The Effectiveness of Facial Exercise Therapy in Ophthalmic Complications of Facial Nerve Palsy and the CADS Grading Scale as an Ophthalmic-Specific Grading System.

PURPOSE: The effectiveness of facial exercise therapy in facial nerve palsy is well documented in the literature. However, there is no study examining its effect on ophthalmic manifestations of facial nerve palsy. The study reports its impact on the ophthalmic manifestations of facial nerve palsy using the ophthalmic-specific CADS grading system. METHODS: A retrospective case series of patients aged 18 years or older with facial nerve palsy was performed in a single specialist center between 2013 and 2019. Inclusion criteria were ophthalmic involvement, recorded CADS, and Sunnybrook grading scale pre- and post-treatment. RESULTS: A total of 73 patients were identified. There were 24 patients (M = 11, F = 13) who received facial exercise therapy only (group 1) and 49 patients (M = 17, F = 32) who received combined treatment of facial exercise therapy and eyelid surgery (group 2). The mean ages were 54.8 and 49.7 years, respectively. The groups were further subdivided into early (<3 months), intermediate (3-12 months), and late presenters (>12 months). In group 1, statistically significant improvements were seen in early (static asymmetry and dynamic function), intermediate (cornea), and late groups (cornea, static asymmetry, and dynamic function). The Sunnybrook grading scale was unable to detect changes in the ophthalmic features post-therapy or to report the corneal status. CONCLUSIONS: Facial exercise therapy is likely to improve ophthalmic manifestations of facial nerve palsy, in particular, those with static asymmetry and dynamic function of eye closure. The CADS grading scale is more suitable for the ophthalmic assessment.

Complications and adverse effects of periocular aesthetic treatments.

The popularity and variety of temporary and permanent periocular aesthetic treatments has increased over the past decade. Patients frequently present to eye clinics with ocular complications and side effects following these treatments, their severity ranging from ocular irritation from dry eyes to visual loss from vascular occlusion. A careful, thorough history is essential, as many patients may not associate aesthetic procedures with ocular complications, and some may be embarrassed to disclose this information. All ophthalmologists should understand the potential ocular sequelae of these treatments and be able to initiate treatment in sight-threatening cases. We summarize the current literature on ophthalmic complications of the most common periocular aesthetic treatments.

A 'Real Life' Service Evaluation Model for Multidisciplinary Thyroid Eye Services.

Background/Aims: There is no universal consensus on the practical implementation and evaluation of the Amsterdam Declaration on Graves Orbitopathy in a Multidisciplinary Thyroid Eye Disease (MDTED) pathway. Recent recommendations from the UK TEAMeD-5 and BOPSS initiative highlight the importance of prevention, screening, and prompt referral of patients with moderate to severe and sight-threatening thyroid eye disease to multidisciplinary (MDTED) clinics and recommends annual auditing. We propose a practical service evaluation model with Key Performance Indicators (KPI) that are achievable and could be implemented across most TED pathways. Material and Methods: We conducted a service evaluation from an integrated TED pathway in London with three MDTED clinics. Data was collected retrospectively from consecutive TED patients included: 1) Patient demographics, 2) Referral to first appointment time, 3) Documented smoking cessation and selenium supplementation advice, 4) Presenting disease activity and severity, 5) Investigations and treatments, including radio-iodine, 6) Time from decision to treatment initiation, 7) Initial and subsequent thyroid status. Results: The median age was 49.0 yrs, 77.5% (183/236) were female and 49.5% (101/204) Afro-Caribbean or Asian. At their first clinic attendance, 47.6% (110/231) were biochemically euthyroid and 76.7% (79/103) at discharge. All 23.1% (52/225) current smokers received smoking cessation advice and 64.8% (153/236) received selenium supplementation advice. Intravenous methylprednisolone was given to 33.9% (80/236) patients and 12.7% (30/236) received second-line immunosuppression. All 7.2% (17/236) patients with sight-threatening disease received treatment within two weeks of diagnosis. Conclusions: This study forms a waymark for other units using TEAMeD-5 and BOPSS audit criteria. Dedicated electronic patient records with ongoing data capture, including quality of life assessments, and diagnostic coding would significantly aid future auditing, improve patient care, and facilitate a national audit of TED management. A future survey when the TED standards have become embedded would be instructive to see whether this has improved TED care.

