Automated Capsular Decompression to Avoid Argentinian Flag Sign in Intumescent Cataract.

Purpose: We describe an alternative automated technique that consists of simultaneous anterior capsule puncture and decompression of the capsular bag by using an insulin needle attached to the aspiration tubing of the phacoemulsification device to prevent the occurrence of the "Argentinian Flag sign" during capsulorhexis in intumescent cataract. Setting: Instituto de Olhos de Assis and Center of Specialties Hoftalmed, located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Design: Prospective interventional study. Methods: Eighty-eight eyes of 88 patients with white or intumescent cataracts were included in this study. Routine clear cornea incision, capsule staining with trypan blue, intracameral anesthesia, and ophthalmic viscoelastic device were used before the procedure. A 26-gauge needle was connected to the phacoemulsification aspiration tubing using a double male Luer connector for irrigation, and aspiration was inserted into the anterior chamber through a new paracentesis incision with the bevel facing down. Immediately after insertion, automated aspiration of the liquefied cortex was performed to remove anterior intralenticular material and achieve capsular decompression. Compression of the nucleus with the needle tip was performed to remove any liquefied material trapped between the posterior surface of the nucleus and the posterior capsule. All surgeries were performed using the same phacoemulsification and parameters. The rate of complete continuous capsulorhexis was observed and noted. Results: No complications were observed in any of the cases. A single-stage, continuous, and well-centered capsulorhexis was achieved in 100% of cases. Conclusion: We conclude that a simultaneous puncture and decompression of the capsular bag using an insulin needle attached to the aspiration tubing of the phacoemulsification machine effectively avoided the "Argentinian Flag sign" in intumescent cataract surgery.

Face masks can reduce the frequency of face touching: an observational crossover study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to analyze face-touching patterns with and without a face mask. METHODS: The behavior of face touching with and without a mask during an interview was assessed in 40 individuals. The frequency of touching in different areas of the face covered by the mask was compared with areas not covered by the face mask. RESULTS: There was an increase in the number of individuals who touched the hair and the eye when they were not wearing the mask. There was an increase in the number of touches on the lips and hair when individuals were not wearing the face mask. When analyzing the area covered by the face mask, no difference was observed in the number of touches while using or not using masks. However, when the area not covered by a face mask was analyzed, a higher number of touches in individuals without masks was observed when compared with individuals wearing masks. CONCLUSION: Using a face mask can reduce or change the face-touching patterns in normal individuals, especially in areas not covered by the mask. Using face masks can possibly reduce the chances of being infected by autoinoculation.

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery in small pupils using non-aligned iris expansion ring without viscoelastic and corneal suture.

PURPOSE: To describe a technique for cataract surgery in eyes with small pupils that combines the use of the femtosecond laser and an iris expansion device, but without the use of corneal sutures and an ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) at the time of laser application. METHODS: A retrospective case series of three eyes with small pupils were operated by the same surgeon without a corneal suture and with removal of anterior chamber OVD prior to laser application. RESULTS: Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) for 1 eye in a 70 year-old patient was 20/70 preoperatively and 20/20 thirty days postoperatively. CDVA for a second patient was 20/50 and 20/200 in the two eyes, which improved to 20/25 two months postoperatively in both eyes. There were no complications observed and the intraocular lens were well-centered. CONCLUSION: The use of mechanical pupil expander rings is safe and practical in setting small pupils during femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.

Short-chain cyanoacrylates and long-chain cyanoacrylates (Dermabond) have different antimicrobial effects.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the antimicrobial effect in vitro of a short-chain cyanoacrylate with a long-chain cyanoacrylate (Dermabond, Ethicon, Johnson and Johnson, USA) against bacterial strains. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The following bacterial strains were analysed: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. For each microorganism, standardised sterile discs (6 mm) containing 10 µL of ethyl-cyanoacrylate and 2-octyl cyanoacrylate were applied to the plate. All plates received a blank filter-paper disc with no adhesive (control). All plates were incubated for 24 hours, after which the bacterial inhibitory halos, if present, were measured in millimetres in its greater length. RESULTS: Inhibitory halos were observed for both adhesives for S. aureus. Inhibition halos were observed only for ethyl-cyanoacrylate for K. pneumoniae and E. coli. No inhibition halo was observed for P. aeruginosa in any sample. The relationship between the total size of the inhibition halos and the diameter of the paper filter for S. aureus was statistically significant compared with 2-octyl cyanoacrylate. CONCLUSION: Data shown conclude that ethyl-cyanoacrylate showed in vitro bacteriostatic activity for S. aureus, E. coli and K. pneumoniae. 2-Octyl cyanoacrylate showed in vitro lower bacteriostatic activity only against S. aureus when compared with ethyl-cyanoacrylate. No in vitro bactericidal activity of ethyl-cyanoacrylate or 2-octyl cyanoacrylate was observed.

