A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of laser correction with a mechanical and laser microkeratome for myopia

ABSTRACT Purpose: Myopia, or nearsightedness, is one of the most common eye conditions worldwide. However, a comparison of the effectiveness of different laser-assisted interventions is lacking. Thus, we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of LASIK and IntraLASIK in addressing myopia. Methods: The study was conducted in two ophthalmology clinics in Beijing, China, in 2022. A total of 84 patients (152 eyes) with different degrees of myopia were examined and underwent LASIK (n=46, 80 eyes) or IntraLASIK (n=38, 72 eyes). Keratometry, corneal topography, pachymetry, visual acuity evaluation, and corneal biomechanical analysis were performed before and after the intervention. Results: IntraLASIK produced more precise flaps than LASIK, with deviations of <8 mm and 0.1 mm from the intended thickness and diameter, respectively. LASIK resulted in nonuniform flaps, with thickness deviations of 5-86 mm. IntraLASIK demonstrated a superior efficacy for patients with severe myopia and thin corneas, with a mean spherical equivalent of 0.9 D at 6 months compared to the 1.4 D for LASIK. Approximately 91% and 83% of the patients with mild to moderate and severe myopia, respectively, achieved results within ± 0.49 D from the refractive target with IntraLASIK. Conclusions: Corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor decreased with an increase in laser intensity, and they decreased faster with thinner corneas. Thus, IntraLASIK is more useful than LASIK in patients with thin corneas and severe myopia.

Assessment by the Scheimpflug imaging system of corneal clarity and anterior segment properties in rosacea patients

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effects of rosacea on ocular surface changes such as alterations in dry eye parameters, corneal densitometry, and aberrations, in comparison with healthy controls. Methods A total of 88 eyes of 44 patients diagnosed with rosacea and 88 eyes of 44 healthy controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. All participants underwent a comprehensive dermatologic and ophthalmic examination and Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) and Schirmer-1 tests were performed. The rosacea subtype and Demodex count and OSDI scores of all participants were recorded. Corneal topographic, densitometric, and aberrometric measurements were obtained using the Scheimpflug imaging system. Results The mean age of the 44 patients was 41.2 ± 11.0 years of whom 31 (70.5%) were female. The mean TBUT and Schirmer-1 test values were significantly decreased and OSDI scores were significantly increased in the rosacea group compared to healthy controls (p < 0.01 for all). The most common subtype of rosacea was erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (70.4%). The severity grading of rosacea revealed that 18 (40.9%) patients had moderate erythema. The median (min-max) Demodex count was 14.0 (0-120) and the disease duration was 24.0 (5-360) months. The comparison of the corneal densitometry values revealed that the densitometry measurements in all concentric zones, especially in central and posterior zones were higher in rosacea patients. Corneal aberrometric values in the posterior surface were also lower in the rosacea group compared to healthy controls. The topographic anterior chamber values were significantly lower in the rosacea group. Study limitations Relatively small sample size, variable time interval to hospital admission, and lack of follow-up data are among the limitations of the study. Future studies with larger sample sizes may also enlighten the mechanisms of controversial anterior segment findings by evaluating rosacea patients who have uveitis and those who do not. Conclusion Given the fact that ocular signs may precede cutaneous disease, rosacea is frequently underrecognized by ophthalmologists. Therefore, a comprehensive examination of the ocular surface and assessment of the anterior segment is essential. The main priority of the ophthalmologist is to treat meibomian gland dysfunction and Demodex infection to prevent undesired ocular outcomes.

Aspectos a considerar para el diagnóstico del queratocono infantil / Aspects to consider for the diagnosis of infant keratoconus

Introducción: Globalmente, existe un aumento de la prevalencia del queratocono y su diagnóstico en edades tempranas. Se notifican un gran número de casos subclínicos y otros con una rápida progresión, condicionada por el inicio precoz de la enfermedad y la asociación a factores de riesgo. Objetivo: Describir los aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos y el resultado de los medios de diagnóstico implicados en la detección precoz del queratocono infantil. Desarrollo: En niños con ametropía hay elementos que alertan la presencia de un queratocono como causa del defecto refractivo. Desde el punto de vista epidemiológico se encuentran: distribución geográfica, rol de la herencia y factores ambientales. Clínicamente se señalan los antecedentes de enfermedades, tales como las alergias, la presencia de miopía o astigmatismo miópico con inestabilidad refractiva y los signos clínicos relacionados con la progresión del cono. En los pacientes de riesgo es preciso realizar exámenes mediante diferentes medios de diagnóstico según su disponibilidad, siendo primordial el análisis refractivo, queratométrico y topográfico. Conclusiones: En la evaluación de los niños con ametropía se deben tener en cuenta elementos epidemiológicos y clínicos que permiten sospechar y diagnosticar precozmente el queratocono. En la interpretación de los resultados de los medios de diagnóstico involucrados en su detección, se deben considerar los hallazgos más frecuentes en la población infantil según el grado de progresión de la ectasia.

