Biodegradable material for glaucoma drainage devices - A pilot study in rabbits.

PURPOSE: To study the morphological and histological characteristics of the fibrous capsule formed around a novel biodegradable glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implant made of oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) after 1 and 3 months of its implantation. METHODS: It was a prospective, interventional, preclinical experimental study using New Zealand white rabbits. All animals underwent GDD implantation with a novel biodegradable device. The device's body was made of ORC and attached to a silicone tube, connecting the body to the anterior chamber. Histopathology (hematoxylin and eosin/Masson's trichrome staining) and immunohistochemistry (Alpha-Smooth Muscle Actin expression) characteristics of the bleb formed around the novel device were noted at 1 and 3 months. RESULTS: One month post implantation, the biodegradable material produced a significant foreign body type of reaction evidenced by the exuberant infiltration by macrophages, lymphocytes, and multinucleated giant cells. The granulomatous response subsided by 3 months with disorganized collagen deposition on Masson's trichrome staining. The silicone tube was an internal control, and histopathology demonstrated well-organized collagen deposition around it at 3 months. Immunohistochemistry for α-smooth muscle actin also demonstrated more myofibroblast transformation at the site of the tube than the biodegradable implant. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the tissue response around a biodegradable GDD was different from the response to conventional devices. A diffuse, loose vascularized mesh was observed to develop, which may be more compatible with sustained IOP control over a longer period, in contrast to the usual thick and dense capsule formed around the non-biodegradable devices.

Pediatric ophthalmology inpatient consults at a tertiary care children's hospital.

PURPOSE: To analyze the pattern of pediatric ophthalmology inpatient consults at a single children's hospital over 5 years. METHODS: The records of all pediatric ophthalmology consults over a 5-year period were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 1,805 new pediatric inpatient consultations were requested, most commonly for papilledema (14.18%), workup for unknown systemic disease (12.96%), and nonaccidental trauma (8.92%). In 50.86% of consults, an abnormal eye examination was found. When consulted for papilledema or nonaccidental trauma (NAT), we found a positivity rate of 26.56% and 27.95%, respectively. The most common ocular abnormalities noted were orbital/preseptal cellulitis (3.82%), optic disk edema (3.77%), and retinal hemorrhages (3.05%). Over the 5-year period, there was a significant increase in consults to rule out papilledema (P = 0.0001) and for trauma/nonaccidental trauma (P = 0.04) and a decrease in consults for workup of systemic disease (P = 0.03) and to rule out fungal endophthalmitis (P = 0.0007). CONCLUSIONS: We found an abnormal eye examination in half of our consults. When consulted for papilledema or nonaccidental trauma (NAT), we found a positivity rate of 26.56% and 27.95%, respectively.

Tube-in-tube: A Solution for Retracted Tube.

Tube retraction after Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation is an infrequent but known complication. The management option includes the use of a commercially available AGV tube extender, 22 G angiocatheter, resisting the existing glaucoma drainage device (GDD), or insertion of a new GDD. Each of the methods described in the literature has its limitations. We describe the successful management of this complication by using a cost-effective technique of connecting the silicone tube segment to the existing tube to lengthen the tube, so that it could be inserted in the anterior chamber again. The silicone tubes used for the technique were the extra length of the GDD tube, which was cut short and leftover during other GDD implantation surgeries. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: During any GDD implantation, the tube is cut short before entering the anterior chamber. We retrieved the short segments of the tube immediately after the GDD was opened on the table and sterilized them again using plasma technology, available in our operating room. Hence, it provides a cost-effective alternative since the tube is usually trimmed to the desired length in all cases of GDD implantation (valved/non-valved), which can be subsequently sterilized and reused for lengthening the short tube in cases with tube retraction or inadvertently cut tube. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Pandav SS, Gautam N, Thattaruthody F. Tube-in-tube: A Solution for Retracted Tube. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2021;15(1):44-46.

