dias, sendo o olho contralateral tido como controle. Após o tratamento foi realizada a avaliação da osmolaridade do filme lacrimal, o teste de fenol vermelho e a coloração com fluoresceína e lisamina verde. Os animais foram sacrificados e os tecidos extraídos para o estudo histológico da córnea, por microscopia óptica, corada com hematoxilina eosina (H&E). Resultados: Comparados com os controles não tratados o grupo BAC apresentou diminuição significativa na secreção lacrimal, defeitos na integridade epitelial da superfície ocular marcada por corantes vitais, fluoresceína e lisamina verde além do aumento da osmolaridade do filme lacrimal (p < 0,05). À avaliação histológica observou-se diminuição da espessura do epitélio e edema estromal induzidos pela aplicação de BAC. Conclusão: O modelo animal de olho seco por toxicidade induzido pela aplicação tópica de cloreto de benzalcônio apresentou alterações estruturais da córnea e da superfície ocular, diminuição do volume lacrimal e hiperosmolaridade da lágrima características dessa condição.

Dacryoscintigraphic Findings in the Children with Tearing

PURPOSE: To investigate the diagnostic effectiveness of dacryoscintigraphy in children with tearing; to evaluate tear clearance rate as a diagnostic factor of dacryoscintigraphy in children with tearing; and to analyze the results of treatment according to dacryoscintigraphic findings in children with tearing. METHODS: Between January 2010 and April 2014, 176 eyes of 88 children with tearing (49 boys and 39 girls; mean age, 23.81 ±14.67 months; range, 12 to 72 months) were studied retrospectively. Of these, 37 of 88 children with tearing were bilateral cases, and 51 were unilateral cases. None of the patients had a history of craniofacial disorder or trauma. The chief complaint of tearing with or without eye discharge and delivery mode, past history of neonatal conjunctivitis, syringing, or probing were collected from parents, grandparents, or previous hospital data. The drainage pattern of the nasolacrimal duct was analyzed, and the clearance rate of 50 microCi 99m technetium pertechnetate was measured by dacryoscintigraphy. RESULTS: According to the dacryoscintigraphy results, 98 of 125 eyes (78.4%) with tearing showed nasolacrimal obstruction and 29 of 51 eyes (56.9%) without tearing showed patency. There was a significant difference between tearing eyes and normal eyes (p = 0.001). The clearance rate difference after 3 and 30 minutes was 16.41 ± 15.37% in tearing eyes and 23.57 ±14.15% in normal eyes. There was a significant difference between epiphoric eyes and normal eyes (p = 0.05). Based on the dacryoscintigraphic findings, nasolacrimal-duct obstruction was treated with probing or silicone-tube intubation. The majority of patients showed symptom improvement (75.2%) during the two months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Dacryoscintigraphy is a non-invasive method of qualitatively and quantitatively diagnosing nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children with tearing.

Efficacy of the Mineral Oil and Hyaluronic Acid Mixture Eye Drops in Murine Dry Eye

PURPOSE: To investigate the therapeutic effects of mineral oil (MO) and hyaluronic acid (HA) mixture eye drops on the tear film and ocular surface in a mouse model of experimental dry eye (EDE). METHODS: Eye drops consisting of 0.1% HA alone or mixed with 0.1%, 0.5%, or 5.0% MO were applied to desiccating stress-induced murine dry eyes. Tear volume, corneal irregularity score, tear film break-up time (TBUT), and corneal fluorescein staining scores were measured at 5 and 10 days after treatment. Ten days after treatment, goblet cells in the conjunctiva were counted after Periodic acid-Schiff staining. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the tear volume between desiccating stress-induced groups. The corneal irregularity score was lower in the 0.5% MO group compared with the EDE and HA groups. The 0.5% and 5.0% MO groups showed a significant improvement in TBUT compared with the EDE group. Mice treated with 0.1% and 0.5% MO mixture eye drops showed a significant improvement in fluorescein staining scores compared with the EDE group and the HA group. The conjunctival goblet cell count was higher in the 0.5% MO group compared with the EDE group and HA group. CONCLUSIONS: The MO and HA mixture eye drops had a beneficial effect on the tear films and ocular surface of murine dry eye. The application of 0.5% MO and 0.1% HA mixture eye drops could improve corneal irregularity, the corneal fluorescein staining score, and conjunctival goblet cell count compared with 0.1% HA eye drops in the treatment of EDE.

