Fístula orbitonasal, un desafío terapéutico frente a una manifestación infrecuente en la granulomatosis con poliangitis / Orbito-nasal fistula, a therapeutic challenge against an infrequent manifestation in granulomatosis with polyangiitis

La granulomatosis con poliangitis (GPA) es una condición clínico-patológica que cursa con inflamación granulomatosa del tracto respiratorio superior e inferior, glomerulonefritis necrotizante focal y vasculitis necrotizante de vasos de pequeño y mediano tamaño (capilares, vénulas, arteriolas y arterias). La afectación de la GPA orbitaria oscila entre el 7 y el 45%. En ocasiones, la glándula lagrimal puede estar afectada de forma aislada y ser la manifestación inicial de la enfermedad. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con GPA y fístula nasolagrimal.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a clinical-pathological condition that presents with granulomatous inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tract, focal necrotizing glomerulonephritis and necrotizing vasculitis of small and medium-sized vessels (capillaries, venules, arterioles and arteries). Orbital GPA involvement ranging from 7-45%. The lacrimal gland can occasionally be affected in isolation and be the initial manifestation of the disease. We present the case of a patient with GPA and nasolacrimal fistula.

Clinical choice of treatment regimens for recurrent corneal erosion / 中华实验眼科杂志

Recurrent corneal erosion (RCE), a common disease caused by repeated episodes of corneal epithelial defects, is characterized by the sudden onset of eye pain, usually upon first awakening.Among many causes of the disease, trauma is the most common one, followed by epithelial basement membrane dystrophy.The disease can be diagnosed via the characteristic medical history, ocular symptoms and slit-lamp examination.Treatment of RCE includes both conservative management and surgical management.Conservative treatment is the first choice for the primary patients, including medication, bandage contact lens, application of serum drops, coverage of cryopreserved amniotic membrane, etc.The appropriate surgical procedures should be performed in patients when the conservative therapy failed.Surgical treatment mainly includes epithelial debridement, diamond burr polishing, anterior stromal puncture, alcohol delamination, phototherapeutic keratectomy, photorefractive keratectomy, femtosecond laser-assisted lamellar keratectomy, etc.RCE treatment progress was comprehensively reviewed in this article to provide references for clinical therapy.

Relationship between Palpebral Fissure Height and Corneal Astigmatism of Epiblepharon

PURPOSE: To study the effect of plapebral fissure height on astigmatism in epiblepharon patients. METHODS: The study consisted of 68 eyes of 34 patients who were diagnosed with epiblepharon and 88 eyes of 44 patients who had normal eyelids from September 2012 to July 2013. Data on palpebral fissure height and refractive errors were compared between the epiblepharon group and the control group. Epiblepharon patients were further divided into two subgroups depending on the degree of preoperative corneal erosion in order to study the effects of corneal erosion on corneal astigmatism. RESULTS: The mean age was 5.6 ± 2.2 years in the epiblepharon group and 6.1 ± 1.5 years in the control group (p = 0.339). The mean astigmatism was 2.28 ± 1.54 D in the epiblepharon group and 0.91 ± 1.07 D in the control group. The epiblepharon group showed higher astigmatism than the control group (p < 0.001). The mean palepebral fissure height was 6.70 ± 1.19 mm in the epiblepharon group and 7.63 ± 1.06 mm in the control group. The epiblepharon group exhibited smaller palpebral fissure height than the control group (p < 0.001). In the palpebral fissure height subgroups of the epiblepharon group, the <7.0 mm group showed higher astigmatism than the ≥7.0 mm group (p = 0.026). Higher astigmatism was associated with smaller palpebral fissure height (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with epiblepharon had significantly higher corneal astigmatism, and higher astigmatism was associated with smaller palpebral fissure height.

Efficacy of Anterior Stromal Puncture Using 5% NaCl Eye Drops for Prolonged Time in Recurrent Corneal Erosion Syndrome

