A Case of Nocardia africana-Related Keratitis.

Nocardia spp. are gram positive, aerobic, weakly acid-fast bacteria. Nocardia spp. keratitis is a rare ocular infection classically described following corneal injury or vegetative and soil exposure. However, keratitis caused by Nocardia africana had never been reported in the literature. We first reported a 70-year-old male who had a traumatic ocular injury to his left eye a month ago. With his complaint of left eye pain, reduced vision, and light sensitivity, the slit-lamp biomicroscopy showed the superficial multi-lobulated epithelial infiltration located at the inferior cornea with a positive fluorescein stain. Microscopic workup from corneal specimens demonstrated dry and chalky white colonies on blood agar and Lowenstein-Jensen media resembling Nocardia spp. The MALDI-TOF MS analyses using VITEK® MS exhibited N. africana. The corneal lesion was treated with 2% amikacin topical eye drops and responded well. The careful history-taking, precise clinical examinations, and meticulous microscopic assessment were the cornerstones of diagnosis. Definite diagnosis and timely treatment were essential to prevention of ocular morbidity in N. africana.

Inadvertent filtering bleb due to extracapsular cataract extraction wound reopening after mitomycin C use: a case report.

BACKGROUND:  Mitomycin C has been used adjunctively in various procedures, including pterygium excision. Delayed wound healing, the long-term complication of mitomycin C, can occur several years later and may rarely cause a subsequent inadvertent filtering bleb. However, conjunctival bleb formation from the reopening of an adjacent surgical wound after mitomycin C use has not been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: A 91-year-old Thai woman had undergone pterygium excision 26 years ago, with adjunctive mitomycin C, as well as an uneventful extracapsular cataract extraction in the same year. The patient developed a filtering bleb without glaucoma surgery or trauma approximately 25 years later. Anterior segment ocular coherence tomography illustrated a fistula connected between the bleb and anterior chamber at the scleral spur. The bleb was observed without further management, as no hypotony or bleb-related complications occurred. The symptoms/signs of bleb-related infection were advised. CONCLUSIONS:  This is a case report of a rare novel complication of mitomycin C application. Conjunctival bleb formation from the reopening of surgical wound, which was related to the previous mitomycin C use, could occur after a few decades.

Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Two Commercial Artificial Tears Between 0.18% and 0.3% Sodium Hyaluronate for Corneal Epithelial Healing in Pterygium Excision with Conjunctival Autograft Transplantation: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose: To compare the efficacy, safety, and rate of healing on the corneal epithelial defect after pterygium surgery through the application of either 0.18% or 0.3% sodium hyaluronate (SH). Methods: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial was performed on patients who had pterygium surgery. Eighty-six patients were randomized to 2 groups that would receive either 0.18% SH or 0.3% SH. Measurements of area of the corneal epithelial defect using ImageJ freeware were performed. All corneal epithelial defects were measured immediately after the operation (Day 0) and for the next 3 days. Results: The mean and SD of the area of corneal epithelial defect measured on postoperative Day 0, 1, and 2 were 9.13 ± 3.09 mm2, 5.61 ± 3.26 mm2, and 3.39 ± 2.70 mm2 for 0.18% SH group, and 8.96 ± 3.17 mm2, 4.03 ± 1.99 mm2, and 1.55 ± 1.23 mm2 for 0.3% SH group. There was no statistically significant difference of the initial area of the corneal epithelial defect on Day 0 between 0.18% and 0.3% SH group (p = 0.802). The area of the defects in the 0.3% SH group was significantly smaller than that of the 0.18% SH group on both Day 1 and Day 2 (p = 0.007, p < 0.001), respectively. Similarly, the 0.3% SH group exhibited a statistically significant higher (p < 0.001) rate of healing of the corneal epithelial defect over days 0 and 1 (4.94 ± 2.16 mm²/day) when compared to that of the 0.18% SH group (3.53 ± 1.66 mm²/day). Conclusion: With two commercial artificial tears, the corneal epithelial wound healing after pterygium surgery was faster in the 0.3% SH group than that of the 0.18% SH group. Superiority of 0.3% SH may be supported by the presence of epsilon-aminocaproic acid in this drug preparation. No significant adverse effects were exhibited during the short-term follow-up.

