High frequency of digital eye strain and dry eye disease in teleworkers during the coronavirus disease (2019) pandemic.

Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate visual display terminal (VDT)-related digital eye strain (ES) and dry eye disease (DED) symptoms in subjects whose work was changed to teleworking (TW) during the coronavirus pandemic. Methods. A digital self-reported survey was conducted on subjects in TW, including demographics, medical history, VDT time and ES-related symptoms before and during the pandemic and DED (dry eye questionnaire 5 [DEQ-5] questionnaire). Results. A total of 1797 questionnaires were analyzed. Mean age was 40.5 (SD 11.1) years, and 69.9% were female. The mean number of TW weeks was 10.2 (SD 3.0). The total VDT total hours increased from 7.4 (SD 3.3) to 9.5 (SD 3.3) (p < 0.001). All ES symptoms presented a significant increase (p < 0.001). The mean DEQ-5 score was 8.3 (SD 4.9). The oldest group presented lower values, and women had a higher score (p < 0.001). Additionally, 28.6% of the subjects were classified with severe DED, and the variables associated with a logistic regression model were total VDT hours, female gender, refractive surgery, rosacea, depression, previous DED, keratoconus and blepharitis. Conclusions. The number of VDT hours seemed to be a relevant factor for increase in ES symptoms and a high prevalence of DED during the pandemic period.

Dry Eye and Visual Display Terminal-Related Symptoms among University Students during the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic.

PURPOSE: To evaluate dry eye (DE) and subjective visual display terminal (VDT)-related symptoms in university students who moved their classes online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of students who were taking online classes. In May 2020, the participants completed a Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5) and a self-report survey, which included demographics, medical history, information on the use of VDT and presence of VDT-related symptoms. Participants were classified as having mild/moderate (7-12) or severe (>12) DE symptoms based on their DEQ-5 score. The associations between severe DE symptoms and relevant factors were also evaluated. RESULTS: The data of 1450 eligible students were analyzed. The mean age of the participants was 21.1 (2.7) years. 42.8% of the participants had mild/moderate DE symptoms, whereas 34.7% had severe symptoms. Associated factors for severe DE were female sex (OR = 2.57, CI [1.97-3.35]), allergic disease (OR = 1.63, CI [1.24-2.13]), previous dry eye diagnosis (OR = 13.49, CI [7.10-25.63]), keratoconus (OR = 5.56, CI [1.27-24.44], contact lens use (OR = 1.77, CI [1.24-2.53]) and duration of VDT use (OR = 1.02, CI [1.01-1.05]). Prior to the pandemic, the mean reported duration of VDT use was 9.8 (4.7) hours; this increased to 15.9 (5.8) hours during the online classes (p < .001). 80.6% of the participants reported a global increase in VDT-related symptoms. CONCLUSION: Students taking online classes had a high frequency of DE symptoms. They also reported a significant increase in VDT-related symptoms. DE should be considered as an emerging health problem among the young population, which is probably related to the recent changes in lifestyle.

[Validation of the Ocular Surface Disease Index Questionnaire for Chilean patients]. / Adaptación cultural y validación del cuestionario Ocular Surface Disease Index en una población chilena.

BACKGROUND: Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) is the most commonly used questionnaire worldwide to detect dry eye disease. Although it is massively used in clinical practice in Chile, its use has not been validated yet in the country. AIM: To develop a cultural adaptation and to validate the OSDI questionnaire for the Chilean population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For cultural adaptation, a translation, retro-translation and an expert panel review was carried out. The resulting questionnaire was applied to a pilot group of twelve participants and their comments were considered for the final questionnaire version. The final questionnaire was applied to a non-random sample of 200 patients aged 53 ± 17 years (75% women). Internal consistency and construct validity were evaluated by Cronbach's alpha and exploratory factor analysis respectively. RESULTS: According to the OSDI score, 81% of respondents had dry eye (55% severe). Reliability was 0.91 and factor analysis resulted in three factors explaining 75.4% of the total variance. CONCLUSIONS: The OSDI questionnaire version obtained in this study demonstrated excellent internal consistency values and adequate construct validity making it applicable to clinical practice and dry eye research.

