Therapeutic Effects and Limitations of Lacrimal Endoscopy without Silicone Tube Intubation

Purpose@#To evaluate the effects and limitations of lacrimal endoscopy without silicone tube intubation in patients with epiphora. @*Methods@#We conducted a retrospective chart review of 64 eyes in 49 patients who underwent lacrimal endoscopy between May 2021 and May 2022. The clinical characteristics, irrigation test results, lacrimal endoscopic findings, and type of surgery were analyzed. @*Results@#The mean duration of symptoms was 31.2 months, and was significantly longer in the failure group than in the success group (p = 0.043). Irrigation tests showed passage, partial obstruction, and complete obstruction in 20 (31.3%), 16 (25.0%), and 28 (43.7%) eyes, respectively. Lacrimal endoscopy showed narrowing, mucus, fibrosis, granulation, and stones in 41 (64.0%), 12 (18.8%), 6 (9.3%), 3 (4.7%), and 2 (3.1%) eyes, respectively. Following lacrimal endoscopy, 32 (50.0%) eyes each were included in the success and failure groups. Preoperative irrigation test results did not affect the success rate (p = 0.203). Silicone tube intubation and dacryocystorhinostomy were performed in 5 (7.8%) and 8 (12.5%) eyes, respectively, because the symptoms did not improve after lacrimal endoscopy. @*Conclusions@#Lacrimal endoscopy, performed without silicone tube intubation, was effective in improving symptoms and may guide the choice of surgical technique, if required.

Clinical Analysis of Staphylococcus aureus Keratitis according to Methicillin-resistance

PURPOSE: This study analyzed clinical characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus keratitis according to methicillin-resistance. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective chart review of 46 isolates in 46 eyes with Staphylococcus aureus keratitis that were followed up for more than 2 months between January 1998 and December 2014. Comparative analyses of the epidemiology, predisposing factors, initial clinical manifestations, antibiotics susceptibility and clinical outcome between methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) keratitis and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) keratitis were performed. Risk factors of poor visual outcome were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among 46 eyes, MRSA was present in 15 eyes (33%) and MSSA in 31 eyes (67%). Male (61%) and older than 60 year-old group (48%) were common. Ocular surface disease/ocular surgery history and trauma were more common as a predisposing factor. Vancomycin was 100% sensitive to both the MRSA and MSSA groups. Antibiotics susceptibility to MRSA was significantly low in the oxacillin (0%), gentamicin (13.3%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (53.3%) groups. Sensitivity to fluoroquinolone was 81.3% (MRSA 64.3% vs. MSSA 94.4%; p = 0.064). There were no differences in early corneal findings between the groups. The ratio of BCVA 0.5 or more was 24.4% initially and increased to 44.4% after treatment among all eyes (p = 0.046). Risk factors for poor visual outcomes included a BCVA less than 0.1 at initial evaluation (p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Among eyes with Staphylococcus aureus keratitis, 33% were MRSA. The ratio of BCVA 0.5 or more increased after treatment among all eyes. There were no differences between MRSA and MSSA eyes in terms of epidemiology, predisposing factors, initial clinical manifestations or clinical outcome, except for antibiotic susceptibility. For positive patient outcomes, a treatment approach considering methicillin-resistance as well as various factors affecting clinical course is recommended.

Ocular Syphilis Presenting as both Optic Neuritis and Chorioretinitis in both Eyes

PURPOSE: To report a patient with ocular syphilis, who showed variable ocular manifestations, including optic neuritis and chorioretinitis in both eyes over a short time period. CASE SUMMARY: A 44-year-male visited our clinic for central scotoma in the left eye. The visual acuity was 20/25 in the right eye and 20/40 in the left eye. The fundus of the left eye showed a slightly hyperemic optic disc and multiple yellowish deposits. One week later, visual acuity and fundus lesion improved to 20/20 without a definitive treatment. However, 1 month later, he reported a new deterioration of vision in his right eye to 20/40. The right eye had a relative afferent pupillary defect and the fundus examination showed a blurred optic disc margin. Serological work-up was recommended but the patient refused. He returned 3 weeks later with an improvement in the right eye vision (20/25) and a worsening in the left eye (20/200). The examination revealed an improvement of the previously blurred disc margin in the right eye and newly developed chorioretinitis with vasculitis in the left eye. A serological test was performed. The venereal diseases research laboratory titer was 1:32. The fluorescent treponemal antigen absorbance test as positive for IgG and IgM. He was diagnosed with ocular syphilis and referred to the infectious disease department. He was treated with antibiotics. Six months later, the visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes and the previous fundus lesions had disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular syphilis should be considered in patients with atypical and variable clinical course.