[Translated article] Physicochemical and microbiological stability study of two new preservative-free methylprednisolone eye drops.

OBJECTIVE: To study the physicochemical and microbiological stability over 90 days of two preservative-free methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MTPSS) 1 and 10 mg/mL eye drops for use in ocular pathologies such as Sjögren's syndrome and dry eye syndrome. METHOD: The two eye drops were prepared from injectable MTPSS (Solu-moderin® and Urbason®), water for injection and normal saline solution. In accordance with ICH (International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use) guidelines, they were then stored in triplicate under refrigerated conditions (5±3 °C), at room temperature (25±2 °C), and at 40 °C (±2 °C). In accordance with the USP (United States Pharmacopeia), physicochemical controls of the active ingredient content were carried out by HPLC-UV (High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Ultraviolet detection), together with controls of pH, osmolality, and visual examination. Microbiological sterility was also tested under refrigerated conditions up to 30 days in open containers and up to 90 days in closed ones. RESULTS: The eye drops stored at 5 °C were the most stable; in the 1 mg/mL eye drops, degradation of the drug fell below 90% from day 21, and in the 10 mg/mL eye drops, from day 42. pH change did not vary by ≥1 unit in formulations stored at 5 °C, unlike the other formulations. Changes in osmolality did not exceed 5% on day 90 in any storage conditions. Samples of non refrigerate eye drops at 10 mg/mL, presented a white precipitate from day 14 and 28, respectively. Non-refrigerated 1 mg/mL eye drops presented suspended particles on day 90. There were no color changes. Microbiological analysis showed that sterility was maintained for over 90 days in the closed containers, although microbial contamination was detected from day 21 in the open containers. CONCLUSIONS: 1 mg/mL MTPSS eye drops show physicochemical and microbiological stability for 21 days under refrigeration, compared to 42 days for 10 mg/mL eye drops stored under the same conditions. However, since they do not include preservatives in their composition, they should not be used for more than 7 days after opening.

Physicochemical and microbiological stability study of two new preservative-free methylprednisolone eye drops. / Estudio de estabilidad fisicoquímica y microbiológica de dos nuevos colirios de metilprednisolona sin conservantes.

OBJECTIVE: To study the physicochemical and microbiological stability over 90 days of two preservative-free methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MTPSS) 1 mg/ml and 10 mg/ml eye drops for use in ocular pathologies such as Sjögren's syndrome and dry eye syndrome. METHOD: The two eye drops were prepared from injectable MTPSS (Solu-moderin® and Urbason®), water for injection and normal saline solution. In accordance with ICH (International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use) guidelines, they were then stored in triplicate under refrigerated conditions (5 ±3 °C), at room temperature (25 ± 2 °C), and at 40 °C (±2 °C). In accordance with the USP (United States Pharmacopeia), physicochemical controls of the active ingredient content were carried out by HPLC-UV (High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Ultraviolet detection), together with controls of pH, osmolality, and visual examination. Microbiological sterility was also tested under refrigerated conditions up to 30 days in open containers and up to 90 days in closed ones. RESULTS: The eye drops stored at 5 °C were the most stable; in the 1 mg/ml eye drops, degradation of the drug fell below 90% from day 21, and in the 10 mg/ml eye drops, from day 42. pH change did not vary by ≥1 unit in formulations stored at 5 °C, unlike the other formulations. Changes in osmolality did not exceed 5% on day 90 in any storage conditions. Samples of non refrigerate eye drops at 10 mg/ml, presented a white precipitate from day 14 and 28 respectively. Non-refrigerated 1 mg/ml eye drops presented suspended particles on day 90. There were no color changes. Microbiological analysis showed that sterility was maintained for over 90 days in the closed containers, although microbial contamination was detected from day 21 in the open containers. CONCLUSIONS: 1 mg/ml MTPSS eye drops show physicochemical and microbiological stability for 21 days under refrigeration, compared to 42 days for 10 mg/ml eye drops stored under the same conditions. However, since they do not include preservatives in their composition, they should not be used for more than 7 days after opening.

Hallazgos de microscopia confocal in vivo de la mucosa de la córnea y la lengua en pacientes con síndrome de Sjögren / In vivo confocal microscopy findings of cornea and tongue mucosa in patients with Sjögren's syndrome

Introducción y objetivos: Nuestro objetivo fue investigar si el síndrome de Sjögren (SS) tenía hallazgos distintivos en la microscopia confocal de la lengua de una manera no invasiva. Materiales y métodos: Este estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles evaluó los hallazgos de la microscopia confocal de córnea y lengua de los ojos derechos de 25 pacientes con ojo seco con deficiencia acuosa y 12 voluntarios sanos sin hallazgos de ojo seco. Hubo un total de 14 pacientes diagnosticados con ojo seco asociado a SS (SSDE), mientras que 11 casos fueron evaluados como ojo seco no Sjögren (NSDE). Resultados: Se observó una diferencia significativa en el recuento de células dendríticas a nivel del nervio subbasal corneal entre los grupos SSDE y NSDE (p=0,018). En el grupo SSDE, las imágenes de microscopia confocal de células inflamatorias dendritiformes hiperreflectantes en la mucosa de la lengua estaban a favor de la inflamación. Sin embargo, estos hallazgos no se encontraron en pacientes con NSDE o en controles. Conclusiones: Este estudio mostró que la microscopia confocal proporcionó una evaluación no invasiva de las células inflamatorias en la lengua de los pacientes con SS.(AU)

