Orbital fat graft retroseptal transconjunctival blepharoplasty for treatment of groove in the infraorbital region.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of the retroseptal transconjunctival blepharoplasty together with tear trough ligament (TTL) and Orbicularis retaining ligament (ORL) release with orbital fat graft in the management of groove in the infraorbital region (GIR). METHODS: A prospective study of 80 eyes of 40 patients that underwent retroseptal transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty together with TTL and ORL release and resected orbital fat grafting. An ophthalmic examination includes lower eyelid evaluation and Barton's Tear trough deformity grading was done at baseline, 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after the surgery. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using Global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) and Blepharoplasty outcomes evaluation (BOE). RESULTS: Baseline tear trough defects were graded into grade 1, 2, and 3 in 12 (15%), 39 (48.75%) and 29 (36.25%) eyes, respectively. While at 6 months follow-up, grade 0 was recorded in 63 (78.75%) eyes, and grade 1 was recorded in 17 (21.25%) eyes. The amount of fat removed was 0.52 ± 0.04 mL per eye, whereas the amount of injected fat graft was 0.24 ± 0.04. The mean operative time was 33.2 ± 4.1 min per eye. GAIS showed degree 1, 2, and 3 in 8 (20%), 29 (72.5%), and 3 (7.5%) patients at 6 months follow-up, respectively. The mean baseline BOE increased significantly from 36.5 ± 5.9 to 86.9 ± 5.5 at 6 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our cohort highlights the beneficial effects of TTD/ORL release with resected orbital fat grafting in the management of GIR and infraorbital hollow.

Comparison between intravitreal brolucizumab and aflibercept in the treatment-naive central involved diabetic macular edema: One-year real-life case series.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of intravitreal brolucizumab (IVB) and intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) injections in the management of naive central involved diabetic macular edema (CIDME). METHODS: This study included 45 treatment-naive eyes with CIDME. A complete ophthalmic examination, including BCVA and SD-OCT was performed. Patients were randomized to (IVB) or (IVA) groups. All participants received a loading phase of three consecutive intravitreal injections, then followed by a personalized treat and extend (T&E) regimen. RESULTS: At 12-month follow-up, the mean numbers of injections in IVA and IVB groups were 7.25 ± 0.53 and 6.3 ± 0.45, respectively (P < 0.0001). The IVA group showed a significant increase of the mean BCVA from 0.66 ± 0.15 logMAR (50.9 ± 7.7 letters) to 0.41 ± 0.19 logMAR (63.7 ± 10.8 letters). Mean CFT decreased significantly from 441.2 ± 35.7 µm to 281.3 ± 18.4 µm. The IVB group showed a significant increase of mean BCVA from 0.65 ± 0.16 logMAR (52.1 ± 7.9 letters) to 0.39 ± 0.17 logMAR (65.3 ± 8.7 letters). Mean CFT decreased significantly from 437.2 ± 41.9 µm to 275.5 ± 21.7 µm.No significant difference between both groups in terms of the vision improvement and the reduction of CFT was reported, whereas a statistical difference was observed in terms of intravitreal injections (IVI) numbers. No ocular complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: This case series highlights the effectiveness of both brolucizumab and aflibercept in the treatment of CIDME with a lower frequency of injection in brolucizumab group lowering the burden of IVI in this cohort.

Efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids and punctal plugs in the prevention of isotretinoin-associated ocular surface disease.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of omega-3 fatty acids and punctal plugs on tear film and ocular surface parameters in patients receiving systemic isotretinoin therapy. METHODS: This is a prospective randomized study that included 180 eyes of 90 patients who had systemic isotretinoin therapy (120-150 mg/kg for at least 4-6 months). Exclusion criteria: DED according to the diagnostic criteria of TFOS DEWS II. Patients were assigned into three groups; (1) O3FAs/PPs group: A soft preloaded silicone plug was inserted in the inferior punctum of both eyes and received oral O3FAs two capsules twice daily total daily dose of 1040 mg/day for 6 months. (2) PPs group: A soft preloaded silicone plug was inserted in the inferior punctum of both eyes and received oral placebo. (3) Isotretinoin group: No intervention was done. At baseline, 1 week, 1, 3, and 6 months of study, Ocular surface evaluation tests were done in following order: OSDI, tear osmolarity, Schirmer's I test, TBUT, ocular surface staining score, and meibomian gland expression. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The changes in measurement of ocular surface evaluation tests including ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear film breakup time (TFBUT), corneal staining, tear osmolarity, and meibomian gland expression at 6 months. RESULTS: There are significant changes between all groups at 6 months follow-up. The ocular surface parameters were better for the PPs and O3FAs/PPs groups than the isotretinoin group. The isotretinoin group showed worsening of ocular surface parameters including a significant decrease of FTBUT and an increase of OSDI score, corneal staining score, tear osmolarity, and meibomian expression score. There was no significant difference in ST1 throughout the whole study in all groups. At 6 months follow-up, there were no statistically significant differences between PPs and O3FAs/PPs groups except meibomian expression score which showed a significant increase in PPs group. CONCLUSION: Our cohort highlights the beneficial effects of the combination of O3FAs supplementation with PPs in the prevention of isotretinoin-associated OSD in this sample study.

