Comparison of Intraocular Pressure Measurements Obtained Using Three Tonometers after Descemet Membrane Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty

Purpose@#To compare the level of agreement between the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT), iCare IC200 rebound tonometer (IRT), and noncontact tonometer (NCT) in patients who underwent Descemet membrane stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK), and to identify factors contributing to variations in intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements among the three tonometers. @*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 41 patients who underwent DSEK. IOP was measured using NCT, IRT, and GAT, in this order. We evaluated the level of agreement among IOP measurements using the three tonometers, and analyzed whether clinical factors affected the results. @*Results@#We analyzed 49 eyes of 41 patients (average age: 62.0 years). The IOP values measured by IRT and NCT were lower than those measured by GAT, although the difference was not significant (p = 0.098 and p = 0.320, respectively). A Bland-Altman plot showed greater agreement between IOP measurements obtained by IRT and GAT than those obtained by NCT and GAT. In multivariate regression analysis, the IOP measured by GAT (β = 0.215, p = 0.022), corneal curvature (β = -1.692, p = 0.037), and postoperative duration (β = 0.042, p = 0.018) affected the difference in IOPs measured by GAT and IRT. The IOP measured by GAT (β = 0.301, p = 0.013) and corneal curvature (β = -2.670, p = 0.010) affected the difference in IOP measurements obtained by GAT and NCT. @*Conclusions@#In DSEK eyes, IRT showed good agreement and high correlation with GAT, suggesting that it is useful for IOP measurement. However, the IOP measured by GAT, corneal curvature, and postoperative duration should be considered when measuring IOP with an IRT.

Impact of Social Distancing and Personal Hygiene on the Prevalence of Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose@#To analyze the change in the weekly incidence of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) per 1,000 outpatients during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic by comparing the mean weekly proportion of EKC of 2020 with that from 2016 to 2019. @*Methods@#Using data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency for 2016-2020, we analyzed the weekly proportion of EKC per 1,000 outpatients. The data were also analyzed according to age, semester and vacation periods, region, and social distancing stages. For the Daegu data, we also analyzed the effects of social distancing in an area. @*Results@#The mean weekly proportion of EKC per 1,000 outpatients in 2020 was lower than in previous years for all ages (2016-2019 19.77 ± 7.17‰, 2020 7.28 ± 2.97‰; p < 0.001). During the semester, the mean difference between 2016-2019 and 2020 was significant, particularly for preschool children. In Daegu, the weekly proportion of EKC per 1,000 outpatients during the extra 12-18 weeks of social distancing was significantly lower (2016-2019, 18.78 ± 6.61‰; 2020, 8.94 ± 2.92‰; p < 0.001). @*Conclusions@#The public health interventions implemented during the COVID-19 outbreak not only reduced the prevalence of COVID-19 but also reduced the prevalence of EKC. Therefore, maintaining hygiene principles and standard precautions may help prevent EKC.

Clinical Characteristics of the Eye with Fuch’s Corneal Endothelial Dystrophy after Descemet Stripping Only

Purpose@#To report the effect of removal of a central descemet membrane on the endothelial function, morphology, and clinical symptoms of eyes with Fuch’s endothelial dystrophy. @*Methods@#From August 2019 to January 2021, patients with Fuch’s endothelial dystrophy, i.e., with confluent, central corneal guttae and cataracts that required surgery, underwent phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, and central descemet membrane stripping. To evaluate the effect of descemet stripping only (DSO), visual acuity and intraocular pressure were measured, and corneal pachymetry, slit-lamp and specular microscopy, and anterior segment optical coherence tomography performed, before surgery and at 1, 7, and 30 days and 3 and 6 months after surgery. @*Results@#Seven patients (10 eyes) were included. Visual acuity improved from 1.01 ± 0.40 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) preoperatively to 0.33 ± 0.22 logMAR 6 months after surgery (p = 0.008). The mean central corneal thickness decreased from 578.50 ± 36.88 μm preoperatively to 568.50 ± 48.61 μm 6 months after surgery; the difference was not significant (p = 0.507). The endothelial cell count increased significantly from 663.80 ± 356.40/mm2 preoperatively to 1,082.00 ± 274.46/mm2 6 months after surgery (p = 0.043). @*Conclusions@#DSO can serve as a useful alternative when corneal transplantation is not possible in patients with Fuch’s endothelial dystrophy, but treatment efficacy and safety require further evaluation.

