Corneal Involvement Research Articles

Longitudinal association of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin levels with clinical characteristics in thyroid eye disease

ObjectivesThe clinical course of thyroid eye disease (TED) is heterogeneous and predicting patients who may develop the severe sequelae of the disease is difficult. In this study, we evaluated the...

Clinical Outcomes of Rose Bengal Mediated Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy on Fungal Keratitis with Their Microbiological and Pathological Correlation

Purpose To report the clinical outcome of Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (PDAT) with Rose Bengal (RB) used as an early adjuvant therapy in patients with fungal keratitis and their microbiological and pathological correlation. Methods Patients with microbiologically confirmed fungal keratitis underwent PDAT-RB along with topical natamycin 5% drops hourly and oral ketoconazole 200 mg twice a day. This was performed by applying rose bengal (0.1%) to the de-epithelialized cornea for 30 minutes, followed by irradiation with a 6 mW/cm2 custom-made green LED source for 15 minutes (5.4 J/cm2). The corresponding fungal isolates were tested in vitro using PDAT-RB and corneal buttons were evaluated for correlation. Results Following informed consent, seven patients (male-5, female-2, mean age 47.7 years) with fungal keratitis were recruited. There were 3 cases each of Fusarium and Aspergillus flavus and 1 case of Acremonium sp. The average vertical and horizontal diameters of the corneal infiltrate were 4.12 ± 0.55 and 3.99 ± 1.19 mm, respectively. The average depth of corneal involvement was 283 ± 75.27µ as measured by anterior segment OCT. The clinical resolution was achieved in the cases with Fusarium keratitis with an average time of 39 days. Three cases of A. flavus and a single patient with Acremonium keratitis worsened and needed therapeutic keratoplasty (TPK) for resolution. Post-TPK, the corneal tissues grew A. flavus in one out of three cases and Acremonium sp. in one case. In vitro PDAT-RB experiment was performed on the corresponding fungal isolates grown from the corneal scraping. PDAT-RB produced clear inhibition of Fusarium and Acremonium sp. with no effect on the growth of A. flavus. Histopathologically, 2 out of 4 (50%) corneal buttons showed fungal filaments. Conclusions While the in vitro and in vivo results of PDAT-RB matched for Fusarium sp. and Aspergillus flavus keratitis being favourable in the former and non-favourable in the latter, these results were discrepant in Acremonium sp.

Isotretinoin Impairs the Secretory Function of Meibomian Gland Via the PPARγ Signaling Pathway.

PurposeTo investigate the effects of isotretinoin on the ocular surface and to explore the possible mechanisms.MethodsRats were treated with isotretinoin 20 mg/kg/d for five months and tested monthly for tear secretion, fluorescein staining, and infrared photography. After five months of treatment, tissues were harvested for routine staining to evaluate the morphological changes; and real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry to study the expression of associated genes and their products such as forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1), forkhead box protein O3, peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ (PPARγ), adipose differentiation–related protein, elongation of very long chain fatty acids protein 4, fatty acid binding protein 4, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and interleukin-6.ResultsSystemically, isotretinoin-treated rats have a significantly lower body weight that controls and apparent skin damage. Locally, although there was no alteration in tear secretion, a significant corneal involvement indicated by increased fluorescein staining scores, and also the contrast of meibomian gland was significantly reduced but no significant atrophy of the acinus was found. In addition, isotretinoin causes a decrease in conjunctival goblet cells. Furthermore, isotretinoin treatment did not cause the upregulation of FoxO1 and inflammation related genes but significantly suppressed the expression of PPARγ pathway.ConclusionsIsotretinoin does not cause a significant atrophy of the acinus and a significant change of FoxO1 expression in the meibomian gland. Isotretinoin causes meibomian gland dysfunction, affecting meibocyte differentiation and qualitative and quantitative changes in the meibum, through PPARγ pathway.

