A Comparison of Transcanalicular, Endonasal, and External Dacryocystorhinostomy in Functional Epiphora: A Minimum Two-Year Follow-Up Study.

Purpose: To compare the outcomes of transcanalicular diode laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy (TCL-DCR), nonendoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (NEN-DCR), and external dacryocystorhinostomy (EXT-DCR) as first-line treatments for functional epiphora. Methods: This multicenter, retrospective, case-control study included 135 eyes of 135 patients with functional epiphora (86 females and 49 males). Functional epiphora was diagnosed based on a patent lacrimal system with a delay in the fluorescein dye disappearance test (FDDT) or dacryoscintigraphy (DSG) and no ocular surface or eyelid abnormalities. The patients were treated with TCL-DCR (2008-2011) or Ext-DCR (2005-2008, 2011-2017) at Beyoglu Eye Research Hospital (Istanbul, Turkey) and NEN-DCR at Carrot Eye Surgery Clinic affiliated with the McMaster University (Hamilton, ON, Canada) (2010-2016). Success was defined as the absence of epiphora and the normalization of an earlier delayed FDDT after surgery. Results: The TCL-DCR, NEN-DCR, and EXT-DCR groups consisted of 38, 47, and 50 eyes with 25.9, 44.2, and 45.9 months of follow-up. The success rate for TCL-DCR was 65.8%, 70.2% for NEN-DCR, and 84.0% for EXT-DCR. During the follow-up period, 13.2% of TCL-DCR cases and 6.4% of NEN-DCR cases developed an anatomic obstruction of the lacrimal system. Conclusion: The EXT-DCR group had a higher success rate in the management of functional epiphora than the NEN-DCR and TCL-DCR groups and was significantly safer in terms of an iatrogenic anatomic block of the lacrimal system.

Epiphora and Dacryocystitis After Transcanalicular Laser-assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy due to an Undiagnosed Dacryolith.

A 45-year-old female patient who had previously undergone endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) at another surgical center was diagnosed with functional failure after DCR and underwent an uneventful transcanalicular laser-assisted DCR (TCL-DCR). After 5 months, the patient underwent endoscopic examination due to persistent epiphora and dacryocystitis attacks. Endonasal visualization revealed a large dacryolith that filled the ostium and sac and was removed en bloc mechanically with forceps. Carbonized material on the dacryolith's superior part indicated that it was perforated through-and-through by the laser beam during TCL-DCR. The patient's complaints were resolved completely following the removal of the dacryolith. The transcanalicular lacrimal procedures do not allow complete visualization of the contents of the lacrimal sac, and the laser beam can ablate even an undetected dacryolith and may result in unsuccessful DCR, although the surgical course may look completely uneventful.

An algorithm for Botulinum toxin A injection for upper eyelid retraction associated with thyroid eye disease: long-term results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and complications of transconjunctival Botulinum toxin A injections performed according to an algorithm, for the management of upper eyelid retraction associated with thyroid eye disease. METHODS: Seventy one eyes of 60 patients at the inactive stage, who had undergone Botulinum toxin A injection were reviewed retrospectively. Botulinum toxin A was injected transconjunctivally, just above the superior tarsal border of the upper eyelid in doses between 2-15 units according to an algorithm, depending on the amount of retraction. Margin-reflex distances were measured according to the photographs taken under standard conditions before and after the injections at the tenth day, then the second month and the fourth month. Additional Botulinum toxin A injections were performed in patients who had an undercorrection on the tenth day. Complications such as diplopia and ptosis were recorded. RESULTS: The study included 38 females, 22 males with a mean age of 43.3 ± 13.1. Normal margin-reflex distances (3-4 mm) were reached in the 58 of 71 eyes (81.7%). Additional injections were needed in eight eyes (11.2%) for residual retraction on the tenth day. Ptosis was the major complication in four eyes for 1-3 weeks after injection. Upper eyelid retraction recurred after 5.1 ± 0.9 months in all patients. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of upper eyelid retraction due to thyroid eye disease, transconjunctival injection of Botulinum toxin A is an effective, safe, transient, and repeatable method with few complications in patients. The algorithm used in this study resulted in high success rate in long-term follow-up.