Possible Sampling Error in Corneal Specular Microscopy: Can Central Endothelial Data Generated by Specular Microscope Represent the Real Clinical Condition of the Whole Cornea?

PURPOSE: To estimate the minimum number of cells required to obtain reliable data in a specular microscope, which could possibly represent the real clinical condition of the corneal endothelium. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 122 eyes of 61 individuals submitted to noncontact specular microscope was conducted. Data generated by the manufacturer's software were uploaded to specific statistical software for sampling relative error calculation. When relative error was above 5%, new images were acquired and more cells counted until the desired relative error was reached. Data analyzed in this study for the desired relative error were number of cells marked by the examiner for each eye (marked cells), number of cells used for data analysis (analyzed cells), endothelial area used for analysis, sampling error, and absolute number of images used for each eye. RESULTS: The average number of marked cells required to obtain a relative sampling error of less than 5% was 425.2 ± 102.2 cells. The average number of analyzed cells used by the specular microscope to generate the data was 247.4 ± 51.6 cells. The average endothelial area of the analyzed cells was 0.43 ± 0.08 mm. The mean sampling error was 3.7% ± 0.6%, and an average of 2.95 ± 0.74 images was needed to obtain a relative sampling error of less than 5%. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that, theoretically, a minimum of 425.2 cells from 2.95 images must be marked to obtain reliable results, which could possibly represent the real endothelial clinical condition of the whole cornea.

Axial Length and Prevalence of Myopia among Schoolchildren in the Equatorial Region of Brazil.

The prevalence of myopia is increasing globally, and the outdoor light environment is considered as a possible factor that can retard myopia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of myopia and the light environment in Aracati, equatorial Brazil. We surveyed 421 children (421 right eyes; mean age, 10.6 years) and performed ocular examinations that included non-cycloplegic refraction and axial length (AL). Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify factors affecting myopia such as time spent outdoors and in near work. We measured illuminance and violet light irradiance in Aracati. The mean spherical equivalent (SE) and AL were -0.44 ± 1.38 diopters (D) and 22.98 ± 0.87 mm, respectively. The prevalence of myopia (SE ≤ -0.75 D) and high myopia (SE ≤ -6.0 D/AL ≥ 26.0 mm) was 20.4 and 1.4/0.48%, respectively. Multiple regression analyses showed that myopia was not associated with lifestyle factors. The average illuminance in Aracati was about 100,000 lux from morning to evening. The current results reflect the ALs and the prevalence of myopia among Brazilian schoolchildren. There is a possibility that the light environment in addition to other confounding factors including racial differences affects the ALs and refractive errors.

Trends in corneal transplantation from 2001 to 2016 in Brazil / Tendências no transplante de córnea de 2001 a 2016 no Brasil

ABSTRACT A retrospective and analytical study was conducted by using data from the National Transplantation System on 184,575 corneal transplantations performed between January 2001 and December 2016 in order to analyze thetrends in corneal transplantation from 2001 to 2016 in Brazil. The Cochran-Armitage test, analysis of variance, and Duncan's multiple comparisons were used to verify the existence of trends, compare the mean values between regions, and verify the mean differences, respectively. A significance level of 5% was used for all tests. The analysis showed that there was a 2.4-fold increase in the number of corneal transplantations (from 6,193 [35.2 per million people (pmp)] to 14,641 [71 pmp]; p<0.001), a 50.7% increase in the efficacy of meeting the population's demand for corneal transplantation (from 35.3% to 53.2%; p<0.001), an 11-fold increase in the number of corneal transplantation centers (from 32 to 356), and a 2.5-fold increase in the number of corneal transplantation teams (from 276 to 688) in Brazil during the period studied. The waiting list for corneal transplantation decreased by 45.4% (from 23,549 [123 pmp] to 12,865 [62.4 pmp]; p<0.001), and the corneal transplantation teams performed about 19 corneal transplantations per year. The best indices were observed in the southern, midwestern, and southeastern regions, and the worst indices were in the northern and northeastern regions. Brazil has been improving its capacity to perform corneal transplantation in the past 16 years, although this improvement varies across regions. However, the population's demand for corneal transplantation is yet to be satisfactorily met, primarily due to the low number of corneal donations.

