Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research
Volume:17 Issue: 1, Jan-Mar 2022

To compare outcomes of conjunctival autograft (CAG) and combined amniotic membrane with mini-simple limbal epithelial transplant (mini-SLET) after primary pterygium excision.

All consenting adults with primary pterygium were included in this study. After pterygium excision, patients were randomized to receive either CAG or mini-SLET and both grafts were held in place with fibrin glue. The patients were followed-up at days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30 and subsequently at the third, sixth, and ninth months. The recurrence rate was considered as the primary outcome measure whereas the operating time, postoperative symptoms, and surgical complications were considered the secondary outcome measures.

The study comprised of 264 eyes of 264 patients, of which 233 (88%) completed the nine months of follow-up. Of these, 118 (51%) received CAG and 115 (49%) received mini-SLET. The groups were comparable at baseline. Recurrence of pterygium was seen in two (1.6%) eyes in the CAG group and three (2.6%) eyes in the mini-SLET group (P = 0.68). Operative time for mini-SLET (20.33 ± 1.28 min) was significantly higher than that for CAG (12.01 ± 1.26 min) (P < 0.001). Graft displacement was observed in one case in group II (P = 0.999). The Lim Bon Siong (foreign body sensation, lacrimation, pain, and irritation) score in the CAG group was statistically significant for all four symptoms at days 1 and 3; however, at day 7, foreign body sensation, pain, and irritation scores were significantly higher for the CAG group.

In this study, the overall recurrence rate was very low and comparable between mini-SLET and the established technique of CAG after performing the primary pterygium excision. Despite a longer surgical time, miniSLET appears to be a viable option for the management of primary pterygium.

To report 21 cases of typical inferior feather-shape lens opacity associated with keratoconus.

In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the association of keratoconus with inferior feather-shape lens opacity in refractive surgery candidates. Visual acuity, demographic, refractive, and topographic characteristics of 26 eyes of 21 patients with inferior feather-shape lens opacity were evaluated in detail. Pedigree analysis was also performed to assess possible inheritance.

Overall, 2122 out of 33,368 cases (6.4%) without lens opacity had keratoconus, while 20 out of 21 patients (95.2%) with peculiar lens opacity had definite keratoconus (P < 0.001). Lens opacity was bilateral in 5 cases (24%), and keratoconus was bilateral in all 20 patients with lens opacity. Nine eyes out of thirty-six with a complete data record (25%) had a severe keratoconus and underwent deep lamellar keratoplasty, while 11 (31%) had forme fruste keratoconus. Pedigrees were drawn for eight patients, most families of whom suggested an X-linked recessive inheritance.

The present study was the first to investigate patients with a peculiar inferior feather-shape lens opacity accompanied by bilateral keratoconus, which was observed in 95% of the patients. This finding should raise awareness as to the possibility of diagnosing keratoconus in the eyes of the patients with these characteristics.

To evaluate vision-related quality of life in two sets of patients after routine cataract surgery implanting with traditional versus multifocal intraocular lens (IOLs).

In a cross-sectional prospective study, 58 and 33 candidates for cataract surgery were divided into traditional (Acrysof SN60WF, Alcon Laboratories, Inc) and multifocal IOL (AcrySof IQ PanOptix IOL TFNT00, Alcon Laboratories, Inc.) groups, respectively. The primary outcome was VFQ-25 scores. The secondary outcomes were making comparisons between the two IOL types in the near vision and the driving items.

The mean patients’ age in traditional and multifocal IOL groups was 60.85 ± 7.40 (55% female) and 59.85 ± 8.95 (36% female) years, respectively. The mean VFQ-25 total scores in traditional and multifocal IOL groups before and after surgery were 63.69 ± 4.95 and 72.15 ± 9.66, and 98.08 ± 0.70 and 95.70 ± 1.30, respectively (P = 0.001 & 0.001). The mean scores of night driving in traditional and multifocal IOL groups were 38.79 ± 20.50 and 44.35 ± 21.12 (P = 0.1) before surgery which improved to 97.41 ± 7.68 and 56.45 ± 11.12 after surgery, respectively (P = 0.001). The mean scores of near vision in traditional and multifocal IOL groups were 46.83 ± 10.56 and 50.53 ± 8.58 (P = 0.2) before surgery which improved to 89.94 ± 4.87 and 100.00 ± 0.00 after surgery, respectively (P = 0.001).

Vision-related quality of life after cataract surgery with either type of traditional or multifocal (PanOptix) IOLs improved to an excellent level. Traditional IOLs provided more satisfaction in nighttime driving while multifocal IOLs provided increased satisfaction in near and intermediate vision.