Pentacam corneal densitometry-guided treatment of adenoviral corneal subepithelial infiltrates: a comparative study between transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy and topical tacrolimus.

PURPOSE: To compare the changes in the measurement of corneal densitometry and total corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) between topical tacrolimus and transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy (Te-PTK) in the treatment of adenoviral corneal subepithelial infiltrates (SEIs). SUBJECT AND METHODS: This is an interventional prospective randomized study, including 63 eyes of 35 patients with symptomatic adenoviral corneal SEIs for at least 6 months. All patients underwent previous topical steroid therapy associated with unsatisfactory response and/or complications. Patients were assigned into three groups: (1) Te-PTK group: Te-PTK with MMC 0.02% was performed by a Technolas; Teneo excimer laser; (2) tacrolimus group: tacrolimus 0.03% ointment was applied once daily for 2-6 months; the endpoint of treatment was based on the improvement in the corneal densitometry, BCVA, and OSDI; and (3) control group: no intervention was done. BCVA, corneal densitometry, and total corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) evaluation using Pentacam HR were done at the baseline, 1 week, and then 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of the study. RESULTS: The study population was similar between all groups. The mean follow-up was 12.75 ± 0.9 months. Bilateral corneal SEI was recorded at 80%. At 12-month follow-ups, the mean BCVA improved in both the Te-PTK and tacrolimus groups without significant changes in the control group. The mean corneal densitometry of the anterior, central, and total cornea decreased significantly in the Te-PTK and tacrolimus groups. HO-RMS and total RMS decreased significantly in the Te-PTK and tacrolimus groups. BCVA, corneal densitometry (anterior, central, and total cornea), and corneal aberrations (total coma, total trefoil, HO-RMS, and total RMS) values were significantly better for the Te-PTK and tacrolimus groups than the control group. There were no statistically significant differences between Te-PTK and tacrolimus groups in terms of BCVA, corneal densitometry, corneal HOA, and the persistence of corneal SEIs. The persistence of corneal SEIs was significantly lower in Te-PTK and tacrolimus groups than the control group. CONCLUSION: Te-PTK and topical tacrolimus are effective methods for the treatment of adenoviral corneal SEIs improving visual acuity, corneal densitometry, and corneal HOA. The densitometry program of the Pentacam may give an objective guide for the treatment of adenoviral corneal SEIs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID is NCT04267991.

