Symptoms Of Ocular Irritation Research Articles

Empowering vision: the impact of nursing-led educational program on patients with dry eye syndrome

BackgroundDry eye syndrome (DES) is a widespread ocular condition affecting the general population. It is a complex disorder affecting the eye surface, characterized by a tear film imbalance and ocular symptoms such as eye ache, burning, irritation, dryness, blurred vision, and foreign body sensation. DES can reduce visual acuity, increase the risk of ocular infection, and significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.AimDetermine the impact of nursing-led educational program on the management of DES and patients’ health outcomes including the intensity of DES symptoms and their influence on visual-related functions.MethodsThe study was conducted with a quasi-experimental design. Sixty adult patients diagnosed with DES were selected using a convenience sampling method. Two tools were employed for the collection of data. Tool I: Precipitating factors of DES structured interview schedule. Tool II: Ocular surface disease index (OSDI) to assess ocular irritation symptoms associated with DES and their effect on functions related to vision.ResultsA statistically significant decrease in the mean scores of OSDI in the study group two weeks after the implementation of the educational program regarding the ocular symptoms, functions associated with vision, environmental triggers, and overall score of OSDI.ConclusionImplementing an educational program for DES is effective in relieving symptoms, boosting patients’ understanding of managing symptoms effectively, and maintaining eye health. Therefore, patients must be instructed on dry eye early detection and management to enhance health-related outcomes and self-care practices.RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06288945.

Hydrogel dressings on neurotrophic keratitis in an experimental animal model.

To investigate the therapeutic effects of hydrogel dressings on neurotrophic keratitis in rats. Male Wistar rats, aged 42-56d, were randomly divided into control, experimental, and treatment groups, each consisting of five rats. The experimental and treatment groups underwent neurotrophic keratitis modeling in both eyes. After successful modeling, biomedical hydrogels formed with polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl pyrrolidone were used in treatment group for 7d. Ocular irritation response and keratitis index scores, Schirmer's test, tear film break-up time (BUT), sodium fluorescein staining, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. The neurotrophic keratitis model was successfully established in rats with severe ophthalmic nerve injury, characterized by keratitis, ocular irritation, reduced tear secretion measured by decreased BUT and Schirmer test values, corneal epithelial loss, and disorganized collagen fibers in the stromal layer. Following treatment with hydrogel dressings, significant improvements were observed in keratitis scores and ocular irritation symptoms in model eyes. Although the recovery of tear secretion, as measured by the Schirmer's test, did not show statistical differences, BUT was significantly prolonged. Fluorescein staining confirmed a reduction in the extent of corneal epithelial loss after treatment. HE staining revealed the restoration of the structural disorder in both the epithelial and stromal layers to a certain extent. Hydrogel dressing reduces ocular surface irritation, improves tear film stability, and promotes the repair and restoration of damaged epithelial cells by maintaining a moist and clean environment on the ocular surface in the rat model.

Different Thicknesses of Acellular Porcine Corneal Stroma on Prognosis of Fungal Corneal Ulcers Treated by Lamellar Keratoplasty: A 5-Year Retrospective Study.

To compare the prognosis and efficacy of acellular porcine corneal stroma (APCS) with different thicknesses for the treatment of fungal corneal ulcers by lamellar keratoplasty (LKP). A total of 52 patients who underwent LKP with APCS for the treatment of fungal corneal ulcers were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the different thicknesses of APCS (0.30 ± 0.05 mm, L2 group, n = 20; 0.40 ± 0.05 mm, L3 group, n = 32). Observation indicators included best corrected visual acuity, graft transparency, corneal neovascularization, ocular irritation symptoms, corneal epithelial healing time, graft survival, central corneal thickness at 1 year after surgery, and postoperative complications. Compared with the L3 group, the L2 group had better postoperative best corrected visual acuity and graft transparency ( P < 0.001), less corneal neovascularization ( P < 0.001), and lower incidence of complications ( P < 0.05). There were significant differences in ocular irritation symptoms between the 2 groups ( P < 0.05) at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, which might be related to the higher recurrence rate and graft rejection rate in the L3 group. The comparison of postoperative epithelial healing time also showed significant differences in 2 groups ( P < 0.01). The 1-year survival rate was up to 63.5% in both groups, with no significant difference ( P < 0.05). However, the risk of transplantation was less in the L2 group. Both APCS thicknesses could provide adequate central corneal thickness at 1 year after surgery ( P > 0.05). APCS was safe and effective in the treatment of fungal corneal ulcers by LKP. Thinner grafts should be preferred for LKP for fungal corneal ulcers to reduce the risk of grafting.