Revisiting the Direct Brow Lift in Patients With Facial Palsy: 4 Key Modifications.

PURPOSE: The direct brow lift is a simple and popular technique, particularly in patients with brow ptosis secondary to facial palsy. It provides a high degree of control in determining the degree of brow elevation and shape achieved. However, it is arguably the least debated in terms of addressing some of its sequelae, namely the risks of a visible or indrawn scar and forehead paraesthesia. In this article, we report outcomes using four alternative principles to those outlined in current published literature. METHODS: All patients undergoing a primary direct brow lift for brow ptosis secondary to facial palsy between January 2015 and December 2019 under a single surgeon (R.M.) were included in the study. The technical refinements of the procedure included a W-plasty type stealth skin incision, counter-bevelling of the upper and lower incision lines, skin excision in the subcutaneous plane only with minimal excision of fat and browpexy to the frontal periosteum through small linear puncture incisions in the frontalis. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients undergoing 24 direct brow lifts were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 1.3 years (range 0.5-3 years). No patients reported postoperative forehead paraesthesia or brow alopecia. One patient required a further temporal browlift 15 months later. Brow height was rated excellent (0-1.5 mm difference) in 71% of brows and good (1.6-4.9 mm difference) in 14% of brows. The average Manchester scar scale was 8.6/28. CONCLUSION: The technical modifications presented substantially reduce the rates of postoperative paraesthesia, whilst achieving satisfactory aesthetic outcomes.

Direct Brow Lift and Skin Contraction in Facial Nerve Palsy: A Switch Technique.

The authors present a case series of 4 patients with facial nerve palsy who underwent a direct brow lift to correct brow ptosis, using the excised brow skin as a full-thickness skin graft to correct lower eyelid skin contracture, ectropion, and retraction. Functional outcomes were measured using the validated cornea, static asymmetry, dynamic function, synkinesis (CADS) grading system and by photographic assessment of lower eyelid height via margin reflex distance. Aesthetic outcomes were measured using a published grading scale specific to eyelid skin grafts.

Ectopic Lacrimal Gland Tissue: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To review the clinical and histopathological findings associated with ectopic lacrimal gland tissue. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature on ectopic lacrimal gland tissue was performed. Studies which met clinical and histolopathological criteria for ectopic lacrimal gland tissue written in English and published in peer-reviewed journals were included. RESULTS: Sixty-nine publications detailing 180 cases of ectopic lacrimal gland tissue were published between 1946 and 2018. Males were affected slightly more than females (57% vs. 43%) and 95% cases were unilateral. Patients presented at a mean age of 21 years, most commonly with a mass, although orbital lesions commonly presented with proptosis. The most common location for ectopic lacrimal gland tissue was epibulbar conjunctiva (62%), other locations included orbital (16%), eyelid (11%), intraocular (9%), lacrimal sac (2%), and nasal mucosa (0.6%) sites. Most lesions (86%) were locally resected. The most common histological types were complex choristomas (56%) and simple choristomas (38%). However, neoplastic transformation to pleomorphic adenoma (5%), adenocystic carcinoma (0.6%), and adenocarcinoma (0.6%) was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Ectopic lacrimal gland tissue is rare but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of masses in the epibulbar conjunctiva, eyelid, orbit, and lacrimal sac, particularly in childhood, as the diverse way it presents means that it may mimic more common choristomas. It can undergo neoplastic transformation in the same way as can the lacrimal gland and incomplete excision can result in recurrence.We review the clinical and histopathological findings associated with ectopic lacrimal gland tissue. Ectopic lacrimal gland tissue is susceptible to neoplastic transformation in the same way as is the lacrimal gland.Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

We review the clinical and histopathological findings associated with ectopic lacrimal gland tissue. Ectopic lacrimal gland tissue is susceptible to neoplastic transformation in the same way as is the lacrimal gland. Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Late outcomes of gold weights and platinum chains for upper eyelid loading.