Cataract Surgery Practices in the Republic of Korea: A Survey of the Korean Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery 2018

PURPOSE: To describe current cataract surgery practice patterns and changing trends among Korean ophthalmologists. METHODS: A survey of members of the Korean Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery was performed in July 2018. One hundred and two (12.7%) of 801 questionnaires were returned for analysis. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and compared with previous surveys. RESULTS: Most of the respondents (75%) had been in practice for 6 or more years and performed an average of 31 cataract surgeries per month. The preferred method for cataract surgery was phacoemulsification (95%); 5% used a femtosecond laser. The use of topical anesthesia markedly increased from 69% (2012) to 80% (2018). The use of optical biometry exceeded that of ultrasound A-scan biometry. A multifocal intraocular lens was used by 76% of the respondents compared with 44% of the respondents in 2012. Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were used by 70% of the respondents postoperatively. Most (59%) of these anti-inflammatory drugs were prescribed for 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: This survey provided a comprehensive update of the present cataract surgery practices in the Republic of Korea. The results emphasized the increasing use of premium intraocular lenses, optical biometry, and topical anesthesia.

Efficacy of Topical Cyclosporine Nanoemulsion 0.05% Compared with Topical Cyclosporine Emulsion 0.05% and Diquafosol 3% in Dry Eye

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of cyclosporine nanoemulsion 0.05% compared to cyclosporine emulsion 0.05% and diquafosol sodium 3%. METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized, evaluator-masked, active control, parallel, phase IV study. A total of 227 patients were randomly allocated to instill cyclosporine nanoemulsion 0.05% (CN) twice daily, cyclosporine emulsion 0.05% (CE) twice daily, or diquafosol sodium 3% (DQ) six times daily. Non-inferiority of CN was analyzed by primary endpoint (cornea and conjunctival staining scores at week 12). The secondary endpoints were scores of corneal staining, conjunctival staining, tear break-up time, Schirmer test, and Ocular Surface Disease Index at weeks 4 and 12. RESULTS: Primary endpoints showed statistically significant improvements in all groups. Primary endpoints were −6.60 for the CN group, −5.28 for the CE group, and −6.63 for the DQ group (National Eye Institute scale from 0 to 33), verifying the non-inferiority of CN compared to CE (95% confidence interval, −0.15 to 2.80, Δ>−2.88). In intergroup comparison between CN and CE groups, the CN group had significantly more decreased conjunctival staining score at week 12. Intergroup comparison between CN and DQ groups showed consistent statistically significant improvements in TBUT and Schirmer test in the CN group. In the DQ group, TBUT showed late statistically significant improvement at week 12 and Schirmer test showed relatively short-term statistically significant improvement at week 4. CONCLUSIONS: Cyclosporine nanoemulsion 0.05% was equivalently efficient compared to cyclosporine emulsion 0.05% and diquafosol sodium 3%. In addition, CN showed significant improvements in several parameters for treatment of dry eyes.

