Encapsulated bleb with scleral fistula - A diagnostic dilemma treated by a simple procedure

We present a case of post-trabeculectomy encapsulated dysesthetic bleb with scleral fistula, managed successfully with autograft. The child was operated on twice before for trabeculectomy, and intraocular pressure (IOP) recorded was in the normal range for the initial few years. This time child presented with a large encapsulated dysesthetic bleb with borderline IOP. As the IOP was on the lower side, an underlying scleral fistula was suspected and planned for bleb revision with a donor patch graft. We describe the novel technique of bleb revision along with the repair of the scleral fistula with an autologous free fibrotic Tenon’s tissue graft instead of a donor patch graft with a successful outcome.

Real-world outcomes and complications of different surgical approaches for significant submacular haemorrhages

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes and complications after different surgical management of cases with significant sumacular hemorrhage (SMH) of size more than 4 disc diameter (DD). Methods: It was a retrospective interventional study. All consecutive 103 cases of significant SMHs were treated by vitrectomy and divided into three groups. In Group A (<4 weeks, confined to the macula or extending inferiorly, n = 62), vitrectomy, subretinal cocktail of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), antivascular endothelial growth factor, and air with SF6 gas; in Group B (4–8 weeks, extending beyond macula, n = 31), subretinal tPA followed by SMH drainage either by retinotomy (Group B?1, n = 17) or by temporal 180?degree retinectomy (Group B?2, n = 14) with silicone oil (SO) tamponade; and in Group C (>8 weeks, extending beyond macula, n = 10), SMH removal with autologous retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)?Choroid patch graft transplantations with SO tamponade were performed. Parameters evaluated were best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Optos, optical computerized tomography, and ultrasonography as required. Results: Significant visual improvement was seen from mean preoperative to mean postoperative BCVA in Group A (P < 0.001), Group B (P < 0.001), and Group C (P < 0.001). Postoperative complications were recurrent SMH (4.84% vs 12.90% vs 10%), vitreous hemorrhage (6.45%, GroupA), hyphema (4.84% vs 12.90% vs 10%), hypotony (nil vs 3.23% vs 20%), macular hole formation (6.45%, Group A), epiretinal membrane (16.13%, Group B), and retinal detachment (3.23%, Group A and 10%, Group C). Conclusion: Surgical approaches for significant submacular hemorrhage are visually awarding, though certain specific complications may arise

Comparison of conjunctiva-related complications between scleral and corneal patch grafts in Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation

Purpose: Comparison of the conjunctiva related complication rates and success rates among eyes with Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in which eye bank derived scleral and corneal patch grafts had been used to cover the tube. Methods: Retrospective comparative study. Patients who underwent AGV implantation between January 2000 to December 2016 were included. Demographic, clinical data, intra and post operative data was obtained from electronic medical records. Conjunctiva related complications were divided into two groups: with and without implant exposure. Conjunctiva related complication rates, success rate, risk factors among eyes with corneal and scleral patch graft were compared. Results: Three hundred and twenty three eyes of 316 patients underwent AGV implantation. Scleral patch graft was used in 214 eyes of 210 patients (65.9%) and corneal patch graft was used in 109 eyes of 107 patients (34%). Median follow up was 14 months. There was no significant difference in the conjunctiva related complication rate (7.3 % in corneal patch graft versus 7.0% in scleral patch graft;p=0.5) and conjunctival dehiscence rate (3.7% versus 4.6%, P = 0.7) among the two groups. Success rate was significantly higher in the corneal patch graft group versus the scleral patch graft group (98% versus 72%; p=0.001). Eyes with corneal patch graft had a higher survival rate (P = 0.01). Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the rate of conjunctiva related complications following corneal and scleral patch grafts used to cover the AGV tube. Eyes with corneal patch graft had a higher success rate and survival rate.

A stitch in time saves my (ne) (vision)

Background: Corneal melt with iris prolapse is a rare complication of autoimmune diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis. Purpose: To highlight a challenging case of a peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) with corneal melt and iris prolapse in a patient’s only eye. Synopsis: A 56?year?old Asian Indian male presented with blurring of vision in the right eye and was diagnosed with cataract. He was a known type 2 diabetes mellitus and a rheumatoid arthritis patient and was not on treatment. He had been previously diagnosed with PUK in the left eye and was lost to follow?up due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID?19) after therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty and lost his vision in that eye. Cataract surgery in the right eye was done under cover of immunosuppression. Subsequently, he developed PUK and was treated with a glue and bandage contact lens. Again, he was lost to follow?up and then presented a few months later with corneal melt with iris prolapse in the right eye. We describe in the video the surgical and medical challenges and successful salvage of both the eyeball and the vision. Highlights: Highlights include the following: 1. A rare case of corneal melt with iris prolapse. 2. Demonstration of surgical technique of patch graft. 3. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography before and after the procedure.