A Clinico-Epidemiological Study of Cases of Herpes Zoster in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Herpes zoster (HZ) is a viral disease caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus characterized by distinctive prodromal pain followed by herpetiform vesicular eruptions. The immunocompromised states, such as old age, diabetes, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and immunosuppressive drugs, are known predisposing factors in this regard. Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the clinic-epidemiological profile of HZ cases attending a tertiary care center. Methods: All consecutive cases of HZ reported to the dermatology outpatient department (OPD) at a tertiary care dermatological center in North India within January - June in 2019 were enrolled after obtaining informed consent and ethical clearance. The clinical profile of patients was noted on predesigned proforma. Laboratory investigations, including complete blood count, routine urine examination, renal function test, and blood sugar, were performed. The HIV antibody was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in all cases. The data were analyzed by tabulation, mean, standard deviation on Microsoft Excel for Windows 10 operating system. Results: A total of 190 HZ cases were enrolled, that constituted 0.84% of total dermatology OPD cases of the above-mentioned duration. There were 126 male and 64 female subjects with a gender ratio of 2: 1. Out of the total number of cases, 53% were below 50 years of age, and 59% had a definite history of chickenpox. Moreover, 66 (34%) cases had comorbidities, which included 43 (22% of total cases) cases with some form of immune suppression. In addition, 11 cases were HIV positive, out of whom 2 subjects were diagnosed with HIV infection while evaluating HZ. More than 90% of cases had prodrome before eruptions. Thoracic dermatome was most commonly involved, followed by the trigeminal nerve. Corneal involvement was observed in 4 out of 11 cases of HZ ophthalmicus. The resolution period was within the range of 8 - 15 days. Moreover, 51 (27%) cases developed some complications. Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) was present in 41 (21.5%) cases. Conclusions: The HZ constituted 0.84% of total dermatology OPD in 6 months and reflected a sizable burden in a tertiary care centre. The presence of this disease in a relatively young population or in the male gender might be due to the demographic characteristics of the dependent clientele. There was a higher incidence of PHN (21.5%) in prolonged follow-up. The involvement of thoracic dermatome as the most common segment in HZ and PHN and association with diabetes mellitus is consistent with the results of other studies.

Joint pain liniments and gum lotion in the eye - A consecutive case series of mistaken identity.

Purpose:Patient safety errors can arise due to similarity in packaging of medications. We aimed to describe the clinical features of patients presenting with accidental application of joint pain liniments and gum lotion in the eye due to confusion arising from similarity in packaging.Methods:This was a retrospective case series with eight consecutive patients presenting from December 2020 to August 2021 with history of accidental application of joint pain liniments or gum lotion in the eye instead of eye drops. All patients underwent visual acuity assessment and slit-lamp examination with fluorescein staining of the cornea to look for corneal involvement and was reassessed till complete resolution.Results:Of the eight patients, three were males and five were females. Seven had accidentally applied joint pain liniment, while one had applied gum lotion into the eye. Five of them had corneal involvement ranging from punctate erosions to near-total epithelial defects. Two patients needed referral to a tertiary center and hospital admission. Treatment duration ranged from 2 days to 1 month. Two patients were lost to follow-upConclusion:This study highlights patient safety errors arising from confusion of medication due to similar labeling and packaging of different drugs. While there was no permanent morbidity, such confusions lead to needless discomfort and waste of time, money, and effort for the patient as well as the health-care system.

Complete and incomplete lower motor neuron facial palsy in post-COVID-19 mucormycosis