Introduction and objectives: We aimed to investigate whether Sjögren's syndrome (SS) had distinctive findings in tongue confocal microscopy in a non-invasive manner. Materials and methods: This retrospective case-control study evaluated corneal and tongue confocal microscopy findings of the right eyes of 25 patients with aqueous deficient dry eye and 12 healthy volunteers without dry eye findings. There were a total of 14 patients diagnosed with SS-associated dry eye (SSDE), while 11 cases were evaluated as non-Sjögren dry eye (NSDE). Results: A significant difference was observed in the dendritic cell count at the corneal subbasal nerve level between the SSDE and NSDE groups (P=.018). In SSDE group, the confocal microscopy images of dendritiform hyperreflective inflammatory cells in the tongue mucosa were in favor of inflammation. However, these findings were not found in patients with NSDE or in controls. Conclusions: This study showed that confocal microscopy provided a non-invasive evaluation of the inflammatory cells in the tongue of SS patients.(AU)

Prevalence of Demodex spp. in patients with chronic blepharitis.

Blepharitis is a very common disease in ophthalmology, dermatology and allergy practice. It generally follows a chronic course and is frequently associated with objective and/or subjective symptoms such as epiphora, red eye, dandruff, gritty sensation, itching, burning, photophobia, and blurred vision. The purpose of this study is to analyze the prevalence of Demodex spp. in patients with symptoms of chronic blepharitis. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in the period between 2016 and 2020. All patients with symptoms of chronic blepharitis who underwent a parasitological test of eyelashes (Rapitest) in the Dermatology Department of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires were included. Those with previously established blepharitis due to another infectious cause were excluded. We analyzed 972 patients. Sixty percent (n=585) underwent a positive Rapitest for the presence of Demodex spp. Seventy five percent (n=728) were women. There were no significant differences in the prevalence associated with sex (p=0.38). Among the patients positive for Demodex spp., 65% (n=628) were older than 60 years old. The most frequently associated symptom was itching, present in 35% (n=342). A statistically significant decrease in the number of consultations was observed during the cold months of the year (May-June-July-August). Our results show a high prevalence of Demodex spp. in patients with chronic blepharitis. As its presence reveals a direct association with age, we recommend looking for this parasite in this age group.

In vivo confocal microscopy findings of cornea and tongue mucosa in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate whether Sjögren's syndrome (SS) had distinctive findings in tongue confocal microscopy in a non-invasive manner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective case-control study evaluated corneal and tongue confocal microscopy findings of the right eyes of 25 patients with aqueous deficient dry eye and 12 healthy volunteers without dry eye findings. There were a total of 14 patients diagnosed with SS-associated dry eye (SSDE), while 11 cases were evaluated as non-Sjögren dry eye (NSDE). RESULTS: A significant difference was observed in the dendritic cell count at the corneal subbasal nerve level between the SSDE and NSDE groups (P=.018). In SSDE group, the confocal microscopy images of dendritiform hyperreflective inflammatory cells in the tongue mucosa were in favor of inflammation. However, these findings were not found in patients with NSDE or in controls. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that confocal microscopy provided a non-invasive evaluation of the inflammatory cells in the tongue of SS patients.

Adaptación cultural, lingüística y validación del cuestionario Dry Eye Questionnaire 5 en una población chilena / Adaptation culturally and linguistically to the Chilean population and validation the Dry Eye Questionnaire 5

Antecedentes y objetivo Existen distintos métodos de evaluación de la enfermedad de ojo seco (EOS), entre ellos cuestionarios que analizan distintos aspectos de su sintomatología, los que son importantes para su mejor comprensión y manejo terapéutico. El Dry Eye Questionnaire 5 (DEQ-5) es único en su tipo, pues además de su simplicidad, mide sintomatología en cuatro dimensiones. El objetivo de este estudio fue adaptar cultural, lingüísticamente y validar, este cuestionario para una población chilena. Materiales y métodos Para la adaptación, se realizó la traducción y retrotraducción de la versión original, su análisis lingüístico, una prueba piloto y el examen de expertos, que incorporó una especialista en lingüística. Para la validación se realizó el análisis psicométrico de fiabilidad y validez de constructo. La muestra en la que se validó quedó constituida por 205 personas con EOS. Resultados De los encuestados, 141 (69%) fueron mujeres, la media de edad fue de 48 años ± 16,7 y la mediana del puntaje total DEQ-5 fue de 13 puntos (R.I 8-15 puntos). La versión adaptada resultó con un alfa de Cronbach de 0,8085, puntaje que la clasificó como buena. Discusión El cuestionario DEQ-5 adaptado y validado resultó un buen instrumento para ser usado en poblaciones con características similares a las del estudio. Además, el análisis factorial enriqueció la comprensión de la manera en que las personas con EOS relacionan sus síntomas y qué preguntas se corresponden más entre ellas, representando de mejor manera los aspectos evaluados de la sintomatología de esta enfermedad (AU)