Anterior-Approach Versus Posterior-Approach Levator Advancement Surgery in Aponeurotic Ptosis.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness and complications of levator reinsertion in aponeurotic ptosis surgery using anterior and posterior approaches. METHODS: Seventy-eight (36 females, 42 males) patients with acquired aponeurotic ptosis were evaluated. Pre- and postoperative margin reflex distance, symmetry of height, contour and skin crease, corneal problems, and lagophthalmus were evaluated and compared between the 2 groups. Independent and paired samples t-test, Pearson Chi-square, and Fisher exact test were used to evaluate the results. RESULTS: The anterior approach was performed on 43 eyelids and the posterior approach was performed on 35 eyelids. The mean age of the anterior-approach group was 62.1 ±â€Š11 years, and posterior-approach group was 50.1 ±â€Š15.1 years, respectively (P < 0.001). The male-female ratio was 28/15 in the anterior-approach group, and 14/21 in the posterior approach group (P = 0.027). The success rate of the anterior approach was 69.8% and the posterior approach was 57.1% (P = 0.248). The mean margin reflex distance change was statistically significant in both anterior- and posterior-approach techniques (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Three (6.9%) patients in the anterior-approach group and 11 (31.4%) in the posterior-approach group required reoperation (P = 0.005). Lagophthalmus rates were similar (3 eyes in the anterior versus 7 eyes in the posterior group, P = 0.103). CONCLUSIONS: Both anterior- and posterior-approaches are effective and safe techniques for aponeurotic ptosis treatment. The posterior approach seems to be preferred by female and younger patients because there is no undesirable scar formation although it has the disadvantage of higher rates of reoperation.

Do ocular pulse amplitude and choroidal thickness change in patients with thyroid eye disease?

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether orbital changes induced by thyroid eye disease affect the ocular pulse amplitude and choroidal perfusion. Materials and Methods: A total of 38 eyes of 38 patients with thyroid eye disease (Group 1) and 38 eyes of 38 control individuals (Group 2) with normal intraocular pressure were enrolled in this study. Thyroid eye disease activity was defined using clinical activity score. Intraocular pressure measurement with Goldmann applanation tonometer, axial length, central corneal thickness, Hertel exophthalmometry and systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements were taken from each patient. Ocular pulse amplitude and intraocular pressure were measured using dynamic contour tonometry. Choroidal thickness was measured by enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography at subfoveal, nasal and temporal 1000 µm area. Results: Intraocular pressures measured with Goldmann applanation tonometer and dynamic contour tonometry and mean ocular pulse amplitude were not statistically different between groups. However mean choroidal thicknesses were significantly lower when compared to control group. Ocular pulse amplitude and intraocular pressure measurement with dynamic contour tonometry did not change significantly with the increase in clinical activity score. There was not statistically significant correlation between ocular pulse amplitude and choroidal thicknesses in patients with thyroid eye disease. Conclusion: Ocular pulse amplitude and choroidal perfusion were not found to change with orbital involvement in thyroid eye disease and with disease activity, especially in patients with normal intraocular pressure. Although choroidal thickness was thinner than control group, choroidal perfusion did not change as a compensatory mechanism for maintaining ocular homeostasis.

Imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of large nodular basal cell carcinoma at the medial canthal area.

Context (Background): Imiquimod (IMQ) 5% cream is an immunomodulatory and antitumorigenic agent, which was used as a topical treatment regimen, who had periocular basal cell carcinoma (BCC). AIM: This study aims to present three cases with large BCC at the medial canthal area treated with IMQ 5% cream. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IMQ 5% cream was used in three patients with ages 45, 49, and 73 who preferred medical treatment over surgery. Following incisional biopsy IMQ cream was used once a day, 5 times a week and the patients were followed up weekly during 12 week treatment period and monthly after the clearance of the lesion. RESULTS: Erythema and erosion on the surface of the lesion, injection of conjunctiva, burning and itching sensation, epiphora and punctate keratitis were seen in all patients during the treatment period. The ophthalmic side effects could be managed by topical lubricating eye drops and the inflammatory reactions resolved within 1 month after cessation of therapy. The patients were followed up for at least 3 years without tumor recurrence and the biopsies taken from the suspected area were found to be tumor free. CONCLUSION: Surgical excision of carcinoma of the eyelid at medial canthal area can be difficult without causing damage to the lacrimal system and reconstruction of the defect may need grafts or flaps. IMQ may provide an alternative therapy to surgery in certain cases.

Orbital and Periorbital Extension of Congenital Dacryocystoceles: Suggested Mechanism and Management.

