Longitudinal Change of Cup to Disc Ratio in Premature Infants with Enlarged Cup to Disc Ratio and Normal Intraocular Pressure.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the longitudinal change of cup to disc ratio (CDR) in premature infants with enlarged CDR and normal intraocular pressure (IOP). METHODS: This retrospective, observational study included 283 eyes of 283 premature infants at single center. Infants were divided into enlarged CDR and control groups. Data on demographics, gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), vertical cup to disc ratio (vCDR), IOP, and corneal diameter were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 283 patients, 38 (13.4%) and 245 (86.6%) were in the enlarged CDR and control groups, respectively. In the enlarged CDR group, the vCDR and baseline IOP was 0.63 ± 0.12 and 12.7 ± 2.2 mmHg, respectively. In the control group, the vCDR and baseline IOP was 0.18 ± 0.05 and 10.9 ± 1.7 mmHg, respectively. The IOP at a GA of 40 weeks and at 1 and 2 years of age were significantly lower than that at baseline. The differences in vCDR between baseline and each follow-up visit were not significant. vCDR was negatively correlated with GA and BW; however, these correlations were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The vCDR did not significantly change up to age of 2 years of age in premature infants with enlarged CDR and normal IOP. However, close follow-up is needed until other reliable glaucoma examinations, such as optical coherence tomography and visual fields, can be possible.

Emerging Enterococcus isolates in postoperative endophthalmitis by selection pressure of fluoroquinolones: an 11-year multicenter and experimental study.

Postoperative endophthalmitis (PE) is the devastating complication that frequently results in vision loss. Recently, enterococcus have emerged as a major cause of PE in several countries and resulted in poor visual outcome. However, the reason remains elusive. We investigate whether selection pressure of fluoroquinolone exerts effects on microorganism profiles isolated from PE. Medical records of patients who were diagnosed with PE at eight resident training institutions between January 2004 and December 2015 were reviewed. The most common isolate was Enterococcus faecalis (28.0%), followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis (18.6%) and other coagulase negative Staphylococci (7.6%). However, the rates of E. faecalis isolated from conjunctival microbes were 6.2% (16/257) and their resistance to fluoroquinolones was higher than those of S. epidermidis. In vitro and in vivo co-culture models of E. faecalis and S. epidermidis were established for survival assays after administration of fourth-generation fluoroquinolone. In in vitro co-culture model, the survival assay of E. faecalis and S. epidermidis against the treatment of moxifloxacin showed that E. faecalis survived significantly better than S. epidermidis in the presence of moxifloxacin 1 µg/mL and more. In in vivo co-culture model, E. faecalis survived significantly better than S. epidermidis after topical treatment of moxifloxacin (5 mg/mL). E. faecalis has been the most common causative strain of PE in Korea. We suggest that the increase of E. faecalis in PE could be associated with the selection pressure of fourth-generation fluoroquinolone. Summary: Enterococcus spp. have emerged as a leading causative strain of postoperative endophthalmitis in 11-year clinical data. We suggest that the increase of Enterococcus spp. is associated with the selection pressure of fourth-generation fluoroquinolone.

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-Positive Ocular Adnexal Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma and Idiopathic Orbital Inflammation.

PURPOSE: To report clinical and pathological characteristics of idiopathic orbital inflammation and ocular adnexal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma with immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-positive plasma cells. METHODS: A retrospective histopathological review and clinical case series. A total of 51 biopsy samples from January 2005 to December 2015 were used in this study, including 21 cases of biopsy-confirmed idiopathic orbital inflammation and 30 cases of biopsy-confirmed ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma. Most cases of ocular adnexal lymphoma were conjunctival tissue. Retrospective immunohistochemical studies were performed to estimate the IgG4 and IgG4/IgG ratios. Histopathologic features, demographic and clinical data, radiologic findings, treatment, and follow-up information for each patient were analyzed. RESULTS: Among idiopathic orbital inflammation, 6 (28.6%) of the 21 patients were diagnosed as "probable" ocular adnexal IgG4-related diseases and 13 (43.3%) of the 30 patients were diagnosed as MALT lymphoma with IgG4-positive plasma cells. Six cases of 13 IgG4-positive MALT lymphoma group had contralateral chronic inflammatory lesions infiltrated by IgG4-positive plasma cells, which was significantly (p = 0.007) higher than that in the IgG4-negative group. Conjunctival involvement was 69% of the IgG4-positive MALT lymphoma cases. Bilateral involvement of the ocular adnexa was significantly (p = 0.02) more frequent among IgG4-positive MALT lymphoma patients than that in IgG4-positive idiopathic orbital inflammation patients. Recurrence rate in the IgG4-positive group was higher (p = 0.05) than that in the IgG4-negative group but not significantly. CONCLUSIONS: This study presented an unusual framework of ocular adnexal IgG4-related inflammation, in conjunctiva. It is important to understand contralateral chronic inflammatory lesions and their relationship with IgG4-positive MALT lymphoma. Tissue biopsy and IgG4 immunostaining are required for all cases because IgG4-positive MALT lymphoma can arise from a pre-existing IgG4-positive chronic inflammatory lesions. This is the first study that performs IgG4 immunostaining for tissue from a relatively large number of conjunctival MALT lymphomas in a single center. Therefore, it will help to diagnose conjunctival lymphoproliferative disease.