Background and objective There are different methods for evaluating dry eye disease (DID), including questionnaires that analyze different aspects of its symptoms, which are important for its better understanding and therapeutic management. The Dry Eye Questionnaire 5 (DEQ-5), is unique in its kind, because in addition to its simplicity, it measures symptoms in four dimensions. The aim of this study is to adapt culturally and linguistically and validate this instrument to the Chilean population. Material and methods For the adaptation, the translation and retro-translation of the original version was carried out, its linguistic analysis, the pilot test and the expert panel review (which included a linguistics specialist) were used. For the validation, a psychometric analysis of reliability and validity of the construct was incorporated. The sample in which it was validated was constituted by 205 people with dry eye disease. Results One hundred and forty-one (69%) of the respondents were women, the mean of age was 48 years ± 16.7, and the median of the total score DEQ-5 was 13 points (R.I 8–15 points). The adapted version resulted in a Cronbach alpha of 0.8085, scoring that classified it as good. Discussion The questionnaire DEQ-5, which was adapted and validated, was a good instrument to be used in populations with similar characteristics of those in the study. More so, the factor analysis enriched comprehension of the way in which people with dry eye disease relate their symptoms and which questions relate more between them, representing in a better way the aspects evaluated of the symptomatology of this disease (AU)

Quejas visuales durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en España y Portugal / Visual complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain and Portugal

Objetivo Este estudio reporta los hábitos de la población y las quejas oculares relacionadas con la salud visual en el contexto de la pandemia de COVID-19 a partir de visitas realizadas durante 2021 en España y en Portugal. Material y métodos Invitación por correo electrónico a una encuesta transversal online y también realizada en persona a pacientes de clínicas de oftalmología de España y de Portugal de septiembre a noviembre de 2021. Participaron 3.833 encuestados mayores de 18años con respuestas anónimas válidas. Resultados El 60% de los encuestados explicó mucha incomodidad causada por el aumento de los síntomas de ojo seco debido al trabajo digital más intenso y el empañamiento de los lentes al usar mascarillas. El 81,6% de los encuestados usaba dispositivos digitales al menos 3horas en promedio por día, y el 40% comenzó a usar dispositivos digitales más de 8horas en promedio por día. Además, el 44% de los encuestados sintió que su visión de cerca había empeorado en este período. El primer síntoma importante de la presbicia estaba relacionado con la dificultad para leer las letras más pequeñas de los paquetes. El 86% presentó los primeros síntomas a los 40años. Las ametropías más frecuentes identificadas fueron miopía (40,2%) y astigmatismo (36,7%). Para los padres, tener buena vista (87,2%) era el aspecto más valorado en la vida de sus hijos. Conclusiones Los hallazgos brindan una idea de los desafíos durante la COVID-19 para las prácticas oftalmológicas. En una sociedad altamente dependiente de la visión, es fundamental centrarse en los signos y los síntomas que conducen a afecciones oftalmológicas. El uso excesivo de dispositivos digitales y el uso de mascarillas durante esta pandemia han agravado algunos, señalando la importancia de la referencia para planificar una atención ocular eficiente en situaciones similares (AU)

Purpose This study reports visual health during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 in Spain and Portugal, focusing on eye complaints and population habits. Material and methods Cross-sectional survey through an online email invitation to patients attending ophthalmology clinics in Spain and Portugal from September to November 2021. Around 3833 participants offered valid anonymous responses in a questionnaire. Results Sixty percent of respondents identified significant discomfort related to dry eye symptoms for increased screen time and lens fogging using facemasks. 81.6% of the participants used digital devices for more than 3h per day and 40% for more than 8h. In addition, 44% of participants referred to worsening near vision. The most frequent ametropias were myopia (40.2%) and astigmatism (36.7%). Parents considered eyesight the most important aspect of their children (87.2%). Conclusions The results show the challenges for eye practices during the initial COVID-19 pandemic. Focusing on signs and symptoms that lead to ophthalmologic conditions is an essential concern, especially in our digital society highly dependent on vision. At the same time, the excessive use of digital devices during this pandemic has aggravated dry eye and myopia (AU)

Visual complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain and Portugal.

PURPOSE: This study reports visual health during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 in Spain and Portugal, focusing on eye complaints and population habits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional survey through an online email invitation to patients attending ophthalmology clinics in Spain and Portugal from September to November 2021. Around 3833 participants offered valid anonymous responses in a questionnaire. RESULTS: Sixty percent of respondents identified significant discomfort related to dry eye symptoms for increased screen time and lens fogging using facemasks. 81.6% of the participants used digital devices for more than 3 h per day and 40% for more than 8 h. In addition, 44% of participants referred to worsening near vision. The most frequent ametropias were myopia (40.2%) and astigmatism (36.7%). Parents considered eyesight the most important aspect of their children (87.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The results show the challenges for eye practices during the initial COVID-19 pandemic. Focusing on signs and symptoms that lead to ophthalmologic conditions is an essential concern, especially in our digital society highly dependent on vision. At the same time, the excessive use of digital devices during this pandemic has aggravated dry eye and myopia.

