Investigation of Retinal Alterations in Patients Recovered from COVID-19: A Comparative Study.

AIM: : To evaluate any abnormalities on retinal examination and retinal microvascularity in patients recovered from COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: : Cross-sectional, case- control study. Patients between 18 and 65 years old with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and age matched controls were included. Macular and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, vessel density of the superficial (SCP) and the deep retinal capillary plexus (DCP) and the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were measured and compared with controls. RESULTS: : This study included 200 eyes of 200 cases totally. Of them 105 cases were patients and 95 cases were controls. Retinal abnormalities were detected by indirect ophthalmoscopic examination in ten patients of 105 cases (10.5%). There was no statistically significant difference in the vessel density of the SCP and the DCP and the mean FAZ measurements. CONCLUSION: : There isn't any relevant difference between early post-COVID-19 patients and general population in terms of retinal microvascularity.

Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 in tear and conjunctival secretions of hospitalized patients with clinically-confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the presence of the virus in tear and conjunctival secretions of clinically-confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia patients. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted at Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital (2020/190). Nasopharyngeal and ocular samples were obtained by swab technique and investigated by RT-PCR. RESULTS: A total of 83 patients were included. The mean age was 61.88 ± 16.04 years. 28.92% of the patients had mild, 65.06% moderate and 6.02% severe pneumonia radiologically. RT-PCR was positive in 31 (37.35%) patients in the first nasopharyngeal swabs and in 19 (22.89%) in the second swabs. 17 of 19 patients had positive both first and second nasopharyngeal swabs; only the second swabs of two patients were positive. The first conjunctival swabs RT-PCR were positive in 5 out of 83 clinically-confirmed patients or 33 laboratory-confirmed patients (rates: 6.02% and 15.15%). There were no positives detected in the second conjunctival swabs. CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2 can be detected in the conjunctival swabs of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

MRI Results of Patients with Acute Isolyted Cranial Nerve Palsies.

AIM: To investigate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results of patients complaining from diplopia with ocular nerve palsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A routine ophthalmic examination was performed, a neurological consultation was requested, and cranial MRI was performed for all patients. The image results were sorted into four groups: ischemic lesions, demyelinating disease lesions, tumors, and no lesions. White matter gliosis and cerebral infarcts were included in the ischemic lesion group. The medical histories of the patients were acquired from medical records. The chi-squared test was used to analyze the relationship between age and cranial MRI images and to analyze the relationship between the image and paresis type. The statistical significance threshold was set at p < 0.05, unless otherwise stated. RESULTS: Ischemic MRI images were the most common image type seen in our study. Third nerve paresis was significantly correlated with ischemic cerebral lesions observed by MRI (p=0.009). Furthermore, lesions were significantly correlated with patients aged above 50 years (p=0.004). There were no significant correlations between fourth or sixth nerve paresis and cranial ischemic images (p=0.680 and p=0.678, respectively). There were two instances of cerebral artery aneurysm, three instances of cerebral infarct, and one instance of intracranial mass, all in patients aged over 50 years. CONCLUSION: Although our patients had minimal or nonexistent neurological symptoms, some had serious cranial pathologies. These pathologies were commonly seen in patients aged over 50 years. We recommend performing MRI on all patients with binocular diplopia.

Investigating Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors in the Lacrimal Sacs of Individuals With and Without Chronic Dacryocystitis.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic dacryocystitis is usually seen in middle-aged or older women, suggesting that decreased estrogen and progesterone serum levels may be a causative factor in the disease pathology. However, the occurrence of the disease in premenopausal females and males suggests that there may be more to the explanation than the level of female sex hormones. The purpose of the present study was to investigate estrogen and progesterone receptor positivity in the lacrimal sacs of individuals with and without chronic dacryocystitis. METHODS: The study group included 50 female and 20 male patients diagnosed with chronic dacryocystitis. Lacrimal sac samples were taken during a dacryocystorhinostomy. The control group comprised 29 cadavers with no evidence of lacrimal system pathology in the health records. The samples were obtained transconjunctivally. Lacrimal sac samples from both groups were stained with the estrogen and progesterone receptor protein antigen. Fisher's exact test and a chi-square test were used to compare the receptor positivity results of premenopausal and postmenopausal women, and samples of those with dacryocystitis and cadaver sacs without the disease. RESULTS: In the control group, estrogen receptor positivity was observed in the samples of 2 premenopausal females. In the study group, estrogen receptor positivity was seen in 4 premenopausal females. There was no significant difference in estrogen receptor positivity between the premenopausal and postmenopausal female groups (p=0.41). A similar result was not established between the premenopausal and postmenopausal females in case group (p=0.056). No comparison was made of the progesterone receptor because only 1 example of progesterone receptor positivity was found in a premenopausal female in the dacryocystitis group. CONCLUSION: Estrogen receptor positivity did not seem to be a factor in chronic dacryocystitis physiopathology.