Clinical outcome and course of Tenon’s patch graft in corneal perforation and descemetocele

Purpose: To assess the efficacy and clinical outcome of Tenon’s patch graft (TPG) in corneal perforation and descemetocele. Methods: In this retrospective study, medical records of 83 patients (85 eyes) who underwent TPG for corneal perforation (58, 68%) or descemetocele (27, 32%) between July 2018 and October 2021 were reviewed. Clinical examination and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS?OCT) were performed on every follow?up visit. Anatomical success was considered as the restoration of the structural integrity with the formation of scar and anterior chamber (AC). Results: The mean size of the corneal lesions (corneal perforation or descemetocele) was 4.20 ± 1.01 mm. The mean follow?up period was 9.2 ± 5.48 months. The common underlying etiologies were infectious keratitis in 48% and autoimmune disorders in 35% of cases. TPG successfully restored the globe integrity in 74 (87%) eyes (83% in perforation and 96% in descemetocele). Anatomical failure occurred in 11 eyes (13%). The failures were due to graft dehiscence (8 eyes), graft ectasia (1 eye), and scarring with flat AC (2 eyes). The median time to epithelialization and scar formation were 3 and 15 weeks, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed few predictors for a successful outcome: descemetoceles, noninfective causes, viral keratitis in infectious etiology, and paracentral or peripheral lesions. Conclusion: TPG can be considered an effective and inexpensive treatment for restoring the structural integrity in the eyes with perforations and descemetoceles, particularly when the donor tissue is unavailable. AS?OCT is a valuable noninvasive tool for monitoring the graft status

Management of Ahmed glaucoma valve tube exposure after scleral patch graft shrinkage

Background: Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) is an useful modality in the management of medically refractory glaucoma. Human donor scleral patch graft (SPG) can be employed to cover the external portion of the tube to prevent its exposure and associated sight?threatening complication. Purpose: To report the management of a case of AGV tube exposure due to SPG shrinkage in the right eye (RE) of a patient. Synopsis: Under peribulbar anesthesia, the conjunctiva is undermined posteriorly, on either side of the exposed tube. The AGV tube is noted to lay firmly against the sclera without any excessive movement. The shrunk and displaced SPG is excised, and a larger, 6 × 8 mm, full?thickness, human donor SPG is placed on the episcleral bed, over the exposed segment of the tube, to ensure its adequate coverage. The SPG is sutured with four interrupted, 10?0 nylon sutures. The SPG is adequately covered with conjunctiva, by conjunctival mobilization and advancement to avoid excessive tension over the tube and closed with interrupted, 8?0 Vicryl suture. Highlights: SPG shrinkage and overlying conjunctival erosion can occur after AGV implantation. This can cause AGV tube exposure, which can be managed by donor SPG to cover the exposed tube

Anterior staphyloma repair following trauma and surgery – A retrospective review of techniques and outcomes over 25 years

Purpose: To review surgical options, techniques, and outcomes of anterior staphyloma repair done following trauma and surgery. Methods: This was a retrospective case study of patients who underwent staphyloma repair with scleral or tibial periosteal patch grafts following trauma and surgery with a minimum follow-up of 3 months postoperatively. Preoperative risk factors, choice of graft materials, surgical details, and outcomes in terms of graft uptake and tectonic integrity were analyzed. Results: Seventeen eyes of 17 patients underwent successful staphyloma repair (scleral 15, tibial periosteal two). Mean follow-up was 47.1 months (3–159 months). Postoperative intraocular pressure rise noted in four eyes was controlled medically or surgically. Three patients underwent successful repeat patch grafting (graft melt one and recurrent ectasia two). Tectonic integrity of the eyeball was restored and maintained in all patients at the final follow-up. Conclusion: Comprehensive evaluation of the risk factors, control of ocular comorbid conditions, and early and meticulous surgery can optimize results.