Estudio IMPULSO: impacto de la COVID-19 en el presente de la oftalmología centrada en superficie ocular y tendencias de futuro / IMPULSE Study: Impact of COVID-19 in the present of ophthalmology focusing on ocular surface and future trends

Antecedentes y objetivo La evolución digital supone una oportunidad para que la oftalmología se adapte a nuevos modelos asistenciales. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo conocer cómo la pandemia ha modificado la práctica clínica y actividades formativas del oftalmólogo especializado en superficie ocular, y analizar tendencias y necesidades emergentes. Materiales y métodos Estudio realizado mediante encuesta online. Un comité de 3 especialistas diseñó un cuestionario de 25 preguntas estructurado en: 1) Perfil del participante; 2) Impacto de la pandemia en el manejo del paciente y las actividades profesionales; 3) Tendencias y necesidades. Resultados Participaron 68 oftalmólogos clínicos. Hubo un alto grado de acuerdo (90%) en que la pandemia demoró las visitas de seguimiento oftalmológico y el diagnóstico. Los participantes coincidieron en que aumentó la frecuencia de pacientes con enfermedad de ojo seco (75%), orzuelo/chalazión (62%) y blefaritis (60%). Según un 28%, será habitual el teleseguimiento mediante teleconsulta de dolencias como ojo seco, glaucoma, diabetes, conjuntivitis, hiposfagmas, orzuelos, etc., especialmente en población joven. Esto será especialmente relevante en las enfermedades crónicas o leves de la superficie ocular, y en el seguimiento de pacientes tras operación de cataratas y retinopatía diabética. Conclusiones Durante la pandemia se ha percibido un aumento de la incidencia de ciertas enfermedades de superficie ocular. El seguimiento de enfermedades crónicas o leves de la superficie ocular se vincula a la necesidad de proporcionar formación específica tanto para el paciente como para el profesional que lo atiende, además de protocolos de cribado y derivación que optimicen el flujo asistencial (AU)

Background and objective Digital evolution represents an opportunity for ophthalmology to adapt to new care models. This study aimed to find out how the pandemic has modified the clinical practice and training activities of the ophthalmologist specialized in ocular surface, as well as to analyze emerging trends and needs. Materials and methods This study was carried out through an online survey. A committee of 3 specialists developed a questionnaire of 25 questions structured in: 1) Participant profile; 2) Impact of the pandemic on patient management and professional activities; 3) Trends and needs. Results Sixty-eight clinical ophthalmologists participated. There was a high degree of agreement (90%) that the pandemic has delayed ophthalmological follow-up visits and diagnosis. The participants agreed that the frequency of patients with dry eye disease (75%), stye/chalazion (62%) and blepharitis (60%) has increased. According to 28%, remote monitoring of pathologies such as dry eye, glaucoma, diabetes, conjunctivitis, hyposphagmas, styes, etc., will be common, especially in the young population. This will be especially relevant in chronic or mild pathologies of the ocular surface, and in the follow-up of patients after cataract and diabetic retinopathy interventions. Conclusions During the pandemic, an increase in the incidence of certain ocular surface diseases has been perceived. The telematic follow-up of chronic or mild pathologies of the ocular surface entails the need to provide specific training for both the patient and the healthcare professional, in addition to screening and referral protocols that would optimize the flow of care (AU)

Relación entre el ojo seco y la diabetes mellitus tipo 2

La diabetes mellitus es una patología metabòlica que altera los niveles de glucosa en el cuerpo, siendo más prevalente la tipo 2, la cual puede llegar a modular enfermedades sistémicas que causan diferentes desórdenes metabòlicos y cambios celulares. En cuanto a las alteraciones oftalmológicas, se pueden resaltar la retinopatía diabética y el ojo seco, siendo esta última una condición inflamatoria crónica que ocaciona daños en la superficie ocular. Por lo tanto, esta revisión brindará información de los factores asociados al desarrollo de ojo seco en la diabetes, resaltando cambios en la glicemia y el rol del metabolismo de glucosa sobre estructuras oculares tales como como la glándula lagrimal, glándulas de Meibomio, y en la microvasculatura, que pueden condicionar a trastornos neuropáticos que conducen a la sintomatologia ocular. De igual modo, se describen eventos biológicos como cambios en la expresión epigenética, estrés oxidativo e inflamación que presumiblemente juegan un papel importante en las diabetes y ojo seco, por lo cual la evaluación y análisis de la lágrima en esta población se hace necesaria, teniendo en cuenta los cambios en las estructuras oculares en la diabetes y las novedosas investigaciones sobre biomarcadores de diabetes a través de la película lagrimal.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic pathology that alters glucose levels in the body, being type 2 more prevalent, which can lead to modular systemic diseases that cause different metabolic disorders and cellular changes. Regarding ophthalmological alterations, diabetic retinopathy and dry eye can be highlighted, the latter being a chronic inflammatory condition causing damage to the ocular surface. Therefore, this review will provide information on the factors associated with the development of the dry eye in diabetes, highlighting changes in glycemia and the role of glucose metabolism on ocular structures such as the lacrimal gland, Meibomian glands, and the microvasculature, which can condition neuropathic disorders that lead to ocular symptoms, biological events such as changes in epigenetic expression, oxidative stress, and inflammation are prescribed, which presumably play an important role in diabetes and dry eye, for which the evaluation and analysis of tears in this population is done necessary, taking into account the changes in the ocular structures in diabetes and the new research on biomarkers of diabetes through the tear film.

Adaptation culturally and linguistically to the Chilean population and validation the Dry Eye Questionnaire 5.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There are different methods for evaluating dry eye disease (DID), including questionnaires that analyze different aspects of its symptoms, which are important for its better understanding and therapeutic management. The Dry Eye Questionnaire 5 (DEQ-5), is unique in its kind, because in addition to its simplicity, it measures symptoms in 4 dimensions. The aim of this study is to adapt culturally and linguistically and validate this instrument to the Chilean population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For the adaptation, the translation and retro-translation of the original version was carried out, its linguistic analysis, the pilot test and the expert panel review (which included a linguistics specialist) were used. For the validation, a psychometric analysis of reliability and validity of the construct was incorporated. The sample in which it was validated was constituted by 205 people with dry eye disease. RESULTS: 141 (69%) of the respondents were women, the mean of age was 48 years ±16,7, and the median of the total score DEQ-5 was 13 points (R.I 8-15 points). The adapted version resulted in a Cronbach alpha of 0.8085, scoring that classified it as good. DISCUSSION: The questionnaire DEQ-5, which was adapted and validated, was a good instrument to be used in populations with similar characteristics of those in the study. More so, the factor analysis enriched comprehension of the way in which people with dry eye disease relate their symptoms and which questions relate more between them, representing in a better way the aspects evaluated of the symptomatology of this disease.