Análise quantitativa e qualitativa do filme lacrimal nos pacientes submetidos a PRK e LASIK com femtossegundo / Analysis quantitative and qualitative of the tear film in patients undergoing PRK and LASIK with femtosecond

Objetivo: Analisar a secreção lacrimal, coloração da superfície ocular e estabilidade do filme lacrimal em indivíduos submetidos à cirurgia de PRK e LASIK com laser de femtossegundo (femto LASIK). Métodos: Vinte olhos de 10 pacientes submetidos à técnica de Femto LASIK e 11 olhos de 6 pacientes submetidos à técnica de PRK foram estudados de forma prospectiva, longitudinal e intervencionista. Tempo de rotura do filme lacrimal (TRFL), teste de Schirmer basal e coloração da superfície ocular com lissamina verde foram analisados no pré-operatório (pré), no 15º e no 30º dia pós-operatório (15º pós e 30º pós, respectivamente). Resultados: Agrupando todos os olhos, observou-se que o TRFL reduziu-se de forma estatisticamente significante no 15º pós em relação ao valor pré-operatório (p=0,025), mantendo-se reduzido no 30º pós (p= 0,001); não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre o 15º pós e o 30º pós (p=0,219). No teste da lissamina verde, houve aumento significativo desse escore, no 15º pós em relação ao período pré-operatório (p=0,021), havendo, posteriormente, redução no 30º pós (p=0,010). No teste de Schirmer basal, não foi detectada mudança estatisticamente significante ao longo dos três momentos (p=0,107). Comparando-se os testes TRFL, lissamina verde ou Schirmer basal, nos dois grupos estudados (PRK e LASIK), não houve diferença estatisticamente significante em nenhum dos três momentos (pré, 15º pós e 30º pós). Conclusão: Evidenciou-se alteração do filme lacrimal nos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia refrativa, quando foram utilizados os testes de TRFL e lissamina verde. Nas duas técnicas empregadas, não houve diferença estatisticamente significante de alteração do filme lacrimal, quando comparadas entre si (PRK e LASIK). .

Purpose: To evaluate tear film stability, ocular surface staining and tear secretion in patients undergoing PRK and femtosecond laser LASIK. Methods: Twenty eyes of 10 patients submitted to femtosecond laser LASIK and 11 eyes of the 6 patients submitted do PRK underwent tear film break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer’s basal and lissamine green staining measurements pre and postoperatively on days 15 (PO 15) and 30 (PO 30). Results: When grouping all eyes TBUT was reduced on PO 15 (p=0.025) and on PO 30 (p=0.001) compared to preoperative values. No difference was found between PO 15 and PO 30 (p=0.219). Compared to preoperative measurements, lissamine green test demonstrated a significant increase in score on PO 15 (p=0.021) and a significant reduction on PO 30 (p=0.010), when both groups were analyzed together (all 42 eyes). No changes in Schirmer’s basal test were detected in all 3 time periods (p=0.107). TBUT, lissamine green and Schirmer’s basal measurements were no different in all 3 time periods when both groups (PRK and femtosecond laser LASIK) were compared. Conclusion: TBUT and lissamine green measurements were altered after refractive surgery regardless the technique (PRK or femtosecond laser LASIK). When comparing one technique to the other, no difference was found in all measurements. .

Dry Eye — A Clinical Study in a Hospital Based Population.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of dry eye based on dry eye symptoms attending the Department of Ophthalmology and Medicine, Tripura Medical College. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at Tripura Medical College, Hapania, Agartala, from 1st December 2009 to 31st December 2010. Complete history and ocular examinations was recorded on a pre designed proforma in the Department of Ophthalmology. The diagnosis was made from history and objective dry eye test in the following sequence: tear meniscus height, tear break up time test,fluorescein staining, schirmer test, and rose Bengal staining. If 2 or more of the above test were positive, the patient was deemed to be suffering from dry eye. All patients were sent to the Dept. of Medicine for systemic examination and to rule out any systemic diseases. Results: In this study, total number of patients that presented with dry eye symptoms were 762 and among them dry eye was diagnosed in 403 patients. The Prevalence rate was 3.10% and it was highest in the age of more than 70 years of age. Females had higher prevalence (1.94%) than males (1.15%). Conclusion: The prevalence of dry eye is less in Tripura at around 3.10%. This may be due to the geographical and climatic implication with a high degree of humidity reigning in this region.