Adaptación cultural y validación del cuestionario Ocular Surface Disease Index en una población chilena / Validation of the Ocular Surface Disease Index Questionnaire for Chilean patients

Background: Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) is the most commonly used questionnaire worldwide to detect dry eye disease. Although it is massively used in clinical practice in Chile, its use has not been validated yet in the country. Aim: To develop a cultural adaptation and to validate the OSDI questionnaire for the Chilean population. Material and Methods: For cultural adaptation, a translation, retro-translation and an expert panel review was carried out. The resulting questionnaire was applied to a pilot group of twelve participants and their comments were considered for the final questionnaire version. The final questionnaire was applied to a non-random sample of 200 patients aged 53 ± 17 years (75% women). Internal consistency and construct validity were evaluated by Cronbach's alpha and exploratory factor analysis respectively. Results: According to the OSDI score, 81% of respondents had dry eye (55% severe). Reliability was 0.91 and factor analysis resulted in three factors explaining 75.4% of the total variance. Conclusions: The OSDI questionnaire version obtained in this study demonstrated excellent internal consistency values and adequate construct validity making it applicable to clinical practice and dry eye research.

Isolated conjunctival granuloma as a first manifestation of Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome: A case report.

PURPOSE: Parinaud's oculo-glandular syndrome (POGS) is the most frequent manifestation of ocular bartonellosis, and usually presents with local lymphadenopathies and systemic symptoms. We present a case of isolated conjunctival granuloma as the sole manifestation of ocular bartonellosis. OBSERVATIONS: A 67-year-old female presented to the authors' eye clinic with complaints of a 2-week history of unilateral red eye and chemosis. Slit lamp examination revealed an isolated bulbar conjunctival granuloma. The remainder of the eye examination was unremarkable. Topical treatment with gatifloxacin and prednisolone acetate was started. Etiological work-up was performed. General laboratory tests revealed only a mild leukocytosis, and interferon gamma-release assay and chest computed tomography were normal. Serological testing for Bartonella henselae was positive at titers of 1:1024. Three weeks after initial symptoms, lymphadenopathies, malaise, and fever appeared. Systemic azithromycin was added, which resulted in complete regression of the disease. CONCLUSION AND IMPORTANCE: Conjunctival granulomas present a wide range of differential diagnoses to the practitioner. Ocular bartonellosis is a relevant cause of conjunctival granuloma. POGS should be suspected in cases of conjunctival granulomata non-responsive to local therapy. It is important to consider that other agents to treat POGS have been described and are available, and that appropriate serological tests should be performed.

Algorithm approach for revision surgery following late-onset bleb complications after trabeculectomy: long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE:: The aim of this study was to introduce a reproducible algorithm for the surgical management of late-onset (>2 months) bleb complications after trabeculectomy with mitomycin C. METHODS:: We performed a retrospective review of eyes treated using a reproducible algorithm approach by a single surgeon for the surgical management of late-onset bleb complications from July 2006 to April 2014. Exclusion criteria were bleb revision with less than 3 months of follow-up or bleb revision combined with other glaucoma procedures at the time of surgery. Success was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier survival method and defined as achieving all of the following criteria: primary surgery indication resolved, no additional surgery required for decreasing the intraocular pressure (IOP), and IOP of ≥6 mmHg and ≤18 mmHg. RESULTS:: Twenty-three eyes from 20 patients were evaluated. Indications for bleb revision were hypotonic maculopathy (47.8%), bleb leak (30.4%), and dysesthetic bleb (21.7%). The overall primary outcome success rate calculated using the Kaplan-Meier survival method was 65.2% at 48 months. When the IOP target was changed to ≤15 mmHg, the bleb survival rate was 47.8% at 48 months. At the most recent postoperative visit, 95.7% of eyes had an IOP of ≤15 mmHg and 56.5% were being treated with an average of one medication per eye. One eye (4.3%) required a second bleb revision for persistent hypotony and two eyes required glaucoma surgery to reduce IOP during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS:: An algorithm approach for the surgical management of late-onset bleb complications with a success rate similar to those reported in specialized literature is proposed. Randomized trials are needed to confirm the best surgical approach.

Zone I of Tear Microdesiccates Is a Lipid-Containing Structure.

