Ophthalmic Emergency Room Research Articles

Assessment of long-term visual outcomes in aphakic children wearing scleral contact lenses.

Timely management of aphakic children is critical for the rehabilitation of adequate visual gain. This study aims to evaluate the long-term efficacy of scleral contact lenses in terms of visual outcomes, complications, and compliance in aphakic children. Retrospective data review of children with congenital or acquired cataract, or subluxated crystalline lenses, who underwent lensectomy from 2004 to 2018 and who used scleral contact lenses for refractive correction. Collected data from the follow up period included recorded aphakic refraction and visual acuity, complications following scleral contact lens wear documented in the clinic and ophthalmic emergency room and compliance to lens wear according to parental feedback on every visit in the clinic. 76% of cases, with final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/40 or better achieved in seventeen eyes (34%). The rate of amblyopia was 50%. Strabismus developed in 56% of children, and those had less favourable visual outcomes (0.43 ± 0.4 LogMAR without strabismus and 0.8 ± 0.5 LogMAR with strabismus, p = 0.015). No corneal infections were documented during the follow up. Main adverse effect on the ocular surface was superficial punctate keratopathy (n = 16). Compliance was good in 48 children (96%)- except for two cases, the scleral lenses were tolerated well by all children. Scleral contact lenses are an effective means of visual rehabilitation in aphakic children after lensectomy and may be used long-term with good compliance of wear, excellent visual outcomes, and tolerable adverse events.

Analysis of ocular emergencies in a reference eye center in Brazil.

To determine the incidence of ocular emergencies and patient profiles in a public health eye center in Brazil. The medical record database of the Fundação Altino Ventura, Recife, Brazil was retrospectively analyzed and included all patients assisted at the ophthalmic emergency room between January 2017 and January 2018. Medical records with incomplete data and outpatient complaints were excluded. For records with multiple visits, only the initial visit was considered. In 1 year, 134,788 patients (mean age at admission: 38.7 ± 22 years; range: 0-99 years) were admitted at the emergency room of the Fundação Altino Ventura. The most frequent diagnoses were conjunctivitis (52,732 cases; 37.3%), blepharitis (7,213 cases; 5.1%), and corneal/conjunctival foreign body (6,925 cases; 4.9%). Corneal/conjunctival foreign body and ocular trauma had an eight- and two-fold higher incidence in male patients, respectively (both p<0.001). Female patients presented a two-fold higher incidence of trichiasis and blepharitis than males (p<0.001). Corneal/conjunctival foreign body and ocular trauma affected more patients in a productive age (>15 years), while corneal ulcers, blepharitis, and trichiasis affected more elderly patients. All diagnostic clusters (e.g., infectious diseases, ocular trauma, foreign bodies, retinopathies, eyelid disorders, corneal diseases, glaucomatous crisis, and neuroophthalmological diseases) were more common during the spring season (p<0.001). The most common ocular emergencies in the present study were infectious diseases and foreign body. However, the incidence of ophthalmological emergencies was influenced by the age and sex of patients, as well as the time of the year.

COVID-19's Influence on Ocular Emergency Visits at a Tertiary Referral Center and Its Relationship to Emergency Indications by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Purpose To examine the trends of ocular emergency admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic at a tertiary care center. Methods The study's sample consisted of all patients who were seen in the ophthalmic emergency room (OER) between March 15 and April 15, 2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic) and in the same time frame of the previous year. The cases were categorized as urgent vs. nonurgent according to the AAO urgency guidelines during the coronavirus period, and the ability to treat the case with telemedicine was evaluated retrospectively. Results A total of 553 patients were admitted to the OER during the pandemic period, whereas in the same time frame of the previous year, 1,069 were admitted. The female/male proportion was 526/543 (49.2%/50.8%) in 2019 and 258/259 (46.7%/53.3%) the following year. Age (years, average ± SD) was 44.7 ± 24.5 in 2019 and 47.9 ± 23.4 in 2020. There were more self-referrals in 2020 compared to 2019 (41.1% vs. 32.6%; p=0.0004). The time spent in the OER was reduced from 109 ± 74 (minutes, average ± SDV) in 2019 to 73 ± 51 in 2020 (p < 0.0001). The most common cause of OER examinations in 2020 was related to the posterior segment of the eye (23.9%), whereas infection and inflammation of the anterior segment were the most common causes in 2019 (35.5%). Urgency by AAO standards was in agreement in 26.7% admissions in 2019 and 35.6% in 2020 (p=0.0002). Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced several aspects of the OER, including the number of referrals, type of ophthalmic emergency, the time spent in the OER, and the need for emergent treatment. Our change in the treatment algorithm was in agreement with the AAO recommendations during the pandemic.

Ophthalmic emergency-room visits during the Covid-19 pandemic \u2013 a comparative study

BackgroundThe goal of this study is to compare ophthalmic emergency room (OER) visits during the Coronavirus disease-19 (Covid-19) pandemic to those during a control period.MethodsWe compared all visits to the OER to Meir Medical Center in Israel, from March 15th to April 15th, 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic and government mandated quarantine, to the same period in 2019. Factors analyzed were patient demographics, chief complaints, referral patterns, exam findings, treatments given, hospitalizations and surgical interventions.ResultsWe included in this study 1311 visits of 1158 patients, 477 during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic and 834 during the same period in 2019. The demographic distribution (age, gender, and ethnicity) was similar between the two periods. LogMAR visual acuity at presentation was worse during the Covid-19 pandemic (0.42 ± 0.6 and 0.34 ± 0.5 in 2020 and 2019 respectively; p = 0.025) and the number of emergent surgeries was higher (3.7% in 2020 vs 1.8% in 2019, p = 0.026). In 2019 there was a higher likelihood of involvement of both segments of the eye (4.82% versus 1.2%, p < 0.01) and more diagnoses were given to each patient (1 ± 0.5 versus 0.93 ± 0.35, p = 0.001; During the Covid − 19 pandemic medications (both topical and systemic) were prescribed more often (1.22 ± 0.95 in 2020 and 0.84 ± 0.67 in 2019, p < 0.001).ConclusionsOER visits were less frequent during the Covid − 19 pandemic as compared to 2019, though the demographics of the patients remained unchanged. Visits during the pandemic tended to be for more severe ocular conditions, with worse visual acuity at presentation and required more medical and surgical treatment which imply higher necessity of ocular evaluation. This analysis can aid healthcare resource management in similar scenarios in the future.