Purpose:To study facial nerve palsy (FNP) in post-COVID-19-mucormycosis patients and its ocular complications, report different presentations of FNP in such patients, and propose its etiopathogenesis based on presentation and clinico-radiologic localization.Methods:A prospective cohort study was carried out in patients of post-COVID-19-mucormycosis who presented at our tertiary center, over a period of 3 months. Motor and sensory examination of the facial nerve was done to diagnose FNP and localize the lesion clinically. Slit-lamp examination was done for grading corneal involvement. MRI brain, orbit, and paranasal sinuses (PNS) with contrast were studied to find involvement along the facial nerve. It was assessed whether this site of lesion corresponded with clinical localization. Data were analyzed using the percentage of total cases and Fisher’s test.Results:A total of 300 patients with post-COVID-19 mucormycosis were examined, of which 30 (10%) patients were found to have FNP. All were lower motor neuron (LMN) type and were associated with corneal complications. The most common site clinically was distal to the chorda tympani (66.66%) and radiologically was infratemporal (IT) fossa (63.4%). The clinical localization significantly correlated with the radiological findings (P = 0.012). Twenty percent of patients showed incomplete involvement of facial musclesConclusion:FNP was found to be of LMN type. The most common site of insult was IT fossa. There was a good clinico-radiological correspondence of lesions. Isolated lesions were also found along the peripheral nerve course, presenting as incomplete facial palsy. Recognition of FNP in post-COVID-19 mucormycosis, in all its variable forms, is important to manage corneal complications.

Clinical profile of patients with the first presentation as anterior nodular scleritis — a case series

Background: The aims of this study was to report the clinical profile of five patients with features of anterior nodular scleritis as initial presentation in residents of Western Maharashtra. Material and methods: A retrospective review of medical records was done from February 2019 to December 2019. Five new anterior nodular scleritis cases were reported at the tertiary-eye care centre within two months. The slit-lamp examination, anterior-segment photographs, and laboratory data were collected and analysed. Results: A majority of cases (4/5) were presented in females. Three patients had a unilateral presentation, while 2 — had bilateral involvement. The most common presenting symptom was ocular pain and redness. Corneal involvement was seen in 1 case. Two female patients were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, one female had multinodular goitre, and the other two were idiopathic. Three patients responded very well to oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs), while the rest two were managed with steroids. No patient had to be started on immunosuppressives. All the cases showed complete resolution with the treatment provided. All these patients presented at our centre in the autumn season. All these patients presented at our center in the autumn season only and no new case of anterior scleritis reported before or after this season. Conclusion: Management of scleritis may need a multidisciplinary approach as it may be the only presentation of an underlying systemic disease. It is to be considered in the differentials of red eye that presents with a substantial amount of ocular pain or with the known systemic disorder that leads to scleritis development. Also, there could be a seasonal association of anterior-nodular scleritis like episcleritis.

Neurotrophic Keratopathy After Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus.

The aim of this study was to describe risk factors for neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) after herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO). This study was a retrospective review of all patients seen at the Auckland District Health Board with HZO from 2006 through 2016. Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to examine time to development of neurotrophic keratitis. Eight hundred sixty-nine patients were included in the study with a median follow-up of 6.3 years (5504.4 patient-years). The median age was 65.5 years (interquartile range 52.9-75.4), and 456 subjects (52.5%) were male. NK developed in 58 patients (6.7%), with the highest hazard 1 to 2 years after onset of HZO. On univariate analysis, age, White ethnicity, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at presentation, intraocular pressure, corneal involvement, uveitis, and number of recurrences were associated with increased risk of NK. On multivariate analysis, the following factors were significant: age (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.03; P = 0.021), White ethnicity (HR = 3.18; P = 0.015), BCVA (HR = 1.81; P = 0.026), uveitis (HR = 3.77; P = 0.001), and recurrence (HR = 1.34; P < 0.001). Vision loss (BCVA ≤6/15) was more frequent in subjects with NK (65.5% vs. 16.3%, P < 0.001). NK is a relatively common and serious complication of HZO and occurs more frequently in older White individuals, those with poor visual acuity at presentation, and those with uveitis. Vision loss occurs in approximately two-thirds of patients.

Epidemiological Aspects Of Allergic Conjunctivitis.

