Differences in minimal disease knowledge of keratoconus patients: results from an international survey.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The objective of this multicentre, multinational, prospective study was to assess the level of basic understanding that individuals with keratoconus possessed about their condition. METHODS: We recruited 200 active keratoconus patients who were under regular review, and cornea specialists established a standard of 'minimal keratoconus knowledge' (MKK) that included an understanding of the definition, risk factors, symptoms and treatment options for the condition. We collected data from each participant regarding their clinical characteristics, highest level of education, (para)medical background and experiences with keratoconus within their social circle, and calculated the percentage of MKK attained by each patient. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that none of the participants met the MKK standard, with the average MKK score being 34.6% and ranging from 0.0% to 94.4%. Furthermore, our study showed that patients with a university degree, previous surgical intervention for keratoconus or affected parents had a higher MKK. However, age, gender, disease severity, paramedical knowledge, disease duration and best-corrected visual acuity did not significantly affect the MKK score. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates a concerning lack of basic disease knowledge among keratoconus patients in three different countries. The level of knowledge exhibited by our sample was only one-third of what cornea specialists would typically anticipate from patients. This highlights the need for greater education and awareness campaigns surrounding keratoconus. Further research is needed to determine the most efficient approaches for enhancing MKK and subsequently improving the management and treatment of keratoconus.

Clinical implications of energy used in Neodymium: Yttrium Aluminum Garnet posterior capsulotomy on intraocular pressure.

PURPOSE: To study the trend of the rise of intraocular pressure (IOP), with the energy used during Neodymium: Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd: YAG) posterior capsulotomy. METHODS: This is a prospective interventional study undertaken at a tertiary care center. The study was conducted on 221 non-glaucomatous eyes that underwent Nd: YAG posterior capsulotomy, of which 181 patients completed the study. IOP was recorded before laser and at 1, 2, 3, 4 hours, one day, one week, and one month during the post-laser period. Patients were grouped, depending on the amount of energy used, into Group 1 (≤ 40 mJ), Group 2 (40-80 mJ), and Group 3 (>80 mJ). RESULTS: Raised IOPs were noted in all the groups at various time points; however, such cases were more in Group 3 (P = <0.001). IOP was noted to peak at the fourth hour and declined to reach baseline by one week in Group 2 and by one month in Group 3. CONCLUSION: There exists a relationship between the quantum of energy used and the amount of rising of IOP following Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy. In uncomplicated cases without preexisting glaucoma, if the amount of energy for posterior capsulotomy is limited to 40 mJ, routine use of ocular hypotensive medication can be avoided.

Evaluating the safety and efficacy of compression sutures with intracameral perfluoropropane (C3F8) in the management of acute corneal hydrops.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of using corneal compression sutures with intracameral perfluoropropane (C3F8) in patients presenting with acute corneal hydrops in ectatic disorders. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was done for 43 eyes of patients of acute corneal hydrops, managed using a combination of intracameral 14% C3F8 and full-thickness compression sutures. Time for resolution of edema, corneal thickness (CT) change on anterior segment ocular coherence tomography (ASOCT), and visual outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Corneal edema resolved with a mean duration of 14.8 ± 3.5 days (range 10-21). The mean CT on ASOCT decreased from a mean of 1437 µm (689-2770 µm) preoperatively to 543 µm (434 -66 µm) on the complete resolution of corneal edema. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that full-thickness compression sutures and intracameral C3F8 injection can restore the imperviousness of posterior stroma. This technique appears to be a safe and effective technique for faster resolution of corneal edema post hydrops.

Corneal endothelial decompensation due to airbag injury.