Plug it, fill it and forget it!

Background: Management of posterior scleral perforation is commonly done with cryotherapy/laser or scleral patch graft depending on the size of perforation. However, for large perforations, the availability of donor sclera is always an issue. To overcome this problem, we tried using absorbable gelatin sponge to plug the perforation as an alternative. Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of gelatin foam as an alternative to scleral patch graft in cases with perforation of posterior sclera. Synopsis: Here we report the case of a 27?year?old male, who sustained penetrating injury to right eye with two metallic intraocular foreign bodies with visual acuity of hand movement close to face. Primary wound repair was done, followed by retrieval of the first piece of metallic foreign body that measured 11X3mm in size. The second foreign body visualized at posterior pole adjascent to the disc was removed using Machemar forceps and it measured 10X3 mmin size. Leakage of PFCL at the site confirmed a posterior scleral perforation. Cryotherapy was avoided due to its proximity to optic nerve head, and donor sclera was not readily available at that moment. We managed the case by plugging the defect with absorbable gelatin foam, followed by silicone oil injection into the vitreous cavity. Post operative outcome was good with restoration of anatomical integrity of the globe along with improvement in visual acuity upto 6/18. Highlights: Gelatin foam being absorbable and inciting less reaction aids in sealing the perforation and maintenance of globe contour with the advantage being readily available, cost?effective and it can be left in situ without the need for additional surgery for its removal. This would be of use in situations where the donor sclera is not readily available, and thus can be a potential alternative. However, further studies with larger sample size need to be done to evaluate and compare its effectiveness over donor scleral grafts

A modified Tenons sling annular graft for advanced peripheral ulcerative keratitis with an hourglass cornea

Systemic tuberculosis mostly affects the lungs and ocular involvement is rare. The ocular manifestations are varied, and rarely peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) occurs either due to direct invasion of the microorganism or due to immune reaction. We present a case of advanced PUK in a 28?year?old male patient diagnosed with pulmonary TB in the right eye with hourglass cornea. The ulcer was progressing circumferentially with necrosis of corneal stroma and undermined margins similar to Moorens ulcer, and was not responding to anti?tuberculosis treatment and topical steroids. We describe a modified novel surgical technique using tenons sling annular patch graft to manage the progressive advanced PUK with hourglass cornea to optimize visual and structural outcome in our patient.

Curvularia infection of corneoscleral tunnel

Corneoscleral tunnel infection is a potentially sight threatening complication of cataract surgery. Microbiological investigations are mandatory and early surgical intervention helps in achieving favourable outcomes. Fungal infection of tunnel incisions can pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We report a case of post-operative tunnel infection with curvularia. Prompt surgical intervention and intensive topical therapy helped attain a good tectonic as well as visual recovery.

A comparison between the efficacy of human corneal lenticule with single blood donor fibrin glue versus sutures for sealing induced corneal penetrating wounds in porcine eyes

Objective@#To determine the efficacy of human corneal lenticule from small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) with single blood donor fibrin glue as corneal patch for sealing induced corneal penetrating wounds in cadaveric porcine eyes compared to suturing using 2 simple interrupted nylon 10-0 sutures. @*Methodology@#This is an in vitro comparative experimental study using cadaveric porcine eyes. Twenty (20) porcine eyes were randomized into control and treatment groups. A 3-mm metal keratome was used to create a fullthickness incision with the keratome angled perpendicular to the central cornea. Seidel’s test was done to confirm leakage. An anterior chamber maintainer connected to the Centurion® Vision System (Alcon, USA) was inserted into a peripheral corneal incision with the infusion turned off. Induced corneal penetrating wounds were sealed by application of single blood donor fibrin glue and human corneal lenticule obtained from SMILE in the treatment group. In the control group, 2 simple interrupted nylon 10-0 sutures were used for wound closure. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was set at 30 mmHg using the Centurion® Vision System and IOP was increased by increments of 5 mmHg until leakage is documented. @*Results@#All porcine eyes in the control group showed no leakage immediately after sealing. One out of 10 eyes in the experimental group showed positive Seidel’s test after application of lenticule patch graft (odds ratio = 1.11 [0.904-1.336]). The mean leakage pressure for the suture group was significantly higher at 87.00 ± 4.83 mmHg compared to the lenticule group at 30.00 + 0.00 mmHg (p-value <0.001).@*Conclusion@#Human corneal lenticule from SMILE with single blood donor fibrin glue as cornel patch is less effective in sealing induced corneal penetrating wounds in cadaveric porcine eyes at IOP equal to or greater than 30 mmHg as compared to suturing using 2 simple interrupted nylon 10-0 sutures.

