FIL-SSF Carlevale intraocular lens for sutureless scleral fixation: 7 recommendations from a serie of 72 cases. MICA study (Multicentric Study of the Carlevale IOL).

PURPOSE: Lacking a standard technique, the surgical management of aphakia without capsular support remains to be optimized. The goal of this study is to analyze results for the Carlevale FIL-SSF intraocular lens and propose surgical recommendations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The P1.5 Collective performed a retrospective analysis, with a minimum follow-up of 6 months, of the records of 72 implantations of the Carlevale FIL-SSF intraocular lens, specifically designed for sutureless scleral fixation in the ciliary sulcus. RESULTS: The most common indication was exchange of a posterior chamber intraocular lens (70.8%). The surgery lasted a mean of 53.4minutes due to the creation of scleral flaps. The implant was damaged in 12.5% of cases. Visual acuity was improved in 83.3% of cases. The postoperative spherical equivalent was -0.3 diopters, with no change in corneal astigmatism. The implant was centered and stable in all cases. Two cases (2.8%) of cystoid macular edema were observed and resolved over six months. DISCUSSION: A number of advantages of the Carlevale FIL-SSF intraocular lens make it a safe and effective solution for correction of aphakia in the absence of capsular support. It requires a longer than usual surgical procedure, and the implant must be handled with care. From their experience, the authors propose 7 recommendations to accelerate the learning curve. CONCLUSION: In light of the results of this study, we propose the Carlevale FIL-SSF intraocular lens as the new standard for the correction of aphakia without capsular support, but other studies are necessary to determine its exact place within the heirarchy of other available techniques.

Sclerotic scatter.

Sclerotic scatter involves the scattering of incident light by the limbal sclera followed by entry of part of the scattered light into the cornea, where some of the light travels through total internal reflection to the other side, where it scatters a second time in the limbal sclera. It is then visible in the form of a limbal scleral arc of light. Sclerotic scatter has been used for decades to spot and delineate corneal opacities, which disrupt and scatter the light travelling through total internal reflection. To implement the technique, the slit beam and the binoculars of the slit lamp should be dissociated so that the limbal sclera is illuminated, while the binoculars are centered on the cornea. The technique does not provide any information as to the depth of corneal opacities and therefore needs to be complemented by direct illumination. The second sclerotic scatter may also be used clinically, for instance for diode cycloablation, the posterior part of the arc of light projecting 0.5mm behind the scleral spur. This article aims to describe the phenomenon of sclerotic scatter, explaining how the slit-lamp should be set to use this technique, describing its clinical applications (in the opacified cornea and in the normal sclera), showing that the limbal scleral arc of light of sclerotic scatter may be seen under certain circumstances in daily life with the naked eye and, finally, explaining how the arc of light differs from peripheral light focusing ("Coroneo effect").

Central retinal artery occlusion without underlying chronic ocular ischemic syndrome may lead to neovascular glaucoma.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence and etiology of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) as a complication of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a debated issue. According to some authors, NVG associated with CRAO always involves underlying chronic ocular ischemic syndrome (COIS) as a primum movens for CRAO. However, we describe 5 cases of NVG following CRAO with no underlying COIS, confirmed by carotid Doppler studies and ultrasound color Doppler imaging (USCDI) of the ophthalmic artery (OA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective analysis of the medical records of 5 consecutive patients who developed NVG following non-arteritic CRAO between July 2010 and July 2014. RESULTS: Five patients were included. All 5 patients were examined at the emergency room. The 5 patients had normal intraocular pressure and no intraocular neovascularization upon initial examination. They had no hemodynamically significant internal carotid artery stenosis, and the ophthalmic artery USCDI was normal. These 5 patients developed NVG subsequently to the CRAO. CONCLUSIONS: In our patients, carotid Doppler studies and USCDI of the OA ruled out COIS. Thus, COIS did not cause the NVG. CRAO may therefore lead to neovascular glaucoma without underlying COIS.

[Are the ophthalmology items of the French health record realistic?]. / Les items d'ophtalmologie du carnet de santé sont-ils réalistes ?