Introduction: Globally, there is an increase of the keratoconus prevalence and its diagnosis in early ages. A great number of subclinical cases and others with a quick progression are notified, conditioned by the early onset of the disease and the association with risk factors. Objective: To describe the epidemiological, clinical aspects and the result of diagnostic means involved in the early detection of infant keratoconus. Development: There are elements that alert the presence of a keratoconus as a cause of the refractive defect in children with ametropia. From the epidemiologic point of view they are: geographical distribution, heredity role and environmental factors. History of previous diseases are clinically pointed out, such as allergies, myopia or myopic astigmatism with refractive instability and the clinical signs related to cone progression. In risk patients it is necessary to carry out exams by means of different diagnostic means according to their availability, being essential the refractive, keratometric and topographic analysis. Conclusions: In the evaluation of children with ametropia, epidemiological and clinical elements should be taken into account that allow to suspect and early diagnose the keratoconus. In the interpretation of results of the diagnostic means involved in their detection the most frequent findings in the infant population, should be considered according to the ectasia degree of progression.

El trasplante de córnea en Villa Clara: diez años transcurridos de la primera intervención quirúrgica / Corneal transplantation in Villa Clara: after ten years the first surgical intervention

Introducción: La córnea constituye el elemento más importante del sistema óptico, al ser el primer medio transparente del ojo; tiene la finalidad de mejorar la calidad de la imagen que se forma en la retina, por lo que su transparencia es imprescindible para poder obtener una buena agudeza visual. Cuando sus capas están afectadas por diferentes enfermedades, se requiere sustituir este tejido dañado; este procedimiento, denominado trasplante de córnea o queratoplastia, tiene diferentes finalidades. Objetivo: Caracterizar los resultados de la cirugía de trasplante de córnea tras diez años del primer procedimiento quirúrgico en la provincia de Villa Clara. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo longitudinal retrospectivo, con una muestra de 204 pacientes operados de trasplante de córnea en el Hospital Universitario Clínico-Quirúrgico «Arnaldo Milián Castro» de Villa Clara, en el período comprendido entre 2008 y 2018. Las variables estudiadas fueron: sexo, finalidad del procedimiento, diagnóstico y complicaciones. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino (53,4 %); la finalidad más frecuente del trasplante tuvo fines ópticos (85,8 %); principal diagnóstico: la queratopatía bullosa (42,7 %); dentro de las complicaciones más frecuentes estuvieron: el rechazo al injerto, el defecto epitelial y el glaucoma secundario. Conclusiones: La cirugía de trasplante de córnea en la provincia de Villa Clara significa un gran avance en el desarrollo y perfeccionamiento para el tratamiento de múltiples afecciones corneales. Los diagnósticos más frecuentes fueron: la queratopatía bullosa y las opacidades corneales; las complicaciones más frecuentes, el rechazo al injerto, la aparición de defectos epiteliales y el glaucoma secundario.

Introduction: the cornea constitutes the most important element of the optical system, being the first transparent medium of the eye; its purpose is to improve the quality of the image that is formed on the retina, so its transparency is essential to obtain good visual acuity. When its layers are affected by different diseases, it is required to replace this damaged tissue; this procedure called cornea transplant or keratoplasty has different purposes. Objective: to characterize the results of corneal transplant surgery ten years after the first surgical procedure in Villa Clara province. Methods: a retrospective, longitudinal, descriptive and observational study was carried out with a sample of 204 patients who underwent corneal transplant surgery at "Arnaldo Milián Castro" Clinical and Surgical University Hospital in Villa Clara between 2008 and 2018. Age, purpose of the procedure, diagnosis and complications were the variables studied. Results: male gender predominated (53.4%); the most frequent purpose of the transplant was for optical purposes (85.8%); bullous keratopathy (42.7%) was the main diagnosis as well as, graft rejection, epithelial defect and secondary glaucoma were among the most frequent complications. Conclusions: corneal transplant surgery in Villa Clara province means a great advance in the development and improvement for the treatment of multiple corneal conditions. The most frequent diagnoses were bullous keratopathy and corneal opacities; graft rejection, the appearance of epithelial defects and secondary glaucoma were the most frequent complications.

