Outcomes of a 320-degree intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation for keratoconus: Results of a 6-month follow-up.

IMPORTANCE: This study shows that a newer long-arc length intrastromal corneal ring segment is efficient and safe for keratoconus treatment. BACKGROUND: To evaluate visual, tomographic results and complications of a 320-degree intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation with the femtosecond laser for keratoconus treatment. DESIGN: A prospective, nonrandomized, and interventional study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 34 eyes of 31 patients diagnosed with keratoconus were enrolled. METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups based on the strategy used for 320-degree intrastromal corneal ring segment thickness selection. In one group, this selection was based on spherical equivalent (SE group) and in the other on the mean asphericity (Q group). The uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities, spherical equivalent, K1, K2, Km, Kmax, and mean asphericity (Q) on corneal tomography were evaluated preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. For astigmatism improvement, we analyzed the corneal tomographic vectorial astigmatism change preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. The mean follow-up period was 6.63 ± 0.96 months. RESULTS: The mean uncorrected distance visual acuity and corrected distance visual acuity improved with a significant spherical equivalent improvement (p < 0.05), with no differences between the 320-degree intrastromal corneal ring segment groups. All corneal tomographic parameters improved significantly (p < 0.05) between the preoperative and postoperative intervals, with a significant better performance when we used spherical equivalent for the 320-degree intrastromal corneal ring segment thickness selection. Finally, the mean vectorial corneal tomographic astigmatism significantly improved after 6 months, again with no differences between groups. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that implanting a 320-degree intrastromal corneal ring segment is a safe and effective procedure for treating patients with keratoconus. It also suggests that for thickness selection spherical equivalent is the better strategy.

Visual rehabilitation using mini-scleral contact lenses after penetrating keratoplasty.

PURPOSE:: To report the visual rehabilitation outcomes and complications of patients fitted with mini-scleral rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses (mini-SCLs) after penetrating keratoplasty. METHODS:: We retrospectively reviewed 27 eyes (21 patients) that were fitted with mini-SCLs between October 2013 and December 2014. We analyzed demographic data, previous corneal disorders, visual outcomes, interval from keratoplasty to contact lens fitting, topographic and specular microscope data, fitted contact lens parameters, and complications. The patients were divided into two groups according to the elapsed time since surgery: Group A, grafts with <10 years (n=14 eyes); and Group B, grafts with ≥10 years (n=13 eyes). RESULTS:: Lens use was discontinued in four eyes, and microbial keratitis developed in one eye during follow-up. No corneal graft rejection was observed. The mean interval between grafting and initial contact lens fitting was 10.6 ± 7.3 years (range: 1-29 years). The most frequent reason for keratoplasty was keratoconus (22 eyes, 81.4%). The mean contact lens-corrected visual acuity (CLCVA) was 0.09 ± 0.12 logMar (range: 0.50-0.00 logMar). The average topographic astigmatism, mean steepest keratometry (Kmax), and average cellularity on specular microscopy were 6.19 ± 3.49 diopters (D), 58.4 ± 7.8 D, and 1,231 ± 723 cells/mm2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:: Mini-SCL use allowed successful visual rehabilitation after corneal keratoplasty, particularly in patients who required corrective lenses for low visual acuity and were unable to wear RGP contact lenses. Our results indicate that mini-scleral lenses may be an option for the treatment of corneal irregularities, such as those associated with keratoplasty.

Visual rehabilitation using mini-scleral contact lenses after penetrating keratoplasty / Reabilitação visual após transplante penetrante de córnea com lentes de contato mini-esclerais