PURPOSE: Morphological features of tear microdesiccates on glass surfaces have been associated with tear fluid status. Tear-film lipids play a critical role in the pathophysiology of some ocular surface disorders. Tear microdesiccates display 4 distinctive morphological domains (zones I, II, III, and transition band). In this study, we investigated the lipid location in tear microdesiccates. METHODS: Tear from individual healthy eyes (assessed by symptoms, signs, and slit-lamp examination) was collected using absorbing minisponges. One-µL aliquots were allowed to dry under ambient conditions on microscope slides. Tear microdesiccates were examined by various transmitted light microscopy methods. Tear lipids were located both by partition experiments using 2 lipophilic dyes (Oil red O and Nile blue A) mixed with tear fluid under conditions preserving morphological features of microdesiccates and by assessing the effect of 2 solvents markedly differing in polarity (water and ethanol) on the morphology of particular domains of preformed microdesiccates. RESULTS: During desiccation, both Nile blue A and Oil red O became preferentially located in the outermost domain of tear microdesiccates (zone I) without affecting the formation of major fern-like crystalloids (zones II and III). Low volumes of water drastically affected fern-like crystalloids, whereas the gross morphology of zone I was maintained. Contrarily, ethanol, a less polar solvent, was a fixative for fern-like crystalloids, although it markedly affected the bulk of zone I by extracting liquid droplets out of microdesiccates and visibilizing some filamentous subcomponents. CONCLUSIONS: Zone I is a hydrophobic domain, whereas zones II and III are highly hydrophilic domains of tear microdesiccates. Zone I represents a lipid-rich structure.

Algorithm approach for revision surgery following late-onset bleb complications after trabeculectomy: long-term follow-up / Algoritmo de abordagem para cirurgia de revisão nas complicações da bolha de início tardio após trabeculectomia: acompanhamento de longo prazo

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this study was to introduce a reproducible algorithm for the surgical management of late-onset (>2 months) bleb complications after trabeculectomy with mitomycin C. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of eyes treated using a reproducible algorithm approach by a single surgeon for the surgical management of late-onset bleb complications from July 2006 to April 2014. Exclusion criteria were bleb revision with less than 3 months of follow-up or bleb revision combined with other glaucoma procedures at the time of surgery. Success was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier survival method and defined as achieving all of the following criteria: primary surgery indication resolved, no additional surgery required for decreasing the intraocular pressure (IOP), and IOP of ≥6 mmHg and ≤18 mmHg. Results: Twenty-three eyes from 20 patients were evaluated. Indications for bleb revision were hypotonic maculopathy (47.8%), bleb leak (30.4%), and dysesthetic bleb (21.7%). The overall primary outcome success rate calculated using the Kaplan-Meier survival method was 65.2% at 48 months. When the IOP target was changed to ≤15 mmHg, the bleb survival rate was 47.8% at 48 months. At the most recent postoperative visit, 95.7% of eyes had an IOP of ≤15 mmHg and 56.5% were being treated with an average of one medication per eye. One eye (4.3%) required a second bleb revision for persistent hypotony and two eyes required glaucoma surgery to reduce IOP during follow-up. Conclusions: An algorithm approach for the surgical management of late-onset bleb complications with a success rate similar to those reported in specialized literature is proposed. Randomized trials are needed to confirm the best surgical approach.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever um algoritmo reprodutível para o tratamento cirúrgico das complicações da bolha de início tardio (>2 meses) após trabeculectomia com mitomicina-C. Métodos: Revisão retrospectiva de olhos que foram submetidos a um algoritmo reprodutível para o tratamento cirúrgico das complicações da bolha de início tardio por um único cirurgião, de julho de 2006 a abril de 2014. Os critérios de exclusão foram revisão de bolha com menos de 3 meses de seguimento ou revisão de bolha combinado com outro procedimento antiglaucomatoso no momento da cirurgia. O sucesso foi avaliado pelo método de sobrevida de Kaplan-Meier e definidos como ter atingido todos os seguintes critérios: indicação de cirurgia primária resolvido, nenhuma cirurgia adicional necessária para diminuir a pressão intraocular (IOP), IOP ≥6 mmHg e ≤18 mmHg. Resultados: Vinte e três olhos de 20 pacientes foram incluídos. Indicações para revisão bolha foram maculopatia hipotônica (47,8%), extravasamento da bolha (30,4%) e bolha elevada (21,7%). A taxa de sucesso do resultado primário global calculada pelo método de sobrevivência de Kaplan-Meier foi de 65,2% aos 48 meses. Quando a IOP foi diminuída para ≤15mmHg, a taxa de sobrevivência bolha foi de 47,8% em 48 meses. Na visita pós-operatória mais recente, 95,7% dos olhos apresentavam PIO ≤15mmHg e 56,5% estavam sob tratamento com uma média de um medicamento por olho. Um olho (4,3%) necessitou de uma segunda revisão da bolha para hipotonia persistente e dois olhos necessitaram cirurgia de antiglaucomatosa para reduzir a IOP durante o seguimento. Conclusões: Um algoritmo de abordagem para o tratamento cirúrgico das complicações tardias da bolha com uma taxa de sucesso semelhante aos relatados na literatura especializada é proposto. Ensaios clínicos randomizados são necessários para confirmar a melhor abordagem cirúrgica.