Predicting the refractive outcome and accuracy of IOL power calculation after phacoemulsification using the SRK/T formula with ultrasound biometry in medium axial lengths.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of the SRK/T formula using ultrasound (US) biometry in predicting a target postoperative refraction of ±1.00D in eyes with medium axial length (AL) that underwent phacoemulsification. METHODS: The present study was a retrospective analysis, which included 538 eyes with an AL from 22.0 to 24.60 mm that underwent phacoemulsification and foldable intraocular lens (IOL) implantation (six different IOLs) in the bag. Preoperative AL was measured by US biometry and IOL power (IOLp) was calculated with the SRK/T formula. Patients had a complete ophthalmic examination, preoperatively and 1, 7, and 30 days after surgery. The achieved spherical equivalent (SE) and the prediction error (PE) were calculated. The prediction error was defined as the difference between attempted predicted target refraction and the achieved postoperative SE refraction. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS V21. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 66.96±9.67 years, the mean AL was 23.29±0.62 mm, the mean K1 was 43.62±1.49D, the mean K2 was 43.69±1.53D, the mean IOL power was 21.066±1.464D, the mean attempted (predicted) SE was -0.178±0.266D, and the mean achieved SE was -0.252±0.562D. The mean PE (difference between predicted and achieved SE) showed a relatively hyperopic shift (mean ± standard deviation: 0.074±0.542D, ranging from -1.855 to 2.170D, P=0.001). A total of 93.87% of eyes were within ±1.00D of the PE and 92.75% of eyes within ±1.00D of achieved postoperative refraction. A total of 39 eyes (7.25%) had a refractive surprise. A total of 32 of 39 eyes were more myopic than -1.00D and 7 of them were more hypermetropic than +1.00D. There was no correlation between the mean PE and IOL type, AL, K1, K2, and IOLp. There were a positive statistically significant correlation between PE and age (r=0.095; P=0.028) and a negative statistically significant correlation between achieved SE and AL (Spearman's r=-0.125; P=0.04), and age (r=-0.141; P=0.01). CONCLUSION: The IOLp calculation using the SRK/T formula with US biometry may demonstrate very good postoperative refractive outcomes in medium eyes with a few refractive surprises.

Corneal flap thickness with the Moria M2 single-use head 90 microkeratome in 72 consecutive LASIK procedures.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and consistency of corneal flap thickness in laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with the Moria M2 single-use head 90 microkeratome. METHODS: The central corneal thickness of 72 (37 right, 35 left) eyes of 37 patients was measured by ultrasonic pachymetry preoperatively and intraoperatively after flap cut. The Moria M2 single-use head 90 microkeratome was used to create a superior hinged flap in all eyes. The right eyes were always operated on before the left eyes in each patient, using the same blade in all bilateral cases. All patients underwent LASIK for myopia and/or myopic astigmatism using VISX Star S4 platform. RESULTS: The mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction was -3.55±2.30 D (range: -0.625 to -11.00 D), preoperative central corneal thickness by ultrasonic pachymetry was 541±26.82 µm (490-600 µm) and steepest K was 44.08±1.49 D (40-46.75 D) in all eyes. The mean flap thickness was 136.97±20.07 µm (106-192 µm), 131.2±19.5 µm (91-192 µm), and 134.16±19.85 µm (91-192 µm) in the right, left, and both eyes, respectively. A positive significant relationship was found between flap thickness and preoperative ultrasonic pachymetry thickness. No significant relationship was found between flap thickness and the age, preoperative spherical equivalent, and preoperative steepest K. The difference between the first and second eyes was not significant. There were no major intraoperative and postoperative complications in all eyes. CONCLUSION: The Moria M2 single-use head 90 microkeratome cut relatively thicker flaps than were intended. The flap thickness range was quite wide. This was a disadvantage for the accuracy and consistency of corneal flap thickness.

Performance of the SRK/T formula using A-Scan ultrasound biometry after phacoemulsification in eyes with short and long axial lengths.