Prevalence of traditional eye medicine and self-treatment in Gurage Zone, Rural Ethiopia

IntroductionTraditional medicines are commonly used worldwide, especially in Africa—however, there is limited information on the prevalence and types of traditional eye medicine utilization in Ethiopia. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence, the type and nature of traditional eye medicine use and practices related to self-medication for ophthalmic diseases in a rural Ethiopian population.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in six randomly selected primary health centers in rural Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Health-seeking behavior, use of self-medication, and traditional eye medicine were assessed in the population using a semi-structured questionnaire.Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analysis were computed to determine associated factors for using self-medication and traditional eye medicine.ResultOf the 814 participants interviewed, 487 (59.8%) reported using traditional eye medicine, mainly for combinations of symptoms of ocular redness, irritation, and eye discharge (95.5%). Besides, 604 (74.2%) participants reported self-treatment with tetracycline 1% eye ointment. Older age, females, low income, no formal education, and lack of access to media were risks for utilizing traditional eye medicine.ConclusionThe use of traditional eye medicine and self-treatment are common in this population. Regulatory legislation, public awareness, and making eye care are vital activities required to monitor such practices.

Ophthalmological involvement in rosacea: Ocular rosacea

Abstract Rosacea is a common, chronic disorder that can present with a variety of cutaneous or ocular manifestations. Cutaneous involvement primarily affects the central face, with findings, such as persistent centrofacial redness, papulopustules, flushing, telangiectasia, and phymatous skin changes (e.g., rhinophyma). Ocular involvement may manifest with lid margin telangiectases, conjunctival injection, ocular irritation, or other signs and symptoms. In this review, we focus on the ophthalmological manifestations of rosacea and its management.

Long-Term Corneal Endothelial Parameters of COVID-19 Patients With Ocular Surface Symptoms.

This study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of COVID-19 on corneal endothelial cell morphology in patients with ocular symptoms to assess possible corneal involvement in patients who recovered. The COVID-19 group included patients diagnosed and treated at Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and ocular irritation symptoms. The control group was comprised of age- and sex-matched individuals. The controls had no ocular pathologies. Noncontact specular microscopy (Konan Cell Check SL, Hyogo, Japan) was performed using the center method after 156 ± 16 days of COVID-19 diagnosis. Parameters such as endothelial cell density (ECD), hexagonality (HEX), coefficient of variation, and central corneal thickness were analyzed. Specular microscopy results of 54 COVID-19 patients with ocular irritation symptoms and 72 controls were evaluated. Ocular symptoms in COVID-19 patients included conjunctival hyperemia, foreign body sensation, tearing, ocular secretion, and chemosis. Mean (±SD) ECD was 2770 ± 31 (cells/mm 2 ) in the COVID-19 group and 2897 ± 26 in the control group, and mean (±SD) HEX was 46.52 ± 6.38 in the COVID-19 group and 58.22 ± 13.94 in the control group. COVID-19 patients exhibited significantly lower endothelial ECD and HEX levels than controls ( P = 0.003 and P < 0.001, respectively). Coefficient of variation and central corneal thickness analyses did not reach statistical significance. COVID-19 can cause long-term alterations in the corneal endothelial cells, leading to decreased ECD and HEX. Future research should focus on the long-term implications of COVID-19 on the corneal health and visual outcomes.

Risk Factors for Ocular Surface Irritation Symptoms in Inactive Mild and Moderate-to-Severe Graves' Orbitopathy.