AS-OCT Guided Treatment Of Diffuse Conjunctival Squamous Cell Carcinoma With Resection, Amniotic Membrane Graft And Topical Mitomycin C.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of combined limited surgical resection, amniotic membrane graft and topical mitomycin C in treatment of diffuse conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) diagnosed and followed up by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was performed on 24 eyes with diffuse CSCC. Fifteen eyes underwent lesion limited resection followed by postoperative topical mitomycin C 0.04% eye drop (MMC group) while nine eyes underwent complete excision and cryotherapy (no MMC group). Amniotic membrane graft was applied in all cases. The diagnosis was based on clinical and AS-OCT specific criteria of CSCC and was confirmed by histopathological results. RESULTS: The study population was similar between the two groups. Mean postoperative follow-up was 27.1±4.1 months. The mean extent of the limbal involvement was 7.0±0.7 and 7.25±0.6 clock hours in MMC and no MMC groups, respectively. The mean size of conjunctival defect after tumor excision in MMC group (60.8±9.2 mm2) was significantly lower than in no MMC group (92.4±17.3 mm2). Histopathological diagnosis revealed invasive SCC in all specimens. The mean preoperative conjunctival epithelial thickness decreased significantly in both groups at 2-year follow-up. It decreased from 267±24.2 and 256±19.1 µm preoperatively to 56.7±11.6 and 60.4±9.6 µm at 2-year follow-up in MMC and no MMC groups, respectively. The mean number of MMC treatment cycles was 2.1±0.85 cycles. Recurrence was recorded in zero (0%) and 1 (11%) patients at 2-year follow-up in MMC and no MMC groups, respectively. Histopathological diagnosis revealed invasive SCC in all specimens. The mean preoperative conjunctival epithelial thickness decreased significantly in both groups at 2-year follow-up. It decreased from 267±24.2 and 256±19.1 µm preoperatively to 56.7±11.6 and 60.4±9.6 µm at 2-year follow-up in MMC and no MMC groups, respectively. The mean number of MMC treatment cycles was 2.1±0.85 cycles. Recurrence was recorded in zero (0%) and 1 (11%) patients at 2-year follow-up in MMC and no MMC groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: The treatment of diffuse CSCC with AS-OCT guided combined therapy includes limited surgical resection, AMG, and postoperative topical MMC, achieves a complete tumor resolution and good functional and cosmetic outcomes minimizing the burden of surgery, and improves postoperative patient comfort in our study cohort.

Outcome of "treat and monitor" regimen of aflibercept and ranibizumab in macular edema secondary to non-ischemic branch retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of a modified PRN treatment regimen ("treat and monitor") of aflibercept and ranibizumab in macular edema secondary to non-ischemic branch retinal vein occlusion. METHODS: Seventy eyes of 70 patients with treatment naïve branch retinal vein occlusion were enrolled. All patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive intravitreal aflibercept (34 eyes) and ranibizumab (36 eyes) with a "treat and monitor" treatment regimen with monthly follow-up for 12 months. Primary outcome measures included mean change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) at month 12 compared to baseline. RESULTS: At 12 months follow-up, the mean BCVA improved from 0.58 ± 0.13 to 0.20 ± 0.15 logMAR (P = 0.0003) in the aflibercept group (mean injections 2.6 ± 1.51) and from 0.52 ± 0.11 to 0.21 ± 0.1 logMAR (P = 0.0002) in the ranibizumab group (mean injections 2.8 ± 1.78). No statistical difference between the two groups in terms of the visual acuity gains in eyes with macular edema secondary to non-ischemic BRVO treated with either aflibercept or ranibizumab was observed. Mean CFT reduced from 498 ± 46 to 204 ± 23 µm (P < 0.0001) in the aflibercept group and from 488 ± 31 to 212 ± 29 µm (P < 0.0001) in the ranibizumab group. CONCLUSION: "Treat and monitor" regimen is a real-life effective strategy in improving visual acuity after macular edema from branch vein occlusion and in reducing the number of injections.

Outcomes of Vertical Split Conjunctival Autograft Using Fibrin Glue in Treatment of Primary Double-Headed Pterygia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficiency of pterygium excision with the vertical split conjunctival technique using fibrin glue in treatment of primary double-headed pterygia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 15 eyes of 15 patients with primary double-headed pterygia that underwent vertical split conjunctival autograft pterygium surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Recurrence was defined as fibrovascular proliferation over the limbus onto the cornea. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 36.92 ± 10.8 years. At 12-month follow-up, recurrence was not seen in any cases. Regarding postoperative cosmetic grading, grade 1 (the appearance of the operated site is not different from the normal appearance) was found in 12 eyes (80%) and grade 2 (some fine episcleral vessels in the excised area extending up to but not beyond the limbus and without fibrous tissue) was found in 3 eyes (20%). None of the cases showed conjunctival scarring or fibrosis at the conjunctival donor area. Preoperative Sim K astigmatism at the central 3 mm and BCVA were 3.05 ± 1.5 diopters (D) and 0.64 ± 0.26 logMAR, which improved significantly to 1.15 ± 0.84 D and 0.26 ± 0.18 logMAR at 12-month follow-up postoperatively, respectively. CONCLUSION: Vertical split conjunctival autograft using fibrin glue is an effective technique with good cosmetic results and low to no recurrence for primary double-headed pterygia treatment. This trial is registered with NCT03507283.