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the combined treatment of anterior stromal puncture with the concurrent use of 5% NaCl eye drops for 6 months for recurrent corneal erosion syndrome. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for 21 patients (21 eyes) who underwent the combined treatment of anterior stromal puncture with 5% NaCl eye drops qid for 6 months to treat recurrent corneal erosion syndromes. The patients' age, gender, history of corneal trauma, history of ocular surgery, recurrence rate, need for additional treatments after recurrence and complication were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age was 42.05 ± 13.83 years (19-68 years) with no significant difference in gender, and the mean follow up period was 8.48 ± 2.76 months (6-15 months). Among the 21 eyes 14 eyes (66.7%) had a previous history of corneal trauma, 2 eyes (9.52%) had previous refractive surgery, 1 eye (4.8%) had corneal dystrophy, 2 eyes (9.5%) had diabetic mellitus and 5 eyes (28.81%) had an unknown origin. Furthermore, 3 eyes (14.3%) developed recurrences and 2 eyes were resolved with conservative treatment while 1 eye needed additional anterior stroma puncture. There was no recurrence after retreatment with anterior stroma puncture. No significant complications such as infection or inflammation developed with the exception of corneal opacity in which one patient developed glare due to corneal opacity. CONCLUSIONS: The combined treatment of anterior stromal puncture with 5% NaCl eye drops for a prolonged time might be effective at preventing the recurrence of refractory recurrent corneal erosion syndrome with conservative treatments.

Efficacy and safety of alcohol assisted epithelial delamination in recurrent corneal erosion syndrome.

Introduction: Recurrent Corneal Erosion Syndrome is a resistant condition to treat .Many modalities of treatment is available. Alcohol assisted epithelial delamination is relatively a new procedure and not widely practiced. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of the procedure. Material & Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted in our hospital .We have enrolled 30 patients who underwent the procedure within last two years. Patients with RCE who remained symptomatic despite topical lubrication was included .Patients were followed up at 1 day, 4 days, 1 week, and 1 month. Success was defined as resolution of symptoms after 1 month of treatment. The preoperative and postoperative data were collected from EMR and analyzed. Results: Twenty nine patients were stable after the procedure. One patient required repeated treatment. There were no post operative complications. No patients lost any line of visual acuity. Conclusion: Alcohol assisted epithelial delamination is a safe and effective procedure for treating patients with recurrent corneal erosion syndrome.

Clinical Presentation and Treatment Outcomes of Recurrent Corneal Erosion

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes of recurrent corneal erosion patients. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed on the medical records of 48 patients (53 eyes) diagnosed with recurrent corneal erosion by our ophthalmology department between January 2008 and March 2015. Patient age, gender, lesion location, and cause of disease were analyzed against occurrence of disease. Patients were classified by treatment method into group A, which was treated with eye drops; group B, which was treated with therapeutic contact lenses and eye drops; group C, which was treated with amniotic membrane transplantation; and group D, which was treated with other procedures, and the recurrence rates were compared. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 45.6 ± 14.3 years (19-76 years), with no significant difference in recurrence rates dependent on gender or eye. Patients in their 50s were most affected, excluding refractive surgery patients. The most frequent lesion location was the inferior area of the cornea (58.5%), followed by the central area (30.2%), and the most common cause of disease was trauma, followed by unknown causes, past refractive surgery, and complications from other eye diseases. Group A had 11 eyes (20.8%), while groups B, C, and D had 30 eyes (56.6%), 8 eyes (15.1%) and 4 eyes (7.3%), respectively. The recurrence rates according to treatment method were 27.3% in group A, 23.3% in group B, and 12.5% in group C. The lower recurrence rate in the group treated with amniotic membrane transplantation was not significant compared to that of conservatively treated groups. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent corneal erosion mostly affects patients in their 50s, excluding refractive surgery patients, and occurs frequently in the inferior area of the cornea due to mild trauma. Surgical treatment including amniotic membrane transplantation should be considered instead of conservative treatment in order to prevent reoccurrence.

Clinical Presentation and Treatment Outcomes of Recurrent Corneal Erosion

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes of recurrent corneal erosion patients. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed on the medical records of 48 patients (53 eyes) diagnosed with recurrent corneal erosion by our ophthalmology department between January 2008 and March 2015. Patient age, gender, lesion location, and cause of disease were analyzed against occurrence of disease. Patients were classified by treatment method into group A, which was treated with eye drops; group B, which was treated with therapeutic contact lenses and eye drops; group C, which was treated with amniotic membrane transplantation; and group D, which was treated with other procedures, and the recurrence rates were compared. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 45.6 ± 14.3 years (19-76 years), with no significant difference in recurrence rates dependent on gender or eye. Patients in their 50s were most affected, excluding refractive surgery patients. The most frequent lesion location was the inferior area of the cornea (58.5%), followed by the central area (30.2%), and the most common cause of disease was trauma, followed by unknown causes, past refractive surgery, and complications from other eye diseases. Group A had 11 eyes (20.8%), while groups B, C, and D had 30 eyes (56.6%), 8 eyes (15.1%) and 4 eyes (7.3%), respectively. The recurrence rates according to treatment method were 27.3% in group A, 23.3% in group B, and 12.5% in group C. The lower recurrence rate in the group treated with amniotic membrane transplantation was not significant compared to that of conservatively treated groups. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent corneal erosion mostly affects patients in their 50s, excluding refractive surgery patients, and occurs frequently in the inferior area of the cornea due to mild trauma. Surgical treatment including amniotic membrane transplantation should be considered instead of conservative treatment in order to prevent reoccurrence.