Allergic conjunctivitis is a common ocular disease which not only affects vision but can also compromise the quality of life of patients to a greater extent. If it is not properly managed it can lead to decreased vision due to corneal complications. This study was conducted to evaluate the epidemiological aspects of allergic conjunctivitis. This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Ophthalmology department of Federal General Hospital, from June 2018 to June 2020. We enrolled 236 patients of allergic conjunctivitis. Data collection form consisted of a structured questionnaire, records of ocular findings using slit lamp biomicroscope and skin prick test results. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23.0. The mean age (±SD) of study population was 22.71±13.11 years, 60.2% were females. Most common type of conjunctivitis was vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) 46.2%, followed by perennial (27.1%), seasonal (17.4%) and atopic (9.3%). There was significant association of type of conjunctivitis with the age, pvalue< 0.001. VKC was prevalent in patients of age <20 years. There was a significant association of gender with type of conjunctivitis, p-value =0.000. Perennial variety was more prevalent in females while VKC was common in males. Collateral atopy was present in 52.1% patients. Corneal involvement was seen in 17.8% patients. There was a significant association between corneal involvement and interference with daily visual activities, p-value 0.034. SPT was positive in 79.7% patients. Ocular allergies/ conjunctivitis was more prevalent in female population. VKC is the most common type of allergic conjunctivitis, prevalent in males of age <20 yrs. Allergic rhinitis was the most common co-morbidity followed by dermatitis.

A case series of ocular involvement in bullous pemphigoid: clinical features, management, and outcomes

Ocular involvement in cases of bullous pemphigoid is rare and when present, the signs are usually subtle and in the form of fine tarsal scarring and dry eye disease. The current report aims to describe the clinical features and management protocols in a series of cases with aggressive ocular manifestations at presentation. All cases of bullous pemphigoid seen between 2017 and 2020 were included in this retrospective case series. Data regarding the clinical features, treatment administered, and outcomes was collected. Five cases (n=10 eyes) of bullous pemphigoid disease with ocular involvement were included. All eyes had significant cicatricial conjunctival changes in the form of symblephara, inferior forniceal shortening, and tarsal conjunctival scarring. Conjunctival granulomas were present in 3/10 eyes. Corneal involvement in the form of punctate keratitis was present in all eyes while 4/10 eyes had an epithelial defect as well. The management of these cases involved topical therapy with corticosteroids and lubricants (n=10 eyes) while pulse doses of intravenous methyl prednisolone were administered in 5/5 cases. Pulse intravenous cyclophosphamide was supplemented in 2/5 cases. Adequate control of the disease was noted in 3/5 cases while one case had a recalcitrant form of the disease and developed a dermalised ocular surface in both eyes. The last patient was lost to follow up during the course of therapy. Bullous pemphigoid can present with an aggressive form of cicatrizing conjunctivitis similar to other variants of autoimmune blistering disorders and must be considered as a differential in cases presenting with ocular cicatricial disease. Long-term intensive immunosuppression is required for the management of these cases to preserve the visual function and the integrity of the globe.

A Rare Case of Conjunctival Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Patient on Longterm Azathioprine Therapy: Cause or Coincidence

Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome (APS) is a cluster of endocrine abnormalities that occur in discreet patterns in subjects with immune dysregulation and that permit treatment and anticipation of associated systemic or other hormonal deficiencies. It is classified into four subtypes based on the extent of autoimmune manifestations. APS type 3 is characterised by the presence of an autoimmune thyroid disease and another autoimmune illness, excluding Addison’s disease. Ocular manifestations of APS include keratoconjunctivitis, dry eye, corneal scarring, cataract, retinopathy and optic atrophy. Here, a case of a 23-year-old male patient with APS has been presented with a growth in the left eye for four months, with no other associated symptoms. The patient was a known case of APS type 3 with Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia (AIHA) since the age of 5 years. The patient was treated with long-term oral steroids and Azathioprine for 18 years. His visual acuity was 6/6; N6 in both eyes. A gelatinous lesion measuring 8x4 mm was located on the nasal bulbar conjunctiva of left eye, extending 3 mm onto the cornea. The lesion demonstrated intrinsic vascularity, feeder vessels and pigmentation, clinically suggestive of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia (OSSN). Ultrasonography defined the extension of the lesion to involve the episclera, sclera and posterior cornea. Incisional biopsy established the diagnosis of conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma in-situ. Surgical excision was deferred in view of good visual acuity and deep scleral and corneal involvement. The patient was treated with topical Mitomycin C 0.04%, and remained on close follow-up for six months. A possible contribution of long-term intake of systemic Azathioprine to the occurrence of conjunctival neoplasia can be considered.