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Manage Postoperative Ocular Pain after Pterygium Excision with Conjunctival Autograft Transplantation with a Single Application of 2% Sodium Hyaluronate.

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of a single application of 2% sodium hyaluronate (SH) in controlling pain after pterygium excision as compared with that of a control group. Methods: We performed a prospective randomized controlled trial in the patients who underwent pterygium excision. The outcome of topical application of 2.0% SH was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS), in comparison with that observed in a control group (without SH). The area of ocular surface defects was assessed by ImageJ freeware. Analysis of pain scores and ocular surface defects were observed from both groups immediately after the operation, Day 0, and 3 subsequent days. Results: Thirty patients were randomly divided into control group and SH treatment group. The initial area of the ocular surface defect on Day 0 was approximately the same for both groups (p=0.242). The medians of pain score assessed by the VAS on Days 0, 1, and 2 were 5, 3, and 0 for the SH group and 6, 5, and 3 for the control group, respectively. The pain score was statistically significantly decreased in the SH group compared to the control group on Day 1 (p < 0.001) and Day 2 (p < 0.001). The pain level of both groups was nearly the same on Day 3 (p=0.141). The area of ocular surface defects was significantly different between two groups on Day 1 (p < 0.001) and Day 2 (p < 0.001). Postoperative complications were not observed. Conclusion: A single topical application of 2% SH in pterygium excision was effective in relieving pain in the early postoperative period without any adverse effects. This innovation may provide alternative pain control in pterygium surgery.

Assessing the Risk Factors For Diagnosed Symptomatic Dry Eye Using a Smartphone App: Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Dry eye (DE) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the ocular surface of the eye that affects millions of people throughout the world. Smartphone use as an effective health care tool has grown exponentially. The "Dry eye or not?" app was created to evaluate the prevalence of symptomatic DE, screen for its occurrence, and provide feedback to users with symptomatic DE throughout Thailand. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of symptomatic dry eye (DE), blink rate, maximum blink interval (MBI), and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) between people with and without symptomatic DE and to identify risk factors for symptomatic DE in Thailand. METHODS: This cross-sectional study sourced data from the "Dry eye or not?" smartphone app between November 2019 and July 2020. This app collected demographic data, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, blink rate, MBI, BSCVA, and visual display terminal (VDT) use data. The criterion for symptomatic DE was OSDI score ≥13. RESULTS: The prevalence of symptomatic DE among individuals using this smartphone app in Thailand was 85.8% (8131/9482), with the Northeastern region of Thailand having the highest prevalence, followed by the Northern region. Worse BSCVA (median 0.20, IQR 0.40; P=.02), increased blink rate (median 18, IQR 16; P<.001), reduced MBI (median 8.90, IQR 10.80; P<.001), female sex (adjusted OR 1.83; 95% CI 1.59-2.09; P<.001), more than 6 hours of VDT use (adjusted OR 1.59; 95% CI 1.15-2.19; P=.004), and lower than bachelor's degree (adjusted OR 1.30; 95% CI 1.03-1.64; P=.02) were significantly associated with symptomatic DE. An age over 50 years (adjusted OR 0.77; 95% CI 0.60-0.99) was significantly less associated with symptomatic DE (P=.04). CONCLUSIONS: This smartphone DE app showed that the prevalence of symptomatic DE in Thailand was 85.8%. Signs and risk factors could be also evaluated with this smartphone DE app. Screening for DE by this app may allow for the development of strategic plans for health care systems in Thailand.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa Scleritis following Pterygium Surgery with Mitomycin C or Beta Irradiation: Three-Case Report.