This study aims to analyze risk factors for ocular surface irritation symptoms in patients with non-corneal-damage inactive mild and moderate-to-severe Graves' orbitopathy (GO). This retrospective study enrolled 307 patients with non-corneal-damage inactive GO admitted to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital from April 2017 to September 2023. The activity and severity of GO were evaluated using the Clinical Activity Score (CAS) and the European Group on Graves' Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) classification, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze risk factors for ocular surface irritation symptoms. Among patients with inactive GO, for mild cases, CAS (P < 0.001), upper eyelid lag (P = 0.049), and extraocular muscle involvement (P = 0.019) in the symptomatic group were greater than those in the asymptomatic group, and multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that upper eyelid lag (P = 0.048), CAS 1 (P < 0.001), CAS 2 (P = 0.005), and extraocular muscle involvement (P = 0.029) were risk factors for ocular surface irritation symptoms; for moderate-to-severe cases, CAS (P = 0.004), extraocular muscle involvement (P < 0.001), marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD1) (P = 0.030), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (P = 0.034) in the symptomatic group were greater than those in the asymptomatic group, while multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that extraocular muscle involvement (P = 0.018) and MRD1 (P = 0.012) were risk factors for ocular surface irritation symptoms. In non-corneal-damage inactive mild and moderate-to-severe GO, eyelid malposition and periocular muscle inflammation are risk factors for ocular surface irritation symptoms.

Health impact of the Tajogaite volcano eruption in La Palma population (ISVOLCAN study): rationale, design, and preliminary results from the first 1002 participants

BackgroundThe eruption of the Tajogaite volcano began on the island of La Palma on September 19, 2021, lasting for 85 days. This study aims to present the design and methodology of the ISVOLCAN (Health Impact on the Population of La Palma due to the Volcanic Eruption) cohort, as well as the preliminary findings from the first 1002 enrolled participants.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted with random selection of adult participants from the general population, with an estimated sample size of 2600 individuals. The results of the first 857 participants are presented, along with a group of 145 voluntary participants who served as interveners during the eruption. Data on epidemiology and volcano exposure were collected, and participants underwent physical examinations, including anthropometry, blood pressure measurement, spirometry, and venous blood extraction for toxicological assessment.ResultsIn the general population (n = 857), descriptive analysis revealed that the participants were mostly middle-aged individuals (50.8 ± 16.4), with a predominance of females. Before the eruption, the participants resided at a median distance of 6.7 km from the volcano in the Western region and 10.9 km in the Eastern region. Approximately 15.4% of the sample required evacuation, whose 34.8% returning to their homes on average after 3 months. A significant number of participants reported engaging in daily tasks involving cleaning of volcanic ash both indoors and outdoors. The most reported acute symptoms included ocular irritation, insomnia, mood disorders (anxiety-depression), and respiratory symptoms. Multivariate analysis results show that participants in the western region had a higher likelihood of lower respiratory tract symptoms (OR 1.99; 95% CI:1.33–2.99), depression and anxiety (OR 1.95; 95% CI:1.30–2.93), and insomnia (OR 2.03; 95% CI:1.33–3.09), compared to those in the eastern region.ConclusionThe ongoing follow-up of the ISVOLCAN cohort will provide valuable insights into the short, medium, and long-term health impact related to the material emitted during the Tajogaite eruption, based on the level of exposure suffered by the affected population.

Assessment of the Effect of Vitamin D Deficiency on Ocular Dryness

Background Dry eye syndrome (DES) is one of the most common ocular diseases and has been recognized as an important public health problem. Dry eye is associated with chronic eye pain and an increased risk of ocular surface diseases, such as corneal ulcers and corneal abrasions. DES is a multifactorial disorder of the tear film and ocular surface, Aim and objectives was two-fold: (i) to demonstrate the relation between vitamin D deficiency, dry eye and impaired tear function; (ii) to investigate the possible associations among clinical parameters of hypovitaminosis D, such as fatigue, functional impairment and pain, with dry eye parameters including quantity of tears, the stability of the tear film layer and symptoms of ocular irritation. Subjects and methods Our study was a prospective, non-randomized study which was conducted on 36 patients with Vitamin D deficiency; The 36 vitamin D deficiency patients were classified according to dryness of eye into 2 independent groups:(1) DES group (25 patients) according to Schirmer test without anesthesia with results &amp;lt;10mm and Tear break-up time TBUT &amp;lt;10s, (2) Non-DES group (11 patients) according to Schirmer test without anesthesia with results &amp;gt;10mm and Tear break-up time TBUT &amp;gt;10s.To evaluate the relation between vitamin D deficiency, dry eye and impaired tear function The following tests were done to patients in our study: Careful history taking, full ophthalmological examination, Schirmer test, Tear break-up time and Optical coherence tomography (anterior segment).Follow up for our patients in the study after taking vitamin D supplement for 3 month and all the previous tests were repeated again. Results the results revealed that Comparative study between the 2 groups revealed; highly significant decrease in follow up Schirmer test, tear breakup time and tear-film height in DES group; compared to Non-DES eye group (p &amp;lt; 0.01 respectively). Comparative study between the 2 groups revealed non-significant difference regarding follow up tear-film width and vitamin D level (p &amp;gt; 0.05), Conclusion Our work supports that vitamin D deficiency may lead to dry eye which may carry the risk in development conjunctival squamous metaplasia and loss of goblet cells on the ocular surface, and that vitamin D plays a protective role in the development of dry eye, probably by enhancing tear film parameters and reducing ocular surface inflammation.