IMPULSE Study: Impact of COVID-19 in the present of ophthalmology focusing on ocular surface and future trends.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Digital evolution represents an opportunity for ophthalmology to adapt to new care models. This study aimed to find out how the pandemic has modified the clinical practice and training activities of the ophthalmologist specialised in ocular surface, as well as to analyse emerging trends and needs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out through an online survey. A committee of 3 specialists developed a questionnaire of 25 questions structured in: 1) Participant profile; 2) Impact of the pandemic on patient management and professional activities; 3) Trends and needs. RESULTS: 68 clinical ophthalmologists participated. There was a high degree of agreement (90%) that the pandemic has delayed ophthalmological follow-up visits and diagnosis. The participants agreed that the frequency of patients with dry eye disease (75%), stye/chalazion (62%) and blepharitis (60%) has increased. According to 28%, remote monitoring of pathologies such as dry eye, glaucoma, diabetes, conjunctivitis, hyposphagmas, styes, etc., will be common, especially in the young population. This will be especially relevant in chronic or mild pathologies of the ocular surface, and in the follow-up of patients after cataract and diabetic retinopathy interventions. CONCLUSIONS: During the pandemic, an increase in the incidence of certain ocular surface diseases has been perceived. The telematic follow-up of chronic or mild pathologies of the ocular surface entails the need to provide specific training for both the patient and the healthcare professional, in addition to screening and referral protocols that would optimise the flow of care.

Análisis de pruebas diagnósticas de pacientes con ojo seco e hipotiroidismo: un estudio observacional / Analysis of diagnostic tests in patients with dry eye and hypothyroidism: an observational study

Propósito Colombia es un país con una alta prevalencia de hipotiroidismo, aproximadamente del 18,5% respecto al resto de países latinoamericanos que se estima en un 10%. Es por ello que en la consulta de oftalmología se encuentra una gran proporción de pacientes con esta enfermedad y que además presentan síntomas de ojo seco. Al realizar una búsqueda en la literatura médica, la mayoría de publicaciones se refieren a la presentación clínica de ojo seco del hipertiroidismo. El objetivo de este estudio es describir los hallazgos de las diferentes pruebas para el diagnóstico de ojo seco en pacientes con hipotiroidismo. Métodos Se trata de un estudio observacional, de tipo transversal, realizado en el periodo comprendido entre mayo y diciembre de 2019 en la unidad de superficie ocular del Centro de Tecnología Oftálmica (CTO) en Bogotá. Se evaluaron las pruebas de Test de OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index), Schirmer tipo I, altura del menisco lagrimal, NiBUT, Osmolaridad, test de Ferning, test de verde de lisamina de 59 pacientes con enfermedad de ojo seco y antecedente de hipotiroidismo. Resultados Las prueba de Schirmer tipo I y NiBUT fueron los parámetros que presentaron mayor porcentaje de severidad, mientras que la tinción con verde de lisamina y la meniscometría mostraron tendencia a la normalidad. Conclusione La población de este estudio presenta un ojo seco tipo mixto sin daño en las células epiteliales (AU)

Purpose Colombia is a country with a high prevalence of hypothyroidism, approximately 18.5% compared to the rest of Latin American countries, which is estimated at 10%. That is why in the ophthalmology consultation we find a large proportion of patients with this disease and who also present symptoms of dry eye. When conducting a search in the medical literature, most publications refer to the clinical presentation of dry eye in hyperthyroidism, which is why the main objective of this study is to evaluate tear function tests in the diagnosis of dry eye in patients with hypothyroidism. Methods This is an observational, cross-sectional study carried out in the period between May and December 2019 in the ocular surface unit of the Ophthalmic Technology Center (CTO) in Bogotá. The tests of: OSDI test (Ocular Surface Disease Index), Schirmer type I, tear meniscus height, NiBUT, Osmolarity, Ferning test, Lisamine Green test of 59 patients with Dry Eye Disease and history of hypothyroidism. Results Schirmer type I and NiBUT tests were the parameters that presented the highest percentage of severity, while lissamine green staining and meniscometry showed a tendency to normality. Conclusions The population of this study presents a mixed type dry eye without epithelial cell damage (AU)

Factores tecnológicos-educativos asociados a problemas fisioergonómicos en estudiantes de medicina