Classification of Lacrimal Punctal Stenosis and Its Related Histopathological Feature in Patients with Epiphora.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the classification of punctal stenosis based on the shape of the external punctum, clinical characteristics and histopathologic features. METHODS: Patients who experienced tearing and were diagnosed with punctal stenosis were evaluated in this study. Punctal stenosis was classified according to the shape of the lower external punctum, which included membranous type, slit type, horseshoe type, and pinpoint type. Tear meniscus height, 2% fluorescein dye disappearance test and lacrimal pathway irrigation were measured or performed. For treatment, a punctal snip operation and silicone tube placement were performed, and the peripunctal histopathological findings were evaluated. RESULTS: Punctal stenosis was classified into four types: membranous type (17 eyes, 21.5%), slit type (11 eyes, 13.9%), horseshoe type (25 eyes, 31.6%), and pinpoint type (26 eyes, 32.9%). The tear meniscus was significantly higher, and the 2% fluorescein dye disappeared significantly more slowly in the punctal stenosis group. However, correlation of the tear meniscus height and 2% fluorescein dye disappearance test with the punctum shape was not statistically significant. A history of previous chemotherapy was significantly associated with the occurrence of punctal stenosis, especially the membranous type (p < 0.05). Histopathologic evaluation of the punctum showed differences between the punctum types. Pinpoint puncta exhibited a high density of muscle fibers, while they were faintly visible in the membranous type. CONCLUSIONS: Acquired punctal stenosis has various shapes, and the major types of stenotic puncta exhibited unique histopathologic features. Punctal stenosis and its pathophysiology may be related to multiple factors, such as age and systemic 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy history.

Effects of upper lid blepharoplasty on visual quality in patients with lash ptosis and dermatochalasis.

AIM: To assess the effects of upper lid blepharoplasty on visual quality. METHODS: Seventy-three eyelids of 39 patients were subjected to upper lid blepharoplasty. Pre- and post-operative contrast sensitivity, visual acuity, vertical palpebral aperture and the degree of lash ptosis were measured. RESULTS: The mean log contrast sensitivities under photopic (P=0.017) and scotopic conditions (P=0.009) were improved after surgery, and these differences were significant. The degree of lash ptosis was also decreased after blepharoplasty (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: In our study, a significant increase in contrast sensitivity was found after surgery. These results suggest that upper lid blepharoplasty can be helpful for improving visual quality.

Successful introduction of an underutilized elderly pneumococcal vaccine in a national immunization program by integrating the pre-existing public health infrastructure.