Purpose: To report three cases of culture-positive Pseudomonas aeruginosa scleritis following pterygium surgery. Patients and Methods. A retrospective study of all patients of Pseudomonas aeruginosa scleritis after pterygium surgery presented from May 2017 to May 2020 was performed. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics included age, gender, time between prior surgery and onset, adjunctive therapy, risk factors, initial visual acuity, final visual acuity, clinical features, medical treatment, and surgical intervention were analyzed. Results: Three eyes of three patients with clinical characteristics and laboratory-confirmed Pseudomonas aeruginosa scleritis were identified. Two patients were related with mitomycin C application after pterygium surgery, and only one had beta irradiation. Antibiotic administration and scleral debridement were required in 3 patients. One eye was enucleated. Final visual outcomes of two patients were improved. Conclusions: Pseudomonas aeruginosa scleritis after pterygium surgery is a crucial ophthalmic disease. An early diagnosis with a prompt intensive antibiotic treatment in combination with surgical interventions may improve visual outcome.

Effect of 2% Hyaluronic Acid on the Rate of Healing of Corneal Epithelial Defect After Pterygium Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to investigate the effects of 2% hyaluronic acid (HA) on corneal epithelial defect after pterygium surgery in comparison with the control group, measured in terms of the healing rate of corneal epithelial defect and pain score after surgery. METHODS: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, fifty patients with primary pterygium were randomized into 2 groups: a control group or the group treated with a single topical application of 2% HA. Comprehensive ophthalmological examinations included measuring the area of corneal epithelium defect using ImageJ freeware and the pain score assessment after the operation. RESULTS: The mean and SD of the area of epithelial defect measured on postoperative Day 0, 1, and 2 were 10.89 ± 1.33 mm2, 5.04 ± 0.87mm2, and 2.44 ± 0.74 mm2 for the HA group, and 11.14 ± 1.11 mm2, 7.74 ± 1.17 mm2, and 5.31 ± 1.15 mm2 for the control group, respectively. While the initial area of the defect on Day 0 was essentially the same for both groups (p = 0.478), the area of the defect in the HA group was significantly smaller on both Day 1 and Day 2 (p < 0.001, p < 0.001), respectively. Similarly, the HA group exhibited a statistically significant higher rate of healing for the cornea epithelial defect over Day 0 and 1 compared to the control group (5.85 ± 0.89 mm2/day vs 3.14 ± 1.28 mm2/day, p < 0.001), respectively. The median (range) pain scores were evaluated at Day 0 was 7 (4-10) in the HA group and 7 (3-10) in the control group (p = 0.953). There was no statistically significant difference between two groups (p > 0.05) for Days 1, 2, and 3. CONCLUSION: A single topical application of 2% HA tended to accelerate the healing process of corneal epithelium defect after pterygium surgery without any observable adverse effects during short-term follow-up.

Fungal keratitis at a tertiary eye care in Northern Thailand: Etiology and prognostic factors for treatment outcomes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate etiology and prognostic factors for treatment outcomes of fungal keratitis (FK). METHODS: Culture-positive FK patients between 2012 and 2017 were reviewed. Treatment outcomes were categorized into success (resolved within two weeks), slow response and medication failure (no improvement or required surgery). Etiology and risk factors for poor treatment outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 113 eyes of 113 patients (77% males) were recruited. Ocular trauma (69.0%) was the most common predisposing factor. Of this, 80% were exposed to organic foreign bodies. The most common pathogen was Fusarium spp. (45.2%), while dematiaceous fungi were discovered in 29.6%. Medical treatment was successful in 24.8% of eyes, while 29.2% had a slow response and 42.5% failed medication. Therapeutic keratoplasty was performed in 22.1% of eyes and 11.5% eventually required eye removal. Significant risk factors for medication failure were advanced age (P = 0.005), delayed antifungal treatment (P = 0.038) and large-size lesion (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Ocular trauma was the major predisposing factor of FK in the Northern Thailand. Fusarium was the most common identified pathogen. Many cases were refractory to medications and required surgical intervention. Aging, delayed treatment and a large lesion were predictors for poor outcomes.

