Recurrent Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus Preceded by Anabolic Steroids and High-Dose L-Arginine.

PURPOSE: To report a case of a 34-year-old male with recurrent herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) preceded by a 6-week cycle of anabolic steroids and high-dose amino acid supplementation. Case Presentation. A 34-year-old man presented to our institution for left eye pain for one week associated with a vesicular rash in the V1 dermatome, respecting the midline. The patient had no significant past medical or past ocular history, including systemic immunosuppressive agents or HIV. However, prior to the onset of his symptoms the patient had completed a 6-week course of anabolic steroids including trenbolone, deca-durabolin, and testosterone as well as high-dose arginine supplementation averaging more than 40 grams a day. The best-corrected vision was 20/25 OS with slit-lamp examination remarkable for punctate staining and pseudodendrites at 6 o'clock, outside the visual axis. The patient was treated with oral acyclovir 800 mg five times a day for seven days along with prednisolone QID and moxifloxacin QID which was tapered over a month. Four months after resolution, the patient developed a recurrent HZO keratitis preceded by another cycle of anabolic steroids and amino acid supplementation. CONCLUSION: In vitro L-arginine supplementation has been associated with the proliferation and virulence of a variety of herpes viruses. Anabolic steroids have also been demonstrated by various studies to negatively affect cell-mediated immunity necessary to prevent viral infection. Thus, it is possible that anabolic steroids in conjunction with increased L-arginine intake may have precipitated a recurrent HZO in a previously healthy, immunocompetent individual.

A Simple, Novel Approach to Capsulorhexis Formation in the Setting of A Mature Cataract and Miotic Pupil.

PURPOSE: To report a simple, effective technique for surgeons creating a capsulorhexis in patients with pupillary miosis and a dense, mature cataract. METHODS: A single center, two-year retrospective chart review examined 1408 phacoemulsification cataract surgeries. The criteria for inclusion involved a dense, mature cataract and a pupil that was unresponsive to pharmacologic dilation preoperatively. A standardized technique was used for all cases consisting of a 1mm corneal paracentesis and 2.4mm temporal clear corneal incision. Synecholysis was performed if present, followed by the insertion of a 6.25mm malyugin ring under cohesive viscoelastic. The cohesive viscoelastic was removed via the irrigation aspiration tip. The paracentesis was sealed with a small amount of viscoelastic and an air bubble was placed in the anterior chamber. The anterior capsule was then painted with trypan blue. The air bubble and trypan blue were then replaced by a dispersive viscoelastic. Curvolinear capsulorrhexis was performed followed by standard phacoemulsion. RESULTS: Nine patients ranging from 76 ± 12 years (mean ± standard deviation) met the criteria with a 4+ NS (n=5), white mature (n=3), or deep brunescent (n=1) cataract and 3mm pupil preoperatively. Pupillary miosis was caused by posterior synechia in 44.5% of the cases followed by pharmacologic interactions from tamsulosin and donepezil in 22.25% of cases respectively. One case involved idiopathic miosis likely from aging. Capsulorhexis formation was successful in all cases with no capsular tear, vitreous loss, or conversion to extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE). However, one case had cortex retention requiring a second procedure for removal. CONCLUSION: Dense, mature cataracts and small pupils both compromise the view for the surgeon and may be significant risk factors for training ophthalmologists. Thus, good visualization of the anterior capsule and peripheral nucleus with our simple technique facilitates a reliable capsulorhexis, potentially limiting the risk of complications for ophthalmic surgeons.

Recurrent herpes zoster ophthalmicus in a young, healthy individual taking high doses of l-Arginine.

PURPOSE: To report a case of a healthy, young male with recurrent herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) and high-dose l-arginine supplementation. OBSERVATIONS: A 39-year-old man presented to another institution with a HZO involving the right eye. He was treated with oral acyclovir with complete resolution. Four months later the patient had a recurrent HZO episode and was started again on oral acyclovir. After resolution of the episode, the patient was continued on 1 g of oral acyclovir daily as a prophylactic measure. He then presented to our institution for a second opinion. The patient was otherwise healthy, with no past medical history involving systemic immunosuppressant agents or HIV. However, the patient was an active weight lifter taking high doses of amino acids. A diet recall was performed prior to both HZO episodes, which calculated an average intake of 46.5 g of l-arginine a day. Examination revealed 20/40 best-corrected acuity, anterior stromal haze in the visual axis, and inferior superficial punctate keratitis in the right eye. The patient was treated for dry eye disease with punctual plugs and artificial tears. The patient was instructed to decrease all supplemental arginine consumption while continuing with oral acyclovir prophylaxis for one year. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: l-arginine is associated with the replication and virulence of a variety of viruses in vitro, including herpes simplex and varicella zoster. Although arginine consumption increased prior to the initial and recurrent HZO infection, further investigation needs to be performed to deem if a true association exists.

Unilateral Multifocal Intraocular Lens Implantation in a Patient with Adie's Pupil.

PURPOSE: To report a case of a patient with unilateral Adie's pupil who underwent bilateral cataract extraction with multifocal and monofocal posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. METHODS: A 74-year-old woman presented to our institution complaining of worsening near vision. Gross examination revealed a 6-mm fixed pupil on the right eye (OD) and a 5-mm pupil reacting to 3 mm with light on the left eye (OS). Slit lamp examination revealed a tonic pupil with an exaggerated pupillary constriction to dilute pilocarpine OD. Dilated exam revealed 2-3+ nuclear and cortical lens changes bilaterally. The patient's active lifestyle, personality, and biometry measurements made her a good candidate for multifocal IOL (MfIOL) implantation OS. Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract extraction with a ReSTOR +3 ADD (SN60D1) implantation was performed OS. Monofocal lens implantation (SN60WF) was performed OD 6 months later. RESULTS: One year postoperatively, our patient had an uncorrected visual acuity (VAsc) of 20/15 for distance and J10 for near OD. Her VAsc was 20/25 +1 for distance and J1 for near OS. Visual acuity when using both eyes was 20/15 for distance and J1 for near. CONCLUSION: Optimizing success for MfIOL implantation is a multifactorial process. Large pupils preoperatively are of particular concern, as this may lead to increased dysphotopsia with pupil-dependent MfIOLs. Thus, patients with unilateral mydriasis, such as Aide's pupil, may have a beneficial outcome combining multifocal-monofocal implantation after bilateral cataract extraction, especially if they are not a candidate for monovision but desire spectacle independence.