AIM: To identify late outcomes of gold weights (GWs) and platinum chains (PCs) for upper eyelid loading in the management of lagophthalmos. METHODS: A retrospective case series of upper eyelid GWs and PCs at a single centre over a 10-year period (2004-2013). Two independent, blinded assessors graded standard photographs for any weight-related morbidity (poor upper eyelid contour, weight prominence and migration). RESULTS: Primary upper eyelid loading (high-tarsal technique) was performed in 154 eyelids of 136 patients (facial nerve palsy, n=99; non-paralytic, n=37). A total of 127 eyelids of 110 patients had primary GW insertion. Of these, 40.9% (52/127) had revision surgery: exchange of GW for PC (58%), GW repositioning (25%) and removal of GW (17%). Only 22.2% (6/27 eyelids) with primary PCs required revision surgery. In those not requiring revision surgery, photograph grading showed that both GWs and PCs had weight-related morbidity at late follow-up (median=37.5 months, range 12-110 vs median=33.5 month, range 15-106). GWs had significantly higher rate of weight prominence (p=0.001) and migration (p<0.001) compared with PCs. All PC revisions required one procedure only compared with 10% of GWs revisions requiring two or more procedures. Incidence of gold allergy was 7% (8/110 patients). There was no association between the choice of weight material, physical weight or suture material and eyelid morbidities. CONCLUSION: GWs were found to be associated with higher complications and twice more likely to require long-term revision surgery compared with PCs. Despite weight fixation at a high-tarsal location, prominence of PCs can still occur.

How can we maximize the use of our operating lists? An analysis of factors influencing theatre efficiency in oculoplastic day surgery.

Operating theatre utilization has become the principal measure of NHS operating theatre service performance. We analysed data from oculoplastic theatres in a tertiary centre to identify factors influencing theatre efficiency. We conducted three audits on operating theatre utilization in 2011, 2014 and 2015. Data was collected from real time information entered into the hospital database, including time of arrival, induction, first cut and close of operation. The primary outcome measure was the operating list utilization rate, a combined value of anaesthetic and surgical time as a proportion of the total planned session time. The initial 2011 audit recorded an operating list utilization rate of 81.2%. However, this dropped to 64.5% in 2014 following new management and a move to a new theatre suite. Analysis of the factors contributing to poor theatre efficiency led to changes that streamlined the patient pathway, including standardized case scheduling and reducing staggered patient arrival. A 2015 reaudit analyzing the effects of these changes demonstrated an increase in the operating list utilization rate to 78%. It was significantly higher (p < 0.01) for whole-day lists (85%) compared to half-day lists (75%), suggesting that whole-day lists were more efficient. Operating theatres are a valuable resource and the factors affecting theatre efficiency within our unit are common and will be relevant to units elsewhere. Correcting them can lead to significant improvements in patient care. Data from this study may provide a benchmark for other units in the United Kingdom.

Orbital exenteration: The 10-year Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary experience.

The authors report their experience with orbital exenteration surgery at one academic institution over a 10-year period and review the literature. This retrospective cohort study monitored outcomes of all patients who underwent orbital exenteration surgery at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary between January 2003 and January 2013. Patients with no follow-up data or survival data were excluded from the study. The main outcome measures were surgical complications, disease status of surgical margins, need for adjuvant treatment, local recurrence, metastases and survival. 23 patients with malignancy and 2 with mucormycosis met inclusion criteria for the study. Surgical procedures included non-lid sparing total exenteration (44%), lid-sparing total exenteration (32%), non-lid sparing partial exenteration (8%) and lid-sparing partial exenteration (16%). 44% underwent additional extra-orbital procedures. Survival rates were 72% at 1 year, 48% at 3 years, and 37% at 5 years. Of patients with malignancies, 48% had clear margins after exenteration. There was no statistically significant difference in survival between patients with negative surgical margins compared to positive margins (p = 0.12). Mortality was highest in patients with melanoma (85.7%) and lowest in patients with non-squamous cell lid malignancies (0%). Our study suggests that the type of disease has a much greater impact on the survival of patients undergoing exenteration surgery than the type of exenteration surgery or the disease status of surgical margins. Patients with non-squamous cell lid malignancies and localized orbital disease have the best prognosis for tumor eradication from this radical and highly disfiguring surgery.