Clinical Analysis of Findings for Anterior Segment Optical Coherent Tomography in Recurrent Corneal Erosion Syndrome

PURPOSE@#To evaluate the correlation between abnormal findings seen in anterior segment optical coherent tomography and the recurrence rate in patients with recurrent corneal erosion syndrome.@*METHODS@#Between January 2015 and August 2018, 53 eyes of 52 patients who had been diagnosed with recurrent corneal erosion syndrome were included in the study. Follow-up was performed for 12 months. To confirm the recurrence, we questioned the subjects on their symptoms and performed slit lamp examinations. At the first visit, the second week, and the first month, we performed anterior segment optical coherent tomography to identify pathologic findings for recurrent corneal erosion syndrome.@*RESULTS@#In 12 months, 29 eyes (54.7%) had a recurrence of corneal erosion and 24 eyes (45.3%) had no recurrence. There was no significant difference in age, sex, trauma, diabetes mellitus, or meibomian gland dysfunction between the recurrent and non-recurrent groups. Among the anterior segment optical coherent tomography findings, anterior stromal hyper-reflectivity, undetected epithelial basement membrane, intraepithelial basement membrane, intraepithelial inclusions were not significantly different between the two groups. In the first month, corneal epithelial edema was 82.8% in the recurrent group, but 33.3% in the non-recurrent group. It was significantly different (p = 0.000). Corneal epithelial thickness lowered significantly in the non-recurrent group, but not in the recurrent group in the first month. In other words, epithelial edema improved in the non-recurrent group, whereas epithelial edema did not improve in the recurrent group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#If corneal epithelial edema is not treated in patients with recurrent corneal erosion syndrome, high possibility of a recurrence should be considered.

Effects of Platelet-rich Plasma on Ocular Surface in Patients with Dry Eye Syndrome: Clinico-experimental Analysis

PURPOSE@#To evaluate the effect of platelet rich plasma (PRP) on ocular surface damage caused by hyperosmotic conditions using retrospective clinical and experimental analyses.@*METHODS@#Eighty eyes of moderate dry eye syndrome patients who had no responses using conventional treatments were included in the study. Before and 1, 3, and 6 months after the use of autologous PRP, the visual acuity, intraocular pressure, tear break-up time (TBUT), ocular staining score (OSS), and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) were compared. The changes in inflammatory factors of ocular surface cells were analyzed using a corneo-limbal epithelial cell culture and a hyperosmotic stress experimental model.@*RESULTS@#Using retrospective clinical analyses, in 64 eyes (80%) after the use of autologous PRP, the symptom scores and symptoms were significantly reduced in the OSDI questionnaire when compared with the symptom scores and symptoms before treatment. The TBUT and OSS, which were objective indicators showed a significant increase of TBUT and significant decrease of OSS in 68 eyes (85%) and 72 eyes (90%), respectively. The expression of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor-α, metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and MMP-3 decreased in corneo-limbal epithelial cells under hyperosmotic conditions when PRP was added.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The use of autologous PRP showed significant improvement before and after treatment in the TBUT, OSS, symptom scores and symptoms, and OSDI. In addition, anti-inflammatory effects were demonstrated in hyperosmotic models simulating dry eye syndrome. Therefore, autologous PRP could be used effectively for the treatment of moderate dry eye syndrome.

Full Thickness Skin Expansion ex vivo in a Newly Developed Reactor and Evaluation of Auto-Grafting Efficiency of the Expanded Skin Using Yucatan Pig Model

BACKGROUND: Skin grafts are required in numerous clinical procedures, such as reconstruction after skin removal and correction of contracture or scarring after severe skin loss caused by burns, accidents, and trauma. The current standard for skin defect replacement procedures is the use of autologous skin grafts. However, donor-site tissue availability remains a major obstacle for the successful replacement of skin defects and often limits this option. The aim of this study is to effectively expand full thickness skin to clinically useful size using an automated skin reactor and evaluate auto grafting efficiency of the expanded skin using Yucatan female pigs. METHODS: We developed an automated bioreactor system with the functions of real-time monitoring and remote-control, optimization of grip, and induction of skin porosity for effective tissue expansion. We evaluated the morphological, ultra-structural, and mechanical properties of the expanded skin before and after expansion using histology, immunohistochemistry, and tensile testing. We further carried out in vivo grafting study using Yucatan pigs to investigate the feasibility of this method in clinical application. RESULTS: The results showed an average expansion rate of 180%. The histological findings indicated that external expansion stimulated cellular activity in the isolated skin and resulted in successful grafting to the transplanted site. Specifically, hyperplasia did not appear at the auto-grafted site, and grafted skin appeared similar to normal skin. Furthermore, mechanical stimuli resulted in an increase in COL1A2 expression in a suitable environment. CONCLUSION: These findings provided insight on the potential of this expansion system in promoting dermal extracellular matrix synthesis in vitro. Conclusively, this newly developed smart skin bioreactor enabled effective skin expansion ex vivo and successful grafting in vivo in a pig model.