Effects of Chilled Saline Irrigation on SMILE Surgery.

To investigate the effect of ultra-early visual correction and prognosis of myopic astigmatism after irrigation with the chilled balanced salt solution (BSS) during small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery. A prospective case-control study was enrolled from 202 patients (404 eyes) who had SMILE, and randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group (each group was 101 cases [202 eyes]). After lenticule extraction on SMILE, the corneal cap and the corneal incision were flushed with chilled saline in the intervention group, whereas the control group was flushed with room temperature saline. All patients in the two groups were examined for early complications before and 2 hours, 24 hours, and 7 days after surgery and the results were compared, and statistically analyzed, including the recovery degree of naked eye vision, ocular irritation symptoms, opaque bubble layer, diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK), uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), and corrected distance visual acuity. The ocular irritation symptoms in the intervention group were milder than those in the control group at 2 hours after surgery, and the recovery of visual acuity at 2 and 24 hours after surgery was significantly faster than that in the control group, but there was no statistical difference in UDVA between the two groups at 7 days after surgery (P > .05). The incidence of DLK in the intervention group was lower than that in the control group, and the difference was significant (P = .041). Chilled BSS irrigation can reduce the emergency response of corneal tissue after SMILE, relieve ocular irritation, promote vision recovery, and relatively reduce incidence of early complications. [J Refract Surg. 2023;39(4):282-287.].

Diagnosis of dry eye patients with ocular irritation

Dry eye is often an under diagnosed condition of the eye that can cause discomfort, burning sensation and blurred vision. These symptoms are related to the alterations in the layers of tear film, insufficient production or excessive evaporation of tear film. The primary aim of this study is to diagnose and to find out the incidence of dry eye in patients presenting with symptoms of ocular irritation. A total number of 225 patients of both sexes aged between 20 and 80 years with complaints of ocular irritation were included in this study. Detailed history taking, slit lamp examination of the anterior segment, tear film breakup time (TBUT), Schirmer’s test, Fluorescein stain score and Rose Bengal stain score was done for all patients. Data was presented only for the worst eye of each patient. Dry eye was found in 46.67% of patients. Among symptomatic patients, 24% had TBUT value &amp;#60; 10 sec. Fluorescein score was ≥ 1 in 6.6% of symptomatic patients. RB score ≥3 was found in 28.4%. Both Schirmer test and TBUT were positive in 22.7% of the symptomatic patients. Only 4.9% of symptomatic patients were positive for all 3 tests including staining. This study firmly concludes that the Schirmer’s test, TBUT and staining should be done routinely for patients with ocular irritation for the early diagnosis of dry eye.

Herpes simplex keratitis following Smart Pulse Technology assisted transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy: a case report

BackgroundHerpes simplex keratitis (HSK) is a rare and sight-threatening complication following refractive surgery. SmartSurfACE surgery is the result of combining transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (trans-PRK) with Smart Pulse Technology (SPT) to diminish surface irregularities of the residual stromal bed after surgery with less pain, faster re-epithelialization, and better postoperative visual acuity. In this article, we report the first case of HSK following SmartSurf ACE without history of herpetic eye disease.Case presentationA 21-year-old woman underwent bilateral SmartSurfACE without history of clinical herpetic infection, active eye disease, or systemic disease. Mild superficial punctate keratitis occurred on the tenth postoperative day. The condition was not improved by ophthalmic drugs of anti-inflammation or epithelial healings. Dendritic corneal ulcer appeared within one month, which is the commonly recognized clinical manifestation of herpes simplex keratitis. The patient was managed with topical and systemic antiviral agents. After nine days of antiviral therapy, the lesion healed up, remaining mild stromal scarring in both eyes ultimately.ConclusionHerpes simplex keratitis is a rare but sight-threatening complication following refractive surgery. For the ocular irritation symptoms of postoperative patients, we should consider the possibility of HSK and give timely treatment.

