Dry eye disease caused by viral infection: review / Olho seco causado por infecções virais: revisão

Dry eye disease and ocular surface disorders may be caused or worsened by viral agents. There are several known and suspected virus associated to ocular surface diseases. The possible pathogenic mechanisms for virus-related dry eye disease are presented herein. This review serves to reinforce the importance of ophthalmologists as one of the healthcare professional able to diagnose a potentially large number of infected patients with high prevalent viral agents.

A síndrome do olho seco e as doenças de superfície ocular podem ser causadas ou agravadas por agentes virais. Diversos vírus são causadores ou tem associação suspeitada com as doenças de superfície ocular. Esta revisão apresenta os possíveis mecanismos patogênicos envolvidos no olho seco causado por infecões virais e reinforça a importância do oftalmologista como um dos profissionais de saúde capazes de diagnosticar um grande número de pacientes infectados por agentes virais altamente prevalentes.

Human Papilloma Virus in Retinoblastoma Tissues from Korean Patients

PURPOSE: Recent reports suggest the association of human papilloma virus (HPV) with retinoblastoma. This study was performed to elucidate whether HPV infection is related to retinoblastoma among Koreans. METHODS: A total of 54 cases diagnosed with retinoblastoma were enrolled from Seoul National University Children's Hospital and Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center. Presence of human papilloma viral DNA was detected by in situ hybridization in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded retinoblastoma tissues using both probes against high- and low risk HPV types. RESULTS: The mean age at diagnosis was 22.0 months (range, 1.1 to 98.0 months), and the mean age at enucleation was 27.8 months (range, 1.5 to 112.7 months) among the 54 patients with retinoblastoma. HPV was not detected in any of the retinoblastoma samples using either high risk or low risk HPV probes. CONCLUSIONS: Our study, being the first study in the Korean population, proposes that HPV infection may have no causal relationship with retinoblastoma in Koreans.

Amblyopia and Strabismus by Monocular Corneal Opacity Following Suspected Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis in Infancy

PURPOSE: To identify the long term clinical course of amblyopia and strabismus that developed secondary to a monocular corneal opacity following suspected epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) in infancy. METHODS: This was a retrospective study analyzing the medical records of seven patients, treated in our clinic, who were followed for more than five years. RESULTS: Four patients in our clinic underwent a corneal ulcer treatment following suspected EKC. Each developed a monocular corneal opacity. Three patients with a chief complaint of corneal opacity were transferred to our clinic from other clinics. These patients had documented histories of treatment for EKC in infancy. All patients were treated with early occlusion therapy, but amblyopia persisted in four patients. Furthermore, all patients had strabismus and showed a significant reduction of stereoscopic vision. CONCLUSIONS: Although infants with EKC are not always cooperative, slit lamp examination should be performed as early as possible, and appropriate medical treatment should be performed, thus reducing the development of corneal opacity. Careful follow up should be regularly performed, and the occurrence of amblyopia or strabismus should be verified at an early stage using visual acuity or ocular alignment examination. Ophthalmologic treatments, including active occlusion therapy, should also be pursued.

The socioeconomic impact of human immunodeficiency virus / acquired immune deficiency syndrome in India and its relevance to eye care.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is aptly called the modern day 'plague' and has the potential to decimate people in the productive age group. On the other hand, the increasing life expectancy in developing countries spirals age-related blindness. One therefore reduces economic productivity while the other increases economic dependency. Both lead to increased expenditure of households though in different proportions. Human immunodeficiency virus and blindness are both associated with discrimination, stigma and long-term consequences. They impact the socioeconomic fabric of the affected individuals, communities and countries. The loss in productivity and the cost of support to the affected individuals are seen in both. Each is a potent problem on its own but together they spell disaster in geometric proportions rather than a simple additive effect. Strategies need to be evolved to provide solace and improve the quality of life of an HIV-positive blind individual.

Severe hemorrhagic retinopathy as initial manifestation of acute retinal necrosis caused by herpes simplex virus.

A case of bilateral acute retinal necrosis due to herpes simplex virus 1, in a child is reported. The case presented as an extensive hemorrhagic retinopathy that was misdiagnosed as non-infective initially. Diagnostic aqueous tap of the blind eye for viral DNA by polymerase chain reaction helped to confirm viral etiology when the other eye was affected. Appropriate antiviral therapy followed by prompt surgeries for subsequent retinal detachment helped to salvage useful vision in the second eye.