BACKGROUND: The SRK/T formula is one of the third generation IOL calculation formulas. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of the SRK/T formula in predicting a target refraction ±1.0D in short and long eyes using ultrasound biometry after phacoemulsification. METHODS: The present study was a retrospective analysis, which included 38 eyes with an AL < 22.0 mm (short AL), and 62 eyes ≥24.6 mm (long AL) that underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification. Preoperative AL was measured by ultrasound biometry and SRK/T formula was used for IOL calculation. Three different IOLs were implanted in the capsular bag. The prediction error was defined as the difference between the achieved postoperative refraction, and attempted predicted target refraction. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS V21. RESULTS: In short ALs, the mean age was 65.13 ± 9.49 year, the mean AL was 21.55 ± 0.45 mm, the mean K1 and K2 were 45.76 ± 1.77D and 46.09 ± 1.61D, the mean IOL power was 23.96 ± 1.92D, the mean attempted (predicted) value was 0.07 ± 0.26D, the mean achieved value was 0.07 ± 0.63 D, the mean PE was 0.01 ± 0.60D, and the MAE was 0.51 ± 0.31D. A significant positive relationship with AL and K1, K2, IOL power and a strong negative relationship with PE and achieved postoperative was found. In long ALs, the mean age was 64.05 ± 7.31 year, the mean AL was 25.77 ± 1.64 mm, the mean K1 and K2 were 42.20 ± 1.57D and 42.17 ± 1.68D, the mean IOL power was 15.79 ± 5.17D, the mean attempted value was -0.434 ± 0.315D, the mean achieved value was -0.42 ± 0.96D, the mean PE was -0.004 ± 0.93D, the MAE was 0.68 ± 0.62D. A significant positive relationship with AL and K1, K2 and a significant positive relationship with PE and achieved value, otherwise a negative relationship with AL and IOL power was found. There was a little tendency towards hyperopic for short ALs and myopic for long ALs. The majority of eyes (94.74 %) for short ALs and (70.97 %) for long ALs were within ±1 D of the predicted refractive error. No significant relationship with PE and IOL types, AL, K1, K2, IOL power, and attempted value, besides with MAE and AL, K1, K2, age, attempted, achieved value were found in both groups. CONCLUSION: The SRK/T formula performs well and shows good predictability in eyes with short and long axial lengths.

Treatment of Phthiriasis Palpebrarum and Crab Louse: Petrolatum Jelly and 1% Permethrin Shampoo.

Phthiriasis palpebrarum is an uncommon cause of blepharoconjunctivitis in which Pthirus pubis infest the eyelashes. We report a case of unilateral phthiriasis palpebrarum with crab louse. A 45-year-old man presented with conjunctival hyperaemia and moderate itching associated with irritation, and crusty excretions of the eyelashes in the left eye. Careful slit-lamp examination revealed many lice and nits in left eye and mild conjunctival hyperaemia. No abnormality was found in the right eye. On dermatologic examination, only one louse was found at the pubic area. The patient was treated effectively with petrolatum jelly (Vaseline) and 1% permethrin shampoo (Kwellada 1% shampoo). At the end of the first week no louse or nit was present on eyelashes and pubic area.

Anterior uveitis following eyebrow epilation with alexandrite laser.

Ocular tissues are known to be sensitive to damage from exposure to laser emissions. This study reports the case of a female patient with acute unilateral anterior uveitis caused by alexandrite laser-assisted hair removal of the eyebrows. We report a 38-year-old female who presented with unilateral eye pain, redness, and photophobia after receiving alexandrite (755 nm) laser epilation of both eyebrows. Best corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes. Right eye examination was normal. Left eye examination showed conjunctival injection and 2+/3+ cells in the anterior chamber. Intraocular pressure and fundus examination were normal. Topical steroids and cycloplegic drops were prescribed for 3 weeks. At the end of the 3-week follow-up, best corrected visual acuity was 20/20, and intraocular pressure and fundus examination were normal in both eyes. The left eye was white, and the anterior chamber was clear. The patient continues to be monitored. In conclusion, without adequate protective eyewear, laser hair removal of the eyebrows with alexandrite laser can lead to ocular damage.