The Effect of TNF-α Blocker HL036337 and Its Best Concentration to Inhibit Dry Eye Inflammation

PURPOSE: Dry eye syndrome is commonly thought of as an inflammatory disease, and we have previously presented data showing the effectiveness of topical TNF-α blocker agents for the treatment of this condition. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the TNF-α blocking agent HL036337 compared to cyclosporine A for the treatment of dry eye induced inflammation in order to establish whether HL036337 represents a more effective method for suppressing inflammation. The efficacy of HL036337 and cyclosporine A was determined using an experimental murine dry eye model. METHODS: The TNF-α blocker HL036337 is a modified form of TNF receptor I. Using dry eye induced C57BL/6 mice (n = 45), corneal erosion was measured at day 4 and 7 after topical treatment with cyclosporine A or HL036337. To determine the effective treatment dose, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2.5, and 5 mg/mL of HL036337 were topically administered twice per day to dry eye induced murine corneas for 1 week. RESULTS: The optimal concentration of the TNF-α blocker HL036337 for treatment of dry eye induced corneal erosion was determined to be 1 mg/mL. Dry eye induced corneal erosion was improved after 1 week with topically applied cyclosporine A and HL036337 at 1 mg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: HL036337 administered topically at 1 mg/mL effectively improved corneal erosion induced by dry eye. This finding may also suggest that inhibition of TNF-α can improve dry eye syndrome.

Comparison of Eye Protection Methods of Ointment Instillation under General Anesthesia

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of 3 different eye ointment instillations with eyelid taping and eyelid taping alone to prevent eye complications during surgery under general anesthesia. METHODS: A total of 296 eyes of 148 patients who underwent general anesthesia for at least 60 minutes were randomly assigned to 1 of the following 4 groups: group A, eyelid taping alone; group B, eyelid taping with solcoseryl ointment; group C, eyelid taping with carbomer ointment; group D, eyelid taping with lanolin ointment. Schirmer test, tear film break-up time (TF-BUT), conjunctival hyperemia scale (CHS), National Eye Institute corneal staining scale (NSS), and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) were prospectively evaluated before and after general anesthesia. RESULTS: TF-BUT was significantly increased in the group B compared with the preoperative value (p = 0.035). CHS was significantly decreased in all 3 ointment groups (p < 0.05) after general anesthesia and the degree was significantly higher in groups B and C (p < 0.001). No corneal abrasion developed after general anesthesia. However, corneal erosion developed in 20 eyes of previously healthy subjects; 8 eyes (12.5%) in group A, 0 eye (0%) in group B, 2 eyes (2.5%) in group C, and 10 eyes (13.9%) in group D. The occurrence rates of new lesions were significantly lower in groups B and C (p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Both eyelid taping alone and eyelid taping with eye ointment are effective protection methods against corneal abrasion during operation under general anesthesia. Eye ointment instillation together with eyelid taping shows not only improvement of subjective symptoms but also improvement of objective ocular surface parameters proving to be an effective ocular protection during general anesthesia.

Comparison of Eye Protection Methods of Ointment Instillation under General Anesthesia