Research progress in assisting in the diagnosis of early Alzheimer's disease through eye structure / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Alzheimer's disease(AD)is a common degenerative disease of the central nervous system in which neuropathological changes precede cognitive dysfunction and behavioral impairment. Currently, early diagnosis of AD is based on invasive and expensive testing techniques that are difficult to use widely in the clinical setting. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new markers to detect AD at an early stage. The eye, as an extension of the brain, has been found to show earlier onset of ocular pathologic changes in patients with AD compared to brain pathologic changes, such as retinal structural abnormalities, visual dysfunction, retinal abnormal protein accumulation, choroidal thickness changes, decreased corneal nerve fiber density, deposition of abnormal Aβ proteins in the lens, and pupillary light decreased sensitivity of response, etc. This article reviews the ocular pathologic changes in AD patients in recent years to provide new ideas for the early clinical diagnosis of AD.

Research progress in the endogenous regulatory factors of corneal lym-phangiogenesis and its related ocular surface diseases / 眼科新进展

Blood and lymphatic vessels are absent from the normal cornea.Pathological stimulation such as corneal in-fection,chemical burns and transplantation rejection can disrupt the balance between pro-and anti-lymphangiogenesis fac-tors,causing lymphatic vessels to extend from the corneal limbus to the central cornea.Corneal lymphangiogenesis is closely related to various regulatory factors and cellular signaling pathways.Further study and elucidation of the mechanism of corneal lymphangiogenesis will open up new directions for treating corneal transplantation rejection,inflammatory disea-ses,dry eyes and tumor metastasis.This review concludes the endogenous regulatory factors of corneal lymphangiogenesis and therapeutic strategies for its related ocular surface diseases.

Research progress of corneal lymphangiogenesis in ocular diseases / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Corneal lymphangiogenesis plays a crucial role in ocular diseases. Normally, the cornea lacks blood vessels and lymph vessels, which are essential for maintaining transparency and function of cornea. However, certain diseases or injuries will prompt angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in cornea, thus disrupting the structure and function of cornea. Although various drugs targeting corneal angiogenesis have been applied in clinical practice, there is still a gap in medications targeting corneal lymphangiogenesis. Therefore, this review will introduce the factors related to corneal lymphangiogenesis, introduce related ocular diseases, and analyze the current treatment status, which will provide more options and possibilities for the treatment of lymphangiogenesis in ocular diseases and provide guidance for future research and drug development.

Construction and application of a deep learning-based assistant system for corneal in vivo confocal microscopy images recognition / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To construct an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted system based on deep learning for corneal in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) image recognition and to evaluate its value in clinical applications. Methods:A diagnostic study was conducted.A total of 18 860 corneal images were collected from 331 subjects who underwent IVCM examination at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from May 2021 to September 2022.The collected images were used for model training and testing after being reviewed and classified by corneal experts.The model design included a low-quality image filtering model, a corneal image diagnosis model, and a 4-layer identification model for corneal epithelium, Bowman membrane, stroma, and endothelium, to initially determine normal and abnormal corneal images and corresponding corneal layers.A human-machine competition was conducted with another 360 database-independent IVCM images to compare the accuracy and time spent on image recognition by three senior ophthalmologists and the AI system.In addition, 8 trainees without IVCM training and with less than three years of clinical experience were selected to recognize the same 360 images without and with model assistance to analyze the effectiveness of model assistance.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University (No.WDRY2021-K148).Results:The accuracy of this diagnostic model in screening high-quality images was 0.954.Its overall accuracy in identifying normal/abnormal corneal images was 0.916 and 0.896 in the internal and external test sets, respectively.Its accuracy reached 0.983, 0.925 in the internal test sets and 0.988, 0.929 in the external test sets in identifying corneal layers of normal and abnormal images, respectively.In the human-machine competition, the overall recognition accuracy of the model was 0.878, which was similar to the average accuracy of the three senior physicians and was approximately 300 times faster than the experts in recognition speed.Trainees assisted by the system achieved an accuracy of 0.816±0.043 in identifying corneal layers of normal and abnormal images, which was significantly higher than 0.669±0.061 without model assistance ( t=6.304, P<0.001). Conclusions:A deep learning-based assistant system for corneal IVCM image recognition is successfully constructed.This system can discriminate normal/abnormal corneal images and diagnose the corresponding corneal layer of the images, which can improve the efficiency of clinical diagnosis and assist doctors in training and learning.