Role of topical interferon alpha-2b in 'mitomycin-C-resistant' ocular surface squamous neoplasia: our preliminary findings.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical presentation of mitomycin-C (MMC)-resistant ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) and its treatment outcome with topical interferon alpha-2b (IFNα-2b). METHODS: A prospective, non-randomised, pilot study enrolling clinically diagnosed OSSN patients. The inclusion criterion was resistance of OSSN to standard topical MMC (0.02%) chemotherapy. The resistance was defined as 'no clinical response' in the terms of reduction in tumour size, extension and vascularity after minimum 6 weeks 'on-cycles' of MMC. Any previous surgical intervention or recurrent OSSN lesions were excluded. Topical MMC was stopped in all, and topical IFNα-2b (1million IU/ml) eyedrops were prescribed to each patient. At first presentation, the clinical features and side-effect profile of MMC was noted and therapeutic effect of IFNα-2b was clinically monitored at each follow-up. Topical immunotherapy was continued for 24 weeks and a minimum follow-up of 12 weeks was observed after stopping IFNα-2b. RESULTS: Six patients with a mean age of 62 years met the inclusion criteria. At presentation, all had unilateral, circumscribed, sessile and unifocal lesions with mean dimensions of 7.67 × 5.17 mm. Four patients had temporal lesions while surface keratin, pigmentation and corneal involvement were noted in three lesions, separately. All lesions had dilated and tortuous feeder vessels. All six tumours resolved completely over a mean tumour resolution time of 16 weeks while the total duration of IFNα-2b treatment was 24 weeks. After stopping immunotherapy, a mean of 14.5 weeks follow-up was observed. None showed any recurrence. The approximate cost of total therapy session was 8400 Indian rupees. CONCLUSION: The OSSN lesions showing 'less or no response' to topical MMC may be shifted to topical recombinant IFNα-2b before proceeding for a surgical excision.

Efficacy of selective laser trabeculoplasty in primary angle closure disease.

BACKGROUND: To study the role of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction in post-laser iridotomy primary angle-closure disease patients with inadequately controlled IOP. METHODS: In this prospective cross-sectional study, 34 patients with primary angle-closure disease with post-laser iridotomy open angles up to at least 180° were recruited. Following SLT, patients were examined at 1 day, 1 week, 1 and 3 months, 6 months and 1 year post SLT. RESULTS: Data of 34 patients (34 eyes; 8 males and 26 females), with a mean age of 57.80 ± 6.44 years, were analysed. The reduction in IOP at each follow-up visit was significant (p < 0.001). The maximum reduction in IOP was noticed on post-laser day 1 and the least reduction was noticed 1 week post laser. Post-SLT range of IOP reduction varied from 9 to 46% at 1 year, which indicates the variability of a response to SLT. Mean IOP in both primary angle closure (PAC) and primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) groups was comparable at all visits except at post-SLT week 1 when IOP in the PACG group was significantly higher than that in the PAC group (p = 0.035). None of the patients complained of pain and/or discomfort or had any clinically significant anterior segment inflammation on any of the follow-up visits. None of the patients underwent repeat SLT or surgery. The mean pre-SLT and post-SLT visual field index at 1-year follow-up was 95.47 ± 3.58 and 95.90 ± 4.13, respectively, which was not significant (p = 0.84). CONCLUSIONS: High baseline IOP significantly correlated with reduction in IOP. Our results suggest that SLT is a safe, cost-effective modality for reducing IOP in primary angle-closure disease with patent laser iridotomy with a visible trabecular meshwork.

Primary lacrimal canaliculitis - A clinical entity often misdiagnosed.