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of 3 different eye ointment instillations with eyelid taping and eyelid taping alone to prevent eye complications during surgery under general anesthesia. METHODS: A total of 296 eyes of 148 patients who underwent general anesthesia for at least 60 minutes were randomly assigned to 1 of the following 4 groups: group A, eyelid taping alone; group B, eyelid taping with solcoseryl ointment; group C, eyelid taping with carbomer ointment; group D, eyelid taping with lanolin ointment. Schirmer test, tear film break-up time (TF-BUT), conjunctival hyperemia scale (CHS), National Eye Institute corneal staining scale (NSS), and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) were prospectively evaluated before and after general anesthesia. RESULTS: TF-BUT was significantly increased in the group B compared with the preoperative value (p = 0.035). CHS was significantly decreased in all 3 ointment groups (p < 0.05) after general anesthesia and the degree was significantly higher in groups B and C (p < 0.001). No corneal abrasion developed after general anesthesia. However, corneal erosion developed in 20 eyes of previously healthy subjects; 8 eyes (12.5%) in group A, 0 eye (0%) in group B, 2 eyes (2.5%) in group C, and 10 eyes (13.9%) in group D. The occurrence rates of new lesions were significantly lower in groups B and C (p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Both eyelid taping alone and eyelid taping with eye ointment are effective protection methods against corneal abrasion during operation under general anesthesia. Eye ointment instillation together with eyelid taping shows not only improvement of subjective symptoms but also improvement of objective ocular surface parameters proving to be an effective ocular protection during general anesthesia.

Evaluation of Anterior Stromal Puncture Using Nd:YAG Laser for Refractory Recurrent Corneal Erosion

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical results of anterior stromal puncture (ASP) using neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser for refractory recurrent corneal erosion (RCE). METHODS: Ten eyes of eight patients with RCE showing poor response to conservative therapy who were treated with Nd:YAG laser ASP and followed up for at least 4 months were studied. The cause and duration of erosions, times, and total energy of the laser were recorded. The preoperative and postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, complications, and recurrence were reviewed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 9.6 months. The laser energy setting was 0.2 or 0.3 mJ per shot. The average total laser energy was 6.2 mJ. Two of 10 eyes received another Nd:YAG laser treatment. All 10 eyes were successfully treated and had no recurrence after the operation during follow-up. Postoperative BCVAs were equal to or better than the preoperative BCVAs. No significant complications except faint corneal haze were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Nd:YAG laser ASP is an effective and safe procedure to treat refractory RCE in short-term follow-up.

Comparison of Nd:YAG Laser versus Conservative Management in the Treatment of Recurrent Corneal Erosion

PURPOSE: To compare the treatment effects of neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and conservative management in treatment of recurrent corneal erosion. METHODS: Twenty-three eyes that received Nd:YAG laser treatment and 24 eyes that underwent conservative management including hyperosmotic agent were retrospectively reviewed for the rate and frequency of recurrence, presentation, time to recurrence, final visual acuity and complications. RESULTS: The rate of recurrence in eyes treated with Nd:YAG laser was 56.5% and that in eyes with conservative management was 50.0%. The difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.654). However, 10 of 12 eyes that recurred after conservative treatment presented with macroform erosion at the time of recurrence, whereas 5 of 13 eyes that recurred after Nd:YAG laser had an accompanying epithelial defect (p = 0.041). After the Nd:YAG laser treatment or conservative treatment, 64.1% and 60.5% of the eyes, respectively, remained free from recurrence 1 year after treatment, however the success rate decreased over time (p = 0.649). The final visual acuity in the group that received Nd;YAG laser treatment was 0.05 +/- 0.06 log MAR and 0.09 +/- 0.08 log MAR (p = 0.649) in the group that received conservative management. None of the patients in either group experienced complications of corneal scarring. CONCLUSIONS: The difference in the recurrence rates between Nd:YAG laser treatment and conservative treatment were not statistically different, however, the severity of recurred episodes were milder in the eyes that received Nd:YAG laser treatment.

Distrofia de la membrana basal epitelial / epithelial basal membrane dystrophy

La distrofia de Cogan es la distrofia corneal anterior más común, frecuente en adultos del sexo femenino, entre 40-70 años de edad. Presentamos un caso de una paciente de 50 años de edad, del sexo femenino, quien refiere visión borrosa, lagrimeo y fotofobia. Al examen de la córnea en lámpara de hendidura se observan imágenes de color grisáceo en forma de huellas dactilares y de mapa. Esta afección es causada por alteraciones de la membrana basal epitelial que provoca la separación parcial o total del epitelio corneal. Generalmente asintomática, es la causa más frecuente de erosión corneal recurrente. Las opciones terapéuticas varían desde lubricantes, soluciones hipertónicas tópicas, lentes de contacto de vendaje, desbridamiento del epitelio central, micropunciones mecánicas o diatermia y fotoqueratectomía con láser excímer.