Herpes simplex virus conjunctival dendritic ulcer as a primary infection in an immunocompetent patient

AbstractPurposeTo describe an atypical case of conjunctival herpetic dendritic ulceration in an immunocompetent patient with no history of herpetic primary infection.MethodsThis is a single observational case report and a review of the literature. The patient was followed in successive appointments.ResultsOcular involvement by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) in its recurrent form is characteristic for dendritic ulcers in the corneal epithelium, which are postulated to obtain this form due to the corneal nerve plexus. We describe the first case to date of an immunocompetent patient, age &gt; 70 years and without prior immunosuppressive treatment, with a primary herpetic infection clinically diagnosed by presenting a dendritic ulcer in the bulbar conjunctiva. The patient had nonspecific corneal involvement, and the case was subsequently confirmed with polymerase chain reaction for HSV‐1.ConclusionsThe presentation of a dendritic ulcer in the bulbar conjunctiva in a case of ocular herpes infection is a rare finding, and the physiopathology is unknown. It casts doubt on the theory that corneal dendritic ulcer morphology is only formed because of the corneal sub‐basal nerve plexus involvement. This suggests that conjunctiva examination is of vital importance in herpetic ocular infection, and that it can used a diagnostic methodology if no other eye conditions are found.

AN UNSUAL VIRAL ENDOTHELIITIS

HSV infection can affect nearly every ocular tissue. In cases of corneal involvement, the epithelium, stroma, or endothelium may be affected. Both herpes stromal keratitis (HSK) and HSV endotheliitis can present clinically with stromal opacity and, therefore, may be difficult to distinguish. In this case we will be describing a viral endotheliitis with a particular aspect on the corneal endothelium.

Ophthalmic Manifestations of ANCA-Associated Vasculitis

Ocular manifestations in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis can be associated with the general or limited form of disease and can even occur in the absence of systemic disease. Ocular manifestations of associated vasculitis can be the first symptom of previously not manifested or undiagnosed systemic disease, allowing ophthalmologists to contribute to the diagnosis. Although its ocular findings are variable and nonspecific, the presence of necrotizing changes and peripheral corneal involvement accompanying scleral inflammation are important clues suggesting systemic vasculitis, especially associated vasculitis. The disease may affect all layers of the eye; scleritis and orbital involvement being the most common. Conjunctivitis, episcleritis, peripheral ulcerative keratitis, uveitis and retinal vasculitis are other ocular findings that may be observed during the disease course.&#x0D; Ocular involvement is most commonly seen in granulomatosis with polyangiitis followed by eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis. Due to the high morbidity and mortality of associated vasculitis, it is very important to recognize the ocular manifestations of vasculitis as a sign of the underlying systemic disease and an indicator for the disease activity. Treatment varies depending on the location and severity of the ocular involvement. Although localized medical and surgical treatments can help to manage associated ocular disease, systemic immunosuppressive medications are often required to control the underlying disease. With the increasing availability and use of biological agents, prognosis has improved in patients with severe ocular complications. Rituximab appears to be useful in inducing remission and controlling relapses in patients with ocular involvement of associated vasculitis, particularly in cyclophosphamide resistant cases. A multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with associated vasculitis is required in order to achieve successful results.