ABSTRACT Purpose: To report the visual rehabilitation outcomes and complications of patients fitted with mini-scleral rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses (mini-SCLs) after penetrating keratoplasty. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 27 eyes (21 patients) that were fitted with mini-SCLs between October 2013 and December 2014. We analyzed demographic data, previous corneal disorders, visual outcomes, interval from keratoplasty to contact lens fitting, topographic and specular microscope data, fitted contact lens parameters, and complications. The patients were divided into two groups according to the elapsed time since surgery: Group A, grafts with <10 years (n=14 eyes); and Group B, grafts with ≥10 years (n=13 eyes). Results: Lens use was discontinued in four eyes, and microbial keratitis developed in one eye during follow-up. No corneal graft rejection was observed. The mean interval between grafting and initial contact lens fitting was 10.6 ± 7.3 years (range: 1-29 years). The most frequent reason for keratoplasty was keratoconus (22 eyes, 81.4%). The mean contact lens-corrected visual acuity (CLCVA) was 0.09 ± 0.12 logMar (range: 0.50-0.00 logMar). The average topographic astigmatism, mean steepest keratometry (Kmax), and average cellularity on specular microscopy were 6.19 ± 3.49 diopters (D), 58.4 ± 7.8 D, and 1,231 ± 723 cells/mm2, respectively. Conclusions: Mini-SCL use allowed successful visual rehabilitation after corneal keratoplasty, particularly in patients who required corrective lenses for low visual acuity and were unable to wear RGP contact lenses. Our results indicate that mini-scleral lenses may be an option for the treatment of corneal irregularities, such as those associated with keratoplasty.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar a reabilitação visual e complicações com o uso de lentes de contato rígidas gás-permeáveis mini-esclerais em pacientes submetidos ao transplante penetrante de córnea. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de 27 olhos (21 pacientes) adaptados com lentes de contato mini-esclerais entre outubro de 2013 e dezembro de 2014. Informações demográficas, doença corneana prévia, acuidade visual, tempo decorrido entre transplante e adaptação da lente, dados topográficos e de microscopia especular, parâmetros da lente de contato adaptada e complicações foram analisadas. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos, levando em consideração o tempo decorrido do transplante de córnea: menos de 10 anos (Grupo A, n=14 olhos) e mais de 10 anos (Grupo B, n=13 olhos). Resultados: Quatro olhos desistiram do uso da lente de contato e 1 paciente apresentou quadro de ceratite infecciosa durante o período de acompanhamento. Não ocorreu episódio de rejeição de botão corneano transplantado durante o período avaliado. O tempo médio entre o transplante e a adaptação da lente de contato foi de 10,6 ± 7,3 anos (variação de 1 a 29 anos) e a causa mais frequente de ceratoplastia foi ceratocone (22 olhos, 81,4%). A acuidade visual média corrigida com lente de contato foi de 0,09 ± 0,12 logMar (variação de 0,50 a 0.00 logMar). O astigmatismo topográfico médio foi de 6,19 ± 3,49 dioptrias (D), a ceratometria média mais curva (Kmax) foi 58,4 ± 7,8 D e a celularidade média na microscopia especular foi 1.231 ± 723 células/mm2. Conclusões: Este estudo retrospectivo mostra o sucesso da adaptação de lentes de contato mini-esclerais na reabilitação visual após o transplante de córnea, especialmente em pacientes com baixa acuidade visual com óculos e intolerância ao uso de lentes de contato rígidas gás-permeáveis. Nossos resultados demonstram que as lentes de contato mini-esclerais são um opção para córneas com irregularidades corneanas, assim como aquelas após o transplante de córnea.

[Complications in endothelial keratoplasty performed by cornea fellows]. / Complicações em transplantes endoteliais realizados por estagiários de córnea.

PURPOSE: To report early complications in endothelial keratoplasty performed by cornea fellows. METHODS: Retrospective study of endothelial keratoplasty performed by second-year cornea fellows. Described the early complications and its treatments. RESULTS: Thirty four endothelial keratoplasty were performed by cornea fellows, from July 2007 to August 2008. From this, 29 were Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty and 5 Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty; 14 combined with phacoemulsification and 1 with extracapsular cataract surgery. The main indication was Fuchs' dystrophy (18 cases), followed by bullous keratopathy (11 cases), primary failure after endothelial keratoplasty (4 cases) and congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (1 case). Main surgery complication was donor button detachment in 8 eyes (23.5%), followed by primary graft failure in 7 eyes (20.6%) and acute glaucoma after pupillary block in 1 eye (2.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The complication rate in this series, which were the first ever in a group of six cornea fellows, was high. This shows the steep learning curve for this surgical procedure. The assistance of an experienced surgeon could help to achieve a less steep learning curve with a lower complication rate.

