Acute Reconstruction of Periorbital Trauma Resulting in Eyelid Anterior Lamella Loss With Simultaneous Full-thickness Skin Grafting and Amniotic Membrane Grafting: A Case Report.

Complex facial lacerations are frequently encountered in the combat environment. Trauma with soft-tissue loss of the periorbital region offers particular challenges in terms of operative reconstruction. Cicatricial changes in the sub-acute phase can lead to eyelid malposition and lagophthalmos. The authors present a novel technique for acute reconstruction of periorbital trauma with eyelid soft-tissue loss with simultaneous full-thickness skin grafting and amniotic membrane grafting. The technique involves standard preparation of the surgical area of injury and infiltration with local anesthetic. Initially, the area of injury is copiously irrigated, and debridement of any necrotic tissue is accomplished. Amniotic membrane grafting is then performed over the defect. Approximately 2 mm × 2 mm full-thickness skin grafts are procured and distributed over the initial amniotic membrane graft. A second amniotic membrane graft is then secured over the skin graft-amniotic membrane graft complex with cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive. A bolstered suture tarsorrhaphy is performed to minimize tissue trauma during the healing process. The operative and postsurgical outcomes were assessed. The graft site healed well without cicatricial changes or lagophthalmos. Peripheral small papillomatous lesions did develop requiring excision for cosmesis, but ultimately the graft site demonstrated appropriate coverage and healthy re-epithelialization over the previous defect. This case demonstrates the viability of simultaneous full-thickness skin grafting with concomitant amniotic membrane grafting for the acute reconstruction of periorbital trauma with eyelid anterior lamella tissue loss. An excellent cosmetic and functional outcome was attained. By providing acute reconstruction, the risk of damage secondary to cicatricial periorbital changes may be avoided.

Repair of a Full-thickness Eyelid Defect With a Bilamellar Full-thickness Autograft in a Porcine Model (Sus scrofa).

PURPOSE: It has been demonstrated the pedicle of a tarsoconjunctival flap advancement does not appear to supply the flap itself and the vascularization of the remaining eyelid/tear film is thought to offer adequate nourishment for survival of the flap; as such, a swine model was constructed to assess the viability of a bilamellar autograft for repair of large full-thickness eyelid defects. METHODS: Full-thickness defects of varying sizes were created in each lower eyelid of 4 Yorkshire/Yorkshire crossed swine. The defects were then closed with a full-thickness ipsilateral graft from the upper eyelid. Large full-thickness defects were then created in the upper and lower eyelids of 8 Yorkshire/Yorkshire crossed swine and closed with bilamellar autografts from the contralateral eyelids. The subjects were then monitored postoperatively and assessed clinically for graft viability at postoperative days 1, 7, and 30. At the conclusion of the 30-day postoperative monitoring period, necropsy was performed and histopathologic analysis utilized to assess cell morphology and vessel ingrowth of the graft sites. RESULTS: In total, 28 full-thickness bilamellar grafts were constructed and examined. At the conclusion of the postoperative monitoring period, 27 of the grafts were deemed clinically viable and vascular ingrowth was determined to be equivalent to unaffected eyelid sections by histopathologic analysis. One case of postoperative hematoma was noted in the failed graft. One case of postoperative wound dehiscence required subsequent surgical repair. No clinically significant notching of the graft sites was noted. No cases of wound infection, corneal decompensation, or forniceal shortening were identified. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis demonstrates the viability of a full-thickness bilamellar autograft as a surgical alternative in the repair of large full-thickness eyelid defects in a porcine model. The postoperative outcomes are consistent with the recent literature. Additional studies need to be performed to assess the procedure's clinical utility in human subjects before incorporation into clinical practice.

Sealing of Corneal Lacerations Using Photoactivated Rose Bengal Dye and Amniotic Membrane.