A Case of Acute Angle-closure Glaucoma Secondary to Spontaneous Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage

PURPOSE: To report a case of acute angle-closure glaucoma secondary to spontaneous suprachoroidal hemorrhage in a hemodialysis patient. CASE SUMMARY: A 71-year-old man visited our clinic after 3 days of vision loss and ocular pain in the right eye. He had been treated with hemodialysis using heparin due to diabetic nephropathy. Visual acuity (VA) was hand motion in the right eye and 0.2 in the left eye. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was 58 mmHg in the right eye and 15 mmHg in the left eye. Gonioscopic examination revealed a closed angle in the right eye. Fundus examination of the right eye showed a massive hemorrhagic retinal detachment and ultrasound sonography revealed a dome-shaped retinal detachment with suprachoroidal hemorrhage in the right eye. The patient was treated with topical aqueous suppressants and cycloplegics. After two weeks of medical treatment, VA in the right eye was still hand motion and IOP was 8 mmHg. Gonioscopic examination showed a wide-open angle in the right eye. During the two-month observation period, VA in the right eye did not recover, however there was no sign of IOP elevation or symptoms of ocular pain. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous suprachoroidal hemorrhage can occur in patients who receive hemodialysis with heparin. This spontaneous suprachoroidal hemorrhage can be subsequently accompanied by acute angle-closure glaucoma. Spontaneous decrease of suprachoroidal hemorrhage, loss of angle-closure, and decline of IOP can be expected by treating with topical aqueous suppressants and cycloplegics.

Clinical Outcomes of Combined Descemet-stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty and Intraocular Lens Exchange

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical outcomes after combined descemet-stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) and intraocular lens (IOL) exchange in a Korean population. METHODS: The medical records of 15 patients (15 eyes) with pseudophakic bullous keratopathy who underwent combined DSEK and IOL exchange from January 2011 to January 2015 and who were followed up for more than 12 months were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: In 14 eyes with successful results after surgery, the best corrective visual acuity (BCVA) was significantly improved from 2.01 ± 0.96 (log MAR, mean) to 0.68 ± 0.26 at 3 months (p = 0.001) except for one eye that received reoperation on the endothelial disc detachment. The BCVA at postoperative 6 and 12 months gradually increased (0.51 ± 0.26 and 0.40 ± 0.22 log MAR, mean). Central corneal thickness was significantly improved from 777 ± 139 µm to 605 ± 28 µm at 6 months (p = 0.003) and was maintained at 12 months. The mean endothelial cell count was 2,973 ± 281/mm2 in the donor lenticules and 1,790 ± 265/mm2 at 12 months. Endothelial cell loss was 40%. The target refraction was -0.81 ± 0.16 D and the 12 months postoperative spherical equivalent was -0.28 ± 0.36 D. Complications included intraocular pressure elevation in one eye and pupillary capture in one eye. CONCLUSIONS: Combined DSEK and IOL exchange may be a very efficient and safe option for surgically managing pseudophakic bullous keratopathy.

Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer for the Treatment of Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears

PURPOSE: Massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears present a difficult treatment problem, and if further progressed, then cuff tear arthropaty may develop. We treated seven cases of massive rotator cuff tears with latissimus dorsi tendon transfer and report their clinical results. METHODS: Seven patients of mean age of 64 years (range, 51-70 years) with irreparable massive rotator cuff tears were treated using latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. The latissimus dorsi flap was harvested through an axillary approach and reattached on the greater tuberosity, using transosseous suture with non-absorbable sutures. Outcomes were assessed clinically and radiographically after an average of 48 months (range, 28-68 months). RESULTS: The VAS pain scores improved from 6.3 to 3.3 points (p=0.019). Forward flexion increased from 62° to 105°, abduction increased from 49° to 94°, and external rotation increased from 15° to 34°. Postoperative antero-posterior radiography revealed a mean 0.1 mm depression of the humeral head, without statistical the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 44 to 76. The acromiohumeral distance showed slight increase in amount of 0.1 mm without statistical significance. There was no complication. CONCLUSION: Latissimus dorsi transfer is a useful surgical option for treating irreparable massive rotator cuff tears.

A Case of Endothelial Keratitis Associated with Immunosuppressant in Kaposi's Varicelliform Eruption

PURPOSE: To report a case of endothelial keratitis occurred after reactivation of herpes simplex virus following immunosuppressant therapy for Kaposi's varicelliform eruption. CASE SUMMARY: A 23-year-old female was referred for ocular pain and blurred vision. She had atopic dermatitis and was diagnosed with Kaposi's varicelliform eruption on her face after using an immunosuppressant. Slit lamp examination revealed central corneal edema in the right eye. She was initially diagnosed with contact lens-induced keratitis. Subsequently, the contact lens was removed and topical antiviral agent used for prevention of ocular involvement. Four days after treatment, Wesseley immune ring of deep stromal haze and cells in the anterior chamber were present. She was diagnosed with endothelial keratitis caused by reactivation of herpes simplex virus after using an immunosuppressant. Topical steroid, hypertonic saline eye drops and cycloplegic eye drops were added to the treatment for the progression of endothelial keratitis. Corneal edema was decreased 2 weeks after treatment and anterior chamber cells decreased 1 month after treatment. There was no recurrence during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Patients diagnosed with Kaposi's varicelliform eruption after using immunosuppressants should have an ophthalmic examination to confirm ocular involvement; use of appropriate eye drops is necessary for the treatment of corneal involvement.

Autologous Platelet-rich Plasma Eye Drops in the Treatment of Recurrent Corneal Erosions

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) eye drops in the treatment of recurrent corneal erosions (RCE). METHODS: A total of 47 eyes were included in this retrospective study. Clinical records of 20 consecutive patients with RCE who had been treated with conventional lubricant eye drops (conventional treatment group) from June 2006 to December 2008 and 27 consecutive patients treated with autologous PRP eye drops in addition to lubricant eye drops (PRP eye drops treated group) from January 2009 to September 2014 were reviewed. Major and minor recurrences were recorded and compared between two groups. RESULTS: This study included 31 men and 16 women. The mean age was 44.5 ± 14.5 years (range, 19 to 86 years), and the mean follow-up duration was 14.9 ± 14.4 months (range, 6 to 64 months). Of the 27 cases in the PRP eye drops treated group, there were seven major recurrences in six eyes (22.2%) and ten minor recurrences in seven eyes (25.9%). In contrast, 16 eyes (80.0%) from the 20 patients in the conventional lubricant eye drops treated group had major recurrences, and all patients in this group reported minor recurrences. The mean frequency of recurrence was 0.06 ± 0.08 per month in the PRP eye drops treated group and 0.39 ± 0.24 per month in the conventional treatment group (p = 0.003). No side effects were noted in any of the patients over the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The use of PRP eye drops for the treatment of RCE was shown to be effective in reducing the recurrence rate without any significant complications.