Compare the effects of two silicone-hydrogel bandage contact lenses on epithelial healing after photorefractive keratectomy with anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of two silicone hydrogel bandage lenses (SiHy) on epithelial healing following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). METHODS: Forty-two eyes of 21 patients who underwent PRK were included in a contralateral eye comparison study. At the end of the procedure, one eye of each patient was fitted with a Lotrafilcon B contact lens whereas the fellow eye was fitted with a Comfilicon A lens. Patients were examined on the day of surgery and at days 1-5 postoperatively. Main outcome measures were number of reepithelialized eyes, epithelial defect size, patient discomfort score and average complete reepithelization time. RESULTS: The number of mean reepithelialized eyes was showed no statistical significance between both groups during the follow up. Average epithelial defect size for Comfilcon A and Lotrafilcon B was 32.7±12.2mm(2) vs. 33.3±12mm(2) at day 1 (p=0.279) and 13.1±6mm(2) vs. 14.5±9mm(2) at day 3 postoperatively (p=0.018). Average re-epithelialization time was 3.1 days for Comfilcon A and 3.6 days for Lotrafilcon B (p=0.03). Mean subjective discomfort score was 2.25±0.96 in eyes with Lotrafilcon B and 1.64±0.67 in eyes with Comfilcon A on the first exam the day after surgery and until third day the differences were statistically significant (p=0.011 and p=0.012, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: AS-OCT is a reliable and noncontact method for assessment of reepithelialization under contact lenses after PRK. Eyes with Comfilcon A showed a statistically significant better discomfort score and faster reepithelialization time.

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography evaluation of corneal epithelium healing time after 2 different surface ablation methods.

OBJECTIVES: To compare epithelial healing time following laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) with anterior segment optic coherence tomography (AS-OCT). METHODS: This prospective interventional case series study comprised 56 eyes of 28 patients that underwent laser refractive surgery in the Department of Ophthalmology, Medipol University Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey, between March 2014 and May 2014. Each patient was randomized to have one eye operated on with PRK, and the other with LASEK. Patients were examined daily for 5 days, and epithelial healing time was assessed by using AS-OCT without removing therapeutic contact lens (TCL). Average discomfort scores were calculated from ratings obtained from questions regarding pain, photophobia, and lacrimation according to a scale of 0 (none) to 5. RESULTS: The mean re-epithelialization time assessed with AS-OCT was 3.07±0.64 days in the PRK group, 3.55±0.54 days in the LASEK group, and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.03). Mean subjective discomfort score was 4.42±0.50 in the PRK eyes, and 2.85±0.44 in the LASEK eyes on the first exam day (p=0.001). The score obtained on the second (p=0.024), and third day (p=0.03) were also statistically significant. The fourth (p=0.069), and fifth days scores (p=0.1) showed no statistically significant difference between groups. CONCLUSION: The PRK showed a statistically significant shorter epithelial healing time, but had a statistically significant higher discomfort score until the postoperative fourth day compared with LASEK.

Intraoperative and early postoperative flap-related complications of laser in situ keratomileusis using two types of Moria microkeratomes.

The purpose of this study is to describe the incidence, management, and visual outcomes of intraoperative and early postoperative flap-related complications of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery using two types of Moria M2 microkeratomes. This retrospective analysis was performed on 806 primary LASIK cases. The intraoperative and early postoperative flap-related complications were identified and categorized according to type of Moria microkeratome. There were 52 intraoperative and early postoperative complications--one case of partial flap (0.124 %), one case of free flap (0.124 %), one case of small flap (0.124 %), 13 cases of epithelial defect (1.61 %), 12 cases of flap striae (1.49 %), 10 cases of diffuse lamellar keratitis (1.24 %), 10 cases of interface debris (1.24 %), three cases of epithelial ingrowth (0.37 %), and one case of microbial infection (0.124 %). The overall incidence of flap complications was 6.45 %. There were 27 right eye (6.73 %) and 25 left eye (6.17 %) complications. The incidence of complications with the Moria automated metallic head 130 microkeratome was 4.22 % and with the Moria single-use head 90 microkeratome was 2.23 %. We observed one culture-negative interface abscess which was cured with surgical cleaning and intensive medical treatment. The most common complication encountered was epithelial defects, followed by flap striae. Our study showed that LASIK with a microkeratome has a relatively low incidence of intraoperative and early postoperative flap complications. The authors have no financial interest in any of the issues contained in this article and have no proprietary interest in the development of marketing of or materials used in this study.

Late onset diffuse lamellar keratitis as a result of the toxic effect of Ecballium elaterium herb.

PURPOSE: To report a case of late onset diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) 11 months after LASIK due to Ecballium elaterium exposure. METHODS: A 25-year-old man underwent bilateral LASIK. No complications were observed during the early postoperative period. RESULTS: Eleven months after LASIK surgery, grade II DLK was diagnosed after an Ecballium elaterium herb seed burst and splashed into the patient's left eye. Topical steroid treatment was administered and DLK healed in 2 weeks without complication. CONCLUSIONS: Although DLK typically develops in the early postoperative period, it could occur months after surgery. Treatment should begin as soon as DLK is diagnosed.