Anti-VEGF intravitreal bevacizumab for radiation-associated neovascular glaucoma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To report outcomes of intravitreal bevacizumab therapy in radiation-associated neovascular glaucoma (NVG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective interventional case series, 12 eyes with NVG after radiation therapy for ocular malignancy were treated with periodic intravitreal injections of 1.25 mg bevacizumab. Outcome measures included changes in iris neovascularization, intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, and pain. RESULTS: One month after the first injection, iris neovascularization regressed in nine of 12 eyes (75%), and IOP decreased in eight of 12 eyes (67%) by a mean of 10.1 mm Hg. Patients were monitored for a mean of 26.5 months after their first injection. Six eyes subsequently underwent enucleation for pain control (four eyes; 66%), chronic uveitis (one eye; 17%), and tumor recurrence (one eye; 17%). All remaining patients experienced deterioration in visual acuity (range: 20/160 to no light perception), but pain control was good and IOP normalized in four patients. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal bevacizumab therapy should be considered for patients with radiation-associated NVG who wish to avoid enucleation.

Extraocular muscle repositioning and diplopia: associated with ophthalmic plaque radiation therapy for choroidal melanoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate extraocular muscle surgery associated with plaque brachytherapy for choroidal melanoma. DESIGN: Single-center retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred twenty-nine eyes of 329 consecutive patients with clinically diagnosed choroidal melanoma. INTERVENTION: Palladium 103 plaque brachytherapy with or without extraocular muscle surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Type of muscle surgery required for each tumor location, timing, incidence, and duration of diplopia, as well as treatment. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-four patients (n = 254/329; 77.2%) required muscle surgery. One hundred seven patients (n = 107/329; 32.5%) required surgery on 2 or more muscles. Of 373 muscles repositioned, the lateral rectus muscle (n = 115/373; 30.8%) and inferior oblique muscle (n = 70/373; 18.7%) were the most common, correlating to intraocular tumor location (P<0.001). Only 6 tumors (n = 6/61; 9.5%) originating from the iris and ciliary body required muscle surgery for plaque placement. Of the 312 patients with a preoperative visual acuity better than 20/400, diplopia was reported at the first postoperative visit by 41 patients (n = 41/312; 13.1%), 2 of whom had not undergone muscle surgery. Diplopia resolved spontaneously within 1 month in 18 patients (n = 18/41; 43.9%), between 1 and 6 months in 12 patients (n = 12/41; 29.3%), and at more than 6 months in 5 patients (n = 5/41; 12.2%). Among the 312 patients, persistent diplopia occurred in 6 patients (1.9%), including 1 who had not undergone muscle surgery. Treatment was declined in 1 patient, 3 patients (n = 3/41; 7.3%) were treated with prisms, and 2 patients (n = 2/41; 4.9%) required surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Extraocular muscle surgery frequently is required for plaque brachytherapy. Although transient diplopia occurred in 11.2% of patients, persistent diplopia occurred in only 1.9% of patients and was treatable.

Flashes, floaters and fuzz.

Flashing lights (photopsia) and floaters are common visual phenomena and patients frequently present to hospital with these symptoms. This article provides a guide for the non-specialist to the different pathologies that may result in photopsia and floaters.

Somatic mosaicism and the phenotypic expression of COL2A1 mutations.

Mutations in COL2A1, the gene for type II-collagen, can result in a wide variety of phenotypes depending upon the nature of the mutation. Dominant negative mutations tend to result in severe and often lethal skeletal dysplasias such as achondrogenesis type 2, Kniest dysplasia, and spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita. Stickler syndrome, a condition characterized by ophthalmological and orofacial features, deafness and arthritis, usually, but not exclusively, results from haploinsufficiency. Overlapping features of all these disorders can also be seen in the same family. Rare reports have demonstrated that phenotypic variability can be explained in some families by somatic mosaicism. Here, we describe five further examples of somatic mosaicism of COL2A1 mutations illustrating the importance of detailed clinical evaluation and molecular testing even in clinically normal parents of affected individuals.

Effects of some ophthalmic medications on pupil size: a literature review.

Ophthalmological pharmacology is a rapidly expanding field aimed at achieving the safest and most effective treatment results. Physicians must be aware of the side-effect profiles, both beneficial and harmful, of medications currently used. This review highlights the available data on the effect of some ophthalmic medications on pupil size; it was limited to all reports or studies describing topical ophthalmic agents not originally designed or indicated to alter pupil diameter. This awareness will protect patients from unwanted drug-induced side effects and will improve clinical management and patient care.