BACKGROUND: Although pneumococcal vaccines had been recommended for the elderly population in South Korea for a considerable period of time, the coverage has been well below the optimal level. To increase the vaccination rate with integrating the pre-existing public health infrastructure and governmental funding, the Korean government introduced an elderly pneumococcal vaccination into the national immunization program with a 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in May 2013. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the performance of the program in increasing the vaccine coverage rate and maintaining stable vaccine supply and safe vaccination during the 20 months of the program. METHODS: We qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed the process of introducing and the outcomes of the program in terms of the systematic organization, efficiency, and stability at the national level. RESULTS: A staggered introduction during the first year utilizing the public sector, with a target coverage of 60%, was implemented based on the public demand for an elderly pneumococcal vaccination, vaccine supply capacity, vaccine delivery capacity, safety, and sustainability. During the 20-month program period, the pneumococcal vaccine coverage rate among the population aged ≥65 years increased from 5.0% to 57.3% without a noticeable vaccine shortage or safety issues. A web-based integrated immunization information system, which includes the immunization registry, vaccine supply chain management, and surveillance of adverse events following immunization, reduced programmatic errors and harmonized the overall performance of the program. CONCLUSION: Introduction of an elderly pneumococcal vaccination in the national immunization program based on strong government commitment, meticulous preparation, financial support, and the pre-existing public health infrastructure resulted in an efficient, stable, and sustainable increase in vaccination coverage.

Effect of a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent (0.1 % pranoprofen) on acute central serous chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of topical pranoprofen 0.1 % on acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). METHODS: The medical records of 52 cases (52 patients) of CSC were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-six patients were treated with topical pranoprofen 0.1 % (treatment group) and 26 patients did not receive treatment (control group). Baseline and follow-up values for visual acuity, subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT), subretinal fluid (SRF) maximum height, and central macular thickness (CMT) were examined and compared between groups. RESULTS: In the treatment group, mean SCT decreased from 365.5 ± 52.9 µm at baseline to 288.9 ± 36.1 µm at 6 months after initiation of treatment (p = 0.005). Both SRF maximum height and CMT were also decreased from baseline at 1 month (SRF maximum height, baseline: 221.5 ± 108.4, 1 month: 97.7 ± 54.3 µm, p = 0.002; CMT, baseline: 403.9 ± 114.6, 1 month: 270.1 ± 37.9 µm, p = 0.003). In the control group, SCT decreased throughout the follow-up period, but the change was not significant. Subretinal fluid maximum height and CMT were significantly decreased after 3 months in the control group (SRF, baseline: 265.4 ± 112.4 µm, 6 months: 64.8 ± 116.9 µm, p = 0.005; CMT, baseline: 459.1 ± 104.9 µm, 6 months: 304.6 ± 92.8 µm, p < 0.001). Visual acuity was improved from baseline in both groups after 6 months, but the improvement was only significant in the treatment group (p = 0.002). The rate of disease recurrence was lower in the treatment group (23 %) than in the control group (38 %), but this difference between groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.229, chi-square test). CONCLUSIONS: Topical pranoprofen 0.1 % was effective in treating acute CSC, as demonstrated by an increase in visual acuity and a decrease in SRF, SCT, and CMT after treatment. These results suggest that topical pranoprofen 0.1 % may be useful in treating patients with acute CSC.

Intraocular lymphoma in Korea: the Consortium for Improving Survival of Lymphoma (CISL) study.

BACKGROUND: Intraocular lymphoma (IOL) is a rare malignant lymphoma that most closely resembles a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and it is a subtype of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). IOL is located inside the eye in the retina, uvea, and/or optic nerve. We retrospectively analyzed IOL patient data to identify treatment patterns and survival rates in Korea. METHODS: Cytological confirmation for a diagnosis of IOL was performed for all patients. The clinical data collected from medical records included Ann Arbor stage, International Prognostic Index, performance status, date of diagnosis, treatment modality and response, date of relapse, and date of last follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty patients who were diagnosed with IOL, between December 2007 and June 2014 at multiple centers in Korea, were included in the analysis. Four patients were diagnosed with IOL alone, not involving the CNS. Two patients with isolated IOL later developed PCNSL. Nine patients developed CNS lesions before the onset of ocular lymphoma. Five patients had simultaneous onset in the eye and CNS. Twelve patients were treated by intravitreal injection of methotrexate for IOL. The median progression-free survival (PFS) for patients was 19.7 months (95% CI, 8.7-30.7 mo). The estimated 3-year overall survival (OS) for all patients was 75.1%. CONCLUSION: Treatment for IOL patients included radiotherapy and intraocular chemotherapy. IOL patients showed favorable PFS and OS. These patients would require long-term follow-up to identify relapse and adverse effects of radiotherapy or intraocular chemotherapy.

The clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of epiblepharon in korean children: a 9-year experience.