Complicações em transplantes endoteliais realizados por estagiários de córnea / Complications in endothelial keratoplasty performed by cornea fellows

OBJETIVO: Reportar complicações precoces numa série de transplantes endoteliais realizados por estagiários de córnea. MÉTODOS: Revisão retrospectiva dos transplantes endoteliais realizados por estagiários de córnea do segundo ano. Descritas as complicações precoces e respectivo tratamento. RESULTADOS: Foram realizados 34 transplantes endoteliais pelos estagiários de córnea entre julho de 2007 e agosto de 2008. Destes, 29 foram realizados pela técnica de "Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty" e 5 "Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty". Foram realizadas 15 cirurgias combinadas, 14 associadas a facoemulsificação com implante de lente intraocular e 1 associada a facectomia com implante de lente intraocular. A principal indicação foi por distrofia de Fuchs com 18 casos, 11 foram indicados por ceratopatia bolhosa após cirurgia de catarata, 4 por falência primária após transplante endotelial e 1 por distrofia endotelial congênita hereditária. A complicação mais encontrada foi descolamentos do botão doado em 8 olhos (23,5%). Falência primária foi encontrado em 7 olhos (20,6%). Glaucoma agudo por bloqueio pupilar foi encontrado em 1 paciente (2,9%). CONCLUSÕES: O alto número de complicações encontradas nestas cirurgias, que foram as primeiras de um grupo de 6 estagiários de córnea, mostra a longa curva de aprendizado para este procedimento cirúrgico. A orientação das primeiras cirurgias por cirurgiões mais experientes pode diminuir a curva de aprendizado e a taxa de complicações.

PURPOSE: To report early complications in endothelial keratoplasty performed by cornea fellows. METHODS: Retrospective study of endothelial keratoplasty performed by second-year cornea fellows. Described the early complications and its treatments. RESULTS: Thirty four endothelial keratoplasty were performed by cornea fellows, from July 2007 to August 2008. From this, 29 were Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty and 5 Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty; 14 combined with phacoemulsification and 1 with extracapsular cataract surgery. The main indication was Fuchs' dystrophy (18 cases), followed by bullous keratopathy (11 cases), primary failure after endothelial keratoplasty (4 cases) and congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (1 case). Main surgery complication was donor button detachment in 8 eyes (23.5%), followed by primary graft failure in 7 eyes (20.6%) and acute glaucoma after pupillary block in 1 eye (2.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The complication rate in this series, which were the first ever in a group of six cornea fellows, was high. This shows the steep learning curve for this surgical procedure. The assistance of an experienced surgeon could help to achieve a less steep learning curve with a lower complication rate.

[Main pathogens and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility in bacterial keratitis: 5-year study, 2005-2009]. / Principais patógenos e susceptibilidade in vitro antimicrobiana em ceratites bacterianas: revisão de cinco anos, 2005 a 2009.

PURPOSE: To determine the most common pathogens involved in the etiology of bacterial keratitis at the Sorocaba Ophthalmological Hospital and the in vitro susceptibility of main antimicrobial used in the treatment of this pathology. METHODS: Retrospective study of all patients suspected of infectious keratitis that underwent microbiological exam at the Sorocaba Ophthalmological Hospital, between 2005 and 2009. To test susceptibility of antimicrobial drugs, antibiograms were made through the standard method of discs diffusion and interpretation following the National Committee on Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS, Villanova, PA, USA). RESULTS: 963 samples were obtained in this period and 278 (28.86%) were positive for some pathogen. Among the positive for bacteria, the most common were Staphylococcus aureus (30.56%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (30.56%), Streptococcus sp (9.43%) and Pseudomonas sp (9.43%). Dividing in Gram's method, 191 (72.08%) were Gram-positive and 74 (27.92%) were Gram-negative. Analyzing in vitro antimicrobial effectiveness, the majority presented good susceptibility rates, beyond 85%, except cephalotin which presented 53.13%. At the same analysis, higher resistance rates with cephalotin (33.47%) and ciprofloxacin (11.36%) were noted. CONCLUSION: Gram-positive bacteria were the most common pathogen isolated at microbiologic exams, especially staphylococci. despite the increasing number of isolated Gram-negative bacteria, meanly represented by Pseudomonas, related with the widespread use of contact lenses. Laboratorial exam revealed high sensibility values for most of antibiotics (more than 85%), except for cephalotin (53.13%). Higher resistance values were observed with cephalotin (33.47%) and ciprofloxacin (11.36%). With all these important variability of antibiotic susceptibility and pathogens involved in bacterial keratitis etiology, it is very important to know the specific characteristics of each infection for a better patient care.