PURPOSE: Since 2006, French general practitioners have had to carry out an ophthalmological screening for children, using a methodology contained within the child's health record (carnet de santé). The purpose of this screening is to allow an early diagnosis of sight-threatening as well as potentially life-threatening conditions (e.g., retinoblastoma). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the theoretical knowledge and the clinical skills of practitioners implementing the screening, with regards to two specific items of the health record screening schedule, by means of a questionnaire. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From December 2013 to September 2014, 42 practitioners (16 general practitioners, 14 pediatricians, 12 resident physicians) from four distinct locations in Normandy, France, were questioned using a questionnaire on two ophthalmological items of the French health record: one on red reflex and one on eyeball size. RESULTS: Only four of 42 practitioners provided correct answers on the red reflex color. Thirty of 42 practitioners reported difficulties performing the red reflex test, mostly because they did not know the normality criteria and the purpose served by this test. Thirty-three of 42 practitioners declared that they found it difficult to know whether or not eyeball sizes were normal, mostly because they were unaware of the normality criteria. None of the practitioners provided the correct (to within ± 1 mm) mean horizontal cornea diameter in full-term newborns and adults. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that there is poor theoretical knowledge and a low level of clinical skill for practitioners performing the ophthalmological screening based on the French health record schedule. This schedule therefore does not seem to meet its purpose.

Beyond-the-edge proliferation after relaxing retinectomy.

PURPOSE: To report beyond-the-edge proliferation (BTEP) after relaxing retinectomies (RR) i.e. fibrous sheets stretched between the RR edge and the far periphery; to evaluate the tractional potential and report the long-term course of BTEP. METHODS: Retrospective review of the medical records of 83 patients having undergone a RR between January 2009 and December 2014 to identify patients with BTEP. RESULTS: Six patients aged 31 to 76 were identified. Retinectomy had been performed for traumatic retinal incarceration in one case and anterior PVR in 5 cases. BTEP occurred within weeks of the RR (earliest: 5 weeks). It was discovered intraoperatively in two patients with silicone oil tamponade, at 7 weeks and 6 months respectively after RR. It recurred over a few months after excision in 5 patients, causing inferior tractional retinoschisis in 4 patients and inferior tractional retinal detachment in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: BTEP is an unusual form of proliferative vitreoretinopathy developing despite the absence of the usual vitreo-retinal support (excised during RR), probably through compartmentalization and cell migration along the inferior interface between silicone oil or gas and the aqueous humour. BTEP can cause serious retinal traction, develops over weeks after the RR and recurs frequently a few months after excision.

[Neurotrophic keratitis after vitrectomy and circumferential endophotocoagulation for retinal detachment]. / Kératite neurotrophique après chirurgie du décollement de rétine par vitrectomie et endophotocoagulation circonférentielle.

INTRODUCTION: Circumferential (360°) endophotocoagulation is frequently implemented during vitrectomies for retinal detachment. This photocoagulation may result in neurotrophic keratitis by damaging the ciliary nerves in the suprachoroidal space on their way to the pupil. We report a series of 4 cases of neurotrophic keratitis following a circumferential endophotocoagulation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational case series of 4 non-diabetic patients having presented with a neurotrophic keratitis following a retinal detachment treated with vitrectomy and circumferential endophotocoagulation (532 nm) at Caen University Hospital. We report the various forms of corneal lesions and the diagnostic criteria allowing for the diagnosis of neurotrophic keratitis. DISCUSSION: Neurotrophic keratitis is caused by lesions occurring at various levels of corneal innervation. Endophotocoagulation may cause a neurotrophic keratitis by damaging the short and long ciliary nerves on their way to the pupil in the suprachoroidal space. The sequelae of this condition can limit visual recovery. Hence, it is probably advisable to screen for corneal anesthesia or severe hypesthesia following a retinal detachment treated with vitrectomy and circumferential endophotocoagulation and to implement prophylactic treatment (intensive lubricant therapy; preservative-free eye drops) if needed. CONCLUSION: The risk of neurotrophic keratitis should be weighed against the dose of laser retinopexy necessary and sufficient to obtain a sustained retinal reattachment. If circumferential endophotocoagulation is implemented, it is probably sensible to monitor corneal sensitivity and to adapt postoperative treatment if necessary.

[Evaluation of diabetic retinopathy screening using non-mydriatic fundus camera performed by physicians' assistants in the endocrinology service]. / Évaluation du dépistage de la rétinopathie diabétique par rétinographe non mydriatique effectué par des aides-soignant(e)s d'un service d'endocrinologie.

INTRODUCTION: Since 2010, the High Authority for health (HAS) recommends the use of non-mydriatic fundus camera for diabetic retinopathy screening. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of screening for diabetic retinopathy using the non-mydriatic retinal camera by a physician's assistant in the endocrinology service. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of all diabetic patients hospitalized in the endocrinology department between May 2013 and November 2013. For each endocrinology patient requiring screening, a previously trained physician's assistant performed fundus photos. The ophthalmologist then provided a written interpretation of the photos on a consultant's sheet. RESULTS: Of the 120 patients screened, 40 (33.3%) patients had uninterpretable photos. Among the 80 interpretable photos, 64 (53.4%) patients had no diabetic retinopathy, and 16 (13.3%) had diabetic retinopathy. No patient had diabetic maculopathy. DISCUSSION: Specific quality criteria were established by the HAS for screening for diabetic retinopathy using the non-mydriatic retinal camera in order to ensure sufficient sensitivity and specificity. In our study, the two quality criteria were not achieved: the rates of uninterpretable photos and the total number of photos analyzed in a given period. CONCLUSION: In our center, we discontinued this method of diabetic retinopathy screening due to the high rate of uninterpretable photos. Due to the logistic impossibility of the ophthalmologists taking all the fundus photos, we proposed that the ophthalmic nurses take the photos. They are better trained in the use of the equipment, and can confer directly with an ophthalmologist in questionable cases and to obtain pupil dilation as necessary.