PURPOSE: Primary lacrimal canaliculitis (PLC) is a unique disorder which often gets misdiagnosed by the general as well as speciality-trained ophthalmologists. Elderly patients with history of chronic or recurrent epiphora with discharge, often get mislead towards chronic dacryocystitis. The aim of our report is to discuss the misleading diseases in our PLC patients and to revisit this hidden disease. METHODS: The patients of PLC who were previously misdiagnosed were studied. The clinical history, presenting clinical features, misdiagnosis, and final management of the patients is described. RESULTS: There were 5 misdiagnosed female patients. A history of chronic redness, watering, discharge, and medial canthal region edema lead to the misdiagnosis of chronic dacryocystitis in 3 (60%) and medial marginal chalazion in 2 (40%) cases. Slit-lamp examination revealed localized hyperemia (n = 5), classical pouting of lacrimal punctum (n = 3), and expressible purulent discharge (n = 3). Two patients without punctum pouting had an explicit yellowish hue/discoloration of the canalicular region. Our patients had a mean 4 visits before an accurate diagnosis. Three-snip punctoplasty with canalicular curettage was performed in three while two were managed conservatively. At last follow-up, all patients were symptom-free with punctum and canalicular scarring in three, who underwent surgery. CONCLUSION: PLC is a frequently misdiagnosed clinical entity which delays the initiation of appropriate treatment. A succinct magnified examination of punctum and canalicular region can provide sufficient clues pivotal for accurate diagnosis.

Pattern of Pediatric Uveitis at a Tertiary Referral Institute in North India.

PURPOSE: To report the pattern of pediatric uveitis in a tertiary care referral center in North India. METHODS: In a retrospective study, records of pediatric uveitis cases presenting at our center between 1996 and 2015 were reviewed for demographic data, anatomic distribution, and diagnosis. RESULTS: Out of 9600 patients with uveitis, 369 children (3.84%; age ≤16 years; males: 54.20%) were included in the study. Anterior uveitis was the commonest presentation (n = 158; 42.81%), followed by posterior uveitis (n = 102; 27.64%). Uveitis was bilateral in 57.18% (n = 211). Infective etiology was seen in 99 children, of which tuberculosis was the commonest cause (n = 55; 14.91%). Among non-infectious etiologies, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was the commonest cause (n = 59; 15.99%). CONCLUSIONS: While anterior uveitis is the commonest uveitis in children, our cohort reported a high number of posterior uveitis cases compared to previous studies. Tuberculosis and JIA were the commonest causes of pediatric uveitis.

Is the distance from punctum a factor in the anatomical and functional success of canalicular laceration repairs?

PURPOSE: The aim is to analyze the influence of the location of lacrimal canalicular laceration over the eventual anatomical and functional success after surgery. METHODS: Retrospective, observational study of proximal canalicular laceration (PCL) and distal canalicular laceration (DCL) repairs by a single surgeon (MS). The distance between lacrimal punctum and the lateral canalicular lacerated end was defined as proximal (<6 mm) and distal (≥6 mm). The operation theater setup, microscopic magnified view, local adrenaline, and pigtail probe were used to locate the medial canalicular lacerated end. All patients underwent lacrimal stenting and the stents were removed after 3 months (12th week visit). After stent removal, a fluorescein dye disappearance test and lacrimal irrigation were performed to assess the anatomical and functional success of the operation. RESULTS: Of 36 canalicular lacerations, 30 (83.33%) were monocanalicular lacerations which were repaired using monocanalicular stents. Of 6 (16.67%) bicanalicular lacerations, three were repaired using bicanalicular stents while in the remaining three, one monocanalicular stent was placed in each lacerated canaliculi. The medial cut end was identified by magnified visualization in 27 (75%), with adjunctive local adrenaline in four (11.11%) and pigtail probe in five (13.89%) patients. The mean post stent removal follow-up was 44 weeks. The DCL (n = 24, 66.67%) showed better functional and complete success as compared to PCL (75% vs. 33.33%, P = 0.03). Eight (22.22%) had spontaneous stent extrusion, two (5.56%) had loop prolapse, four (11.11%) had punctum granuloma, and three (8.33%) had medial canthus dystopia. CONCLUSION: The location of canalicular laceration may help to prognosticate the functional and qualified success rate. We experienced better-qualified success in the distal canalicular laceration group.

Role of amniotic membrane and full-thickness skin graft in reconstruction of kissing nevus of eyelids.