Evaluation of Plasma Vitamin A and E Levels and Tear Film Changes in Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether alterations in plasma vitamin A and E levels in patients with psoriasis have an effect on tear film changes. METHODS: Sixty-two eyes of 31 patients with psoriasis vulgaris (Group A) and 74 eyes of 37 age- and gender-matched control subjects (Group B) were included in the study. Ocular and medical histories and dietary habits were obtained from each patient. The tear film break-up time (TBUT), the Schirmer 1 test results and plasma vitamin A and E levels were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean Schirmer 1 test score was 14.76 +/- 6.12 mm/5 min in Group A and 15.69 +/- 3.10 mm/5 min in Group B. The mean plasma levels of vitamins A and E in Groups A and B were 1.86 +/- 0.62 micromol/L and 1.88 +/- 0.65 micromol/L vs. 26.21 +/- 5.13 micromol/L and 27.19 +/- 8.89 micromol/L, respectively. The Schirmer 1 test results and plasma vitamin A and E levels were not found to be significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05). The mean TBUT was 9.94 +/- 6.18 seconds in Group A and 14.47 +/- 5.65 seconds in Group B, a significant difference (p 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma vitamin A and E levels do not seem to be related to tear film changes in patients with psoriasis vulgaris.

Olho seco e Sjögren secundário na artrite reumatóide / Dry eye and Sjögren's syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJETIVO: Examinar a prevalência de ceratoconjuntivite seca e de Síndrome de Sjögren (SS) secundária em pacientes com AR do sul do Brasil e analisar suas relações com duração e atividade da AR e classe funcional do paciente. Pacientes com artrite reumatóide (AR) podem ter ceratoconjuntivite seca, que é considerada uma manifestação extra-articular dessa doença. MÉTODOS: Estudaram-se 82 pacientes com AR para sintomas de secura, Schirmer teste, DAS-28 ( índice de atividade da AR) e classe funcional. RESULTADOS: Sintomas de secura ocular estavam presentes em 57,3 por cento, Schirmer positivo em 41,2 por cento e SS secundária em 24.3 por cento. A presença de um teste positivo para o Schirmer ou da SS secundária não teve associação com duração de doença (p=0,65 and 0,80), atividade da AR (p=0,42 and 0,25) nem com a classe funcional do paciente (p= 0.84 and 0,79). CONCLUSÃO: Existe uma alta prevalência de síndrome sicca nos pacientes com AR; » deles tem SS secundário. O aparecimento de SS secundário e da síndrome sicca é independentes de atividade, tempo de duração e do dano cumulativo gerado pela AR subjacente .

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence of keratoconjuntivitis sicca and secondary Sjögren syndrome (SS) in patients with RA from Southern Brazil and to analyze their relationship with RA duration, activity and patient's functional class. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may have keratoconjuntivitis sicca that can be considered an extra articular manifestation of this disease. METHODS: We studied 82 RA patients for sicca symptoms, Schirmer test, DAS-28 (RA activity index) and functional class. RESULTS: There were eye sicca symptoms in 57.3 percent, positive Schirmer test in 41.2 percent and Secondary SS in 24.3 percent. The presence of a positive Schirmer test or the secondary SS had no relation with disease duration (p=0.65 and 0.80), RA activity (p=0,42 and 0,25) and neither with the patient's functional class (p= 0.84 and 0.79). CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of sicca syndrome in RA patients; one fourth of them have secondary SS. Secondary SS and sicca syndrome occurrence is independent of underlying RA activity, duration and cumulative damage.