Clinical Analysis of the 0.3% Tosufloxacin Ophthalmic Solution Effect on Conjunctival Normal Flora

PURPOSE: To report the outcomes of clinical analysis on the negative culture rate of normal ocular surface flora and the anterior chamber penetration after the preoperative prophylactic use of 0.3% tosufloxacin ophthalmic solution. METHODS: From July 2010 to June 2012, 38 eyes of 38 patients who were scheduled to receive intravitreal injection or cataract surgery were examined for bacterial culture positive rate using conjunctival scraping. The patients were treated with 0.3% tosufloxacin eyedrops preoperatively 5 times a day for 2 days before surgery. After the treatment, the bacterial culture negative rate based on conjunctival scraping was assessed to evaluate the drug efficacy. Of the 38 patients, 19 had cataract surgery. The concentration of tosufloxacin at anterior chamber was assessed in the 19 patients. Additionally, any side effects from the drug were monitored during the treatment. RESULTS: Among the 38 eyes, 21 eyes showed a bacterial culture positive rate before treatment. After the drug treatment, the bacterial culture negative rate was 57.1% (12/21). Coagulase-negative staphylococci were most frequently cultured in 15 (39%) of the 38 eyes before treatment and the negative rate of bacterial culture was 86.7% (13/15) after treatment. Average antibiotic residue concentrations in aqueous humor was 0.050 +/- 0.038 microg/mL. No side effects from the drug were reported during the experimental period. CONCLUSIONS: Although the 0.3% tosufloxacin eyedrops were not effective in all bacterial strains and showed relatively low penetration rate into the anterior chamber, they were effective in some gram positive organisms, particularly in coagulase-negative staphylococci of normal ocular surface flora.

Sympathetic Ophthalmia after Ocular Wasp Sting

No abstract available.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes between High and Low Fluid-Dynamic Parameters during Phacoemulsification

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes between high and low fluid-dynamic parameter settings during phacoemulsification. METHODS: In this retrospective study we analyzed 183 consecutive eyes with senile cataracts that underwent cataract surgery between October 2010 and January 2015. The phacoemulsifications were performed with high and low fluidic parameter settings, which were designated by different fluid heights, aspiration flow rates, and vacuum settings. We measured and compared the intraoperative factors including fluid consumption, cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), ultrasound time, intraoperative complications, and pupil size changes during the phacoemulsification. Central corneal thickness (CCT), endothelial cell density (ECD), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were measured and compared preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the fluid consumption, CDE, or ultrasound time during phacoemulsification between the 2 groups. The frequencies of intraoperative complications were not statistically significant. UCVA, BCVA, and ECD were not statistically significantly different between the 2 groups during the postoperative follow-up. The low parameter group showed the lower increase in CCT on postoperative day 30. CONCLUSIONS: The phacoemulsifications with low fluid-dynamic parameter resulted in less damage to intraocular tissue without any significantly different postoperative findings. The phacoemulsification with low fluid-dynamic parameter setting is more advantageous due to stable and safe aspects.

Clinical Outcomes of Diffractive Trifocal Intraocular Lens in Both Eyes: A 6-Month Follow-Up

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical outcomes after cataract surgery with bilateral implantation of the diffractive trifocal intraocular lens (IOL). METHODS: Forty-four eyes of 22 patients were analyzed in the present study from July 2014 to December 2014. Phacoemulsification with bilateral implantation of an AT Lisa tri 839 MP IOL (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany) was performed. Over a 6-month follow-up, the main outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA) at 80 cm, uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) at 40 cm, and spherical equivalent refraction. Visual quality and patient satisfaction were evaluated using a Quality of Vision questionnaire. Finally, the defocus curve was measured. RESULTS: The mean monocular UNVA, UIVA, and UDVA were 0.23, 0.22, and 0.02 log MAR at 1 month, 0.21, 0.20, and 0.01 log MAR at 3 months and 0.20, 0.22, and 0.01 log MAR at 6 months postoperatively, respectively. The mean binocular UNVA, UIVA, and UDVA were 0.16, 0.12, and 0.0 log MAR at 1 month, 0.15, 0.11, and 0.0 log MAR at 3 months and 0.15, 0.13, and 0.0 log MAR at 6 months postoperatively, respectively. Twelve patients reported glare and 17 patients reported halo. Defocus curve showed best visual acuity results at 0.0 D and second peak at - 2.5 D. The intermediate-vision values were stable. CONCLUSIONS: Diffractive trifocal IOL provided excellent distance, intermediate, and near visual outcomes.