RESUMO Estudo retrospectivo e analítico, baseado em dados do Sistema Nacional de Transplantes de 184.575 transplantes de córnea realizados no período de janeiro de 2001 a dezembro de 2016, com o objetivo de analisar as tendências do transplante de córnea no Brasil de 2001 a 2016. Os testes de Cochran-Armitage, análise de variância e comparações múltiplas de duncan foram realizados para verificar a existência de tendência, comparação de médias entre regiões e verificação da diferença média, respectivamente. Um nível de significância de 5% foi utilizado em todos os testes. No Brasil, houve um aumento: de 2,4 vezes no número de transplantes de córnea (de 6.193 [35,2 pmp] para 14.641 [71 pmp] - p<0,001); de 50,7% na eficácia de atender a demanda populacional de transplantes de córnea (de 35,3% para 53,2% - p<0,001); de 11 vezes no número de centros de transplantes de córnea (de 32 para 356); e de 2,5 vezes no número de equipes transplantadoras de córnea (de 276 para 688). A lista de espera para o transplantes de córnea diminuiu em 45,4% (de 23.549 [123 pmp] para 12.865 [62,4 pmp] - p<0,001). A produtividade das equipes de córnea ao longo dos anos foi de 19 transplantes de córnea ao ano. Os melhores índices foram apresentados nas regiões Sul, Cen tro-Oeste e Sudeste e os piores no Norte e Nordeste. O Brasil, embora de forma heterogênea entre as regiões, vem melhorando a capacidade de realizar o transplante de córnea nos últimos 16 anos, porém a demanda populacional por transplante de córnea ainda não é adequadamente atendida, principalmente devido ao baixo número de doações de córnea.

Trends in corneal transplantation from 2001 to 2016 in Brazil.

A retrospective and analytical study was conducted by using data from the National Transplantation System on 184,575 corneal transplantations performed between January 2001 and December 2016 in order to analyze thetrends in corneal transplantation from 2001 to 2016 in Brazil. The Cochran-Armitage test, analysis of variance, and Duncan's multiple comparisons were used to verify the existence of trends, compare the mean values between regions, and verify the mean differences, respectively. A significance level of 5% was used for all tests. The analysis showed that there was a 2.4-fold increase in the number of corneal transplantations (from 6,193 [35.2 per million people (pmp)] to 14,641 [71 pmp]; p<0.001), a 50.7% increase in the efficacy of meeting the population's demand for corneal transplantation (from 35.3% to 53.2%; p<0.001), an 11-fold increase in the number of corneal transplantation centers (from 32 to 356), and a 2.5-fold increase in the number of corneal transplantation teams (from 276 to 688) in Brazil during the period studied. The waiting list for corneal transplantation decreased by 45.4% (from 23,549 [123 pmp] to 12,865 [62.4 pmp]; p<0.001), and the corneal transplantation teams performed about 19 corneal transplantations per year. The best indices were observed in the southern, midwestern, and southeastern regions, and the worst indices were in the northern and northeastern regions. Brazil has been improving its capacity to perform corneal transplantation in the past 16 years, although this improvement varies across regions. However, the population's demand for corneal transplantation is yet to be satisfactorily met, primarily due to the low number of corneal donations.

A 15-Year Review of Corneal Transplant in Brazil.