Conjunctival Intraepithelial Neoplasia in a Patient Presenting with Pigmented Conjunctival Lesion.

We report a case of conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in a patient presenting with the pigmented conjunctival lesion. This study involved a 56-year-old woman that presented with right eye irritation for 1 month. She noticed brownish pigmentation arising from her right nasal conjunctiva and growing slowly over time. Biomicroscopic examination showed a gelatinous pigmented conjunctival mass with feeder vessels. Conjunctival impression cytology (CIC) was done and reported as CIN. Treatment was started with 0.02% mitomycin-C eye drops. The conjunctival lesion responded well to medication. This report shows that CIN can manifest as a pigmented tumor, resembling melanoma. CIC plays a role in the diagnosis of this condition. This tumor responded well with 0.02% mitomycin-C eye drops.

Twelve-Month Outcomes of the Wavefront-Optimized Photorefractive Keratectomy for High Myopic Correction Compared with Low-to-Moderate Myopia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the 12-months outcomes of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in patients with high myopia (≥ 6.0 diopters, D) compared with low-to-moderate myopia (< 6.0 D). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Records of 46 patients (69 eyes) who underwent PRK for myopic and astigmatic correction between October 2015 and December 2018 were reviewed. High myopic eyes (29 eyes) were compared with low-to-moderate myopic eyes (40 eyes). All surgeries were adjunct with 0.02% mitomycin C intraoperatively. Measured outcomes included postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction spherical equivalent, corneal haze rate, and any complications. RESULTS: At 12 months post-PRK, 26 eyes (89.7%) in the high myopia and 39 eyes (97.5%) in the low-to-moderate myopia group had UDVA ≥ 20/20, (p=0.30). Average postoperative logMAR UDVA at 12 months was -0.04 (20/18) and -0.11 (20/15) for the high myopia and low-to-moderate myopia groups, respectively. No eyes in either group had residual refractive errors >1 D. No eyes in both groups developed significant corneal haze at month 12. No eyes had a loss of greater than two Snellen lines of CDVA at 12 months post-surgery. The efficacy and safety indices at 12 months post-surgery were not significantly different between groups (1.06±0.26 vs.1.14±0.27, p =0.25 and 1.14±0.27 vs 1.17±0.26, p=0.60 for low-to-moderate myopia vs high myopia groups, respectively). CONCLUSION: PRK with high myopic correction provides excellent refractive outcomes and is safe, compared to those of low-to-moderate myopic correction.

Incidence and predisposing factors of anterior chamber gas bubbles during femtosecond laser flap creation.

AIM: To investigate the incidence and the predisposing factors of anterior chamber (AC) gas bubbles during femtosecond laser (FS) flap creation for laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: All patients who underwent FS-LASIK surgery at CMU LASIK Center between January 2013 and May 2016 were retrospective reviewed. Preoperative and intraoperative data including keratometry, white-to-white (WTW) corneal diameter, flap parameters (diameter, thickness, hinge position, and tunnel length) and pulse energy were reviewed and compared between incident group and control group. To determine the risk factors, univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression were used; the eye was unit of analysis. RESULTS: The incidence of AC gas bubbles was 1.6% (22 out of 1378 eyes). The median WTW in the AC bubbles group was 11.5 mm (range 11.1-12.1), which was significantly different from the control group (11.7 mm, range 10.5-12.8, P=0.021). The result of the median WTW minus the flap diameter in the AC bubbles group was 2.5 mm (range 2.1-3.2), which was statistically different to the control group (2.7 mm, range 1.5-3.8, P=0.008). The logistic regression analysis showed that the result of the WTW minus the flap diameter in the AC bubbles group had an adjusted odds ratio of 0.204 (95%CI; 0.056-0.747, P=0.016). CONCLUSION: Development of AC gas bubbles during FS flap creation is not an uncommon event in Asian eyes which typically have a small WTW. The flap diameter when adjusted relatively to the WTW is a predisposing factor to the possibility of AC gas bubbles occurrence.