PURPOSE: Watertight closure of perforating corneoscleral lacerations is necessary to prevent epithelial ingrowth, infection, and potential loss of the eye. Complex lacerations can be difficult to treat, and repair with sutures alone is often inadequate. In this study, we evaluated a potentially sutureless technology for sealing complex corneal and scleral lacerations that bonds the amniotic membrane (AM) to the wound using only green light and rose bengal dye. METHODS: The AM was impregnated with rose bengal and then sealed over lacerations using green light to bond the AM to the deepithelialized corneal surface. This process was compared with suture repair of 3 laceration configurations in New Zealand White rabbits in 3 arms of the study. A fourth study arm assessed the side effect profile including viability of cells in the iris, damage to the blood-retinal barrier, retinal photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium, and choriocapillaris in Dutch Belted rabbits. RESULTS: Analyses of the first 3 arms revealed a clinically insignificant increase in polymorphonuclear inflammation. In the fourth arm, iris cells appeared unaffected and no evidence of breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier was detected. The retina from green light laser-treated eyes showed normal retinal pigment epithelium, intact outer segments, and normal outer nuclear layer thickness. CONCLUSIONS: The results of these studies established that a light-activated method to cross-link AM to the cornea can be used for sealing complex penetrating wounds in the cornea and sclera with minimal inflammation or secondary effects.

Use of the Boston Ocular Surface Prosthesis in the management of severe periorbital thermal injuries: a case series of 10 patients.

PURPOSE: To report the use of the Boston Ocular Surface Prosthesis (BOSP) in patients with severe periorbital thermal injuries. DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with severe periorbital thermal injuries treated with the BOSP. METHODS: Chart review of 10 consecutive patients (16 eyes) who sustained severe periorbital thermal injuries during combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan and were treated for exposure keratopathy with the BOSP, a Food and Drug Administration-approved gas-permeable, scleral contact lens. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Corneal epithelial defect healing, uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity, and BOSP wear time. RESULTS: Exposure keratopathy occurred after severe periorbital thermal injuries and followed a predictable course of scar contracture. In all patients, vision-threatening ocular surface disease developed as a result of chronic ocular exposure. Rehabilitation of the ocular surface was accomplished using the BOSP, with 10 of the 16 treated eyes achieving a corrected visual acuity of 20/70 or better. Five eyes achieved a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better. The BOSP also was used as a drug-delivery vehicle to treat corneal ulcers successfully in 6 eyes. The only eye that required penetrating keratoplasty was an early intervention believed to be a direct sequelae of the original thermal burn, rather than a failure of the BOSP regimen. The mean BOSP wear time was 16 hours per day. CONCLUSIONS: The BOSP can play an important role in rehabilitation of the ocular surface for patients with severe periorbital thermal injuries and resultant exposure keratopathy. Use of the BOSP should be considered as a treatment option for these difficult cases of severe periorbital thermal injuries.

Light-activated sutureless closure of wounds in thin skin.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Closing lacerations in thin eyelid and periorbital skin is time consuming and requires high skill for optimal results. In this study we evaluate the outcomes after single layer closure of wounds in thin skin with a sutureless, light-activated photochemical technique called PTB. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dorsal skin of the SKH-1 hairless mouse was used as a model for eyelid skin. Incisions (1.2 cm) were treated with 0.1% Rose Bengal dye followed by exposure to 532 nm radiation (25, 50, or 100 J/cm(2); 0.25 W/cm(2)) for PTB. Other incisions were sutured (five 10-0 monofilament), exposed only to 532 nm (100 J/cm(2)), or not treated. Outcomes were immediate seal strength (pressure causing leakage through incision of saline infused under wound), skin strength at 1, 3, and 7 days (measured by tensiometry), inflammatory infiltrate at 1, 3, and 7 days (histological assessment), and procedure time. RESULTS: The immediate seal strength, as measured by leak pressure, was equivalent for all PTB fluences and for sutures (27-32 mmHg); these pressures were significantly greater than for the controls (untreated incisions or laser only treatment; P < 0.001). The ultimate strength of PTB-sealed incisions was greater than the controls at day 1 (P < 0.05) and day 3 (P < 0.025) and all groups were equivalent at day 7. Sutures produced greater inflammatory infiltrate at day 1 than observed in other groups (P = 0.019). The average procedure time for sutured closure (311 seconds) was longer than for the PTB group treated with 25 J/cm(2) (160 seconds) but shorter than the group treated with 100 J/cm(2) (460 seconds). CONCLUSION: PTB produces an immediate seal of incisions in thin, delicate skin that heals well, is more rapid than suturing, does not require painful suture removal and is easy to apply.

Management of ocular conditions in the burn unit: thermal and chemical burns and Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Patients in burn intensive care units suffer from potentially life-threatening conditions including thermal or chemical burns and Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis. There is often involvement of the ocular surface or adnexal structures which may be present at the time of hospital admission or may develop later in the hospital course. This article will describe the types of ocular burns, the mechanisms and manifestations of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis, the circumstances that may influence outcome, and acute and long-term treatment strategies, including new and evolving options.