Purpose. To examine the demographic characteristics, clinical features, surgical outcomes, and long-term prognoses of epiblepharon in Korean children. Methods. Epiblepharon patients who were followed for ≥ 6 month following surgical correction between January 2005 and December 2013. The patient demographics, clinical features, concomitant disorders, surgical outcomes, and complications were retrospectively reviewed. Results. A total of 768 epiblepharon records were included in the analysis. The mean patient age was 6.55 ± 2.37 years. At presentation, 712 patients (92.8%) complained of typical epiblepharon symptoms. The mean patient age at surgery was 6.95 ± 2.52 years, with 629 patients (81.9%) on the lower lid and 72 patients (9.4%) on the upper lid and 82 patients (10.7%) undergoing surgery on both lids. The eyelid was well everted with no recurrence in 740 patients (96.4%). Conclusion. Epiblepharon frequently occurs in Korean children and is correctable with a simple surgery. Recurrence and serious complications do not occur often, and any suspicions of epiblepharon should be investigated. A thorough ocular examination can lead to a correct diagnosis and timely corrective surgery. Most procedures are successful and prevent secondary complications that often occur with uncorrected epiblepharon.

The short-term efficacy of subthreshold Micropulse yellow (577-nm) laser photocoagulation for diabetic macular edema.

PURPOSE: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of subthreshold micropulse yellow (577-nm) laser photocoagulation (SMYLP) in the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). METHODS: We reviewed 14 eyes of 12 patients with DME who underwent SMYLP with a 15% duty cycle at an energy level immediately below that of the test burn. The laser exposure time was 20 ms and the spot diameter was 100 µm. Laser pulses were administered in a confluent, repetitive manner with a 3 × 3 pattern mode. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 7.9 ± 1.6 months. The baseline-corrected visual acuity was 0.51 ± 0.42 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), which was improved to 0.40 ± 0.35 logMAR (p = 0.025) at the final follow-up. The central macular thickness at baseline was 385.0 ± 111.0 µm; this value changed to 327.0 ± 87.7 µm (p = 0.055) at the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: SMYLP showed short-term efficacy in the treatment of DME and did not result in retinal damage. However, prospective, comparative studies are needed to better evaluate the efficacy and safety of this treatment.

Predictive findings of visual outcome in spectral domain optical coherence tomography after ranibizumab treatment in age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To investigate which spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) findings predict visual outcome after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NV-AMD). METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients with treatment-naïve NV-AMD who underwent three or more consecutive anti-VEGF injections. The patients were divided into three groups according to their changes of visual acuity (VA); improved (group I), static (group S), or worsened (group W). We assessed the incidences and values of all available SD-OCT findings of these groups, compared these findings between the three groups and compared the initial values with the post-treatment values. RESULTS: Better initial VA and longer external limiting membrane (ELM) length were associated with less change in VA after anti-VEGF treatment. The initial VA was mildly correlated with initial photoreceptor inner and outer segment junction (IS/OS) length and initial ELM length. The final VA was also mildly correlated with the final IS/OS length and the final ELM length. VA was significantly changed after anti-VEGF treatment in groups W and I. With regard to incidence, disruption of the IS/OS (IS/OS-D), disruption of the ELM (ELM-D) and ELM length differed significantly between the three groups, particularly ELM-D. The incidences of IS/OS-D and ELM-D in group I were significantly lower than those in groups S and W, and those in group S were also lower than those in group W. The ELM length in group I was significantly longer than it was in groups S and W, and the ELM length in group S was longer than that for group W. However, these three findings did not change after the anti-VEGF treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Initial IS/OS-D, ELM length and particularly ELM-D can be useful predictors of the visual outcome after anti-VEGF treatment in NV-AMD patients.

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus with isolated trochlear nerve palsy in an otherwise healthy 13-year-old girl.

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus is rare in healthy children. It is occasionally associated with extraocular muscle palsies and rarely with isolated trochlear nerve palsy. We report a case of unilateral isolated trochlear nerve palsy associated with herpes zoster ophthalmicus in an immunocompetent 13-year-old girl who presented with diplopia and blurred vision in her right eye. The right cornea had multiple subepithelial opacities. Ocular motility returned to normal and diplopia and corneal opacification resolved with steroid therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first such case involving the troclear nerve in a child.

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis without optic neuritis followed by optic neuritis in a child due to the sudden cessation of steroid therapy.