Research status and prospect of hydrogel preparation for artificial cornea / 中华实验眼科杂志

Currently, the dominating treatment of corneal blindness is corneal transplantation, but the shortage of corneal donors has been a major problem in corneal transplantation.Compared with the traditional preparation method of artificial cornea, with the emergence of new materials, new technologies and new commercial activities, hydrogel provides a new possibility for the preparation of artificial cornea.Hydrogel is similar to the equivalent of extracellular matrix, with high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity and other characteristics, so it has been popularized and applied in many industries.As an important material of regenerative medicine, hydrogel has shown a strong application prospect in pharmaceutical research, 3D cell culture, stem cell research, 3D printing bio-ink and other fields.The main materials used for generating hydrogels are hyaluronic acid, gelatin, sodium alginate, etc.A lot of researches on using hydrogels as materials combined with different 3D printing technologies to prepare artificial corneas have been carried out and certain technical and theoretical breakthroughs have been made.This article briefly reviewed the research progress of hydrogel combined with 3D printing in the preparation of artificial cornea.

Advances in the isolation and culture of limbal niche cells / 中华实验眼科杂志

Limbal niche cells (LNCs) in the limbal niche, a type of mesenchymal stem cells closely associated with limbal epithelial stem/progenitor cells (LESCs), heterogeneously express both mesenchymal and putative embryonic stem cell markers and play a critical role in regulating the quiescence, self-renewal, and differentiation of LESCs.Previous studies have shown that LNCs can be isolated by collagenase, dispase, dispase-collagenase and explant culture.Transwell and 3D Matrigel coculture are widely used in ex vivo studies of LNCs and LESCs, and the interactive mechanism may include SDF-1/CXCR4, Notch, BMP, Wnt, Sonic Hedgehog, and KIT/AKT signaling pathways, and various cytokines such as nerve growth factor, keratinocyte growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor.LNCs have become a hot topic in corneal epithelial tissue engineering, ocular surface reconstruction, and corneal regeneration.This review provides an overview of the research background, isolation and culture methods, interaction mechanism of LNCs with LESCs, and its application prospects.

Progress in the application of antimicrobial peptides in ocular surface infectious diseases / 中华实验眼科杂志

Due to their prolonged exposure to the external environment, eyes are susceptible to various infectious diseases of the ocular surface.In recent years, the resistance of pathogens to antimicrobial agents has led to poor treatment outcomes and significant deterioration in patients' vision and quality of life.Nowadays, ocular surface infectious diseases have become a global public health concern, necessitating the search for a safe and effective treatment.Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which act as antibiotic analogues, exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and are effective against a range of microbial infections, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.AMPs play a crucial role in combating ocular surface infections.This review discusses the structure and function of AMPs, the mechanism of action of AMPs in ocular surface infections, the role of endogenous AMPs in fighting various ocular surface pathogens, the impact of exogenously induced AMPs on ocular surface infections, and recent research advances in AMPs.

Application of optical coherence tomography in orthokeratology fitting / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To assess the gap between the peak of the base curve to the surface of the cornea, as well as examines the correlation between the thickness of the tear film and the fitting of the orthokeratology lens through optical coherence tomography(OCT), providing an intuitive and quantitative clinical evaluation method for the fitting of the orthokeratology lens.METHODS: Myopia patients who fitted orthokeratology at our hospital from January to December 2023 were included. Examinations, including naked vision, slit lamp, non-contact intraocular pressure, ocular fundus, eye position, corneal diameter, corneal topography, tear film rupture time, optometry, etc., were performed on all patients before fitting. The trial lens parameter was selected according to the examination results, and fluorescein staining was performed to evaluate lens fitting state after patients adapted to wearing glasses. According to the performance of fluorescein staining, the inspected eyes are divided into three groups: lens loose group, lens fitting group, and lens tight group. In addition, the tear film thickness of three groups of subjects was measured by OCT, and the differences between the three groups of data were evaluated.RESULTS: A total of 49 myopic patients(77 eyes)were included. The average sphere degree was -3.10±1.25 D, the average cylinder degree was -0.43(-0.75, 0)D, the average horizontal keratometry(HK)was 42.48±0.81 D, and vertical keratometry(VK)was 42.98(42.25, 43.50)D. There were 21 cases(34 eyes)in the lens fitting group, with 13 cases of bilateral eyes, 8 cases of one eye, 14 cases(22 eyes)in the lens loose group, with 8 cases of bilateral eyes, 6 cases of one eye, and 14 cases(21 eyes)in the lens tight group, with 7 cases of bilateral eyes, 7 cases of one eye. There was no statistical difference in the main basic data of the subjects in the three groups(all P&#x003E;0.05). OCT showed that the tear film thickness of the lens fitting group, the lens loose group, and the lens tight group was 231.18(219.0, 243.0), 220.41(214.0, 224.3), and 249.00(241.5, 258.0)μm, respectively, and there was statistical significance in the thickness among the three groups(P&#x003C;0.05).CONCLUSION: OCT can serve as a safe and reliable method for measuring the tear film thickness, which can help evaluate the suitability of orthokeratology and provide a non-invasive, more intuitive, and quantitative evaluation method for the fitting and evaluation of orthokeratology.