Cogan's dystrophy is the most common anterior corneal dystrophy in adult females aged 40-70 years of age. Here is a 50 years-old female patient suffering from blurred vision, weeping eyes and photophobia. On examination, grayish images were observed in the form of fingerprints and map. This disease is caused by alterations of the epithelial basal membrane bringing about partial or total removal of the corneal epithelium. Often asymptomatic, it is the most common cause of recurrent corneal erosion. Treatment options range from lubricants, topical hypertonic solutions, bandage contact lenses, central epithelial debridement, mechanical or diathermy micropuncture and excimer laser photokeratectomy.

Superficial Punctate Keratoepitheliopathy Under Treatment with Erlotinib and Lapatinib

PURPOSE: To report the corneal superficial punctate keratoepitheliopathy in 2 patients taking the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, erlotinib and lapatinib, respectively. CASE SUMMARY: Case 1, who received erlotinib, showed trichomegaly without touching the cornea and diffuse punctate keratoepitheliopathy. Corneal epitheliopathy and the corresponding symptoms resolved after discontinuation of the drug then recurred with reapplication. Case 2 presented diffuse corneal punctate epithelial erosions that developed without any cilia involvement after the patient was administered lapatinib. The visual acuity of both patients was not severely diminished and keratoepitheliopathy was mostly resolved with the treatment of preservative-free artificial tears and autologous serum eye drops. CONCLUSIONS: Erlotinib and lapatinib are both likely to cause visually tolerable corneal punctate keratoepitheliopathy which can be resolved with appropriate topical treatment.

Caracterización de los pacientes con traumatismo ocular en el área de salud Julián Grimau / Characterization of patients with ocular trauma in Julián Grimau health area

Se efectuó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal de 65 pacientes con traumas oculares, pertenecientes al área de salud del Policlínico Universitario Julián Grimau de Santiago de Cuba, desde Junio del 2010 hasta igual mes del 2011, con vistas a identificar las principales características clinicoepidemiológicas de los afectados. En la serie predominaron las contusiones (32,3 por ciento), las heridas corneales (32,9 por ciento), las erosiones corneales (27,6 por ciento), así como las hemorragias subconjuntivales y los hifemas (23,7 por ciento, cada uno). Por tales razones se recomendó realizar estudios que reflejen la prevalencia e incidencia de la mencionada afección en esta provincia

An observational descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in 65 patients with ocular trauma, belonging to the health area of Julián Grimau University Polyclinic in Santiago de Cuba, from June 2010 to the same month of 2011 with the purpose of identifying the main clinical and epidemiological characteristics of those affected. Contusions (32.3 percent), corneal wounds (32.9 percent) and corneal erosions (27.6 percent) prevailed in the series, as well as subconjunctival hemorrhage and hyphema (23.7 percent each). For these reasons it was recommended to carry out studies reflecting the prevalence and incidence of the condition in this province

Two Clinical Manifestations of Anterior Segment Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

PURPOSE: To report the clinical course and results of two cases of anterior segment manifestations associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). CASE SUMMARY: The first case was a 63-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with corneal ulcer and symblepharon on her left eye and dry eye in both eyes. Although the patient was treated with topical antibiotics, autologous serum and artificial tears, amniotic membrane transplantation and symblepharon removal were subsequently required. At 1 month after medical and surgical treatment, the corneal ulcer improved, but a descemetocele was formed because of persistent corneal thinning. The second case was a 24-year-old female patient diagnosed with filamentary keratitis and recurrent corneal erosion in both eyes and uveitis in her left eye. After treatment with therapeutic contact lenses, topical antibiotics and steroids, her symptoms were slightly improved. After 6 months of treatment, filamentary keratitis and corneal erosion recurred to being intractable. The patient received systemic evaluation and was diagnosed with SLE. After a combined therapy of oral and topical treatments, filamentary keratitis and recurrent corneal erosion improved significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical manifestations of anterior segment associated with SLE rarely respond to topical treatment and are apt to recur easily; therefore, systemic treatment should be applied for better prognosis. Thus, the therapeutic strategy in intractable ocular diseases should be designed with consideration of accompanying systemic diseases.

Clinical Results of Phototherapeutic Keratectomy for Refractory Recurrent Corneal Erosion

PURPOSE: The present study evaluated the clinical results of phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) for refractory recurrent corneal erosion (RCE). METHODS: A total of 12 eyes from 11 RCE patients who had been initially treated with conservative therapy but suffered from recurrence, were treated using PTK with 193 nm excimer laser. The preoperative and postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spherical equivalent, average keratometric value, re-epithelialization time, corneal haze, complications and recurrence were investigated. RESULTS: PTK was combined with photorefractive keratectomy in 1 eye. The mean follow-up time was 11.42 months. All 12 eyes were successfully treated and had no recurrence during the follow-up except 1 eye where the symptoms recurred 9 months postoperatively. Postoperative BCVAs were all better than the preoperative BCVAs. Mild myopic change (average -0.20 diopter) and increased average keratometric values (average 0.27 diopter) were noted in 11 eyes which were treated using PTK alone. The average re-epithelialization time was 5.63 days. No specific complication except mild corneal haze was found. CONCLUSIONS: PTK is a safe and effective treatment for refractory RCE in short-term follow-up.