Bridging Graft in Irreparable Massive Rotator Cuff Tears: Autogenic Biceps Graft versus Allogenic Dermal Patch Graft

BACKGROUND: Few comparative studies have reported on the use of biologic grafts for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears. The purpose of this study was to assess the results of arthroscopic bridging graft in irreparable massive rotator cuff tears using an autogenic long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) or an allogenic dermal patch (ADP). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 24 patients treated using the LHBT (group I) and eight patients with complete rupture of the LHBT treated using an ADP (group II) since 2011. Preoperative Goutallier's fatty degeneration, range of motion (ROM), visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score were assessed and healing failure was evaluated at 1 year after surgery by ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: The mean fatty degeneration in groups I and II was 3.9 and 3.6 for the supraspinatus (p = 0.288), 2.7 and 2.9 for the infraspinatus (p = 0.685), 0.9 and 1.3 for the subscapularis (p = 0.314), and 1.3 and 3.0 for the teres minor (p = 0.005), respectively. Subscapularis tears were found in 8 patients (33.3%) in group I and in 7 patients (87.5%) in group II (p = 0.023). Mean ROMs and functional scores improved significantly in group I (forward flexion: 121.7° to 153.3°, p = 0.010; external rotation: 32.7° to 52.7°, p = 0.001; external rotation at 90°: 63.3° to 74.5°, p = 0.031; internal rotation: T10.5 to T9.3, p = 0.045; VAS: 7.0 to 1.1, p < 0.001; ASES score: 45.4 to 81.6, p = 0.028; and Quick DASH score: 50.0 to 14.2, p = 0.017), whereas only VAS showed significant improvement in group II (from 5.9 to 2.0, p = 0.025) and ROMs and other functional scores increased without statistical significance in the group. Healing failure was found in 13 patients (54.2%) in group I and in 6 patients (75.0%) in group II (p = 0.404). CONCLUSIONS: The surgeon should prudently choose surgical options for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears, especially in patients with severe fatty degeneration in the teres minor or combined biceps and subscapularis tears.

A Case of Tectonic Lamellar Corneal Patch Graft Using Acellular Cornea in Corneal Ulcer Perforation

PURPOSE: We report a case of tectonic lamellar corneal patch graft using acellular corneal tissue (Halo Sterile Cornea; Lions VisionGift, Portland, OR, USA) for treating a large corneal ulcer perforation CASE SUMMARY: A 72-year-old male previously treated for corneal ulcer was referred after presenting with decreased vision and abrupt tears in the right eye. His best-corrected visual acuity was 0.025 (20/800) and slit-lamp examination showed collapsed anterior chamber and 2 x 2 mm corneal perforation with protruded iris at the peripheral cornea. Infiltration in superficial stroma was observed near the perforation. Despite conjunctival flap, the cornea showed leakage due to perforation. To preserve ocular integrity, the patient underwent tectonic lamellar corneal patch graft using acellular corneal tissue. After surgery, the corneal patch graft was well attached. Re-epithelialization occurred after 3 days. There was no recurrence of perforation or corneal graft melting. Visual acuity improved to 0.32 (20/63) after 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Tectonic lamellar corneal patch graft using acellular corneal tissue can be a useful treatment option in large corneal ulcer perforation located at the periphery.

Corneal Perforation in Phlyctenular Keratitis

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

Preserved scleral patch graft for unexpected extreme scleral thinning found at the scleral buckling procedure: A case report.

Pre-existing scleral pathology is an important risk factor for globe rupture during scleral buckling procedures. We report here, the surgical management of an unexpected scleral pathology found at the scleral buckling procedure in a retinal detachment patient. A 77-year-old white female with retinal detachment underwent a scleral buckling procedure. The surgery was converted into a scleral graft procedure, as extreme scleral thinning was found intraoperatively. An alcohol-preserved donor sclera graft was used. The second surgery for definitive retinal alignment was performed two weeks later. The presented case of an unexpected scleral pathology in a retinal detachment patient was managed with a combination of scleral grafting and pars plana vitrectomy, without any major complications. The anatomical outcome was excellent and the scleral rupture was prevented; the visual outcome was satisfactory. A conversion of the scleral buckling procedure into a scleral graft procedure has proved to be safe and effective for unexpected scleral pathology.