Advances in corneal stromal regeneration and repair / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Corneal stroma is a significant part of the cornea and plays a significant role in the eye's refractive system. Although corneal transplantation is now the most effective treatment for corneal stromal disease, its advancement has been constrained by a shortage of donors, the need for prolonged immunosuppressive medicine to prevent rejection, and low graft survival rates. An alternate strategy is to use the corneal stroma's natural capacity for regeneration to create the ideal conditions for the collagenous extracellular matrix of the stroma to self-renew. However, it is challenging to replicate the intricate ultrastructure of the corneal stroma in vitro. Regenerative medicine has so been used to address these issues. These approaches refer to numerous disciplines, including stem cell-induced differentiation, tissue engineering and gene editing. This article provides potential directions for the future clinical applications of corneal stromal regeneration and repair while summarizing pertinent techniques, research progress, and issues.

Manually prepared lamellae for Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (Pachy-DSEK): comparison of four dissection depths / Lamelas manualmente dissecadas para transplante endotelial de córnea (Pachy-DSEK): comparação entre quatro profundidades de dissecção

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to compare four depths of manual dissection for the preparation of Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty lamellae. Methods: Eye bank corneas were randomized into four groups according to dissection depths: Pachy-100 (incision depth = central corneal thickness-safety margin of 100 µm), Pachy-50 (safety margin of 50 µm), Pachy-0 (no safety margin), and Pachy+50 (incision depth = central corneal thickness + 50 µm). All endothelial lamellae were prepared using a standardized method of manual dissection (Pachy-DSEK). The central, paracentral (3.0-mm zone), and peripheral (6.0-mm zone) lamella thicknesses and incision depths were measured by optical coherence tomography. The 3.0-mm and 6.0-mm zone central-to-peripheral thickness ratios were calculated. Results: Endothelial perforation occurred only in the Pachy+50 group (n=3, 30%). Central lamella's thickness in Pachy-100, Pachy-50, Pachy-0, and Pachy+50 groups measured 185 ± 42 µm, 122 ± 29 µm, 114 ± 29 µm, and 58 ± 31 µm, respectively (p<0.001). The overall 3.0- and 6.0-mm C/P ratios were 0.97 ± 0.06 and 0.92 ± 0.14, respectively. Preoperative donor characteristics were not correlated with most thickness outcomes. The planned incision depth correlated significantly with most lamella's thickness parameters (p<0.001). The overall thickness of the lamella negatively correlated with the planned incision depth (p<0.001, r=-0.580). The best outcome was found in the Pachy-0 group, as 75% of the lamellae measured <130 µm and there was no endothelial perforation. Conclusions: By using a standardized method of dissection, most manually prepared lamellae presented a planar shape. Setting the incision depth to the central corneal thickness did not result in endothelial perforation and a high percentage of ultrathin lamellae was achieved.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar quatro profundidades de dissecção manual usadas no preparo de lamelas para transplante endotelial. Métodos: Córneas humanas de treinamento disponibilizadas foram randomizadas em quatro grupos: Pachy-100 (profundidade de incisão = espessura corneana central - margem de segurança de 100 µm), Pachy-50 (margem de segurança de 50 µm), Pachy-0 (sem margem de segurança) e Pachy+50 (profundidade de incisão = espessura corneana central + 50 µm). Todas as lamelas foram dissecadas através um método padronizado e já publicado (Pachy-DSEK). As espessuras das lamelas (centro, zona de 3,0mm e zona de 6,0mm) foram medidas com tomografia de coerência óptica. A razão de espessura centro-periferia foi calculada aos 3,0 e 6,0 mm de diâmetro. Resultados: Perfuração endotelial ocorreu apenas no grupo Pachy+50 (n=3, 30%). A espessura central da lamela nos grupos Pachy-100, Pachy-50, Pachy-0 e Pachy+50 foi de 185 ± 42 µm, 122 ± 29 µm, 114 ± 29 µm, e 58 ± 31 µm, respectivamente (p<0,001). As razões C/P aos 3,0 e 6,0 mm foram de 0,97 ± 0,06 e 0,92 ± 0,14, respectivamente. Os parâmetros de características do doador não se correlacionaram com os resultados de espessura de lamela. A profundidade planejada de incisão se correlacionou com a maioria dos parâmetros de espessura de lamela (p<0,001). A espessura de lamela se correlacionou negativamente com a profundidade planejada da incisão (p<0.001, r=-0,580). O melhor resultado foi observado no grupo Pachy-0, em que 75% das lamelas mediram abaixo de 130 µm e não houve perfuração endotelial. Conclusão: Através de um método padronizado de dissecção, a maioria das lamelas endoteliais apresentou uma configuração planar. O planejamento de profundidade de incisão igual à espessura corneana central resultou em alta porcentagem de lamelas ultrafinas sem ocorrência de perfuração.