Acute disseminated encephalitis (ADEM) is an autoimmune demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system that usually occurs in children after viral infection or vaccination. It is not uncommon for ADEM to be accompanied by optic neuritis. However, ADEM followed by optic neuritis is a rare. We report the case of a 6-year-old girl who initially presented with ADEM (without optic neuritis) due to a live measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine and was treated with intravenous high-dose corticosteroids. After steroid therapy, she recovered neurologically and was not prescribed any medication, including an oral steroid taper, for use after discharge. Three weeks later, she developed unilateral optic neuritis and was again treated with steroid therapy. This is a rare case of ADEM without optic neuritis in a child, followed by optic neuritis due to the sudden cessation of steroid therapy. Further studies and follow-ups are needed to determine whether ADEM followed by optic neuritis can be considered a specific clinical form of this disorder.

Efficacy of temperature-sensitive Guardix-SG for adhesiolysis in experimentally induced eyelid adhesion in rabbits.

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of a temperature-sensitive poloxamer/alginate mixture (Guardix-SG) for reducing adhesions after blepharoplasty in rabbit models. METHODS: Thirty-six intact eyes of 18 rabbits were randomly designated to 2 groups, and primary blepharoplasty was performed on both the upper eyelids of the 18 rabbits. Sterile cotton soaked in 1 N NaOH was used to produce chemical tissue damage to experimentally induce eyelid adhesion, which was followed by adhesiolysis in 2 weeks. During adhesiolysis, Guardix-SG was applied to the OD of rabbits in the experimental group, while adhesiolysis alone was performed on the OS of rabbits in the control group. Both sides were compared by gross examination 1 day, 1 week, and 4 weeks after surgery, and the degrees of inflammation and fibrosis were examined with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome (MT) stains. The expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) antibody was also immunohistochemically examined. RESULTS: The gross examinations performed after adhesiolysis yielded results that were not significantly different between the experimental and the control groups, and no prevalent complications, such as eyelid traction or distorted eyelids, were observed. One day (p = 0.028), 1 week (p = 0.028), and 4 weeks (p = 0.028) after surgery, the experimental group had a lower infiltration rate of inflammatory cells than the control group, as shown by H&E staining. The MT staining and α-SMA staining also showed that the collagen deposition and fibrosis (1 week, p = 0.059; 4 weeks, p = 0.034) and the degree of myofibroblast differentiation were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the controls (1 week, p = 0.027; 4 weeks, p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: The temperature-sensitive poloxamer/alginate mixture (Guardix-SG) decreased inflammation and fibrosis after blepharoplasty and histopathologically prevented the readhesion of secondary blepharoplasty in rabbit models. Therefore, additional clinical studies are needed for other ophthalmic surgeries that could benefit from preventing postoperative adhesions.

The effect of a temperature-sensitive poloxamer-alginate-CaCl2 mixture after strabismus surgery in a rabbit model.

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of a temperature-sensitive poloxamer-alginate mixture in reducing adhesions after strabismus surgery in a rabbit model. METHODS: The superior rectus muscle was recessed in each of 36 eyes from 18 rabbits. One randomly assigned eye in each rabbit was treated with a poloxamer-alginate mixture (PA group); the other eye was treated with a subconjunctival injection of saline (control group). The adhesions between the superior rectus muscle, sclera, and conjunctiva were clinically evaluated by a masked observer at 1 day, 1 week, and 4 weeks after surgery. Inflammation was analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and anti-CD11b staining. Late fibrosis was assessed by the Masson trichrome and α-smooth muscle actin staining. Adhesion, inflammation, and fibrosis were graded on a scale of 0-4. RESULTS: There was no significant between-group difference in the degree of adhesion at 1 day and 4 weeks after surgery. However, the degree of adhesion in the PA group was lower than that in the control group at postoperative week 1 (P < 0.05). Acute inflammation was similar between the groups (P > 0.05). At postoperative week 4, inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced in the PA group (P = 0.046). A significant between-group difference in late fibrosis at postoperative week 4 was observed through the Masson trichrome (P = 0.024) and α-smooth muscle actin staining (P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: The poloxamer-alginate mixture significantly decreased adhesion after strabismus surgery in a rabbit model. Additional studies are warranted to evaluate the use of this mixture in preventing postoperative adhesions.