A clinical study of correlation between pterygium and dry eye

To study the clinical correlation between pterygium and dry eye and to evaluate the status of tear film in patients with pterygium.100 eyes with pterygium were compared with 100 control eyes without pterygium. Patients between 20–70 years were included in the study. Detailed history was taken and Schirmer’s test and TBUT were performed on all to evaluate the status of dry eye. Schirmer’s test ˂10 mm and TBUT ˂10 seconds was considered abnormal. Maximum number (52) of patients affected with dry eye in both the groups were in the age group 31-40 years which statistically showed age as a significant factor of association for both pterygium and dry eye (P&amp;#60;0.01). Schirmer’s test was slightly reduced in patients with pterygium(18.73±5.69 mm). TBUT was significantly reduced in the case group (12.26±2.24sec). TBUT decreased maximally in 51-60 yrs age group (13.00±2.77sec) with pterygium showing a tear film unstability. On comparison of pterygia and controls with normal and abnormal tear film, Odd’s Ratio was 1.14 showing risk of dry eye in pterygia patients to be 1.14 times higher than controls. A close relationship exists between ocular irritation symptoms and functional evidence of tear instability. Schirmer’s test and TBUT should routinely be used in the outpatient department to diagnose dry eye in patients with pterygium and these patients should be promptly treated to prevent any sight threatening complications.

Small fiber neuropathy in the cornea of Covid-19 patients associated with the generation of ocular surface disease

PurposeTo describe the association between Sars-CoV-2 infection and small fiber neuropathy in the cornea identified by in vivo corneal confocal microscopy. MethodsTwenty-three patients who had overcome COVID-19 were recruited to this observational retrospective study. Forty-six uninfected volunteers were also recruited and studied as a control group. All subjects were examined under in vivo confocal microscopy to obtain images of corneal subbasal nerve fibers in order to study the presence of neuroma-like structures, axonal beadings and dendritic cells. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and Schirmer tear test were used as indicators of Dry Eye Disease (DED) and ocular surface pathology. ResultsTwenty-one patients (91.31%) presented alterations of the corneal subbasal plexus and corneal tissue consistent with small fiber neuropathy. Images from healthy subjects did not indicate significant nerve fiber or corneal tissue damage. Eight patients reported increased sensations of ocular dryness after COVID-19 infection and had positive DED indicators. Beaded axons were found in 82.60% of cases, mainly in patients reporting ocular irritation symptoms. Neuroma-like images were found in 65.22% patients, more frequently in those with OSDI scores >13. Dendritic cells were found in 69.56% of patients and were more frequent in younger asymptomatic patients. The presence of morphological alterations in patients up to 10 months after recovering from Sars-CoV-2 infection points to the chronic nature of the neuropathy. ConclusionsSars-CoV-2 infection may be inducing small fiber neuropathy in the ocular surface, sharing symptomatology and morphological landmarks with DED and diabetic neuropathy.

Impact of upper blepharoplasty, with or without orbicularis oculi muscle removal, on tear film dynamics and dry eye symptoms: A randomized controlled trial.

Upper blepharoplasty may be related to dry eye symptoms since the function of the orbicularis oculi muscle may affect the tear film. We aimed to assess the effect of blepharoplasty with or without the removal of a strip of orbicularis oculi muscle on tear film dynamics and dry eye symptoms. A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial comparing upper blepharoplasty without (group A) or with (group B) orbicularis oculi muscle excision was performed on 54 healthy Caucasian patients. Tear film dynamics and dry eye symptoms were evaluated using multiple dry eye parameters, i.e. tear osmolarity, Schirmer test I, corneal/conjunctival staining, tear break-up time (TBUT), Oxford Scheme, Sicca Ocular Staining Score and Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire. All the parameters were assessed preoperatively and 6 and 12 months after upper blepharoplasty. All the groups' outcomes were compared. The differences were not significant between the two upper blepharoplasty techniques regarding most of the above-mentioned outcomes. Subjective symptoms of ocular irritation, consistent with dry eye disease and vision-related impairment, were reduced after upper blepharoplasty independent of the type of the technique applied, while the pre and postoperative outcomes of the objective tear dynamics did not differ 12 months after surgery. However, group B demonstrated a significant increase in tear osmolarity and TBUT at the 6-month follow-up visit. An upper blepharoplasty alleviates subjective dry eye complaints in the long term, while not changing the tear dynamics. The improvement was independent of the blepharoplasty technique used.