PURPOSE: To analyze 15-year of corneal transplant in Brazil. METHODS: Cross-sectional, retrospective, observational, and analytical study, between available data from the Brazilian Transplant Registry (January 2002-December 2016), collected by the Brazilian Association of Organ Transplantation was performed. The variables analyzed per year were number of corneal transplants, corneal transplants per million people (pmp), corneal transplant teams, and individuals on the waiting list for corneal transplants. Quantitative variables were expressed by their respective values. To verify the relationship of time with the variables, the Spearman correlation test was applied, adopting P<0.05 for rejection of the null hypothesis. RESULTS: Evaluation of the data from 2002 to 2016 revealed an increase in number of (1) corneal transplants (4,976-14,534-approximately 292% in 15 years; P<0.0001); (2) corneal transplants pmp (29.4-71.1 pmp; P<0.0001); (3) productivity of corneal transplants teams (40.1-79 transplants by each team per year; P=0.067); (4) effectiveness in meeting the Brazilian population demand for corneal transplants per year (18.2%-57.0%; P<0.0001); (5) potential donors (P<0.0001), effective donors (P<0.0001), and nondonors (P<0.0001). There was a reduction in the number of patients on the waiting list (19,189-10,923; P=0.056). CONCLUSION: Despite the progress in the last decade, the number of corneal transplants in Brazil cannot meet the growing population demand. Thus, this study suggests the implementation of more effective public policies of corneal transplants in Brazil, to minimize disparities in national territory, adequately meet the population demand, and reduce the time in waiting lists for corneal transplants.

Tacrolimus Ointment for Refractory Posterior Blepharitis.

PURPOSE: This prospective, randomized, double-blind interventional case series was designed to evaluate the short-term efficacy of 0.03% tacrolimus ointment as a new therapeutic approach for refractory cases of posterior blepharitis. METHODS: Forty eyes (20 patients) with posterior blepharitis refractory to previous treatment were randomized. Eighteen eyes (9 patients) were treated with 0.03% tacrolimus ointment and 20 eyes (10 patients) with placebo ointment twice daily. Patients were evaluated with a questionnaire and slit-lamp examination 14 days and 28 days after treatment, and symptoms and signs of blepharitis were compared to those observed at baseline. RESULTS: We could observe statistical difference in the outcome measurements of meibomian gland secretion, conjunctival hyperemia, telangiectasia of inferior lid, Rose Bengal, and fluorescein scoring for the study group. As for the symptoms score, we observed statistical difference in the symptoms scoring for pruritus and dry eye sensation in the tacrolimus group. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that topical administration of 0.03% tacrolimus ointment can improve some symptoms and some ocular surface status in patients with refractory posterior blepharitis.

TFOS DEWS II Management and Therapy Report.

The members of the Management and Therapy Subcommittee undertook an evidence-based review of current dry eye therapies and management options. Management options reviewed in detail included treatments for tear insufficiency and lid abnormalities, as well as anti-inflammatory medications, surgical approaches, dietary modifications, environmental considerations and complementary therapies. Following this extensive review it became clear that many of the treatments available for the management of dry eye disease lack the necessary Level 1 evidence to support their recommendation, often due to a lack of appropriate masking, randomization or controls and in some cases due to issues with selection bias or inadequate sample size. Reflecting on all available evidence, a staged management algorithm was derived that presents a step-wise approach to implementing the various management and therapeutic options according to disease severity. While this exercise indicated that differentiating between aqueous-deficient and evaporative dry eye disease was critical in selecting the most appropriate management strategy, it also highlighted challenges, based on the limited evidence currently available, in predicting relative benefits of specific management options, in managing the two dry eye disease subtypes. Further evidence is required to support the introduction, and continued use, of many of the treatment options currently available to manage dry eye disease, as well as to inform appropriate treatment starting points and understand treatment specificity in relation to dry eye disease subtype.

Topographic outcomes after corneal collagen crosslinking in progressive keratoconus: 1-year follow-up.