Voriconazole-refractory fungal infection of phacoemulsification tunnel.

A 44-year-old man presented 28 days after cataract surgery (phacoemulsification) in right eye with multiple pinpoint infiltrates in posterior stroma at cataract surgery wound site. Visual acuity was 20/60. Corneal scraping from the floor of the corneal tunnel revealed fungus which was later identified to be Aspergillus flavus. The patient was started on oral voriconazole 200 mg twice daily and topical voriconazole 1% every hour. Two intracameral injections of voriconazole (50 micrograms/ 0.1 ml) were given 72 h apart, five days after starting initial therapy. Infiltrates increased in size and density in spite of 20 days of voriconazole therapy. Full-thickness patch graft was done to arrest progressive necrosis. Four months after surgery, patient had 20/60 best-corrected visual acuity. There was no recurrence in one-year follow-up. Present case illustrates the therapeutic challenge in fungal tunnel infections and possibility of voriconazole-resistant Aspergillus species.

The Effect of Amniotic Membrane Transplantation on the Treatment of Necrotizing Scleritis after Pterygium Excision

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) in patients who were diagnosed with necrotizing scleritis after pterygium excision and who were refractory to systemic corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapy. METHODS: Six patients who had persistent scleral melting with systemic corticosteroid or immunosuppressive agents underwent double AMT as a permanent patch graft and temporary overlying barrier. Postoperatively, the symptom improvements, reepithelization times and visual acuity changes were evaluated. RESULTS: Choroidal detachment was detected in two patients preoperatively. In all patients, ocular pain improved at 4.7 +/- 3.1 days, and reepithelization of the scleral lesions was completed at 13.2 +/- 8.1 days postoperatively. Choroidal detachment in two patients disappeared at postoperative 2 and 8 days. Complete remission was found in 5 of the 6 eyes (83.3%). One eye which achieved full epithelization in the necrotic area experienced recurrent nodular scleritis in another quadrant, resulting in remission after changing the regimen of immunosuppressive agents. Mean values of initial and final visual acuities were 0.898 logMAR and 0.428 logMAR, respectively, and the visual acuities improved in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: AMT is effective in promoting reepithelization of the necrotic area, resulting in complete remission of necrotizing scleritis in patients who were refractory to systemic corticosteroid or immunosuppressive therapy.

Hydrox yapatite Implantation with Scleral Patch Graft in Eviseration

When inserting an orbital implant, evisceration allows suitable movement of the eyeball making it a better method cosmetically than enucleation; performing hydroxyapatite implantation after evisceration preserving the cornea sometimes causes the complication of cornea melting. To reduce complications after evisceration and hydroxyapatite implantation,scleral patch graft with corneal excision was performed in 15 eyes of 15 patients. In all 15 eyes, 20 mm-sized hydroxyapatite implants were inserted. Fourteen eyesshowed no complications, but in one eye scleral suture was exposed and 2months later the implant was exposed around that area. Also, there developed conjunctival wound dehiscence and exposure of the central portion of the scleral graft in two eyes. But the exposed sclera was fibrovascularized by the surrounding conjunctival tissue and did not lead to exposure of the implant. This study suggests that when performing evisceration and hydroxyapatite implantation, scleral pach graft with cornea excision is helpful in reducing the incidence of exposure of hydroxyapatite implant.

Experimental Scleral Grafting with Dacron Patch

We conducted experimental studies to evaluate the possibility of Dacron patch for artificial sclera and to gain basic data for practical approach. Forty eyes of twenty rabbits were randomly assigned to experimental or control eye in both eyes. The lamellar-thickness scleral resection was performed and followed by implantation of Dacron and homologous scleral patch respectively. We examined them after one, two, four and 12 weeks. Grossly adhesion of Dacron patch was stable after four weeks. Histologically Dacron graft evoked an outer capsule and a well-vascularized granulomatous foreign body reaction. There were fibrous and vascular ingrowth securety anchored graft to bed and adhesion was uniform and firm throughout the tissue. Attachment of homolgous graft to bed was poor after 1 week but stable after two weeks. Dacron patch appears to be a good alternative to homologous sclera for scleral reinforcement.