Relationship between Serum Thyroid-stimulating Hormone Receptor Autoantibodies and Activity and Severity of Thyroid Eye Disease

Purpose: To study the relationship between the levels of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-receptor autoantibodies (TRAbs) and thyroid eye disease (TED) activity and severity scores.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed. The medical records of 315 patients diagnosed with TED between March 2014 and December 2019 were reviewed. The clinical activity score (CAS) was used to assess TED activity and a modified NOSPECS score was used for severity grading. The serum TRAb level was measured using two assays: a TSHR binding inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII) assay and thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) bioassay.Results: The TBII and TSI assay results were significantly positively correlated with the CAS (R = 0.113 and 0.211, respectively; &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05), modified NOSPECS score (R = 0.173 and 0.316, respectively; &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05), and proptosis (R = 0.136 and 0.167, respectively; &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05). Both assays demonstrated significant differences in the level of TRAb between patients with and without compressive optic neuropathy or corneal epithelial defects.Conclusions: The levels of TRAbs according to both TBII and TSI assays showed significant correlations with clinical signs of corneal involvement, optic neuropathy, and TED activity and severity.

Spontaneous corneal perforation complicating ocular rosacea: Case report.

IntroductionOcular rosacea is a multifactorial disease. Its pathophysiology remains unclear.The ocular manifestations of rosacea are not specific and can range from simple blepharoconjunctivitis to sight-threatening such as corneal perforation.Case reportWe report the case of a 10-year-old child who presented with a red painful right eye. Based on the clinical findings, we concluded that she had a corneal perforation on ocular rosacea. She benefited from an ipsilateral lamellar autokeratoplasty by lamellar autograft.The evolution was marked by a good healing and a good visual recovery despite a corneal scar.DiscussionOcular rosacea is a multifactorial disease, with an unclear physiopathology. Corneal involvement remains the least common, but the most challenging since serious complications can occur. Corneal perforation is the most severe.Several techniques have been reported and used in the management of corneal perforations such as conjunctival flap, amniotic membrane grafting, and the use of a corneal patch. The later, corneal autografting, remains a simple and effective technique with satisfactory anatomical results.ConclusionOcular rosacea is a pathology that is still poorly understood and of delayed diagnosis.It can lead to serious vision-threatening complications such as corneal perforation. The corneal patch is a simple, effective and efficient technique that has given good results in our case.

Epidemiology, Etiologies, and Complications of Playtime Open Globe Injuries in Children.

To study the epidemiology, etiologies, and complications of playtime open globe injuries in children at the Assiut University Hospital, Egypt. This prospective cross-sectional study enrolled children with open globe injury who were admitted to Assiut University Hospital during a 6-month period (January to July 2016). All causes of trauma that occurred during playtime (at home, outside home, at the club, or at school) were recorded and analyzed. Eighty-one children (age = 18 years and younger; mean ± standard deviation age = 8.35 ± 4.84 years) were admitted with open globe injury, and 32 of them (39.51%) sustained ocular trauma during playtime. The majority of children were boys (n = 23, 71.88%). The causes of trauma during playtime were: playing with sharp objects (n = 11; 34.38%), playing with a wooden stick (n = 7; 21.88%), falling on the ground (n = 5; 15.63%), trauma by a stone (n = 2; 6.25%), trauma during running (n = 1; 3.13%), playing with a plastic toy (n = 1; 3.13%), and unknown causes (n = 5; 15.63%). The sites of globe perforation were corneal (n = 23; 71.88%), corneoscleral (n = 8; 25%), and scleral (n = 1; 3.13%). Playtime trauma that causes open globe injury and visual disability is avoidable and constituted approximately half of the open globe injuries in this study population. Corneal involvement occurred in almost all open globe injuries. Parental supervision for children during playtime is crucial to injury prevention. Children should avoid playing with sharp, dangerous objects and desist from playing or running on unsafe ground. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2021;58(6):385-389.].

Pediatric endothelial keratoplasty: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis.