PURPOSE:: We aimed to report and analyze topographic and refractive outcomes following corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) in patients with progressive keratoconus (KC). METHODS:: We performed a retrospective, analytical, and observational study of 100 eyes from 74 progressive KC patients who underwent CXL at the Eye Hospital of Paraná. Keratometric values were analyzed preoperatively as well as 3 and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS:: For a total of 100 eyes, 68 belonged to male patients. The mean age of our study population was 19.9 ± 5.61 years. The average visual acuity and topographic parameters overall were stable after 1 year (p<0.05). After 3 months, steepest keratometry reading (K2) and maximum keratometry (Kmax) were significantly decreased (p<0.05). Regarding topographic astigmatism (dK), there was no significant difference between the 3-month and 12-month follow-ups. When we made comparisons between genders following CXL, there were no significant differences related to the changes in Kmax, K2, and spectacle-corrected distance visual acuity (SCDVA). CONCLUSIONS:: CXL promoted stabilization or improvement of keratometric values and visual acuity. We found that keratoconus apex stability may be achieved 3 months after the procedure. There was no significant difference in keratometric and refractive values measured between male and female patients.

Topographic outcomes after corneal collagen crosslinking in progressive keratoconus: 1-year follow-up / Resultados topográficos após crosslinking de colágeno corneano em ceratocone progressivo: 1 ano de seguimento

ABSTRACT Purpose: We aimed to report and analyze topographic and refractive outcomes following corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) in patients with progressive keratoconus (KC). Methods: We performed a retrospective, analytical, and observational study of 100 eyes from 74 progressive KC patients who underwent CXL at the Eye Hospital of Paraná. Keratometric values were analyzed preoperatively as well as 3 and 12 months postoperatively. Results: For a total of 100 eyes, 68 belonged to male patients. The mean age of our study population was 19.9 ± 5.61 years. The average visual acuity and topographic parameters overall were stable after 1 year (p<0.05). After 3 months, steepest keratometry reading (K2) and maximum keratometry (Kmax) were significantly decreased (p<0.05). Regarding topographic astigmatism (dK), there was no significant difference between the 3-month and 12-month follow-ups. When we made comparisons between genders following CXL, there were no significant differences related to the changes in Kmax, K2, and spectacle-corrected distance visual acuity (SCDVA). Conclusions: CXL promoted stabilization or improvement of keratometric values and visual acuity. We found that keratoconus apex stability may be achieved 3 months after the procedure. There was no significant difference in keratometric and refractive values measured between male and female patients.

RESUMO Objetivos: Relatar e analisar os resultados topográficos e refracionais após crosslinking de colágeno corneano (CXL) em pacientes com ceratocone (KC) progressivo. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo analítico e observacional incluindo 100 olhos de 74 pacientes com KC progressivo submetidos a CXL no Hospital de Olhos do Paraná. Valores ceratométricos foram analisados no pré-operatório, 3 e 12 meses de pós-operatório. Resultados: Em um total de 100 olhos, 68 eram do sexo masculino. A idade média foi de 19,9 ± 5,61. As médias de parâmetros topográficos e acuidade visual em geral, tiveram estabilidade após 1 ano de follow-up (p<0,05). Após 3 meses, a ceratometria mais curva (K2) e a ceratometria máxima (Kmax) tiveram reduções estatisticamente significativas (p<0,05). Em relação ao astigmatismo topográfico (dK), não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa aos 3 e 12 meses de seguimento. Comparando ambos os sexos após o procedimento, não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas relacionadas às mudanças em Kmax, K2 e acuidade visual corrigida. Conclusões: CXL promoveu a estabilidade ou melhora dos valores ceratométricos e da acuidade visual. Encontramos que a estabilidade do ápice do KC pode ser obtida nos três primeiros meses de follow-up. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa nos valores topográficos e refracionais medidos entre pacientes do sexo masculino e feminino.

Review of developments in corneal transplantation in the regions of Brazil - Evaluation of corneal transplants in Brazil.

The aim of this study was to identify inequalities in corneal donation and transplantation among the regions of Brazil. A transversal and retrospective study was specifically conducted using data from the Brazilian Transplant Registry collected by the Brazilian Association of Organ Transplantation between January 2002 and December 2014. The collected data were processed using descriptive statistical methods, and p<0.05 was the rate of rejection of the null hypothesis. From 2002 to 2014, there was an increase in the absolute number of corneal transplants, the annual rate of transplants per million people and the percentage of needed transplants performed in each of the five regions of Brazil. Family refusal and medical contraindication were the most frequent reasons for a lack of corneal donation. Although remarkable progress has been made in the last decade in each of the five Brazilian regions, health professionals' lack of preparation to approach families with donation requests at the death of a family member appears to be the main obstacle to increasing the number of corneal donations. Thus, the present study suggests the implementation of public policies to make corneal transplants more effective, particularly given that there are considerable disparities in the effectiveness with which regional needs are met and in health professionals' ability to perform transplants among the Brazilian regions, with higher rates in the South, Southeast and Midwest regions and lower rates in the North and Northeast regions.