A 20-year-old girl presented with a large pigmented lesion over the temporal aspect of left lateral canthus involving the lateral one-third of both eyelids, since birth. A slow increase in its size had been noticed for the past 2 years. On examination, a hairy nevus measuring 34 mm × 22 mm was noticed involving left eyelid skin, the mucocutaneous junction (MCJ), palpebral conjunctiva, and lateral canthus. The surface was irregularly thick and covered with long, thick, and pigmented hairs. A clinical diagnosis of kissing nevus of eyelids was kept and a surgical resection with reconstruction planned. A customized full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) and amniotic membrane grafts (AMGs) were used for the reconstruction of cutaneous and MCJ, respectively. Histopathology showed the features of junctional nevus. At 4 months of follow-up, a well taken FTSG and healthy/sharp MCJ were noticed with no recurrence. We advocate a possible role of AMG, particularly in the reconstruction of the conjunctival mucosa and MCJ.

Ocular mycobacteriosis-dual infection of M. tuberculosis complex with M. fortuitum and M. bovis.

BACKGROUND: We report unfavorable outcome in a patient with subretinal granuloma caused by dual infection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex with Mycobacterium fortuitum and Mycobacterium bovis in an immunosuppressed, non-HIV patient. We did a systematic review of literature on dual infection due to M. tuberculosis and M. fortuitum via MEDLINE and PUBMED and could not find any case reported of causing this kind of dual infection in the eye. RESULTS: A 38-year-old Indian male patient presented with decreased vision in the left eye for 3 months, diagnosed as tubercular choroidal granuloma with associated retinal angiomatosis proliferans (RAP) lesion. He also had multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the chest, and sternal pus sample was positive for acid-fast bacilli (AFB). M. tuberculosis complex was detected by gene expert. The patient was started on antitubercular treatment (ATT) whereby the lung lesions improved but the ocular lesion showed initial clinical improvement followed by worsening. Twenty-five-gauge diagnostic pars plana core vitreous surgery was done whereby sample demonstrated a large number of AFB on Ziehl-Neelsen stain and auramine-rhodamine stain. The vitreous sample showed growth on routinely inoculated mycobacteria growth indicator tube (MGIT) 960 tubes, and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Gene Xpert MTB/ RIF assay (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA), and line probe assay (LPA) were positive for ocular tuberculosis. In view of nonresponse to conventional ATT, a suspicion of dual infection of M. tuberculosis complex with a nontubercular mycobacteria was kept and a subculture was made onto the solid Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) medium from the positive MGIT 960 tubes. Two morphologically distinct types of colonies were obtained on LJ slopes. Subsequently, the two etiological agents were identified as M. fortuitum and M. bovis by PCR from the vitreous sample. CONCLUSIONS: Co-infection of M. tuberculosis complex with nontubercular mycobacterium (NTM) has never been reported from ocular tuberculosis before. In immunosuppressed individuals, who test positive for MTB, not responding to the standard ATT, one needs to have a high index of clinical suspicion to rule out associated NTM infection and initiate appropriate multidrug systemic antibiotic therapy early.

Epidemiology of Uveitis in a Tertiary-care Referral Institute in North India.

PURPOSE: To report epidemiology of uveitis in a tertiary-care referral institute in North India. METHODS: Hospital records of patients with uveitis between June 2011 and September 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 1912 patients, 56.64% were males. Anterior uveitis (43.04%) was the most common manifestation followed by posterior uveitis (24.58%), panuveitis (16.21%), and intermediate uveitis (10.66%). Specific etiologies could be ascertained in 60.56%. Tuberculosis (22.9%) was the most common infectious and HLA-B27-associated uveitis (9.46%) among non-infectious causes. CONCLUSIONS: There is a trend towards a decrease in idiopathic etiologies of uveitis. Tuberculosis remains the most common infectious etiology in North India.

Interferon alfa-2b in the management of recurrent conjunctival papillomatosis.