To investigate the association between the time of occurrence of intraocular pressure (IOP) peaks during the water-drinking test (WDT) and visual field damage in a cohort of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients.

In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, 98 eyes from 49 consecutive POAG patients were followed in a referral clinical practice. The relationship between the time when IOP peaks occurred during the WDT and the visual field mean deviation (MD) assessed with 24-2 visual field was tested with mixed-effects models.

MD value was significantly associated with the time of IOP peak occurrence (P = 0.020) when adjusting for the number of medications, but not with the IOP peak values (P = 0.238).

The time of IOP peaks occurrence during the WDT was associated with glaucoma severity among treated POAG patients.

To evaluate the diagnostic test properties of the Palm Scan VF2000® Virtual Reality Visual Field Analyzer for diagnosis and classification of the severity of glaucoma.

This study was a prospective cross-sectional analysis of 166 eyes from 97 participants. All of them were examined by the Humphrey® Field Analyzer (used as the gold standard) and the Palm Scan VF 2000® Virtual Reality Visual Field Analyzer on the same day by the same examiner. We estimated the kappa statistic (including 95% confidence interval [CI]) as a measure of agreement between these two methods. The diagnostic test properties were assessed using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV).

The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for the Virtual Reality Visual Field Analyzer for the classification of individuals as glaucoma/non-glaucoma was 100%. The general agreement for the classification of glaucoma between these two instruments was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.56–0.78). The agreement for mild glaucoma was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.61–0.92), for moderate glaucoma was 0.37 (0.14–0.60), and for severe glaucoma was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.55–0.85). About 28% of moderate glaucoma cases were misclassified as mild and 17% were misclassified as severe by the virtual reality visual field analyzer. Furthermore, 20% of severe cases were misclassified as moderate by this instrument.

The instrument is 100% sensitive and specific in detection of glaucoma. However, among patients with glaucoma, there is a relatively high proportion of misclassification of severity of glaucoma. Thus, although useful for screening of glaucoma, it cannot replace the Humphrey® Field Analyzer for the clinical management in its current form.

To compare the clinical, optical coherence tomography (OCT) features, and surgical outcomes of lamellar macular hole (LMH) depending on the presence of epimacular membrane proliferation (EMPF).

This retrospective chart review included 112 eyes with LMH. The patients were divided into two groups depending on the presence of EMPF. Group 1 had LMH without EMPF and Group 2 had LMH with EMPF. The best-corrected visual acuity was recorded and OCT scans were obtained.

Lamellar macular hole without and with EMPF was noted in 62 (55%) and 50 (45%) eyes, respectively. The presence of EMPF was associated with lower presenting visual acuity (P = 0.049), wider LMH size at the largest diameter on the horizontal scan (P = 0.001), thinner residual retinal tissue (P =<0.0001), and larger IS-OS defects (P =<0.0001) as compared to the non-EMPF group. Of the 112 eyes, 18 eyes underwent surgery for LMH. Seven eyes had EMPF and the remaining eleven did not have EMPF. The average follow-up time for patients post-surgery and under observation was 16.8 and 24.1 weeks, respectively. A significant improvement in visual acuity was noted in the operated eyes with no EMPF as compared to the eyes with EMPF (P = 0.008). Worsening visual acuity (P = 0.021) was noted in eyes with LMH associated with EMPF which did not undergo surgery. Eyes with LMH and no EMPF, which were not operated on showed a minimal negative change in visual acuity.

LMH with EMPF showed a higher association with accompanying ellipsoid zone disruption. Better anatomical and functional outcomes were achieved in those eyes that underwent surgery for LMH with no presence of EMPF and ellipsoid zone defect.

Stargardt disease type 1 (STGD1) is a recessively inherited retinal disorder that can cause severe visual impairment. ABCA4 mutations are the usual cause of STGD1. ABCA4 codes a transporter protein exclusively expressed in retinal photoreceptor cells. The gene contains 50 exons. Mutations are most frequent in exons 3, 6, 12, and 13, and exons 10 and 42 each contain two common variations. We aimed to screen these exons for mutations in Iranian STGD1 patients.

Eighteen STGD1 patients were recruited for genetic analysis. Diagnosis by retina specialists was based on standard criteria, including accumulation of lipofuscin. The six ABCA4 exons were PCR amplified and sequenced by the Sanger method.

One or more ABCA4-mutated alleles were identified in 5 of the 18 patients (27.8%). Five different mutations including two splice site (c.1356+1G>A and c.5836-2A>G) and three missense mutations (p.Gly1961Glu, p.Gly1961Arg, and p.Gly550Arg) were found. The p.Gly1961Glu mutation was the only mutation observed in two patients.