Introducción: Existe evidencia sobre el efecto negativo del uso de tecnologías de información y comunicación en estudiantes, sin embargo, poco se conoce sobre problemas fisioergonómicos secundarios a su uso. Objetivo: Identificar los factores tecnológicos-educativos asociados al reporte de 4 problemas fisioergonómicos en estudiantes de medicina. Métodos: Estudio transversal en estudiantes de medicina de 11 países de Latinoamérica y el Caribe. Se utilizó un cuestionario cuyas variables fueron las características socio-educativas y tecnológicas, así como los problemas fisioergonómicos (dolor de cuello, dolor de espalda, ojo seco/rojo y dolor de cabeza). Resultados: De 11 587 estudiantes, 14,5 % reportó presentar 4 problemas fisioergonómicos. La mayoría reportó dolor de cuello (50 %), dolor de espalda (50,5 %) y dolor de cabeza (53,7 %). Tuvieron mayor frecuencia de presentar estos problemas fisioergonómicos las mujeres (RP= 1,06), quienes estudiaron una carrera previa (RP= 1,19), pertenecer a todos los años de estudios (RP= 1,12-1,20), quienes tenían mayor uso de Internet en horas (RP= 1,01) y aquellos que accedían a Twitter en horas de clases (RP= 1,30). La frecuencia de presentar estos problemas disminuyó en quienes tenían menor edad en años (RP= 0,99), procedían de una universidad privada (RP= 0,81), y quienes pertenecían a cualquier grupo extracurricular (RP= 0,67-0,93). Conclusiones: Los factores tecnológicos-educativos asociados al reporte de 4 problemas fisioergonómicos en estudiantes de medicina son ser mujer, tener carrera previa, pertenecer a todos los años de estudios, horas de uso de internet y el acceso a Twitter durante clases.

Introduction: There is evidence on the negative effect of the use of information and communication technologies on students, however, little is known about physio-ergonomic problems secondary to their use. Objective: To identify the technological-educational factors associated with the report of 4 physio-ergonomic problems in medical students. Methods: Cross-sectional study in medical students from 11 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. A questionnaire was used whose variables were socio-educational and technological characteristics, as well as physio-ergonomic problems (neck pain, back pain, dry/red eye and headache). Results: Of 11 587 students, 14.5% reported presenting 4 physio-ergonomic problems. Most reported neck pain (50%), back pain (50.5%), and headache (53.7%). Women (PR= 1.06), who studied a previous degree (PR= 1.19), who belonged to all years of studies (PR= 1.12-1.20), who had greater use of the Internet, had a higher frequency (in hours) of presenting these physio-ergonomic problems (PR= 1.01) and those who accessed Twitter during school hours (PR= 1.30). They decreased the frequency of presenting these problems, being younger in years (PR= 0.99), coming from a private university (PR= 0.81), and who belonged to any extracurricular group (PR= 0.67-0.93). Conclusions: The technological-educational factors associated with the report of 4 physio-ergonomic problems in medical students were being a woman, having a previous degree, belonging to all the years of study, hours of Internet use and access to Twitter during classes.

Síndrome visual informático en universitarios en tiempos de pandemia / Computer visual syndrome in university students in times of pandemic

Introducción Una de las consecuencias del uso prolongado de pantallas luminosas como las del ordenador o las del teléfono móvil es el síndrome visual informático (SVI), donde se presentan síntomas característicos que normalmente desaparecen después de un par de horas de haber dejado de usar los aparatos electrónicos. La prevalencia es alta debido a múltiples factores de riesgo. Objetivo Determinar la prevalencia de SVI en estudiantes de Medicina en tiempos de pandemia. Metodología Estudio observacional descriptivo y de corte transversal. La población a estudio fueron estudiantes de Medicina de la Universidad de Boyacá y los datos fueron recogidos en septiembre y octubre del año 2021 a través de una encuesta electrónica. Resultados Un total de 300 personas participaron en el estudio. El 78% (234) de los estudiantes participantes presentan SVI. El 67,09% (157) de los participantes que refirieron presentar SVI pertenecían al sexo femenino y el 32,91% (77) eran del sexo masculino. Conclusiones El SVI es muy común entre los estudiantes de Medicina de la Universidad de Boyacá. Este estudio ha demostrado que la presencia del SVI se ha asociado significativamente a factores exposicionales que se desencadenaron durante el período de pandemia, en donde las clases virtuales frecuentes y durante horarios prolongados conllevaban a una alta exposición a pantallas. Además, en la era de virtualidad la comunicación mediante redes sociales aumentó el uso de teléfonos móviles, lo cual aumenta la posibilidad de aparición de este síndrome. (AU)

Introduction One of the consequences of prolonged use of bright screens such as those of the computer or cell phone is the computer visual syndrome (CVS), where characteristic symptoms are presented that normally disappear after a couple of hours when you stop using electronic devices. The prevalence is high due to multiple risk factors. Objective To determine the prevalence of CVS in medical students at the University of Boyacá in times of pandemic. Methodology Descriptive and cross-sectional observational study. The study population were medical students, the data were collected in September and October of the year 2021, and an electronic survey was carried out for data collection. Results A total of 300 participants were invited to participate in the study. A percentage of 78 (234) of participating students suffer from CVS. A percentage of 67.09 (157) of the participants who reported suffering from CVS were female and 32.91% (77) were male. ConclusionsCVS is very common among medical students at the University of Boyacá. This study has shown that the presence of CVS has been significantly associated with exposure factors that were triggered during the pandemic period, where frequent virtual classes and long hours led to high exposure to screens. In addition, in the era of virtuality, communication through social networks increased the use of cell phones, which increases the possibility of the appearance of this syndrome. (AU)

Efecto de unas gotas a base de ácido hialurónico, Aloe vera y Centella asiática en la calidad de vida de pacientes con ojo seco / Effect of eye drops based on hyaluronic acid, Aloe vera and Centella asiatica on quality of life of patients with dry eye