Review of developments in corneal transplantation in the regions of Brazil - Evaluation of corneal transplants in Brazil

The aim of this study was to identify inequalities in corneal donation and transplantation among the regions of Brazil. A transversal and retrospective study was specifically conducted using data from the Brazilian Transplant Registry collected by the Brazilian Association of Organ Transplantation between January 2002 and December 2014. The collected data were processed using descriptive statistical methods, and p<0.05 was the rate of rejection of the null hypothesis. From 2002 to 2014, there was an increase in the absolute number of corneal transplants, the annual rate of transplants per million people and the percentage of needed transplants performed in each of the five regions of Brazil. Family refusal and medical contraindication were the most frequent reasons for a lack of corneal donation. Although remarkable progress has been made in the last decade in each of the five Brazilian regions, health professionals’ lack of preparation to approach families with donation requests at the death of a family member appears to be the main obstacle to increasing the number of corneal donations. Thus, the present study suggests the implementation of public policies to make corneal transplants more effective, particularly given that there are considerable disparities in the effectiveness with which regional needs are met and in health professionals’ ability to perform transplants among the Brazilian regions, with higher rates in the South, Southeast and Midwest regions and lower rates in the North and Northeast regions.

Grooved and nongrooved clear corneal incisions in phacoemulsification: permeability study.

PURPOSE: To detect the inflow of trypan blue through grooved and nongrooved sutureless self-sealing clear corneal incisions at the end of phacoemulsification as compared to a control group. METHODS: A prospective randomized masked trial considered 52 eyes randomized into 3 groups in which phacoemulsification was performed: group A, nongrooved incisions; group B, grooved incisions; and group C, controls. By the end of each surgery, trypan blue was instilled on the ocular surface in groups A and B and rinsed out after 2 minutes. A sample of the anterior chamber content was collected and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography to identify and quantify the trypan blue concentration. The presence of trypan blue was expressed as a specific single peak graphic image. The mean areas of these peaks were used to assess the groups using a nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the nongrooved incisions group and the control group (p = 0.0448). No significant difference was observed between group B (grooved incision) and controls (p = 0.1800). CONCLUSIONS: Trypan blue was detected in the anterior chamber when nongrooved clear corneal incision was used. There was no trypan blue detection in the group with grooved clear corneal main incisions.

Treatment of Sjögren's syndrome dry eye using 0.03% tacrolimus eye drop: Prospective double-blind randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical efficacy of the treatment of Sjögren's syndrome dry eye using 0.03% tacrolimus eye drop. DESIGN: Prospective double-blind randomized study. SETTING: Institutional outpatient clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-eight eyes of twenty-four patients with dry eye related to Sjögren syndrome were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomized in 2 groups: tacrolimus (n=14) and vehicle (n=10) group. INTERVENTION: The tacrolimus group received a vial containing tacrolimus 0.03% (almond oil as vehicle) and the other group received the almond oil vehicle. All patients were instructed to use the eye drops every 12h in the lower conjunctival sac. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Schirmer I test, break-up-time (BUT), corneal fluorescein and Rose Bengal staining scores were evaluated in all patients one day before the treatment (baseline), 7, 14, 28 and 90 days after treatment with the eye drops. RESULTS: The average fluorescein and Rose Bengal scores improved statistically after 7 days of treatment and even more after 90 days. The average Schirmer I and BUT values were unchanged after 7, 14 and 21 days but did show an improvement relative to baseline after 28 days of treatment. Schirmer I, BUT, fluorescein and Rose Bengal did not show any statistical significance in the vehicle group. CONCLUSION: Topical 0.03% tacrolimus eye drop improved tear stability and ocular surface status in cases of inflammatory or SS-related dry eye. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01850979.

Subconjunctival and topical application of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in rabbits.