[Serious adverse side effects after pupillary dilation in preterm infants]. / Effets indésirables graves liés à la dilatation pupillaire chez le prématuré.

PURPOSE: This study aimed at investigating serious side effects of the pupillary dilation protocol used in Caen University Hospital for the screening of retinopathy of prematurity. This protocol includes one drop of phenylephrine 5% and two drops of tropicamide 0.5% instilled at a 5-minute interval. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included all premature infants with a birth weight less than or equal to 1500 g and/or a gestational age less than or equal to 30 gestational weeks, hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit of Caen University Medical Center, having ocular fundus examinations for retinopathy of prematurity screening between 2009 and 2014. The medical records of patients who died or developed necrotizing enterocolitis were reviewed to analyze the imputability of the two eye drops used for pupil dilation. RESULTS: Five-hundred and twelve infants were included, corresponding to 1033 ocular fundus examinations. No case of death could be ascribed to the use of eye drops. Two cases of necrotizing enterocolitis could be ascribed to the use of tropicamide with a doubtful and plausible intrinsic imputability according to French imputability criteria. CONCLUSION: The pupillary dilation protocol used in Caen University Hospital for screening of retinopathy of prematurity might be implicated in two cases of necrotizing enterocolitis with an uncertain imputability of tropicamide 0.5% eye drops. No serious side effect could be ascribed to the use of phenylephrine 5% eye drops in this study.

[Optic nerve head avulsion: a case report]. / Avulsion du nerf optique: à propos d'un cas.

Optic nerve head avulsion is a rare condition. It consists in a rupture of the nerve fibers at the level of the lamina cribrosa followed by a retraction of these fibers into the intact optic sheath. We report a case of optic nerve head avulsion following globe contusion. The association of a sudden forced globe rotation, a possible acute proptosis, and a sudden rise in intraocular pressure likely caused the avulsion. The presence of intraocular hemorrhages did not prevent examination of the optic nerve head region, which showed a crater. Initial visual acuity was no light perception. An orbit bone fracture was ruled out after CT examination. The patient was treated with general antibiotics and eyedrops (antibiotic/corticosteroid and atropine). No visual recovery was observed.

[Advantages of in vivo confocal microscopy for investigation of the pterygium]. / Apport de la microscopie confocale in vivo à l'étude des ptérygions.

PURPOSE: To describe the pterygium structure with a high-resolution in vivo confocal microscope and to show the typical components of active pterygium. METHODS: In this study, 15 patients with 20 pterygia were examined. None of them had had prior pterygium surgery. Slit lamp examination and in vivo confocal microscopy imaging (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II Rostock Cornea Module) were performed. RESULTS: The images obtained consisted of two-dimensional high-resolution optical sections. We could identify the pterygial epithelium and its border, pterygial stroma and its vascularization, the pterygium corneal limits, and numerous inflammatory cells in active pterygia. DISCUSSION: Many reports have been written about pterygium structure. In vivo confocal microscopy imaging is a new approach to this pathology and provides a precise evaluation of active pterygium.

[Quadruple sectoranopia]. / Quadruple sectoranopie.

Quadruple sectoranopia is a rare campimetric syndrome involving upper and lower, homonymous, congruent field blind sectors sparing a horizontal zone. Ischemia or infarction of the lateral parts of the lateral geniculate body, supplied by the distal part of the anterior choroidal artery, accounts for the visual field defect. Ganglionic nerve fiber atrophy matched to the visual field defect may be found if the lateral geniculate body dysfunction involves infarction. The four cases reported so far involve the following etiologies: a case of surgical ligation of the distal part of the anterior choroidal artery during cerebral meningioma removal, two cases of stroke with anterior choroidal artery infarction, and a case of vascular steal with anterior choroidal artery blood flow being shunted away from the lateral geniculate body by an arteriovenous malformation. If lateral geniculate body infarction is not solely involved, partial recovery may occur, ischemic quiescent neuronal areas being able to resume their activity following ischemia resolution.