Orbital and periorbital extension of congenital dacryocystoceles is rarely observed in neonatal infants. The authors describe 4 cases of congenital dacryocystocele that presented with extension to the orbital and periorbital regions. The first 3 newborns underwent marsupialization of the orbital and periorbital dacryocystoceles with aspiration of the purulent material followed by nasolacrimal duct probing after radiographic evidence of diffuse orbital or periorbital expansion. The fourth patient was successfully treated with an external dacryocystorhinostomy with excision of the enlarged cystic walls. Transconjunctival orbitotomy with sac marsupialization followed by nasolacrimal intubation can provide immediate and permanent resolutions of this unusual complication in most instances. External dacryocystorhinostomy may be required, however, when the orbital or periorbital dacryocystocele is complicated by acute or recurrent dacryocystitis.

An Atypical Case of Microphthalmos With Cyst: Cyst Masquerading as Phthisical Eye.

A 6-year-old boy diagnosed with congenital microphthalmic OS was referred for prosthetic eye fitting. He was otherwise healthy without known congenital anomalies. His visual acuity was 20/20 in the OD and no light perception in the OS. His disfigured OS with a conjunctivalized opaque cornea appeared smaller than his OD. He had left esotropia with severely restricted ductions in all directions of gaze. The preoperative orbital MRI of the patient revealed a small orbital cyst posteroinferior to the OS. Because the patient could not tolerate the prosthetic eye worn over his disfigured eye, evisceration was planned. During the surgery, blunt dissection of the conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule uncovered a large orbital cyst that was misdiagnosed as phthisis bulbi preoperatively based on the clinical examination and imaging findings. The structure that was thought to be an orbital cyst on orbital MRI was the microphthalmic eye. Enucleation with cyst excision was performed. Patient had uneventful postoperative course and has been wearing an artificial eye for 1 year since surgery.

Corneal biomechanical properties in thyroid eye disease.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of thyroid eye disease (TED) on the measurement of corneal biomechanical properties and the relationship between these parameters and disease manifestations. A total of 54 eyes of 27 individuals with TED and 52 eyes of 30 healthy control participants were enrolled. Thyroid ophthalmopathy activity was defined using the VISA (vision, inflammation, strabismus, and appearance/exposure) classification for TED. The intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement with Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT), axial length (AL), keratometry, and central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements were taken from each patient. Corneal biomechanical properties, including corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) and noncontact IOP measurements, Goldmann-correlated IOP (IOPg) and corneal-compensated IOP (IOPcc) were measured with the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) using the standard technique. Parameters such as best corrected visual acuity, axial length, central corneal thickness, and corneal curvature were not statistically significant between the two groups (p > 0.05). IOP measured with GAT was higher in participants with TED (p < 0.001). The CH of TED patients was significantly lower than that of the control group. There was no significant difference in the corneal resistance factor between groups. However, IOPg and IOPcc were significantly higher in TED patients. CH and VISA grading of TED patients showed a negative correlation (p = 0.007). In conclusion, TED affects the corneal biomechanical properties by decreasing CH. IOP with GAT and IOPg is found to be increased in these patients. As the severity of TED increases, CH decreases in these patients.

Transconjunctival dacryocystorhinostomy: Long term results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of transconjunctival dacryocystorhinostomy (TRC-DCR) surgery in patients with epiphora due to primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) at second year follow-up. METHODS: In this retrospective, interventional study, 33 eyes of 29 patients, with epiphora due to PANDO, are included. Lower eyelid conjunctiva is incised at vestibulum inferomedially to access the lacrimal sac and nasal mucosa. Bone is perforated with burr and rongeurs and saccal and nasal flaps are anastomosed. Conjunctival wound edges are apposed and left unsutured. Intraoperative difficulties, surgical time and complications are noted. Average follow-up time was 2 years. Anatomical success was defined as patent lacrimal passages upon irrigation and functional success was defined as relief of epiphora. RESULTS: In nineteen (57.6%) eyes the surgeries were completed with the anterior and the posterior flaps sutured. In eight eyes (24.2%) only anterior flaps could be sutured. In 6 eyes (18.2%), the surgical procedure was converted to external dacryocystorhinostomy since the nasal mucosa could not be exposed adequately via transconjunctival route. The mean surgical time was 65.1 min. One patient had a millimeter long lower eyelid margin laceration in one eye (3.7%) intraoperatively due to traction for visualization of the operative site. Epiphora resolved in 25 of 27 eyes (92.5%) in whom TRC-DCR could be completed. Epiphora and failure to irrigation were noted in two eyes (7.4%) at the postoperative 4th and 8th months, respectively and required reoperation. No complications occurred, except granuloma formation at the conjunctival incision site in three eyes (11.1%). Epiphora resolved in all the six eyes of patients who underwent an external DCR (100%). CONCLUSION: Transconjunctival dacryocystorhinostomy is a scarless dacryocystorhinostomy technique which is performed without endoscope and/or laser assistance, with 92.5% success rate comparable to external DCR at the second year follow-up without major complications.