As ABCA4 mutations in exons 6, 12, 10, and 42 were identified in approximately 25% of the patients studied, these may be appropriate exons for screening projects. As in other populations, STDG1 causative ABCA4 mutations are heterogeneous among Iranian patients, and p.Gly1961Glu may be relatively frequent.

The use of more potent medicine for local chemotherapy of retinoblastoma in order to minimize local and systemic adverse effects is essential. The main goal of this investigation was to assess the biodistribution of thiolated and methylated chitosancarboxymethyl dextran nanoparticles (CMD-TCs-NPs and CMD-TMC-NPs) following intravitreal (IVT) injection into rat eyes with retinoblastoma.

An ionic gelation method was used to fabricate Cy5-labelled CMD-TCs-NPs and CMD-TMC-NPs. The NPs were characterized. Cellular internalization of Cy5-labelled NPs was investigated using confocal microscopy and the absorption of labeled NPs was quantified by flow cytometry in human retinoblastoma (Y79) cells. In addition, the Cy5-labeled distribution of nanoparticles in the posterior segment of the eye was histologically imaged by confocal microscopy after IVT injection of NPs into the eyes of rats with retinoblastoma.

CMD-TCs-NPs and CMD-TMC-NPs showed a mean diameter of 34 ± 3.78 nm and 42 ± 4.23 nm and zeta potential of +11 ± 2.27 mV and +29 ± 4.31mV, respectively. The in vivo study of intraocular biodistribution of Cy5-labeled CMD-TCs-NPs and CMD-TMCNPs revealed that there is more affinity of CMD-TCs-NPs to the retina and retinoblastoma tumor after IVT administration while methylated chitosan nanoparticles are immobilized in the vitreous and are not able to reach the retina even after 24 hr.

The ionic gelation technique was efficient in synthesizing a biocompatible polymeric nanosystem for drug delivery into the posterior segment of the eye. The current study demonstrated increased ocular bioavailability of CMD-TCs-NPs relative to CMD-TMC-NPs in retinoblastoma induced rat eyes.

We developed a contrast sensitivity test that considers an integrative approach of spatial and temporal frequencies to evaluate the psychophysical channels in processing two-dimensional stimulus for clinical use. Our new procedure provides a more efficient isolation of the magnocellular and parvocellular visual pathways supporting spatiotemporal contrast sensitivity processing.

We evaluated 36 participants of both sexes aged 18–30 years with 20/20 or better best-corrected visual acuity. Two spatial frequencies (0.5 cycles per degree [cpd] and 10 cpd), being in one of the three temporal frequencies (0.5 cycle per second [cps], 7.5 cps, and 15 cps), were presented in a highresolution gamma corrected monitor. A two-alternative forced-choice procedure was conducted, and the staircase method was used to calculate the contrast sensitivity. Reliability was assessed using a retest procedure within a month (±5 days) under the same conditions.

Results showed statistical significance in 0.5 cpd and 10 cpd spatial frequencies for 0.5 cps (F = 77.36; p < 0.001), 7.5 cps (F = 778.37; p < 0.001), and 15 cps (F = 827.23; p < 0.001) with a very high (η2 = 0.89) effect size. No statistical differences were found between the first and second sessions for all spatial frequencies. For reliability, a significantly high correlation and high internal consistency were found in all spatiotemporal conditions. The limits were calculated for normality.

We developed an approach to investigate the spatiotemporal integration of contrast sensitivity designed for clinical purposes. The relative contribution of the low spatial frequencies/high temporal frequencies and the high spatial frequencies/low temporal frequencies of the psychophysical channels can also be evaluated separately.

To estimate the prevalence, burden of refractive errors and their associated trend from 1990 to 2018 and geographic inequalities in Iran.

Data regarding the epidemiology of refractive errors was extracted from three different sources: systematic review of published literature, data from visual school screening programs, and data from Iran’s national health survey (NHS). The pool of all available data on refractive errors as well as demographic, location, and socioeconomic status covariates were fitted in spatio-temporal and Gaussian process regression models to predict the prevalence of refractive errors from the years 1990 to 2018 in 31 provinces grouped by age and sex in order to calculate years lived with disability (YLDs).