Penetrating Eyelid and Ocular Fishhook-Related Injury.

PURPOSE: To report removal techniques and outcomes for a patient with penetrating eyelid and cornea complicating localized retinal detachment from a fishhook. METHODS: This is a case report of a 35-year-old man who presented with a fishhook embedded in his right upper eyelid and globe while participating in a fishing competition. On initial examination, his right eyelid was opened with difficulty and limited evaluation could be performed. RESULTS: In an operating room, a shank was transected and removed from a lacerated eyelid by a back-out technique. Then, a barbed hook was noticed to penetrate through temporal peripheral cornea, iris, and entrapped within ciliary body behind the lens. A successful surgical removal of a fishhook was performed within a primary operation. After that, additional operations to repair injured ocular tissues including a localized retinal detachment were performed. The patient achieved a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/20 at 10-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: The visual prognosis for a fishhook-related ocular injury is associated with various variables including size and location of lacerated wound and technique to remove a fishhook. In this case, a patient could achieve a favorable final visual and anatomical outcome. This removal technique could be taken into consideration when encountering a fishhook-related eye injury patient.

Exserohilum rostratum Keratitis in a Patient with Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

PURPOSE: To report a case of fungal keratitis infected by Exserohilum rostratumin a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patient. METHOD: A retrospective study of the HIV patient with keratomycosis caused by E. rostratumwas reviewed for history, clinical characteristics, risk factors, laboratory findings, treatments, and outcomes. RESULTS: A 48-year-old man with HIV infection presented with a history of trauma with an unknown species of insect in the right eye. He also had redness and blurred vision in the right eye. Biomicroscopic examination showed white infiltrate in the right cornea. A feathery edge, satellite lesion, and brownish pigmented deposits in the epithelial surface and anterior stroma were noted. Corneal scraping specimen showed numerous large dematiaceous septate hyphae and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identified E. rostratum.Treatment was started with 5% natamycin eyedrops and oral itraconazole. The corneal lesion responded well to medication and debridement. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal phaeohyphomycosis caused by Exserohilumwas noted in an immunocompromised patient with ocular trauma. A brown pigmented lesion in an otherwise white infiltrate due to Exserohilumwas diagnosed with corneal scrapings and polymerase chain reaction. Antifungal medications and debridement were the mainstay of corneal fungal infection treatment.

A Randomized Controlled Double-Masked Study of Transdermal Androgen in Dry Eye Patients Associated With Androgen Deficiency.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and quality of life (QOL) of transdermal androgen in treatment of dry eye patients associated with androgen deficiency. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Fifty patients with dry eye from a tertiary eye center in northern Thailand were randomized to receive transdermal androgen (AndroGel; Besins Healthcare, Brussels, Belgium) or placebo for 4 weeks. Main outcome measures were symptoms and signs of dry eye. Serum level of sex hormone and QOL questionnaires were also evaluated at the baseline and after treatment. RESULTS: After 4 weeks, the Ocular Surface Disease Index decreased significantly in the AndroGel group compared to the placebo (-14.36 ± 7.76 vs 0.14 ± 14.60, P < .001). Significant improvements of tear break-up time (7.40 ± 3.37 vs -1.14 ± 1.68 seconds, P < .001), corneal fluorescein staining (-0.62 ± 0.30 vs 0.19 ± 0.37, P < .001), and Schirmer test (6.84 ± 5.10 vs -0.48 ± 2.14 mm, P < .001) were observed in the AndroGel group compared to the placebo. Serum testosterone in female patients significantly increased in the AndroGel group compared to the placebo (P < .001), while no different change was observed in serum testosterone in male subjects and the sex hormone-binding globulin in both groups. In the AndroGel group, 20% of patients had oily skin and 4% had acne. No serious adverse effects were reported. The menopause rating score improved significantly in the AndroGel group compared to the placebo (P < .001), while the aging male symptoms were not different in both groups (P = .589). CONCLUSIONS: Transdermal androgen was effective in relieving symptoms and signs of dry eye as well as improving QOL in aging patients. There were no serious side effects during a short-term treatment.