Transcanalicular diode laser assisted dacryocystorhinostomy in primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction: 2-year follow up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the success rate of 980 nm transcanalicular diode laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy (TDL-DCR) in patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) and to consider the time and the reasons of failure. METHODS: Hundred and thirty eyes of 125 patients who underwent of TDL-DCR for the treatment of PANDO are included in this retrospective, noncomparative, nonrandomized, interventional study. The mean follow-up time was 24.29 months (range 8-34 months). Functional success was described as disappearance of epiphora and presence of a patent ostium on lacrimal irrigation. Anatomical success was described as a patent ostium to irrigation but continuing epiphora. Patients with persistent epiphora and a closed ostium were classified as a surgical failure. RESULTS: At third month follow up, 85.4% of cases had complete resolution of their symptoms. The functional success rate decreased to 67.7% at 6 months, to 63.3% at first year, and to 60.3% at second year, while the patency of the lacrimal drainage system was restored in 93.1%, 74.6%, 69.5%, and 68.2% of the cases, respectively. The average total amount of delivered laser energy was 1322.7 J. No correlation could be found between the age of the patient, delivered laser energy, and the surgical success (p = 0.38, p = 0.62). CONCLUSIONS: Transcanalicular diode laser-assisted DCR is a fast and relatively easy alternative surgical method, which avoids a facial skin scar, to treat PANDO. The functional success rate is higher in the first months but decreases to low 60 %'s at the end of first year and remains the same at the second-year follow up.

Long-term results of deeper muscle fibers recession of an inferior rectus operation.

PURPOSE: To report the efficacy in preventing lower eyelid retraction and long-term results of a new technique of inferior rectus (IR) recession for vertical strabismus and compare this method with the results obtained by a conventional IR recession operation. METHODS: This retrospective study included 35 patients who underwent a new IR recession method (study group) and 22 patients who underwent the conventional IR recession (control group) for vertical strabismus. In the study group, an IR recession was applied to the deeper fibers and included approximately 90% of the IR muscle thickness. This group was divided into two subgroups: small IR recessions (4 to 6 mm) and large IR recessions (7 to 8 mm). In the control group, an IR recession of the entire muscle was applied without exceeding 6 mm. The photographs were analyzed for lower eyelid position. Digital image analysis was used to standardize each patient's preoperative and postoperative photographs at final follow-up examination. The main outcome measures were the margin-to-reflex distance, lower eyelid retraction, and vertical deviation angles (at near and distance fixation). RESULTS: The mean change in margin-to-reflex distance after surgery was 0.03 mm in the small IR recessions group, 0.1 mm in the large IR recessions group, and 2.04 mm in the control group. Postoperatively, the lower eyelid retraction in the study group, which occurred after both small and large IR recessions, was significantly less than that in the control group (P < .001). There was no significant difference between the study and control groups in improvements in near and distance vertical deviations and success ratios (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: At long-term follow-up, recession of the deeper fibers layer, including approximately 90% of the IR muscle thickness, was a procedure that minimized or eliminated the possibility of lower eyelid retraction and did not limit the success of strabismus surgery.

Acute, unilateral transient blepharoptosis of unknown etiology: a review.

PURPOSE: To describe 5 patients with transient, acute, unilateral blepharoptosis of unknown etiology. METHODS: Medical records of 5 patients, which were seen in 5 different clinics between 1998 and 2011, were reviewed. RESULTS: The ages of the patients were 7, 7, 32, 44, and 75 years (2 women and 3 men). Four patients had partial (1.5-3.5 mm) and 1 patient had total ptosis. Levator function was normal in 2 patients, and 3 patients had only 2 to 3 mm decreased levator function on the affected side. None of the patients had limited motility or any pupil abnormalities. All patients had a history of flu-like illness preceding the development of blepharoptosis. The ptosis completely resolved in 3 to 14 days in all patients and did not recur during the follow-up period (range: 2 months-7 years). CONCLUSIONS: Transient, acute, unilateral blepharoptosis is a very rare condition. Patients presenting with acute ptosis should be questioned about a recent history of flu-like syndrome, and if workup is negative with this history, the clinicians should suspect this rare condition.