In 2018, the age-adjusted prevalence of refractive errors was 16.32% (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 12.44–21.48%) in both sexes, 17.98% (95% UI: 13.74– 23.61%) in women, and 14.66% (95% UI: 11.14–19.36%) in men. The prevalence of refractive errors reveals that it increases with age. Refractive errors contributed to 441.41 and 348.38 YLDs in men and women, respectively. The age-standardized prevalence growth was 31.30% in females and 24.32% in males from the years 1990 to 2018. Significant geographical heterogeneity was observed. The agestandardized YLDs rates of refractive errors represent an increasing trend of 28.9% increase from 1990 to 2018.

Over 28 years, the prevalence of refractive errors increased significantly. Women tend to have higher rates of prevalence. The prevalence increased in older ages. Border provinces had the lowest prevalence. Agestandardized YLDs rates of refractive errors increased by about 30%.

Keratoconus is the most common form of primary corneal thinning. Different methods have been suggested to deal with the condition, including glasses, contact lenses, and surgical interventions, like penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), well-known methods of the latter. This study was conducted to compare the outcomes and side effects of the two mentioned keratoplasty techniques. First, we systematically reviewed all original articles studies on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Then, the extracted data were pooled and meta-analyzed on each of the intended outcomes. A total of 30 studies were included in which PKP was more commonly performed compared to DALK. We found that adverse outcomes consisting of cataracts, graft rejection, graft failure, High-IOP, and corneal infection, were all more common findings in the PKP groups compared to the DALK groups. However, only for the high-IOP, cataracts, and graft rejection, the analysis of the extracted results demonstrated statistical significance. Overall, the DALK groups demonstrated significantly better results when considering the improvement levels by measuring the Endothelial Cell Count (ECC) and Spherical Equivalent (SE). In addition, though statistically insignificant, the Central Corneal Thickness(CCT), Best Corrected Visual Acuity(BCVA), Topographic Cylinder(TC), Refractive Cylinder values were greater in the PKP groups. Based on our study and with its limitations in mind, we can conclude that DALK can be a relatively safer and more effective procedure. Though, a larger number of high-standard randomized clinical trials still need to be conveyed for more definite conclusions.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the major cause of visual impairment and blindness in the working-age population. Conventional management for nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) without diabetic macular edema (DME) is derived from the findings of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS). Although the ETDRS protocol basically includes observation, selected cases of severe NPDR may undergo scatter laser photocoagulation. Post-hoc analysis of recent trials has shown that patients with NPDR receiving intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) for DME would experience improvement in the DR severity scale (DRSS). In addition, recent randomized trials (PANORAMA and Protocol W) have revealed that early intervention with intravitreal aflibercept in eyes with moderately severe to severe NPDR is associated with significant improvement in DRSS and reduced vision-threatening complications of DR. Based on recent studies, it seems that the therapeutic approach to NPDR may undergo a substantial change and a paradigm shift toward considering early intervention with the administration of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. However, the long-term results and the duration of adherence to anti-VEGF therapy for eyes with NPDR are not yet defined. It is also not apparent whether improvement in DRSS is a true disease modification. Studies showed that DRSS improvement is not associated with retinal reperfusion. In addition, DRCR.net Protocol W showed no visual acuity benefit with the early intravitreal aflibercept injection in moderate to severe NPDR as compared with performing observation plus intravitreal aflibercept applied only after progression to proliferative DR or vision-impairing DME. The cost–benefit ratio is also a challenge. Herein, we look at different aspects of early anti-VEGF application and discuss its pros and cons in the process of treating NPDR.

The aim of this review was to describe orbital inflammation secondary to aminobisphosphonates by analyzing demographic data, clinical presentation, and treatment of the disease. This is a narrative literature review. The search was performed using databases such as Ovid/MEDLINE and COCHRANE. The searches were limited to papers in the English language. We found 43 cases of orbital inflammation due to aminobisphosphonates. Zoledronate was the drug most associated with orbital side effects. Clinical presentation was evident by unilateral involvement (89%), palpebral edema (88%), conjunctival congestion (81%), chemosis (79%), ocular pain (77%), ocular motility impairment (65%), proptosis (56%), and blurred vision (39%). It can affect both eyes (11%) and is accompanied by anterior uveitis (23%). Orbital inflammation secondary to aminobisphosphonates is a severe side effect. Clinically, it cannot be distinguished from idiopathic inflammation of the orbit. Therefore, it is important to rule out previous drug exposure. Timely treatment is vital to expect a favorable outcome, with systemic corticosteroids being the treatment of choice.