Outcomes of LASIK for Myopia or Myopic Astigmatism Correction with the FS200 Femtosecond Laser and EX500 Excimer Laser Platform.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy, predictability, stability and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) using the FS200 femtosecond laser and EX500 excimer laser platform. METHODS: The outcomes of 254 eyes of 129 consecutive patients with myopia or myopic astigmatism who underwent full correction femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK at CMU LASIK Center were assessed. Pre-operative and post-operative parameters including manifest refraction, Uncorrected Distance Visual Acuity (UDVA), Best Corrected Distance Visual Acuity (BDVA), corneal topography and tomography were analyzed. The results between low to moderate myopia and high myopia were compared up to 12 months. RESULTS: Mean pre-operative Spherical Equivalent (SE) was -5.15±2.41 Diopters (D) (range -0.50 to -11.50 D) and -0.13±0.28 D, -0.13±0.27 D, -0.13±0.28 D and -0.14±0.30 D at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, post-operatively. At 12 months, the propor¬tion of eyes achieving UDVA ≥ 20/20 was 90.0% and ≥20/40 was 98.8%. The proportion of eyes achieving post-operative mean SE ±0.5 D, and ±1 D was 91.3%, and 98.5%. No eyes lost more than two lines of BDVA. The low to moderate myopic group had a statistically significant better UDVA at one (p=0.017) and three months (p=0.014) but no difference at six (p=0.061) and 12 months (p=0.091). The mean post-operative SE was better in low to moderate myopic group at every follow-up visit (p=0.001, 0.007, <0.001 and <0.001). CONCLUSION: One-year clinical results of LASIK with the FS200 femtosecond laser and EX500 excimer laser showed high efficacy, predictability, stability and safety.

Pseudomonas Scleritis following Pterygium Excision.

PURPOSE: The aim of this case report was to describe a patient who presented with Pseudomonas scleritis after pterygium excision. The study was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University in Chiang Mai, Thailand. METHODS: The record of a patient who was diagnosed as Pseudomonas scleritis after pterygium excision was retrospectively reviewed for history, clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, treatments, and outcomes. RESULTS: We described a 66-year-old male patient with a history of pterygium excision in his right eye 10 years ago, he presented with infectious scleritis. Scleral thinning, tissue necrosis, and overlying calcified plaque were found. The culture of scleral scraping revealed Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Topical fortified amikacin (20 mg/mL) and intravenous ceftazidime were started. Urgent surgical debridement of scleral infiltrates and irrigation of necrotic sclera and surrounding conjunctiva with fortified amikacin (20 mg/mL) were performed. After 2 weeks of treatment, scleral thinning and inflammation decreased, and the best-corrected visual acuity improved from 6/24 to 6/9. Fortified amikacin eye drops (20 mg/mL) were continued until the fourth week, with no scleral thinning seen. CONCLUSIONS: P. aeruginosa is a virulent organism that causes infectious scleritis complicated by melting and necrotizing of the sclera. This report emphasized that early recognition, intensive antimicrobial treatment, and surgical debridement can prevent morbidity related to this Pseudomonas infection.