Principais patógenos e susceptibilidade in vitro antimicrobiana em ceratites bacterianas: Revisão de cinco anos, 2005 a 2009 / Main pathogens and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility in bacterial keratitis: 5-year study, 2005-2009

OBJETIVO: Determinar os principais patógenos envolvidos na etiologia das ceratites bacterianas no Hospital Oftalmológico de Sorocaba/SP e a susceptibilidade in vitro dos principais antimicrobianos utilizados no tratamento desta afecção ocular. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de todos os prontuários submetidos a exame microbiológico por suspeita de ceratite infecciosa, atendidos no Hospital Oftalmológico de Sorocaba/SP, entre 2005 e 2009. Para testar a susceptibilidade dos antimicrobianos, foram realizados antibiogramas através do método padrão de difusão em discos e a interpretação da sensibilidade foi realizada seguindo-se a padronização do National Committee on Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS, Villanova, PA, USA). RESULTADOS: De 963 coletas, 278 (28,86 por cento) foram positivas para algum patógeno. Dentre as coletas positivas para bactérias, os principais patógenos identificados foram: Staphylococcus aureus (30.56 por cento), Staphylococcus epidermidis (30,56 por cento), Streptococcus sp (9,43 por cento) e Pseudomonas sp (9,43 por cento). No total, 191 (72,08 por cento) dos patógenos identificados eram Gram-positivos e 74 (27,92 por cento) eram Gram-negativos. O exame laboratorial evidenciou altos índices de sensibilidade para a maioria dos antimicrobianos (acima de 85 por cento), com exceção da cefalotina (53,13 por cento). Os maiores índices de resistência foram observados com a cefalotina (33,47 por cento) e a ciprofloxacina (11,36 por cento). CONCLUSÕES: Bactérias Gram-positivas foram as principais isoladas nos exames microbiológicos neste estudo, com número expressivo de estafilococos, apesar de um crescente número de bactérias Gram-negativas como principais patógenos isolados, principalmente representado por Pseudomonas, relacionado ao uso disseminado de lentes de contato. O exame laboratorial evidenciou altos índices de sensibilidade para a maioria dos antimicrobianos (acima de 85 por cento), com exceção da cefalotina (53,13 por cento). Os maiores índices de resistência foram observados com a cefalotina (33,47 por cento) e a ciprofloxacina (11,36 por cento). Diante desta variabilidade importante tanto de principais patógenos envolvidos na etiologia da ceratite bacteriana como de susceptibilidade antimicrobiana, torna-se muito importante saber qual o perfil das infecções com as quais estamos lidando, para que tal afecção seja conduzida da maneira correta, seguindo-se a individualidade de cada localidade.

PURPOSE: To determine the most common pathogens involved in the etiology of bacterial keratitis at the Sorocaba Ophthalmological Hospital and the in vitro susceptibility of main antimicrobial used in the treatment of this pathology. METHODS: Retrospective study of all patients suspected of infectious keratitis that underwent microbiological exam at the Sorocaba Ophthalmological Hospital, between 2005 and 2009. To test susceptibility of antimicrobial drugs, antibiograms were made through the standard method of discs diffusion and interpretation following the National Committee on Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS, Villanova, PA, USA). RESULTS: 963 samples were obtained in this period and 278 (28.86 percent) were positive for some pathogen. Among the positive for bacteria, the most common were Staphylococcus aureus (30.56 percent), Staphylococcus epidermidis (30.56 percent), Streptococcus sp (9.43 percent) and Pseudomonas sp (9.43 percent). Dividing in Gram's method, 191 (72.08 percent) were Gram-positive and 74 (27.92 percent) were Gram-negative. Analyzing in vitro antimicrobial effectiveness, the majority presented good susceptibility rates, beyond 85 percent, except cephalotin which presented 53.13 percent. At the same analysis, higher resistance rates with cephalotin (33.47 percent) and ciprofloxacin (11.36 percent) were noted. CONCLUSION: Gram-positive bacteria were the most common pathogen isolated at microbiologic exams, especially staphylococci. despite the increasing number of isolated Gram-negative bacteria, meanly represented by Pseudomonas, related with the widespread use of contact lenses. Laboratorial exam revealed high sensibility values for most of antibiotics (more than 85 percent), except for cephalotin (53.13 percent). Higher resistance values were observed with cephalotin (33.47 percent) and ciprofloxacin (11.36 percent). With all these important variability of antibiotic susceptibility and pathogens involved in bacterial keratitis etiology, it is very important to know the specific characteristics of each infection for a better patient casre.