A Case of Alternaria alternata Keratitis Isolated from Corneal Tissue / 대한의진균학회지

A 71-year-old man presented with pain in the left eye that revealed a 3x3 mm deep corneal stromal infiltrate, with a 2x2 mm epithelial defect. The patient started topical moxifloxacin, voriconazole 2%, and natamycin for 2 weeks. However, the treatment was not effective and the corneal infiltration worsened. Subsequently, the patient underwent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. Thick brown/gray mold colonies on Potato Corn Meal Tween 80 agar was isolated from excised corneal tissue and on slide culture many septated, and club-shaped ascospores were revealed. Histological findings also showed numerous hyphae scattered in corneal tissue. A. alternata colonies were confirmed by 18S rRNA sequencing. Intracameral voriconazole was injected every other day for 2 weeks to eliminate remaining fungi on the deep corneal stroma. The remaining corneal infiltration was improved one month after the injection. During 5 months postoperative follow up, the infection did not recurred. In conclusion, deep corneal infection of A. alternata was effectively treated with intracameral voriconazole injection.

A Case of Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis as Primary Herpes Simplex Infection in a Child

PURPOSE: To report a case of peripheral ulcerative keratitis in a case of primary herpes simplex infection. CASE SUMMARY: A 7-year-old male complaining of pain, redness, and decreased vision in the left eye 5 days in duration visited our clinic. The patient had also vesicular lesions over the edematous left upper eyelid. Slit-lamp examination revealed peripheral ulcerative keratitis with stromal infiltration involving the superior peripheral cornea. Corneal sensation in the left eye was decreased. The patient was advised to use topical and oral antiviral agents and a topical steroid. After 5 days of follow-up, the corneal lesions were decreased and vesicles were absent. Six months later, only minor opacities remained in the cornea. CONCLUSIONS: We report the first case report in Korea of peripheral ulcerative keratitis with blepharoconjunctivitis presented as primary herpes simplex infection which responded to antiviral and steroid treatment in a young male.

A Case of Double Descemet's Membrane after Penetrating Keratoplasty Converted from Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty

PURPOSE: To report a case of double Descemet's membrane in a patient who had penetrating keratoplasty after rupture of Descemet's membrane during deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). CASE SUMMARY: A 24-year-old female had keratoconus in her right eye and underwent DALK for treatment. Descemet's membrane was ruptured while separating the corneal stroma from Descemet's membrane with the big bubble technique. The operation method was changed from DALK to penetrating keratoplasty. Detached Descemet's membrane was observed in the anterior chamber after suturing. Sterile air was injected into the anterior chamber to attach the Descemet's membrane. Five days after the surgery, Descemet's membrane was detached and a second air injection was performed. Corneal edema was improved but Descemet's membrane was re-detached. Double Descemet's membrane was observed by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT). The detached Descemet's membrane originated from the recipient's cornea and not from the donor's cornea. Detached Descemet's membrane was removed successfully. Patient's cornea was clear and best corrected visual acuity was 20/25. CONCLUSIONS: When penetrating keratoplasty is performed instead of DALK, the surgeon should completely remove the remnant corneal stroma and Descemet's membrane. Remnant Descemet's membrane can be disregarded as it comes from the donor cornea. Unnecessary anterior chamber air injection causes endothelial damage. Anterior segment OCT is a useful tool to identify anatomical structures of transplanted cornea.