Mycobacterium abscessus keratitis after LASIK surgery / Ceratite por Mycobacterium abscessus após cirurgia LASIK

ABSTRACT A 33-year-old male presented with unilateral subacute infectious keratitis 4 weeks after surgery. Corneal inflammation was resistant to standard topical antibiotic regimens. During diagnostic flap lifting and sampling, the corneal flap melted and separated. Through flap lifting, corneal scraping, microbiological diagnosis of atypical mycobacteria, and treatment with topical fortified amikacin, clarithromycin, and systemic clarithromycin, clinical improvement was achieved.

RESUMO Paciente do sexo masculino, 33 anos, apresentou ceratite infecciosa subaguda unilateral 4 semanas após a cirurgia. A inflamação da córnea foi resistente aos regimes de antibióticos tópicos padrão. A aba da córnea foi derretida e seccionada durante o levantamento e amostragem para diagnóstico. A melhora clínica só foi alcançada após levantamento do retalho, raspagem e diagnóstico microbiológico de micobactérias atípicas e tratamento com amicacina fortificada tópica, claritromicina e claritromicina sistêmica.

Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty for primary graft failure after penetrating keratoplasty / Transplante endotelial de membrana de Descemet para falência primária após transplante penetrante

ABSTRACT Primary graft failure (PGF) is a known complication following penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). The usual approach to treat this complication is to repeat a penetrating keratoplasty. Here, we report a case of Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) for the treatment of PGF after PKP. A patient that underwent PKP, developed PGF with persistent graft edema and very poor visual acuity despite aggressive steroid use and a proof anti-viral treatment. Three months after the initial surgery, a DMEK was performed under the PKP graft. There was progressive early corneal clearing and, by the end of the first month, the patient already had no corneal edema. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) improved to 20/40 and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) to 20/20. DMEK may be an alternative to a second PKP for the treatment of PGF. This technique is a less invasive option when compared to the standard PKP procedure.

RESUMO A falência primária do enxerto é uma complicação conhecida que pode ocorrer após o transplante penetrante de córnea. O tratamento usual dessa complicação é com um novo transplante penetrante. Apresentamos um caso em que foi usado o transplante endotelial de membrana de Descemet (DMEK - do inglês Descemet membrane endo-thelial keratoplasty) para o tratamento da falência primária após o transplante penetrante. Uma paciente submetida a transplante penetrante evoluiu com falência primária do enxerto a despeito do uso intenso de corticoide tópico e uma prova terapêutica de antivirais. Três meses após a cirurgia inicial, foi optado pela realização do transplante endotelial de membrana de Descemet sob o transplante penetrante. Houve um clareamento precoce e progressivo do enxerto com melhora importante da visão. Após um mês, a visão sem correção era de 20/40 melhorando para 20/20 com refração. O transplante endotelial de membrana de Descemet pode ser uma alternativa a um novo transplante penetrante como tratamento da falência primária.

Evaluation of unilateral corneal collagen cross-linking on fellow untreated eyes of patients with keratoconus / A avaliação da reticulação unilateral do colágeno corneano em olhos não tratados de pacientes com ceratocone

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of unilateral corneal collagen cross-linking treatment on visual acuity and the topographic findings of the fellow untreated eye of patients who had bilateral progressive keratoconus. Methods: Patients with progressive keratoconus who underwent cross-linking treatment were screened retrospectively. A total of 188 untreated eyes of 188 patients whose eyes were treated unilaterally with either standard or accelerated cross-linking and refused cross-linking procedure for the fellow eye were included. Visual acuity and topographic findings of the fellow untreated eyes were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively at the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th, 24th, 30th, and 36th months. Results: The change over time of variables examined was similar in the untreated eyes of patients who received standard and accelerated cross-linking methods (p>0.05). At the 12th month, 136 (95.8%) untreated eyes were stable according to progression criteria. Only 4 (8%) eyes were progressive at the 24th month. No progression was observed in any of the 16 patients with a 36-month follow up. Conclusions: The results showed that the fellow untreated eyes of patients with bilateral progressive keratoconus did not have significant progression rates after unilateral cross-linking treatment.