Spontaneous subconjunctival abscess because of Haemophilus influenzae.

PURPOSE: To report a case of a spontaneous subconjunctival abscess in a patient with no previous ocular surgery or trauma. METHOD: Case report. RESULTS: We report a case of a subconjunctival abscess caused by Haemophilus influenzae after several days of worsening conjunctivitis. Computed tomography scans of the orbits confirmed an abscess cavity adjacent to the globe without orbital extension. The abscess was spontaneously draining at presentation and resolved completely with topical and oral antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first-described case of spontaneous subconjunctival abscess formation in an immunocompetent individual unrelated to preexisting ocular pathology, previous ocular surgery, or trauma. H. influenzae species may possess the ability to penetrate an intact conjunctiva and develop subconjunctival abscess. We recommend that patients presenting with bacterial conjunctivitis be closely examined to rule out subconjunctival abscess, which may require additional aggressive medical or surgical management.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy-specific and overall treatment outcomes in patients with cutaneous angiosarcoma of the face with periorbital involvement.

BACKGROUND: Recent isolated case reports have suggested a potential role for neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with angiosarcoma. The goal of this report was to investigate the overall treatment outcomes and the neoadjuvant chemotherapy-specific outcomes in patients with cutaneous angiosarcoma of the face with periorbital involvement. METHODS: Our tumor database was searched for patients with angiosarcoma and periorbital involvement seen at our institution between 1981 and 2005. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were identified,15 of whom had neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 6 of whom had a traditional approach of surgery followed by adjuvant therapy. Fourteen of 15 patients who had neoadjuvant chemotherapy had complete clinical response. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy made definitive surgery unnecessary for 9 patients. The median disease-free interval for the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group was 11.8 months (mean, 38.1 months; range, 2.4-239.6 months). Nine of the 15 patients had recurrences. The time from end of treatment to recurrence ranged from 2.6 to 24.5 months (median, 12.7 months). Five of the 6 patients who had primary surgical resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy had a complete clinical response, and the median disease-free interval was 31.8 months (mean, 35.9 months; range, 2.7-85 months). Two later developed recurrences, one at 2.7 months and the other at 31.8 months after the end of treatment. CONCLUSION: On the basis of this series, the authors conclude that neoadjuvant chemotherapy for periorbital angiosarcoma is a potentially attractive option and in some patients may obviate the need for major surgery, thereby preserving the eye and/or ocular adnexal structures. Given the propensity for recurrence and poor survival, the authors strongly recommend that these patients receive multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment at a major cancer center.

Severe eye injuries in the war in Iraq, 2003-2005.

PURPOSE: To document the incidence and treatment of patients with severe ocular and ocular adnexal injuries during Operation Iraqi Freedom. DESIGN: Retrospective hospital-based observational analysis of injuries. PARTICIPANTS: All coalition forces, enemy prisoners of war, and civilians with severe ocular and ocular adnexal injuries. METHODS: The authors retrospectively examined severe ocular and ocular adnexal injuries that were treated by United States Army ophthalmologists during the war in Iraq from March 2003 through December 2005. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence, causes, and treatment of severe ocular and ocular adnexal injuries. RESULTS: During the time data were gathered, 797 severe eye injuries were treated. The most common cause of the eye injuries was explosions with fragmentation injury. Among those injured, there were 438 open globe injuries, of which 49 were bilateral. A total of 116 eyes were removed (enucleation, evisceration, or exenteration), of which 6 patients required bilateral enucleation. Injuries to other body systems were common. CONCLUSIONS: Severe eye injuries represent a significant form of trauma encountered in Operation Iraqi Freedom. These injuries were most commonly caused by explosion trauma.

Orbital septal resection and the hanging curtain of fat.

PURPOSE: To describe a technique of lower eyelid blepharoplasty and report observations on 274 consecutive surgeries. METHODS: Retrospective, noncomparative case series of lower eyelid blepharoplasty by 2 surgeons from January 2004 through January 2006. RESULTS: Two-hundred seventy-four eyelids of 137 patients underwent transcutaneous lower eyelid blepharoplasty for the treatment of steatoblepharon. There were 27 men and 110 women with an age range of 35 years to 85 years. Minimum length of follow-up was 6 months. Two-thirds of patients had simultaneous horizontal lower eyelid tightening. Four patients (3%) had surgical enhancement for retained lower eyelid fat. CONCLUSIONS: With appropriate patient selection, orbital septal excision is an effective aesthetic technique for lower eyelid blepharoplasty. It combines surgical simplicity with good cosmetic outcomes.