Introducción: la enfermedad de ojo seco (EOS) es una patología común y un motivo de consulta frecuente en farmacia comunitaria. Esta tiene un gran impacto en la calidad de vida (QoL) de los pacientes; por ello, un tratamiento adecuado debería mejorarla. Las lágrimas artificiales constituyen la base para el manejo de la EOS y el principal tratamiento de indicación farmacéutica.Objetivo: estudiar el efecto de unas gotas oculares a base de ácido hialurónico, Centella asiática y Aloe vera en la QoL de pacientes con EOS. Paralelamente, la adherencia al tratamiento, la tolerancia y seguridad del producto, fueron evaluados.Metodología: estudio clínico posautorización, abierto, prospectivo y multicéntrico. Los pacientes recibieron el tratamiento durante 60 días. Para estudiar el efecto sobre la QoL, los pacientes cumplimentaron el cuestionario OSDI© antes de iniciar el tratamiento y a los 30 y 60 días de tratamiento. La adherencia se evaluó mediante la reconciliación de los envases y la seguridad mediante un seguimiento de los eventos adversos. Resultados: los pacientes tratados con las gotas oculares, población por intención de tratar (ITT, n=44), obtuvieron mejoras clínicamente importantes en la QoL, sintomatología y función visual, pues la puntuación OSDI© disminuyó de 32,80 (DE=23,00) (basal, EOS severo) a 12.64 (DE=15,32) (estado normal, p<0,001), y a 9.22 (DE=10,37) (estado normal, p<0,001), a los 30 y 60 días, respectivamente. Más del 70 % de los pacientes se adhirieron al tratamiento. El perfil de seguridad fue favorable. Se observaron 4 efectos adversos oculares de intensidad leve. No se plantearon problemas de seguridad. Conclusiones: Las gotas oculares objeto de estudio podrían ser una opción de tratamiento efectiva y segura para mejorar la QoL de pacientes con EOS.

Analysis of diagnostic tests in patients with dry eye and hypothyroidism: an observational study.

PURPOSE: Colombia is a country with a high prevalence of hypothyroidism, approximately 18.5% compared to the rest of Latin American countries, which is estimated at 10%. That is why in the ophthalmology consultation we find a large proportion of patients with this disease and who also present symptoms of dry eye. When conducting a search in the medical literature, most publications refer to the clinical presentation of dry eye in hyperthyroidism, which is why the main objective of this study is to evaluate tear function tests in the diagnosis of dry eye in patients with hypothyroidism. METHODS: This is an observational, cross-sectional study carried out in the period between May and December 2019 in the ocular surface unit of the Ophthalmic Technology Center (CTO) in Bogotá. The tests of: OSDI test (Ocular Surface Disease Index), Schirmer type I, tear meniscus height, NiBUT, Osmolarity, Ferning test, Lisamine Green test of 59 patients with Dry Eye Disease (DED) and history of hypothyroidism. RESULTS: Schirmer type I and NiBUT tests were the parameters that presented the highest percentage of severity, while lissamine green staining and meniscometry showed a tendency to normality. CONCLUSIONS: The population of this study presents a mixed type dry eye without epithelial cell damage.

Computer visual syndrome in university students in times of pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: One of the consequences of prolonged use of bright screens such as those of the computer or cell phone, is the computer visual syndrome where characteristic symptoms are presented that normally disappear after a couple of hours when you stop using electronic devices. The prevalence is high due to multiple risk factors. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of computer vision syndrome in medical students at the University of Boyacá in times of pandemic. METHODOLOGY: Descriptive and cross-sectional observational study. The study population were medical students, the data were collected in September and October of the year, an electronic survey was carried out for data collection. RESULTS: A total of 300 participants were invited to participate in the study. 78% (234) of participating students suffer from SVI. 67.09% (157) of the participants who reported suffering from SVI were female and 32.91% (77) were male. CONCLUSIONS: Computer visual syndrome is very common among medical students at the University of Boyacá. This study has shown that the presence of SVI has been significantly associated with exposure factors that were triggered during the pandemic period, where frequent virtual classes and long hours led to high exposure to screens. In addition, in the era of virtuality, communication through social networks increased the use of cell phones, which increases the possibility of the appearance of this syndrome.

Incidência de lesão de córnea em terapia intensiva: um estudo de coorte / Incidencia de lesión en la córnea en terapia intensiva: un estudio de cohorte / Incidence of corneal injury in intensive care: a cohort study

Resumo Objetivo Identificar a incidência de lesão de córnea em pacientes internados na unidade de terapia intensiva e associar os principais fatores de risco com a ocorrência de lesão de córnea em pacientes internados na unidade de terapia intensiva. Métodos Estudo de coorte prospectivo, no qual foram incluídos 40 pacientes internados na unidade de terapia intensiva, no período de dezembro de 2019 a fevereiro de 2020. A análise de dados ocorreu de forma descritiva e inferencial, por testes estatísticos e medidas de efeito. Resultados A amostra foi composta por 40 pacientes. A lesão de córnea se desenvolveu em 20% (n=8) dos participantes e está significativamente associada aos seguintes fatores: tempo de internação de dois a sete dias (70%; n=28), Glasgow < 13 (50%; n=7), uso de sedativo (33,3%; n=8),uso de broncodilatador (36,8%; n=7), uso de Traqueostomia (TQT) (50%; n=6) e Ventilação Mecânica Invasiva (VMI) (58,3%; n=7), o piscar menos de cinco vezes (61,5%; n=8), o fechamento parcial da pálpebra(38,9%;n=7), a hiperemia (34,8%; n=8), o edema palpebral(41,2%; n=7), o edema conjuntival (50%; n=7) e o ressecamento(50%; n=5). Conclusão O paciente internado em unidade de terapia intensiva está exposto a diversos fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de lesão na córnea, com destaque para ventilação mecânica e Glasgow menor que 13 sendo necessária a implementação de medidas profiláticas para lesão de córnea, mediante o controle e mitigação dos fatores de risco e exposição do paciente.