PURPOSE: To quantify fibrin degradation products after topical and subconjunctival administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in rabbits. METHODS: Fibrin formation was induced in the anterior chamber in 25 rabbits. Subsequently, five rabbits received an injection of r-TPA (positive control) in the anterior chamber, another 10 received a subconjunctival injection of r-TPA, and the remaining 10 received instillations of topical r-TPA. Afterwards, samples of aqueous humor were collected and semi-quantitative analysis of fibrin degradation products (FDP) was performed. RESULTS: No statistical differences were noted between the treatment and control groups at any time point. Fibrin degradation products semi-quantification showed statistical improvement in the control group and the subconjunctival group. CONCLUSION: Fibrin degradation products were observed in the anterior chamber after subconjunctival administration of r-TPA. However, it was probably not sufficient to cause fibrin degradation. Topical r-TPA did not effectively absorb anterior chamber fibrin.

Subconjunctival and topical application of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in rabbits / Uso tópico e subconjuntival de ativador de plasminogênio tecidual recombinante em coelhos

Purpose: To quantify fibrin degradation products after topical and subconjunctival administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in rabbits. Methods: Fibrin formation was induced in the anterior chamber in 25 rabbits. Subsequently, five rabbits received an injection of r-TPA (positive control) in the anterior chamber, another 10 received a subconjunctival injection of r-TPA, and the remaining 10 received instillations of topical r-TPA. Afterwards, samples of aqueous humor were collected and semi-quantitative analysis of fibrin degradation products (FDP) was performed. Results: No statistical differences were noted between the treatment and control groups at any time point. Fibrin degradation products semi-quantification showed statistical improvement in the control group and the subconjunctival group. Conclusion: Fibrin degradation products were observed in the anterior chamber after subconjunctival administration of r-TPA. However, it was probably not sufficient to cause fibrin degradation. Topical r-TPA did not effectively absorb anterior chamber fibrin. .

Objetivo: Quantificar produtos de degradação de fibrina (PDF) após uso tópico e subconjunctival de ativador de plasminogênio tecidual recombinante (r-TPA) em coelhos. Métodos: Formação de fibrina foi induzida na câmara anterior em 25 coelhos. Cinco coelhos foram submetidos a injeção intracameral de r-TPA (controle positivo). Dez coelhos foram submetidos a injeção subconjuntival de r-TPA e dez coelhos foram submetidos a instilação tópica de r-TPA. Amostras de humor aquoso foram coletados e uma análise quantitativa dos produtos de degradação de fibrina foi realizada. Resultados: Não foi observado diferença estatisticamente significativa na degradação de fibrina em nenhum dos momentos estudados quando comparados com o controle. Porém foi observado diferença estatisticamente significante na quantificação do produtos de degradação de fibrina no grupo controle e no grupo subconjuntival. Conclusão: Produtos de degradação de fibrina foi observado nas amostras do grupo subconjunctival, porém, provavelmente não foi suficiente para degradar a fibrin presente. r-TPA tópico não foi efetivo em absorver fibrina na câmara anterior. .

Post-photorefractive keratectomy contact lens microbiological findings of individuals who work in a hospital environment.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the microbiological findings from bandage contact lenses in patients who work in a hospital environment submitted to photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). METHODS: This prospective comparative case series enrolled 43 eyes of 22 volunteers (28.05 ± 3.50 years). Fourteen individuals (n = 27) were health care professionals who work in health care facilities or community physician's offices. Eight individuals (n = 16) were patients who do not work in hospital environment. Photorefractive keratectomy was performed using standard technique, and a silicone hydrogel bandage contact lens was placed on the cornea and evaluated for adequate fit. Seven days after surgery, the bandage lenses were removed and imprinted in the following culture media: blood agar, chocolate agar, anaerobic-selective agar, and Sabouraud agar. When microbial growth was detected, the microorganism was identified, colony-forming units were quantified, and morphology and Gram-staining properties were analyzed. All isolates were tested for susceptibility to various antibiotics. Significance was assessed by Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Microbial growth was detected in 16.27% of all contact lenses samples. No fungi or anaerobes were found. Microbial growth was only observed in bandage lenses removed from patients who work in hospital environments. Most microorganisms found were sensitive to all antibiotics tested. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that working in hospital environments increase contamination of the contact lenses after PRK.