Mycophenolate Mofetil Therapy in Refractory Inflammatory Eye Disease.

PURPOSE: To study the efficacy and incidence of treatment-related side effects of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) therapy in patients with noninfectious inflammatory eye diseases. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 27 Chilean patients treated for noninfectious inflammatory eye diseases using MMF therapy over a 10-year period. Main outcome measures were: ability to control ocular inflammation and to taper prednisone to ≤10 mg daily (treatment success); incidence of treatment-related side effects. RESULTS: The proportion of patients with sustained control of inflammation was 81.48% at 6 months. Additionally 55.56% and 22.22% of patients succeeded in tapering their prednisone to 5-10 mg/day and <5 mg/day, at 6 months. Two patients developed a neoplasia during MMF therapy; however, this cohort is too small to interpret the significance of this relation to MMF treatment. CONCLUSIONS: MMF seems to be an effective corticosteroid-sparing agent with an acceptable safety profile.

Combined Phacoemulsification and Ahmed Glaucoma Drainage Implant Surgery for Patients With Refractory Glaucoma and Cataract.

PURPOSE: To examine the indications, safety, efficacy, and complications of combined phacoemulsification and Ahmed glaucoma drainage implant surgery. METHODS: A retrospective case review of 35 eyes (31 patients) subjected to combined phacoemulsification and Ahmed glaucoma drainage implant surgery. Demographic characteristics of the study population, indications for combined surgery, and operative and postoperative complications were recorded. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and number of glaucoma medications were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. Complete success was defined as IOP ≤ 21 mm Hg without medication, qualified success if IOP ≤ 21 mm Hg with ≥ 1 medications, and failure if IOP>21 mm Hg or ≤ 5 mm Hg on ≥ 2 consecutive visits. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 29.5 months (range, 6 to 87 mo). The most common indication for combined surgery was a history of prior failed trabeculectomy (60%). Postoperative visual acuity improved in 30 of 35 eyes (85%) (P<0.01) regardless of the indication for combined surgery. IOP was reduced from a mean of 24.7 to 15.0 mm Hg at the last follow-up visit (P<0.01). The number of IOP-lowering medications was reduced from a median of 3.1 preoperatively to 1.7 at the last follow-up (P<0.01). Overall, there were 31 eyes (89%) classified as qualified success and 4 eyes (11%) as complete success. The most common postoperative complication was a hypertensive phase in 18 eyes (51%). CONCLUSIONS: Combined phacoemulsification and Ahmed glaucoma drainage implant surgery seems to be a safe and effective surgical option, providing good visual rehabilitation and control of IOP for patients with refractory glaucoma and cataract.

Comparison of the clinical efficacy of two different immunosuppressive regimens in patients with chronic vogt-koyanagi-harada disease.

PURPOSE: To prospectively compare 2 immunosupressive regimens in patients with active Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease in spite of systemic glucocorticoid treatment. METHODS: Forty-four patients were diagnosed between 1998 and 2005. Twenty-one developed chronic intraocular inflammation in spite of glucocorticoid treatment and were randomized to receive either prednisone and azathioprine (AZA) (n = 12) or prednisone and cyclosporine (CyA) (n = 9). RESULTS: In the AZA group Tyndall score decreased from 1.21 +/- 1.10 to 0.29 +/- 0.62 (p < .01), and visual acuity (LogMAR) improved from 0.32 +/- 0.35 to 0.09 +/- 0.16 (p < .001). In the CyA group Tyndall score decreased from 1.67 +/- 1.08 to 0.16 +/- 0.51 (p < .001), and visual acuity improved from 0.41 +/- 0.40 to 0.25 +/- 0.42 (p < .001). Patients in the AZA group needed a significantly higher average prednisone dose and total cumulative dose than those in the CyA group, p < .01 for each comparison. CONCLUSIONS: Both regimens showed a good clinical efficacy, but CyA seems to be a better glucocorticoid-sparing agent than AZA.