A 2-year-old boy presented with a recurrent strawberry-like reddish mass arising from the left caruncular region for 8 months. An incisional biopsy was performed elsewhere 2 months earlier, followed by an increase in size of mass, significant epiphora, and intermittent bleeding. On examination, exuberant exophytic gelatinous mass with multifocal origin was observed arising from inferior forniceal conjunctiva and caruncle. Clinical differential of multifocal conjunctival papilloma was kept, and topical interferon alfa-2b (INFα-2b) was started. No clinical reduction in mass or symptomatology was observed over 6 weeks. Excision biopsy with cryotherapy and subconjunctival injection of INFα-2b was performed over all foci. Conjunctival papilloma was confirmed on histopathology, and topical INFα-2b was continued in postoperative period for 3 months. At 14 months of follow-up, no recurrence, epiphora, or bleeding was noticed. We advocate a possible role of local INF therapy in managing and preventing recurrences of conjunctival papillomatosis.

Porosity of Bleb Capsule declines rapidly with Fluid Challenge.

INTRODUCTION: The porosity of the fibrous capsule around a glaucoma drainage device (GDD) may be the most important functional attribute. The factors that determine capsular porosity are not well understood. Failed GDD surgeries are usually associated with thick impervious capsules and components of aqueous have been implicated in this process. PURPOSE: In this study, we interrogated the effect of passage of nonaqueous fluid on capsular porosity in mature (but aqueous naïve) blebs in a previously reported GDD model (the "Center for Eye Research Australia Implant"). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed at two centers using 17 New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. An experimental GDD was implanted into the subconjunctival space but without connection to the anterior chamber. After 28 days, balanced salt solution (BSS) was passed through the implant for 30 to 40 minutes at 12 mm Hg. Capsular porosity was measured as flow (µL/min) at a constant pressure. Porosity of the capsule was retested at 3 and 6 days. RESULTS: There was a marked reduction in capsular porosity within 3 days of exposure to BSS (fluid challenge). Even though the baseline porosity was significantly different in the two groups (3.00 ± 0.5 µL/min and 29.67 ± 12.12 µL/min, p < 0.001), the effect of passage of BSS was similar. Capsular porosity fell by approximately 80% in both groups from baseline after single BSS challenge. Capsular thickness was significantly less in Advanced Eye Center (AEC) rabbits at baseline. There was no change in the capsular thickness before and after single fluid challenge. CONCLUSION: Passage of BSS at physiological pressures for under 40 minutes caused marked reduction in the porosity of the fibrous capsule within 3 days. This was not associated with any significant thickening of the fibrous capsule within this time frame. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Pandav SS, Ross CM, Thattaruthody F, Nada R, Singh N, Gautam N, Beirne S, Wallace GG, Sherwood MB, Crowston JG, Coote M. Porosity of Bleb Capsule declines rapidly with Fluid Challenge. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2016;10(3):91-96.

Postural and diurnal fluctuations in intraocular pressure across the spectrum of glaucoma.

AIMS: To evaluate postural fluctuations (PFs) and diurnal variation (DV) of intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with untreated glaucoma, glaucoma suspects and healthy volunteers, and study their relationship, if any, to the extent of glaucomatous damage. METHODS: This prospective, observational cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary care referral institution. The patient population included five groups of patients comprising the following: 19 with ocular hypertension (OHT), 26 with optic discs suspicious for glaucoma (DS), 18 with normal tension glaucoma (NTG), 19 with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and 20 normal subjects. The IOP was measured at four time periods using Perkins tonometer, in sitting and supine positions. The main outcome measures were change in IOP with posture, the DV in both postures and the relationship between PF, DV and the extent of visual field damage. RESULTS: The supine IOP was significantly higher than the sitting IOP, at all time points of the day, in all groups (p<0.001). The PF at 04:30 was significantly higher in POAG, OHT and NTG. The PF at 09:00 correlated significantly with the mean deviation (MD) on visual fields in the NTG group (r=0.735; p=0.001). The DV did not correlate with the MD in any of the five groups studied. CONCLUSIONS: The significantly higher supine IOP is frequently missed in routine glaucoma practice. An early morning supine IOP measurement may reveal a peak IOP hitherto not picked up during routine office IOP measurements, and may be a useful measurement in unexplained progressive glaucoma.