Corneal Ring Infiltrates Caused by Serratia marcescens in a Patient with Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

PURPOSE: To describe corneal ring infiltrates caused by Serratia marcescens in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) who wore contact lenses. METHODS: A case study of a patient with keratitis due to an infection caused by S. marcescens and exhibiting corneal ring infiltrates was reviewed for history, clinical manifestation, microscopic study, and management. RESULTS: A 29-year-old man who had a history of contact lens wear and HIV-1 infection was admitted to hospital because of blurred vision, redness, and corneal infiltrates in the shape of a ring in the left eye. The visual acuity (VA) in both eyes was hand movement (uncorrected). Corneal scrapings were performed. The culture results of the corneal specimens revealed S. marcescens. The culture results of the contact lens disclosed the same organism. The corneal ulcer responded well to treatment with topical gentamycin sulfate 14 mg/ml. The final VA remained hand movement. CONCLUSIONS: S. marcescens can cause ring infiltrates in a HIV-1 patient who wears contact lenses. The treatment result for S. marcescens keratitis in a HIV-1 patient who wore contact lenses was favorable after intensive use of fortified topical antibiotics.

Corneal Phaeohyphomycosis Caused by Bipolaris hawaiiensis.

PURPOSE: To report a rare case of keratitis infected by Bipolaris hawaiiensis. METHODS: A patient who was diagnosed as fungal keratitis caused by B. hawaiiensis was retrospectively reviewed for history, clinical characteristics, risk factors, laboratory findings, treatments, and outcomes. RESULTS: A 63-year-old man with a history of trauma and saw dust in the left eye presented with a corneal ulcer. Eye examination revealed whitish infiltration with a feathery edge and small brownish deposits in the anterior stroma of the left cornea. Numerous septate hyphal fragments were detected in a corneal specimen, and nucleotide sequence analysis identified B. hawaiiensis. Treatment was started with 5% natamycin eyedrops and oral itraconazole. Subsequently, a corneal plaque developed which did not respond to medication and debridement. The patient underwent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: B. hawaiiensis is a rare cause of corneal phaeohyphomycosis. A brownish pigmented infiltration is an important diagnostic clue, however microbiologic studies are required to obtain a definite diagnosis. Although antifungal medication and debridement are the mainstay of most corneal fungal infection, therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty can prevent morbidity related to this fungal infection.

Corneal Chromoblastomycosis Caused by Fonsecaea pedrosoi.

PURPOSE: To report 2 unusual cases of fungal keratitis due to Fonsecaea pedrosoi. METHODS: Two patients were diagnosed with Fonsecaea pedrosoi keratitis. Their files were reviewed for predisposing factors, clinical characteristics, microbiological study, treatment, and outcome. RESULTS: Two consecutive patients presented with brownish pigmented corneal ulcers in their eyes after sustaining eye trauma from vegetative matter. In both cases, corneal scrapings were collected for microscopic examination and culture. Dematiaceous hyphae were seen on the smears, and dark pigmented colonies grew on the culture media, identified as F. pedrosoi. Both patients were treated and cured with combined topical antifungal agents and oral itraconazole. The first patient required an amniotic membrane patch, while the second received an intracameral amphotericin B injection. CONCLUSIONS: Pigmented infiltrates can be an important diagnostic clue, but a microscopic evaluation and culture are required to obtain an accurate diagnosis of Fonsecaea keratitis. The prompt diagnosis and combined antifungal treatment can prevent morbidity associated with this fungal infection.

A survey of pterygium surgery in Thailand 2010.

OBJECTIVE: To survey and investigate the pterygium surgery among Thai ophthalmologists in 2010. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Questionnaires were distributed to 930 ophthalmologists who were the member of the Ophthalmological Society and Royal Colleges of Ophthalmologists of Thailand. Data received from 414 respondents were assessed and analyzed RESULTS: The majority of respondents were male (53.1%) while 46.9 % were female. Visual disturbance (57.6%) was the most common indication for surgery. Most of the respondents (41.1%) preferred pterygium excision combined with conjunctival autograft transplantation. Bare scleral technique was the second most common preferential procedure. Recurrence was the main postoperative complication. CONCLUSION: Although there was a great variation pterygium surgical pattern, excision with conjunctival autograft transplantation was the major preferential practice. Recurrent pterygium was the most common complication.