Visual Acuity and Astigmatism after Simultaneous Surgery for Upper and Lower Eyelid Epiblepharon in Children

PURPOSE: To study the changes in vision and astigmatism in epiblepharon patients undergoing simultaneous surgery for both upper and lower eyelid epiblepharon. METHODS: The study subjects consisted of 40 eyes of 20 patients who underwent surgery for both upper and lower eyelid epiblepharon from March 2007 to December 2008. The patients were divided into groups depending on the degree of corneal erosion. Uncorrected and best corrected vision, refractive error and the degree of corneal erosion were measured before and three months after the surgery. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 7.40 years, and all but three patients showed postoperative grade 0 corneal erosion. Mean uncorrected logMAR visual acuity was 0.44 preoperatively and 0.25 three months after the operation. The mean best corrected logMAR visual acuity was 0.13 preoperatively and 0.04 three months after the operation (p = 0.02, 0.01). Mean astigmatism showed a significant decrease from 1.46 preoperatively to 1.19 three months after surgery (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: After simultaneous surgery for upper and lower eyelid epiblepharon in children, uncorrected and best corrected visual acuity and corneal erosion were all improved. The astigmatism was largely with-the-rule, both before and after surgery.

Cosmetic Contact Lens-related Complications: 9 Cases

PURPOSE: To report the complications resulting from incorrect use of cosmetic contact lenses. CASE SUMMARY: The medical records of 9 patients with complications related to cosmetic contact lenses were retrospectively reviewed. All 9 patients had corneal erosion, and 2 patients had corneal epithelial defects. Corneal neovascularization more than 2 mm from the limbus was observed in 3 patients and one of the patients received a permanent impairment of visual acuity. Seven patients were not educated on the management of contact lenses and 2 patients had previous experience using contact lenses. None of the patients acquired any information or proper instructions regarding their cosmetic contact lenses. During the follow-up examination, 5 out of 6 patients had symptom relief after: 1) discontinuance of using the cosmetic contact lenses or 2) proper education of contact lens use with topical antibiotics and artificial tears. CONCLUSIONS: Many cosmetic contact lens users have insufficient information on usage of contact lenses. Providing proper education to cosmetic contact lens users is very important. Cosmetic contact lens users should have ophthalmic checkups on a regular basis. In addition, illegal production and sales of cosmetic contact lenses must be strictly regulated to prevent complications caused by inferior products.

A Case of Combined Bacterial Keratitis with Recurrent Corneal Erosion

PURPOSE: We report a case of keratitis of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Coagulase negative Staphylococcus in a recurrent corneal erosion patient. METHODS: A 29-year-old female patient was referred to our clinic for an intractable corneal ulcer in her left eye. RESULTS: Her best corrected visual acuity in her left eye was 10/400 and the cornea showed a 2x2 mm corneal infiltration at the 6 o'clock position along with endothelial plaque. Initially, 5% cefazolin, 1.4% tobramycin, 3.3% vancomycin, and 0.125% amphotericin were administered every 2 hours, and Natacyn(R) was administered every 4 hours, but corneal infiltration was still aggravated. After nine days of medical treatment, the advancement of the conjunctival flap was performed. The lesion had not improved, and corneal scrape and culture were repeated. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Coagulase negative Staphylococcus were identified. Treatment with clindamycin and Cravit(R), to which isolated organisms are susceptible, was started, and the lesion improved. During the treatment, her right eye showed a painful epithelial defect in the morning, and a few days later recurrent corneal epithelial bullae developed in her left eye. She was diagnosed with recurrent corneal erosion in both eyes. The infection lesion improved by using 2% clindamycin and Cravit(R), but the corneal bullae were not controlled, and therefore all eyedrops gradually tapered. After the cessation of eyedrops, corneal epithelial bullae disappeared. When she visited our clinic 12 days after discharge, her vision was 20/30 and her corneal lesion had improved completely.