Broad fascia fixation enhances frontalis suspension.

PURPOSE: To report the use of a modified frontalis suspension procedure for congenital ptosis patients with minimal to no levator function. METHODS: Retrospective, non-comparative case series of frontalis suspension by 2 surgeons over a 21-year period. RESULTS: Frontalis suspension with broad fascia fixation was performed on 48 eyelids of 25 patients. All patients had visual obscuration due to blepharoptosis with only 0 mm to 2 mm of measurable levator function. Age ranged from 3 to 13 years. Minimum length of follow-up was 6 months (range, 6-174 months). The palpebral fissure was increased in all patients, improving their head position and unmasking their visual axis in primary gaze. Postoperatively, all patients developed transient exposure symptoms. There were no migrations, extrusions, infections, or granulomas. All patients achieved a satisfactory postoperative result based on eyelid position, function, and contour. CONCLUSIONS: This modified frontalis suspension procedure maximizes frontalis muscle recruitment, creating powerful eyelid elevation with stable effect over time. The technique minimizes other procedures' pitfalls and advances in cosmesis are achieved with enhanced eyelid crease formation and adjustable eyelid contour.

Exacerbation of Graves ophthalmopathy with interferon-alpha therapy.

Thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, following interferon-alpha therapy is not uncommon. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of exacerbation of Graves ophthalmopathy during treatment with interferon-alpha for chronic hepatitis C virus.

Exacerbation of Graves Ophthalmopathy With Interferon-α Therapy.

Thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, following interferon-α therapy is not uncommon. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of exacerbation of Graves ophthalmopathy during treatment with interferon-α for chronic hepatitis C virus.

Tarsal switch levator resection for the treatment of blepharoptosis in patients with poor eye protective mechanisms.

PURPOSE: The authors report the use of a tarsal switch levator resection procedure that opens the palpebral fissure while reducing the risk of postoperative exposure in ptosis patients with poor eye protective mechanisms. DESIGN: Retrospective noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen consecutive patients of 2 surgeons at Texas Oculoplastic Consultants from July 1997 through July 2005. INTERVENTION: A composite tarsal-levator-conjunctival graft was taken from the upper eyelid and was transferred to the lower eyelid. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical assessment of postoperative exposure keratopathy and position of palpebral fissure relative to visual axis. RESULTS: A composite tarsal-levator-conjunctival graft was taken from the upper eyelid and was transferred to the lower eyelid in 26 eyelids of 15 patients. One patient was excluded because of lack of follow-up. There were 7 men and 7 women; the age ranged from 20 months to 74 years. The average duration of follow-up was 34 months, with a range of 3 to 85 months. The palpebral fissure was moved cephalad in all patients, improving their head position and unmasking their visual axis in primary gaze. One patient experienced exposure symptoms after surgery and required recession of the levator aponeurosis of both upper eyelids. Overall patient satisfaction was excellent. CONCLUSIONS: The tarsal switch levator resection procedure elevates both the upper and lower eyelids a predetermined amount. This displaces the palpebral fissure superiorly, effectively opening the visual axis in primary gaze and decreasing the risk of postoperative exposure problems in patients with diminished eye protective mechanisms.

A permanent and reversible procedure to block tear drainage for the treatment of dry eye.

PURPOSE: To describe a technique of canalicular ligation and report observations on 59 consecutive surgeries. METHODS: Retrospective, non-comparative case series of canalicular ligation by 3 surgeons over a 7-year period. RESULTS: Fifty-nine eyelids of 29 patients (2 men and 27 women) underwent canalicular ligation for the treatment of severe dry eyes. Patient age ranged from 34 to 90 years. Average length of follow-up was 20 months. There were no complications. Ninety-one percent of patients noted an improvement in their symptoms. Two patients developed symptomatic epiphora more than 1 year postoperatively and both underwent successful reversal. CONCLUSIONS: Canalicular ligation is an effective technique for punctal occlusion in patients with severe dry eyes. It combines surgical ease with excellent cosmetic outcomes.