RESUMO Objetivo: Examinar os efeitos do tratamento de reticulação unilateral do colágeno corneano na acuidade visual e os achados topográficos em olhos não tratados de pacientes com ceratocone progressivo bilateral. Métodos: Foram rastreados retrospectivamente pacientes com ceratocone progressivo submetidos a tratamento de reticulação. Foram incluídos no estudo 188 olhos não tratados de 188 pacientes tratado unilateralmente com reticulação padrão ou acelerada e que recusaram o procedimento de reticulação no outro olho. A acuidade visual e os achados topográficos dos olhos não tratados foram obtidos no pré- e pós-operatório no 1º, 3º, 6º, 12º, 24º, 30º e 36º mês. Resultados: As alterações ao longo do tempo foram semelhantes para as variáveis examinadas nos olhos não tratados de pacientes tratados com métodos de reticulação padrão e acelerado (p>0,05). No 12º mês, 136 olhos não tratados (95,8%) estavam estáveis, de acordo com os critérios de progressão. Apenas quatro olhos (8%) mostraram progressão no 24º mês. Nenhuma progressão foi observada nos 16 pacientes que tiveram um acompanhamento de 36 meses. Conclusões: O estudo mostrou que os olhos não tratados de pacientes com ceratocone progressivo bilateral não apresentaram taxas de progressão significativas após o tratamento unilateral com reticulação.

Measurement of the visual axis through two different methods: quantification and differences for measuring chord μ / Medição do eixo visual através de dois métodos diferentes: quantificação e diferenças para medição da corda μ

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the differences between the apparent and actual chord μ. Methods: In this prospective, comparative, non-randomized, and non-interventional study, imaging examinations using Pentacam and the HD Analyzer were performed in the same room under the same scotopic conditions. The inclusion criteria were patients aged 21-71 years, able to provide informed consent, myopia up to 4D, and anterior topographic astigmatism up to 1D. Patients using contact lenses, those with previous eye diseases or surgeries, corneal opacities, corneal tomographic changes, or suspected keratoconus were excluded. Results: Altogether, 116 eyes of 58 patients were analyzed. The patients' mean age was 30.69 (±7.85) years. In the correlation analyses, Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.647 indicates a moderate positive linear relationship between apparent and actual chord μ. The mean actual and apparent chord μ were 226.21 ± 128.53 and 278.66 ± 123.90 μm, respectively, with a mean difference of 52.45 μm (p=0.01). The analysis of mean pupillary diameter resulted in 5.76 mm using the HD Analyzer and 3.31 mm using the Pentacam. Conclusions: We found a correlation between the two measurement devices, and even though we found considerable differences, both can be used in daily practice. Given their differences, we should respect their peculiarities as well.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar as diferenças entre a chord aparente μ e o chord real μ. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, comparativo, não randomizado e não intervencionista. Os exames de imagem (Pentacam e HD Analyzer) foram realizados na mesma sala e nas mesmas condições escotópicas. Os critérios de inclusão foram idade de 21 a 71 anos; compreensão do termo de consentimento; miopia até 4D e astigmatismo topográfico anterior até 1D. Os critérios de exclusão foram usuários de lentes de contato; pacientes com doenças oculares prévias ou cirurgias; opacidades da córnea; a presença de alterações tomográficas da córnea ou suspeita de ceratocone. Resultados: Em nosso estudo foram analisados 116 olhos de 58 pacientes. A média de idade foi de 30,69 anos (± 7,85). Análises de correlação foram desenvolvidas e o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson (0,647) indica uma relação linear positiva moderada entre as variáveis. A média do chord μ real foi 226,21 ± 128,53 μm e a média do chord μ média foi 278,66 ± 123,90 μm, com diferença média de 52,45 μm (p=0,01). A análise do diâmetro pupilar médio apresentou: 5,76mm no HD Analyzer e 3,31mm no Pentacam. Conclusões: Entendemos a existência de uma diferença significativa entre os métodos e assim a medida de ambos os dispositivos com base em princípios diferentes devemos respeitar suas peculiaridades. Como encontramos correlação entre as duas medidas, acreditamos que ambas podem ser utilizadas na prática diária.