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus is a frequent, painful, and debilitating condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus alongside the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve. Twenty-five percent of adults will develop the disease during their lifetime with the risk increasing to one in two over the age of 50. Herpes zoster ophthalmicus presents with a plethora of ocular manifestations ranging from the characteristic rash in the distribution of the ophthalmic branch of the fifth cranial nerve to more severe keratouveitis, disciform keratitis, and even retinal necrosis. Up to 20% of affected patients develop post-herpetic neuralgia which can persist for years after the acute episode, resulting in potentially devastating consequences for the patient’s social, financial, and professional circumstances, as well as their quality of life and daily activities. Shingles prevention studies indicated that the herpes zoster vaccine markedly reduces the burden of the disease, as well as the incidence of both infection and post-herpetic neuralgia. Here we review the vaccinations available for herpes zoster, the reasons behind their limited adoption so far, as well as the future perspectives and challenges associated with this debilitating disease in the era of herpes zoster vaccination and coronavirus disease pandemic.

To illustrate the regression of a metastatic lesion through ophthalmic imaging and correlating findings with standard chest imaging and treatment with osimertinib, an oral chemotherapy agent specific to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor + Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (EGFR+ NSCLC).

A 63-year-old Asian male presented to ophthalmology with a complaint of left blurry vision. Initial ophthalmic exam revealed a choroidal lesion and imaging results highlighted a spiculated lung mass with brain and bony metastases. Osimertinib was chosen for its specificity and ability to cross the blood–brain barrier. Follow-up ophthalmic and radiographic imaging were repeated over the course of treatment.

After the initiation of osimertinib, ophthalmic and computed tomography imaging highlighted the regression of the ocular metastatic disease and primary malignancy, respectively. Osimertinib is an effective first-line treatment of EGFR+ NSCLC and corresponding metastatic sites. Additionally, ophthalmic imaging can be used to monitor general response to chemotherapy agents when ocular metastasis is identified.

To present a case of linear scleroderma known as “en coup de sabre” associated with Coats’- like response.

A 12-year-old boy presented with subacute painless vision loss in the ipsilateral side of the patient’s en coup de sabre lesion. Ocular examination revealed vitreous hemorrhage with severe exudation of the posterior pole and telangiectatic vessels. Fundus fluorescein angiography indicated multiple vascular beadings and fusiform aneurysms with leakage which was consistent with a Coats’-like response. The patient was subsequently treated with intravitreal bevacizumab and targeted retinal photocoagulation. Twelve months’ follow-up showed marked resolution of macular exudation with significant visual improvement.

Physicians should be aware of the possible ophthalmic disorders accompanying en coup de sabre and careful ophthalmologic examinations should be performed in these patients. As presented in the current case, treatment with intravitreal anti-VEGF agents and laser photocoagulation may be a beneficial option for patients with coats’-like response.

To present the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) findings of the radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) network in an individual with severe bilateral methanol-induced toxic optic neuropathy (MTON) in comparison to a normal subject and a patient with retinitis pigmentosa.

A 35-year-old man with severe bilateral MTON was referred to the neuro-ophthalmology clinic at the Labbafinejad Medical Center. The Angio Vue OCT 3D set of 4.5 × 4.5 mm was used to measure the disc and peripapillary vessel density. Two subjects were examined with the same protocol as controls to determine the effect on the RPC vessel density in multiple scenarios. One of the controls was a healthy individual with the prerequisite matches of age and sex while the second one was a known retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patient. RPC density was measured as 37.7 in the patient with MTON, 46.9 in the RP patient, and 54.7 in the healthy control.

The reduction in the RPC vessel density in a patient with MTON compared to that of a healthy individual and also a patient with RP may be due to the loss of capillaries secondary to the loss of nerve fibers and ganglion cells. Moreover, MTON can be considered an optic neuropathy with direct mitochondrial damage to the endothelial cells of the capillaries.

Osteomyelitis of the orbital bones presenting as an orbital cellulitis is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB). We report a rare case of tubercular osteomyelitis of the orbital bones presenting as a periorbital cellulitis.

A seven-year-old female child presented to our tertiary eye care center with swelling involving the right eyelids and the right cheek for two months. She had been provisionally diagnosed elsewhere as pre-septal cellulitis and had been given oral antibiotics. We clinically diagnosed her as orbital cellulitis, but her non-responsiveness to intravenous antibiotics prompted us to get a contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of the orbit and paranasal sinuses, which was suggestive of tubercular etiology. However, the patient had no foci for TB elsewhere. We used a relatively new, but rapid test, called Cartridge-based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) on the pus aspirate which was positive for TB. Thereafter, the patient was started on anti-tubercular treatment to which she responded wonderfully.

A high index of suspicion should be kept for TB infection in cases of orbital cellulitis with unusual clinical behavior in an endemic region such as India.