PURPOSE: We report a case of localized endothelial decompensation due to airbag deployment during a motor vehicle accident. CASE REPORT: A middle-aged woman involved in a motor vehicle accident presented with diminution of vision in left eye. Initial ocular examination revealed corneal abrasion, localized central corneal edema and mild anterior chamber reaction. An anterior-segment ocular coherence tomography (AS-OCT) revealed focal paracentral corneal edema. Patient was managed with lubricating eye drops and antibiotic steroid combination. Significant endothelial cell loss compared to right eye was noted on specular examination. At one- month follow-up, visual acuity recovered to 6/6 but the pleomorphism and polymegathism persisted. CONCLUSION: Airbag-related localized corneal endothelial decompensation is a less known occurrence. This case emphasizes on the fact that serial monitoring of endothelial counts and conservative management can prove beneficial in such scenarios.

Optic neuritis with secondary retinal venous stasis in a case of abdominal tuberculosis.

The authors report a case of unilateral optic neuritis along with secondary retinal venous stasis in a patient diagnosed with abdominal tuberculosis. Patient presented with diminished visual acuity, colour perception and Marcus Gunn pupillary response, pointing towards optic nerve involvement. Associated findings of disc edema, dilated and tortuous veins, along with hemorrhages on disc and superotemporal quadrant made diagnosis of retinal venous stasis secondary to optic neuritis imperative. The visual outcome of the patient paralleled that expected with optic neuritis. The authors believe that impairment of retinal venous outflow secondary to optic neuritis is a distinct but a rare presentation.

Safety and Efficacy of Epi-Bowman Keratectomy in Photorefractive Keratectomy and Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking: A Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of Epi-Bowman Keratectomy (EBK) using Epi-clear™ epikeratome with a mechanical scraper for corneal epithelium debridement during photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL). METHODOLOGY: Sixty eyes of 30 patients undergoing PRK and 44 eyes of 44 patients undergoing CXL were included in this study. In the PRK group, one eye of each patient underwent EBK and the other eye epithelial debridement with a mechanical scraper. In the CXL group, 22 eyes of 22 patients underwent EBK and the other 22 eyes with a mechanical scraping to remove the epithelium. Intra-operative spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT; Bioptigen Inc, Durham, NC) was performed to evaluate the integrity of Bowman's membrane following epithelial removal. The time taken for epithelial removal, post-operative pain score using the Wong-Baker's pain scale, time for epithelial healing, and the epithelial profile using the Optovue (Optovue Inc. Fremont, CA) during the healing was observed and analyzed between the two groups and subgroups. RESULTS: Intra-operative SD OCT showed a smooth and undamaged Bowman's membrane when EBK was performed. Post-operative pain was significantly less (p < 0.01 in the PRK group and p < 0.001 in the CXL group) with faster epithelial healing (p < 0.001 in the PRK group and p < 0.0001 in the CXL group) in the EBK subgroup as compared with the mechanical scraper subgroup. Epithelial profiling during the healing phase showed an edematous epithelium in the initial 2 weeks in the mechanical scraper subgroup while the EBK subgroup showed minimal epithelial edema lasting up to a week with regularized and smooth corneal epithelium healing. CONCLUSION: Epi-Bowman Keratectomy appears to be an effective and safe method of corneal epithelial debridement with negligible damage to Bowman's membrane and the surrounding epithelium leading to early healing thereby reducing the post-operative pain and complications.

Propranolol therapy in a case of capillary hemangioma.

Capillary hemangioma is one the most common tumors of eyelid and orbit reported in pediatric age group. Oral propranolol therapy is latest addition to the armamentarium of treatment options available to ophthalmologists in treating capillary hemangiomas. We report the successful response to propranolol therapy to a 5-year-old child with capillary hemangioma involving lids, orbit, and the paranasal sinuses. A long-term follow-up is necessary for the prognostic efficacy of the therapy.

Bilateral familial vertical Duane Syndrome with synergistic convergence, aberrant trigeminal innervation, and facial hypoplasia.

A 5-year-old girl presented with bilateral familial vertical Duane retraction syndrome with alternating esotropia, elevation deficit, Marcus gunn phenomenon, and facial hypoplasia. Abnormal adducting downshoots on attempting abduction suggestive of a synergistic convergence were noted. Hypothesis suggests aberrant innervations or peripheral anatomic connections between inferior and medial recti.