A novel agent for myeloma causing toxic keratopathy, belantamab mafodotin: a case report and literature review / Belantamabe-mafodotina, um novo agente para mieloma, causando ceratopatia tóxica: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

ABSTRACT A 60-year-old-male with refractory relapsed multiple myeloma presented with redness, pain, foreign body sensation, and blurred vision in both eyes that gradually increased after his third belantamab mafotodin infusion. Biomicroscopy revealed bilateral microcyst-like epithelial changes and epithelial crystal-like deposits, whereas in vivo confocal microscopy revealed intraepithelial and subepithelial hyperreflective deposits in corneal epithelium. Belantamab mafodotin therapy was discontinued for seven weeks due to corneal toxicity, which cleared progressively. We aim to demonstrate belantamab mafodotin-related corneal toxicity that may be detected using slit lamp and in vivo confocal biomicroscopy.

RESUMO Um homem de 60 anos, diagnosticado com mieloma múltiplo recidivante refratário, apresentou vermelhidão, dor, sensação de corpo estranho e visão turva em ambos os olhos, aumentando gradualmente após sua terceira infusão de belantamabe mafodotina. À biomicroscopia, foram observadas alterações epiteliais bilaterais semelhantes a microcistos e depósitos epiteliais semelhantes a cristais. A microscopia confocal in vivo revelou depósitos hiper-refletivos intraepiteliais e subepiteliais na córnea. Devido à toxicidade corneana, a terapia com belantamabe mafodotina foi interrompida por sete semanas e a toxicidade foi gradualmente resolvida. Nosso objetivo é demonstrar os achados à biomicroscopia confocal in vivo e à lâmpada de fenda da toxicidade corneana relacionada ao belantamabe mafodotina.

Corneal reshaping: an experiment with a type I collagen-based vitrigel for remodeling porcine corneas / Remodelamento corneano: relato de um experimento com um vitrigel a base de colágeno tipo I para remodelamento de córneas porcinas

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to report an experiment designed to determine anatomical changes in porcine corneas following placement of a novel polymer implant into the cornea. Methods: An ex vivo porcine eye model was used. A novel type I collagen-based vitrigel implant (6 mm in diameter) was shaped with an excimer laser on the posterior surface to create three planoconcave shapes. Implants were inserted into a manually dissected stromal pocket at a depth of approximately 200 μm. Three treatment groups were defined: group A (n=3), maximal ablation depth 70 μm; Group B (n=3), maximal ablation depth 64 μm; and group C (n=3), maximal ablation depth 104 μm, with a central hole. A control group (D, n=3) was included, in which a stromal pocket was created but biomaterial was not inserted. Eyes were evaluated by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and corneal tomography. Results: Corneal tomography showed a trend for a decreased mean keratometry in all four groups. Optical coherence tomography showed corneas with implants placed within the anterior stroma and visible flattening, whereas the corneas in the control group did not qualitatively change shape. Conclusions: The novel planoconcave biomaterial implant described herein could reshape the cornea in an ex vivo model, resulting in the flattening of the cornea. Further studies are needed using in vivo animal models to confirm such findings.

RESUMO Objetivo: Relatar um experimento projetado para determinar alterações anatômicas em córneas porcinas após a colocação de um novo implante de polímero na córnea. Métodos: Foi utilizado olho de porco ex vivo. Um novo agente modelador biocompatível, de colágeno tipo 1, com 6mm de diâmetro foi moldado com excimer laser em sua face posterior, para criar três formatos planocôncavos. Os implantes foram inseridos dentro de um bolsão, dissecado manualmente, a 200 micrômetros (μm). Foram definidos três grupos de tratamento: grupo A (n=3), teve a profundidade máxima de ablação de 70 μm; o grupo B (n=3), profundidade máxima de ablação de 64 μm; e o grupo C (n=3), profundidade máxima de ablação de 104 μm, com buraco central. O grupo controle, D (n=3), foi incluído, com a criação do bolsão estromal, porém sem inserir o material. A avaliação desses olhos foi realizada por tomografia de coerência óptica (OCT) e por tomografia corneana. Resultados: A tomografia corneana mostrou uma tendência para diminuição da ceratometria média em todos os 4 grupos. A tomografia de coerência óptica mostrou córneas com implantes localizados no estroma anterior e aplanamento visível, enquanto as córneas não mudaram qualitativamente o formato no grupo controle. Conclusões: O novo implante de biomaterial planocôncavo descrito aqui foi capaz de remodelar a córnea em modelo de animal ex vivo, resultando no aplanamento corneano. Novos estudos são necessários usando modelos animais in vivo para confirmar tais achados.