Interleukin-17 in Various Ocular Surface Inflammatory Diseases

Recently, the association of Th-17 cells or IL-17 with ocular inflammatory diseases such as uveitis, scleritis and dry eye syndrome was discovered. We assessed whether interleukin (IL)-17 was present in the tears of various ocular surface inflammatory diseases and the tear IL-17 concentrations were clinically correlated with various ocular surface inflammatory diseases. We measured concentrations of IL-17 in tears of normal subjects (n = 28) and patients (n = 141) with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), dry eye syndrome (DES), Sjogren syndrome (SS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), filamentary keratitis, and autoimmune keratitis associated with rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. Clinical epitheliopathy scores were based on the surface area of corneal and conjunctival fluorescein staining. The mean concentrations of IL-17 in tears of patients with filamentary keratitis, GVHD, autoimmune keratitis, SS, DES, MGD, SJS were significantly higher in order than that in normal subjects. Tear IL-17 concentration was significantly correlated with clinical epitheilopathy scores in the patients with systemic inflammatory disease, while tear IL-17 was not correlated with clinical severity of the cornea and conjunctiva in the dry eye patients without any systemic inflammatory disease. Tear IL-17 is likely to correlate clinically with corneal disease severity only in the patients with systemic inflammatory disease.

Clinical and Immunological Responses in Ocular Demodecosis

The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical and immunological responses to Demodex on the ocular surface. Thirteen eyes in 10 patients with Demodex blepharitis and chronic ocular surface disorders were included in this study and treated by lid scrubbing with tea tree oil for the eradication of Demodex. We evaluated ocular surface manifestations and Demodex counts, and analyzed IL-1beta, IL-5, IL-7, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta in tear samples before and after the treatment. All patients exhibited ocular surface manifestations including corneal nodular opacity, peripheral corneal vascularization, refractory corneal erosion and infiltration, or chronic conjunctival inflammatory signs before treatment. After treatment, Demodex was nearly eradicated, tear concentrations of IL-1beta and IL-17 were significantly reduced and substantial clinical improvement was observed in all patients. In conclusion, we believe that Demodex plays an aggravating role in inflammatory ocular surface disorders.

Comparison of Fibrin Glue and Sutures for Conjunctival Wound Closure in Strabismus Surgery

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the efficacy and tolerance of fibrin glue and sutures for closing conjunctival wounds in strabismus surgery. METHODS: In a prospective trial, we performed strabismus surgery using limbal incisions. Conjunctival wounds were closed with fibrin glue in 20 eyes of 20 patients (fibrin group) and 8-0 polyglactin suture in 20 eyes of 20 patients (suture group). Postoperative pain, tearing, and inflammation were compared at 1 day, 1 week, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks after surgery. Conjunctival incision healing was also investigated. RESULTS: One day and one week post-operatively, pain and tearing scores were lower in the fibrin group (p = 0.000, respectively). Mean surgery time was significantly shorter in the fibrin (48 +/- 5 minutes) than the suture group (63 +/- 7 minutes) (p = 0.000). Inflammation was significantly more severe in the suture group until 3 weeks postoperative (p = 0.000, respectively), but conjunctival healing did not differ between the groups. Hyperemia appeared more prominent in the fibrin group 3 and 6 weeks after surgery (p = 0.087 and 0.000, respectively). Two eyes in the fibrin group showed conjunctival gaps of more than 2 mm, which closed spontaneously by three weeks after surgery. No allergic reactions or infections developed. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin glue proved to be as effective as sutures in closing conjunctival wounds. It provides more comfortable early postoperative courses and might be considered as an alternative to sutures in strabismus surgery.

Tear film and ocular surface changes in diabetes mellitus: [review] / Alterações do filme lacrimal e da superfície ocular no diabetes mellitus: [revisão]

Diabetes mellitus and its clinical association with dry eye and ocular surface are becoming a frequent and sometimes complicate problem in Ophthalmology. Epidemiological data show that an increase in the number of patients with this association is expected following the trend to rise of the disease. The present work reviews the clinical and functional aspects of this problem. The observations indicate that metabolic, neuropathic and vascular tissue damages lead to an inflammatory process and functional degeneration. The physiopathological mechanism include hyperglycemia, advanced glycated end product accumulation, oxidative stress and inflammation mediated by NF-κB signaling pathways. Potential treatments enlightened by those findings would include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, secretagogues and/or anabolic agents that would mimic insulin effects.