Recently, endothelial keratoplasty (EK) has been increasingly considered the first intervention in pediatrics with isolated corneal endothelial dysfunction. This systematic review aims to investigate the current evidence about the advantages, disadvantages, technical challenges, and clinical outcomes of EK in the pediatric group. All the English literature relevant to pediatric EK was searched in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases with appropriate keywords. Relevant data were pooled to conduct an individual participant data meta-analysis. Of 1646 articles found initially, 35 articles were finally eligible to be included in our study. A total of 154 eyes of 107 patients underwent Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). Congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED) was the most reported indication for pediatric DSAEK (108 eyes). Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) was performed in 2 eyes of 2 cases, one with PPCD and another one in a patient with Kearns-Sayre syndrome. Owing to some specific anatomical and physiological pediatric characteristics, some modifications in a standard procedure were suggested. The average follow-up period was 23.80 ± 20.18months (3months to 8.5years). Seventy-six eyes who had a mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 1.36 ± 0.70 (0.49 to 3) logMAR preoperatively found mean BCVA of 0.51 ± 0.33 (0.04 to 2) logMAR postoperatively. Graft dislocation was the most reported complication (26 eyes). The rate of other complications was low. Endothelial cell loss was reported from 8.3 to 63.7% after pediatric EK with follow-up duration from 3months to 8.3years. EK procedures, despite some technical challenges, are feasible surgical techniques with acceptable visual and anatomical outcomes in the management of pediatrics with corneal endothelial dysfunction and minimal stromal involvement.

ASSESSMENT OF VISUAL PROGNOSIS IN PATIENTS WITH OCULAR BURNS: A CROSSSECTIONAL STUDY

Introduction: Ocular burns are ophthalmic emergencies due to their visual morbidity. The extent of ocular surface involvement at the time of presentation is critically associated with visual outcome. Comprehensive ocular examination and prompt management is needed to optimize visual outcome. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the epidemiological trends, clinical features of patients with ocular burns and to determine their relationship with visual outcome. Methods:This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on 96 consecutive in-patients who were admitted in the Department of Plastic surgery and Burns in our hospital and sought opinion for ocular burns, irrespective of age and sex. The main outcome measures evaluated were clinical features of ocular burns and prognostic factors associated with visual impairment. Results: In our study, the mean age (S.D.) of patients was 32.83+/- 18.70 years with both males and females equally affected. The most common mode of injury was thermal injury due to domestic accidents (88.5%). 74% of patients had bilateral ocular presentation. Lid burns (42.2%) and lid edema (41.1%) were the most common ocular findings. About 5.2% of eyes showed corneal involvement. About 14 eyes (7.3%) had severe ocular complications among which one eye developed phthisis bulbi. 20 eyes (16.1%) had visual acuity of less than 6/60 causing visual morbidity. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, corneal involvement (p&lt;0.001) and ocular complications (p=0.011) had a significant association with visual impairment. Conclusion:Corneal involvement and ocular complications are less common in facial burns due to Bell's phenomenon and protective blink reflex. However, both factors had a significant influence on visual outcome contributing to visual prognosis. Early intervention and adequate management will lead to favorable visual outcome.

Demographic study of vernal keratoconjunctivitis in tertiary eye centre in Eastern India

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic form of ocular allergy that can potentially cause severe visual complications, affecting mainly children and young adults. The objective of this study is to evaluate the age group involved, sex predilection, occupation, seasonal variations, type of disease and prevalence of corneal involvement in cases presented to tertiary eye care centres of Eastern India.A total of 180 patients with signs and symptoms of VKC, who presented between April 2019 to March 2021 were studied. Patients who were not having any systemic or ocular illness and not received systemic or ocular medications during the four weeks, were included in the study. Most of the patients were found to be between 6 to 15 years (67.22%) age group and 70% are male. 71.66% of the patients were school going children. Majority of the patients were presented in the month of April to September (71.11%) i.e. during warm weather. Bulbar variety (42.22%) are most common type of VKC and 68.51% cases had corneal involvement at presentation.Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis is the disease of childhood, mostly during school going age and more commonly affects males. It is usually bilateral and more prevalent during hot and humid climate.