Revision of the national action plan in response to poliovirus importation in Korea.

The polio outbreak in China in 2011 makes it necessary to revise the 2010 polio National Action Plan (NAP) in Korea. The revised plan was provided after evaluation of the 2010 NAP, literature reviews, and expert advice. It was discussed and confirmed by the Polio National Certificate Committee (NCC). The revised NAP (2012 NAP) has structured the action to take by patient phase and the role of each institution. It also provides the specified classification and management actions on the contacts. It includes a new recommendation of onetime additional immunization for the contacts regardless of the immunization history. The 2012 NAP could provide an effective countermeasure if there are imported poliomyelitis patients in Korea.

Microscopic characteristics of the inferior tarsal muscle and its surroundings in Korean.

AIM: To investigate the detailed microscopic anatomic structures of the lower eyelid in Korean cadavers. METHODS: Eight lower eyelids of 4 formalin-fixed Asian cadavers (4 males; age range, 48-69 years; mean age, 60.2 years) were examined. Three perpendicular dissected sections with a 2mm thickness were obtained from each eyelid to investigate anatomic shapes, size and relationship with surrounding structures. One section was obtained from the midline and 2 the other sections were obtained from a 3mm apart from the lateral and medial tarsus margins. RESULTS: The inferior tarsal muscle fibers were not directly attached to the tarsus but were only linked to the tarsus with enclosed fibrous fascia. The inferior tarsal muscles connected loosely with the capsulopalpebral fascia anteriorly and the conjunctiva posteriorly. The inferior tarsal muscle runs horizontally to the tarsus according to the shape of muscle fibers. The capsulopalpebral fascia consisted of an anterior and posterior layer. The anterior layer reached the orbital septum and subcutaneous fat but the posterior layer forwarded into the tarsus. Lockwood's ligament was separated from the inferior tarsal muscle and capsulopalpebral fascia or fused into the capsulopalpebral fascia. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the inferior tarsal muscle which runs horizontally and doesn't insert directly into the tarsus, plays an important role in the movement and localization of the lower eyelid.

Efficacy of Seprafilm(®) graft with adhesiolysis in experimentally induced lid adhesion in rabbits.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of Seprafilm(®) transplantation following adhesiolysis for preventing postoperative readhesion and improving surgical outcomes. METHODS: Primary blepharoplasty was carried out on both eyelids of 18 albino rabbits. After 2 weeks, a new skin incision was made, and adhesiolysis was performed on both eyelids. The rabbits were categorized into two groups, one with adhesiolysis alone in the left eyelid (control group), and the other with adhesiolysis with a Seprafilm(®) graft in the right eyelid (Seprafilm(®) group). The degrees of inflammation and fibrosis were examined with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome stains. Expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was also immunohistochemically examined. RESULTS: Eyelid examination immediately after the operation revealed mild swelling and hemorrhage in both groups, but these symptoms resolved after 1 week-2 weeks, and eyelid shape had recovered completely in both groups. Microscopic assessments demonstrated that the Seprafilm(®) group showed less inflammation and fibrosis than the control group. The Seprafilm(®) group also exhibited fewer α-SMA-positive cells than the control group. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, we conclude that Seprafilm(®) graft with adhesiolysis is an effective method for preventing postoperative readhesions after eyelid surgery.

Vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane peeling without gas tamponade for myopic foveoschisis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of vitrectomy including internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling without gas tamponade for myopic foveoschisis (MF). METHOD: In this retrospective study, 15 eyes of 13 consecutive patients with MF underwent pars plana vitrectomy and ILM peeling without gas tamponade. The main outcomes were measured using best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) on optical coherence tomography (OCT). RESULT: The mean refractive error was -11.0 ± 8.2 diopters and mean axial length was 30.8 ± 2.6 mm. The mean BCVA increased from 0.78 ± 0.53 to 0.61 ± 0.75 logMAR unit (p = 0.05), and the mean CMT decreased from 405 ± 143 µm to 255 ± 47 µm (p = 0.002) during a follow-up of 11.8 months. OCT showed a complete resolution of the MF, with foveal reattachment in all eyes. Full-thickness macular hole developed in two eyes during follow-up. CONCLUSION: ILM peeling without gas tamponade results in favorable anatomical and visual outcomes.