Evaluation of Ocular Surface and Dry Eye Symptoms in Face Mask Users.

This study aimed to investigate the ocular surface and symptoms of dry eye in individuals who wear face masks on a daily basis. This prospective study evaluated 52 right eyes of 52 subjects (26 men, 26 women) who routinely wore face masks for at least 8 hrs a day. Mean age was 30.48±6.01 years. All patients were assessed with Schirmer-1 test, Tear Break-up Time (TBUT), Oxford staining grade, and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) at initial clinical admission (T1), after 8 hrs of face mask use (T2), and after 15 days of greater than 8 hrs daily wear of face masks with the open portions of the mask taped down (T3). Mean TBUT was 13.03±2.18 seconds(s) at T1, 9.12±1.85 sec at T2, and 12.78±2.05 sec at T3. Mean Schirmer-1 test results were 16.87±3.01 mm at T1, 12.97±2.74 mm at T2, and 17.01±2.95 mm at T3. There was a significant difference between T1 and T2, and between T2 and T3 in TBUT (P<0.001), Schirmer-1 results (P<0.001), and Oxford staining grade (P=0.030, P=0.003, respectively). There was a significant difference between all examination times in OSDI score (P<0.001). Improper use of face masks may cause increased ocular irritation and dry eye symptoms. Taping down the upper portion of the face mask blocks exhaled air from directly entering the eyes, preventing potential symptoms of dry eye.

A Single-center Retrospective Trial of a Blink-assisted Eyelid Device in Treating the Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye.

SIGNIFICANCEThe clinical features of meibomian gland disease include altered tear film stability, damage to the ocular surface, symptoms of ocular surface irritation, and visual fluctuations. Finding an adequate treatment to alleviate a patient's signs and symptoms is vital to caring for those with dry eye disease resulting from meibomian gland disease.PURPOSEThe purpose of this analysis was to determine whether the controlled heating of meibomian glands with the SmartLid devices (TearCare) combined with evacuation of the liquefied meibum using a handheld clearance assistant would improve a patient's dry eye symptoms (as measured by the Standardized Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness [SPEED] questionnaire) and signs (as measured by meibomian gland expression [MGE] scores).METHODSThis study involved a retrospective analysis of data gathered in a single-center ophthalmology/optometry practice. The symptom frequency and severity were assessed using the SPEED questionnaire, and the signs were assessed via MGE scores before and after (8 to 12 weeks) treatment. A further analysis evaluating efficacy in subgroups based on age, race, and sex was performed. A statistical analysis was performed with t tests for group comparisons.RESULTSA SPEED questionnaire was answered by 92 patients with dry eye disease. In addition, each patient's meibomian gland function was recorded as MGE scores for each eye (176 eyes). These procedures were completed before and approximately 8 weeks after a single bilateral TearCare treatment. The median total SPEED score was reduced from 16 to 9, and the total MGE scores improved from 5.0 to 9.0 in the right eye and 4.0 to 9.0 in the left eye after a single TearCare treatment.CONCLUSIONSA single TearCare treatment was effective in reducing both the signs and symptoms of dry eye in all subjects.

Evaluation of ocular symptoms in COVID-19 subjects in inpatient and outpatient settings.