O diabetes mellitus e sua associação clínica com olho seco e doença da superfície ocular estão se tornando um problema freqüente e muitas vezes complicado em oftalmologia. Os dados epidemiológicos mostram que o número de casos deve crescer acompanhando a tendência de aumento da incidência da doença. Esse trabalho revê seus aspectos clínicos e funcionais. As observações indicam que as lesões metabólicas, neuropáticas e vasculares levam a um processo inflamatório e degeneração funcional. Os mecanismos fisiopatológicos incluem hiperglicemia, acúmulo de produtos finais de glicosilação avançada, estresse oxidativo e inflamação mediada pelas vias de sinalização do NF-kB. Os tratamentos potenciais sugeridos por essas observações incluiriam antioxidantes, antiinflamatórios, secretagogos e/ou agentes anabólicos com efeitos miméticos ao da insulina.

Lente de contato de material híbrido em pacientes com ceratocone e astigmatismo miópico composto / Hybrid material contact lens in keratoconus and myopic astigmatism patients

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o desempenho visual e o conforto de lentes de contato de material híbrido, quanto ao apresentado por pacientes portadores de ceratocone e astigmatismo miópico composto, e comparar com a lente de contato rígida-gás-permeável nos dois grupos de pacientes. MÉTODOS: Foram submetidos à adaptação com lentes de contato 22 pacientes, sendo 8 portadores de astigmatismo miópico composto e 14 com diagnóstico de ceratocone. Entre os pacientes, 7 eram do sexo masculino e 15 do feminino, com idade média de 32,13 anos ± 8,12. Cada paciente recebeu uma lente de contato de material híbrido e, no contralateral, uma lente rígida-gás-permeável. A escolha da lente a ser adaptada no olho direito ou esquerdo foi feita aleatoriamente, sendo o trabalho duplo-mascarado. Os pacientes foram submetidos aos seguintes exames: medida do conforto por meio da escala visual analógica, tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal, acuidade visual pela escala de Bailey-Lovie adaptada para quatro metros, sensibilidade ao contraste pelo "functional acuity contrast test" e análise das aberrações oculares pela análise de frentes de onda. RESULTADOS: Com relação ao conforto não houve associação com o tipo de lente (p=0,350). Houve variação no conforto referido ao longo do tempo até 7 dias (p=0,001), estabilizando-se após este período. A medida da acuidade visual sofreu aumento entre a adaptação e a medida obtida aos 7 dias, bem como desta para a medida de 15 dias, estabilizando-se então. A acuidade visual não apresentou diferenças com relação ao tipo de lente estudada. Verificou-se que não houve diferença no tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal (p=0,989) com relação aos tipos de lentes, porém houve diminuição deste (p=0,001) quando comparadas as medidas antes do início do uso das lentes e com dois meses de uso. Os tipos de lentes não revelaram associação com a sensibilidade ao contraste e não diferiram das medidas feitas com o uso de óculos, exceto para a freqüência...

PURPOSE: To evaluate comfort and visual performance in relation to two different used contact lens types: hybrid material (HM) and rigid-gas-permeable (RGP), in patients with regular myopic astigmatism and with keratoconus. METHODS: A randomized, double masked, prospective study of 22 patients with the diagnosis of myopic astigmatism (8 with myopic astigmatism and 14 with keratoconus) was conducted. Fifteen patients were female and 7 were male, and mean age was: 32.13 ± 8.12 years. In one of the eyes a rigid-gas-permeable contact lens was adapted (DK 30), and in the other a hybrid material contact lens was adapted (DK 23). All patients were submitted to the following tests: measurement of comfort level by means of the analogical visual scale, tear break-up time, best corrected visual acuity with the Bailey-Lovie scale adapted for 4 meters, functional acuity contrast test (FACT) and wavefront analysis. RESULTS: In relation to comfort, there was no association with the evaluated contact lens type (p=0.350). There was a variation in comfort level during the first 7 days. The visual acuity increased between the 7th and the 15th day of adaptation. Visual acuity stabilized right after this period. The visual acuity did not show differences in relation to the studied lens type. It was verified that there was no difference in the tear break-up time (p=0.989) in relation to the studied lenses type and there was a decrease in the tear break-up time (p=0.001) when we compared the measurement before the use of the lenses and 2 months after their use. There was no difference in contrast sensitivity in the used lens type and between each type and the use of glasses (p<0.047). High order aberrations decreased significantly when comparing patients with and without contact lenses, except for spherical and coma aberrations (p=0.394). CONCLUSION: Comfort and visual performance when comparing hybrid material and rigid-gas-permeable contact lenses...