Resumen Objetivo Identificar la incidencia de lesión en la córnea en pacientes internados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos y asociar los principales factores de riesgo con los episodios de lesión de córnea en pacientes internados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos. Métodos Estudio de cohorte prospectivo, en el que se incluyeron 40 pacientes internados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos, en el período de diciembre de 2019 a febrero de 2020. El análisis de los datos se realizó de forma descriptiva e inferencial, mediante pruebas estadísticas y medidas de efecto. Resultados La muestra estuvo compuesta por 40 pacientes. La lesión en la córnea se presentó en el 20 % (n=8) de los participantes y está significativamente asociada a los siguientes factores: tiempo de internación de dos a siete días (70 %; n=28), Glasgow < 13 (50 %; n=7), uso de sedante (33,3 %; n=8), uso de broncodilatador (36,8 %; n=7), uso de traqueotomía (TQT) (50 %; n=6) y ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI) (58,3 %; n=7), parpadear menos de cinco veces (61,5 %; n=8), cierre parcial del párpado (38,9 %; n=7), hiperemia (34,8 %; n=8), edema palpebral (41,2 %; n=7), edema conjuntival (50 %; n=7) y resecamiento (50 %; n=5). Conclusión Los pacientes internados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos están expuestos a diversos factores de riesgo para contraer lesión en la córnea, con énfasis en la ventilación mecánica y Glasgow menor a 13, para lo cual es necesario implementar medidas profilácticas para lesión en la córnea mediante el control y mitigación de los factores de riesgo y exposición de los pacientes.

Abstract Objective To identify the incidence of corneal injury in patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit and associate the main risk factors with the occurrence of corneal injury in patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit. Methods This is a prospective cohort study, in which 40 patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit were included, from December 2019 to February 2020. Data analysis was descriptive and inferential, using statistical tests and effect measures. Results The sample consisted of 40 patients. Corneal injury developed in 20% (n=8) of participants and is significantly associated with the following factors: length of stay from two to seven days (70%; n=28), Glasgow < 13 (50%; n= 7), use of sedatives (33.3%; n=8), use of bronchodilators (36.8%; n=7), use of tracheostomy (TCT) (50%; n=6) and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) (58.3%; n=7), blinking less than five times (61.5%; n=8), partial eyelid closure (38.9%; n=7), hyperemia (34.8%; n=8), eyelid edema (41.2%; n=7), conjunctival edema (50%; n=7) and dryness (50%; n=5). Conclusion Patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit are exposed to several risk factors for developing corneal injury, with emphasis on mechanical ventilation and Glasgow less than 13, requiring the implementation of prophylactic measures for corneal injury, through the control and mitigation of risk factors and patient exposure.

The Importance of Preventing and Managing Tear Dysfunction Syndrome in Allergic Conjunctivitis and How to Tackle This Problem

Tear dysfunction syndrome, also known as dry eye disease (DED), is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface characterized by the loss of tear film homeostasis. DED shows a significant clinical overlap with ocular allergy (OA), which alters tear film homeostasis, thus predisposing the patient to DED. Both conditions constitute the most common ocular surface disorders and have a potentially severe impact on patients’ quality of life. Clinical practice guidelines recommend topical therapies as first-line treatment for OA. However, eye drop formulations may contain additional substances that can contribute to ocular surface damage and the development of DED. Therefore, physicians treating ocular allergy should be aware of problems affecting the tear film, the role of tear film disruption in OA, and topical treatment to prevent or minimize DED. The aim of this review is to present an updated overview of the topic. (AU)

El síndrome de disfunción lagrimal, también denominado enfermedad del ojo seco (EOS), es una enfermedad multifactorial de la superficie ocular caracterizada por la pérdida de la homeostasis de la película lagrimal. La EOS y la alergia ocular (AO) son patologías que comparten un abanico de signos y síntomas, y pueden aparecer simultáneamente; además, la AO altera la homeostasis de la película lagrimal, predisponiendo a la EOS. Estas dos afecciones constituyen los trastornos más frecuentes de la superficie ocular y pueden afectar notablemente la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Las guías de práctica clínica recomiendan terapias tópicas como tratamiento de primera línea para la alergia ocular. Sin embargo, las fórmulas de los colirios pueden contener aditivos y conservantes que pueden contribuir al daño de la superficie ocular y a la aparición de EOS. Por lo tanto, los facultativos que tratan la alergia ocular deben conocer las implicaciones que conlleva la alteración de la película lagrimal en la conjunctivitis alérgica, el potencial daño que pueden provocar los conservantes incluidos en los colirios empleados en el tratamiento tópico de esta patología, así como los tratamientos disponibles para manejar la EOS y la AO cuando la disfunción de la película lacrimal ya está establecida. El objetivo de esta revisión es presentar una visión general actualizada del tema. (AU)