Topical insulin in neurotrophic keratopathy after diabetic vitrectomy.

To assess the efficacy and safety of topical insulin (TI) for treating neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) within one-month post-diabetic vitrectomy (DV) compared to conventional non-invasive measures, we conducted this retrospective case-control study including all eyes that developed acute NK (stages 2 and 3) following DV between October 2020 and June 2023. The control group included NK cases managed with preservative-free lubricant eye drops and prophylactic topical antibiotics. In contrast, the study group included NK cases treated with TI [1 unit per drop] four times daily, in addition to the previously mentioned treatment. The primary outcome measure was time to epithelial healing. Secondary outcome measures included any adverse effect of TI or the need for amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT). During the study period, 19 patients with a mean age of 49.3 ± 8.6 years received TI versus 18 controls with a mean age of 52.5 ± 10.7 years. Corneal epithelial healing was significantly faster in the TI-treated group compared to controls, with a mean difference of 12.16 days (95% CI 6.1-18.3, P = 0.001). Survival analysis indicated that the insulin-treated group had 0% and 20% of NK stages 2 and 3, respectively, that failed to achieve corneal epithelial healing, compared to 20% and 66.7% for the control group (P < 0.001). In the control group, two eyes required AMT due to progressive thinning. Additionally, three patients in the control group, progressing to stage 3 NK, were switched to TI, achieving healing after a mean of 14 days. No adverse effects were reported in the TI-treated group. Our study suggests that TI can effectively and safely promote the healing of NK after DV.

Debulking corneal biopsy with tectonic amniotic membrane transplantation in refractory clinically presumed fungal keratitis.

The treatment of fungal keratitis (FK) is challenging due to the subacute indolent course, and initial misdiagnosis. In this retrospective case series, we highlight both the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of corneal biopsy together with amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) in patients with refractory clinically presumed FK. Debulking biopsy and tectonic AMT were performed during the initial presentation. Biopsy specimens were sent for KOH smears and cultures. After KOH smears confirmed the presence of fungal elements, topical voriconazole 1% was prescribed for the first 72 h then tailored according to the clinical response and the culture results. The outcome measures were complete resolution of infection and restoration of corneal integrity. Cases associated with culture proven bacterial keratitis were excluded. Twelve cases were included in the study. KOH smears confirmed the presence of fungal growth in all specimens. Cultures grew Aspergillus in 6/12 cases, sensitive to voriconazole (5/6) and amphotericin (3/6); Fusarium (4/12), sensitive to both voriconazole and amphotericin; and no growth in 2/12 cases. Amphotericin 0.15% eye drops were added to the 7 cases with proven sensitivity and to the remaining 2 culture negative cases. Gradual resolution of infection was seen in all cases after 35.6 ± 7.8 days. In FK, a debulking biopsy simultaneously with AMT help decrease the microbial load, suppress the inflammatory process, support the corneal integrity, confirm the presence of fungal pathogen.

Augmented inferior rectus transposition with medial rectus recession in treatment of chronic unilateral sixth nerve palsy.

BACKGROUND: to report the results of augmented inferior rectus muscle transposition (IRT) in management of chronic sixth nerve palsy. METHODS: a retrospective review of medical records of patients with chronic complete sixth nerve palsy who were treated by augmented full thickness IRT to the lateral border of the paralyzed lateral rectus muscle. Patients were selected for IRT if there was more limitation of abduction in inferior gaze associated with V- pattern esotropia. Medial rectus recession (MRRc) was performed in case of positive intraoperative forced duction. Effect on primary position esotropia, face turn, amount of V-pattern and limitation of ocular ductions were reported and analyzed. RESULTS: the review revealed 11 patients (7 males) with chronic unilateral sixth nerve palsy who were treated by simultaneous augmented IRT and MRRc. Causes of sixth nerve palsy were trauma (6 cases), vascular (3 cases), inflammation and congenital (one case each). Mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 35.6 years (range; 11-63) and mean follow up was 8.6 months (range; 6-13). Postoperatively, average correction of esotropia, V-pattern, face turn and limited abduction were 35.9 PD, 11.4 PD, 25.9° and 2.2 unit, respectively (p < .00). Postoperative complications in the form anterior segment ischemia, symptomatic induced vertical deviations were not found. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of chronic unilateral sixth nerve palsy associated with more limitation of abduction in downgaze and V-pattern esotropia, augmented IRT could be considered as an effective and safe modality.