Evaluación prospectiva de la combinación colirio-ungüento de ciprofloxacino-dexametasona y tobramicina-dexametasona en cirugía de catarata / Prospective evaluation of eye drops and ointments of ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone versus tobramycin/dexamethasone combinations in ocular surgery

El uso profiláctico de antibióticos y antiinflamatorios post cirugía oftálmica es una práctica común. La tobramicina es aminoglicósido con espectro de gram negativos y alguns gram positivos. Ciprofloxacino tiene un mayor espectro. Objetivo: Comparar la eficacia y seguridad de la combinación colirio y ungüento de cirpofloxacino/dexametasona versus tobramicina/dexametasona. Pacientes y métodos: Se estudio en forma randomizada y doble ciego, 64 pacientes durante 15 días. Se realizaron 3 controles donde se registró agudeza visual, presión intraocular y una escala subjetiva y objetiva. Resultados: 60 pacientes completaron el estudio. El prurito fue menor en el grupo tratado con ciprofloxacino (0.26 v/s 0.47; p<0,05). Conclusiones: El estudio demostró eficacia y seguridad antibiótica equivalente entre ambas combinaciones. Considerando el mayor espectro antibacteriano de ciprofloxacino y la menor incidencia de prurito se plantea que el uso de esta combinación en pacientes post cirugía de catarata entregaría una protección antibiótica segura y con espectro más amplio.

The prohylactic use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories drugs is a common practice in ophthalmic surgery. Tobramycin is an aminoglycoside with gram negative spectrum, covering some gram positive bacteria. Ciprofloxacin has a broader spectrum of effectivity. Purpose: To compare effectiveness and safety of eye drops and ointments of ciprofloxacim/dexamethasone versus tobramysin/dexamethasone combinations. Patients and methods: Random and doubled masked study, performed in 64 patients who had cataract surgery. In a 15 days follow up, the effectiveness of both antibiotic combinations were tested. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, objective and subjective scale were performed. Results: 60 patients (93.4 percent) completed the follow up. Itching presented a significant difference between both groups, being lower in the ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone combination (0.26 vs 0.47. p<0.05). Conclusions: The study shows an equivalent effectiveness and safety of both antibiotic combinations. Considering the broader spectrum of ciprofloxacin and the lower frequency of itchness, ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone combination seems to be a good choice for post operative treatment in cataract surgery.

[Markers of thrombophilia in patients with retinal vein thrombosis]. / Determinación de factores trombofílicos en pacientes con trombosis venosas retinianas.

BACKGROUND: Thrombophilia is an alteration of hemostasis that increases the risk to venous or arterial thrombosis. This condition may be the underlying cause of retinal vein thrombosis. AIM: To study the presence of thrombophilia in patients with retinal vein thrombosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective study of 55 patients aged 22 to 86 years, with retinal vein thrombosis (central or branch). Antithrombin III, coagulant protein C, functional protein S, resistance to activated C protein, homocysteine, prothrombin G20210A gene, lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies were measured in all. RESULTS: Seventeen patients had thrombophilic markers (antiphospholipid syndrome in seven, hyperhomocysteinemia in six and resistance to protein C in three). Of these 17 patients, 53% had high blood pressure, 35% an abnormal serum lipid profile and 23% a personal history of thrombosis. The thrombosis was central in 12 (ischemic in four) and of a branch in five (ischemic in two). CONCLUSIONS: Thrombophilic markers must be assessed in patients with retinal vein thrombosis.

Patologías oftalmológicas más frecuentes en la consulta pediátrica del preescolar y escolar / More frequent ophthalmologic pathologies in the pediatric consultation of the preschool and school child

A continuación se revisarán de manera muy esquemática las patologías oculares más frecuentes en el preescolar y escolar, y también algunas patologías que si bien no son muy frecuentes, si son importantes diagnosticarlas y tratarlas precozmente, idealmente antes de los 8 años, es decir, antes de la maduración total del sistema visual, de lo contrario el pronóstico de ese niño se empobrece, su visión no alcanza una normalidad y va a terminar con una ambliopía. por lo tanto, es muy importante destacar el rol de la derivación temprana de aquellos pacientes que presentan alguna patología ocular importante como una ptosis palpebral, estrabismo o algún problema refractivo importante, entre otros, para prevenir el compromiso visual posterior.