PurposeEvaluation of subtle ocular involvement and clinically significant conjunctivitis symptoms in a group of patients with COVID-19 in outpatient and inpatient settings.MethodOverall, 1083 patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 were recruited as subjects. Patients were divided into inpatients (group 1, n = 371) and outpatients (group 2, n = 712). Demographical and general medical data included age, sex, and comorbidities. Patients whose diagnosis was confirmed by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were called by phone, and their chronic ocular disease, previous ocular surgery, ocular medication, contact lens wear and ocular irritation symptoms were queried during the active disease period.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 44.2 ± 16.5 (19–97) years; 635 (58.6%) were male, and 448 (41.4%) were female. Comorbidity, chronic ocular disease, ophthalmic medication and previous ocular surgery rates were significantly higher in group 1 (p < 0.05), while contact lens wear was not significantly different between groups. The main complaints received from patients were sore eye or burning sensation, foreign body sensation, itching and red eye and were significantly higher in group 1. Clinically significant conjunctivitis symptoms, such as red eye, ocular discharge and eyelid edema, were observed in 28 patients (2.6%), with 14 (3.8%) patients in group 1 and 14 (2%) patients in group 2.ConclusionClinically significant conjunctivitis symptoms were detected in 28 subjects in the inpatient and outpatient groups. As systemic findings of COVID-19 intensify,

Unexplained ocular and visual symptoms: The need for a psychosomatic approach in Ophthalmology

Abstract Introduction Psychogenic causes for some somatic symptoms have been widely recognised. In Ophthalmology however, there are few studies that address this issue, and current Ophthalmology Training Programs do not include formal teaching in Psychosomatics. Psychosomatic phenomena in ophthalmology are probably under-diagnosed, which may reduce therapeutic effectiveness, decrease patient and physician satisfaction, and increase health costs due to multiple consultations and prescriptions. The aims of this study were to describe patients with unexplained visual/ocular symptoms (UVOS), and to estimate the prevalence of psychological distress (PD) among them. Materials and methods Consecutive adults with UVOS were recruited over a 12 month period. Complete medical history and ocular examination were performed to rule out organic disease. Psychological Distress was defined by the presence of one or more of the following criteria: psychiatric diagnosis, use of psychotropic medication, psychosomatic disease in other organs, and biographical crisis in the last 6 months. Results were compared with a control group. Results A total of 39 cases of UVOS were recruited, corresponding approximately to 3% prevalence. The large majority (74%) were female. The mean age was 41.8 years. The most common complaints were ocular surface irritation symptoms (51%) and unspecific visual disturbances (17%). At least 1 of the PD criteria was found in 100%, including 46.2% with psychiatric comorbidity, 48.7% with psychotropic medications, 64% with psychosomatic disease in other organs, and 48.7% with recent life-stressful events. PD indicators were statistically higher compared with control group (P Conclusions There was a high frequency of Psychological Distress indicators in patients with UVOS. Although the causative role of PD remains unclear, the presence of UVOS should warn the ophthalmologist of an underlying psychic conflict and to make an appropriate psychological intervention.

Síntomas visuales y oculares sin causa: La necesidad de un enfoque psicosomático en oftalmología

IntroductionPsychogenic causes for some somatic symptoms have been widely recognised. In Ophthalmology however, there are few studies that address this issue, and current Ophthalmology Training Programs do not include formal teaching in Psychosomatics. Psychosomatic phenomena in ophthalmology are probably under-diagnosed, which may reduce therapeutic effectiveness, decrease patient and physician satisfaction, and increase health costs due to multiple consultations and prescriptions. The aims of this study were to describe patients with unexplained visual/ocular symptoms (UVOS), and to estimate the prevalence of psychological distress (PD) among them. Materials and methodsConsecutive adults with UVOS were recruited over a 12 month period. Complete medical history and ocular examination were performed to rule out organic disease. Psychological Distress was defined by the presence of one or more of the following criteria: psychiatric diagnosis, use of psychotropic medication, psychosomatic disease in other organs, and biographical crisis in the last 6 months. Results were compared with a control group. ResultsA total of 39 cases of UVOS were recruited, corresponding approximately to 3% prevalence. The large majority (74%) were female. The mean age was 41.8 years. The most common complaints were ocular surface irritation symptoms (51%) and unspecific visual disturbances (17%). At least 1 of the PD criteria was found in 100%, including 46.2% with psychiatric comorbidity, 48.7% with psychotropic medications, 64% with psychosomatic disease in other organs, and 48.7% with recent life-stressful events. PD indicators were statistically higher compared with control group (P<.05). ConclusionesThere was a high frequency of PD indicators in patients with UVOS. Although the causative role of PD remains unclear, the presence of UVOS should warn the ophthalmologist of an underlying psychic conflict and to make an appropriate psychological intervention.