Traumatic wound dehiscence after penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus: about a case

We report a case of a 35-year-old patient, who had undergone optical penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) for bilateral keratoconus in 2012. He was referred to ophthalmic emergency room for a blunt eye injury of the right eye. His visual acuity was reduced to light perception. Slit lamp examination revealed a dehiscence of PKP at 4 o´clock (extending from 2 o´clock to 7 o´clock) with flat anterior chamber, iris prolapse, total hyphema and corneal edema of the corneal graft (A). The posterior segment noted no complications. Suturing of the graft was performed; seven interrupted 10-0 monofilament nylon sutures were applied in the area of wound dehiscence (B). Follow-up was ensured for several months, during which visual acuity rose to 1/10. The scar from transfixing keratoplasty for keratoconus is at a high risk of rupture even with minor trauma. The prognosis for such a trauma is always severe and the post-traumatic course remains less pejorative, especially when there are lesions of the posterior segment.

Implementation of Lean and Six Sigma principles in ophthalmology for improving quality of care and patient flow

Lean management is a set of principles aimed at improving processes by identifying and eliminating steps that do not add value to the consumer. Such steps lead to wasted time, resources, and expenses and result in customer and employee dissatisfaction. Although initially invented and perfected for factory assembly lines in the automobile industry, it has since disseminated extensively and has repeatedly proven a powerful “engine” for improving quality and quantity in the health-care setting. Lean implementation benefits include improved safety, reduced waiting times, increased patient satisfaction, and cost reduction. Nevertheless, it appears to be less familiar and appreciated in ophthalmology and more specifically as a tool for managing an efficient eye care clinic. In this review, we explain what “Lean” and Six Sigma are and highlight their implementation in settings such as cataract surgery, laser capsulotomy, an ophthalmic emergency room and its role as a powerful tool for improving clinic patient flow. We discuss basic principles of Lean management, review examples of implementing these principles in an ophthalmology practice, and finally, offer physicians practical tools for identifying “wasteful” processes and ways to eliminate them.

Acute macular neuroretinopathy type 2: an unusual case

PurposeAcute Macular Neuroretinopathy (AMN) is a rare retinal disease distinguished in two different types. In type 1 the lesion occurs above the outer plexiform layer (OPL) interesting the inner nuclear layer (INL), differently in type 2 the lesion occurs below the OPL interesting the outer nuclear layer (ONL). Type 1 is more common among elderly, males, and associated with cardiovascular risk factors while type 2 is more usual in young and females.MethodsA 68 years‐old white man presented to Ophthalmic Emergency Room complaining the acute‐onset of a paracentral superonasal scotoma in his left eye. His medical history was significant for systemic arterial hypertension in good control with diuretics and sartans. He also refers primary open angle glaucoma in treatment with prostaglandin analogous in both eyes. We performed fluorescein and indocyanine green angiographies, spectral domain‐Optical Coherence Tomography (SD‐OCT), OCT angiography (OCTA), standard automated perimetry (SAP), microperimetry, and multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG).ResultsFluorescein and indocyanine green angiographies were unremarkable. SD‐OCT revealed a focal hyperreflective band that involved the OPL and ONL localized in the parafoveal inferior region. The SAP showed a superonasal scotoma that was confirmed by the mfERG trace decrease and the inferotemporal reduced retinal sensibility at microperimetry. OCTA revealed a deep retinal capillary plexus perfusion defect area inferotemporally to the fovea.ConclusionsOur case describes an unusual AMN type 2 that occurs in an elderly male patient affected by systemic arterial hypertension typical for type 1. These evidences suggest a closer pathogenic relationship between the two forms of AMN. Further studies will be able to determine whether AMN type 1 and AMN type 2 rapresent single or multiple entities.

Unilateral Eyelid Edema as Initial Sign of Orbital Sarcoidosis.

Introduction. Sarcoidosis is a rare multisystemic granulomatous inflammatory disease of unknown etiology affecting the respiratory system, skin, and eyes. Sarcoidosis outside the lacrimal gland is rare. The case study concerns a patient with a final diagnosis of orbital sarcoidosis. Case Report. A 37-year-old male patient went to the ophthalmic emergency room complaining of pain in the left eye, diplopia, and decreased visual acuity. An external eye examination showed hard and cold edema of the lower eyelid, ocular motility with limitation of adduction, and discreet ipsilateral proptosis. Magnetic resonance of the orbit showed left eye proptosis and thickening and increase of soft tissues associated with heterogeneous impregnation of contrast in the infralateral region of the left eyelid. A biopsy of the lesion showed a chronic inflammatory process, with numerous compact nonnecrotizing granulomas surrounded by lamellar hyaline collagen, providing histological confirmation of sarcoidosis. Discussion. A biopsy of the orbital tumor is essential for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis, in addition to the search for systemic findings such as hilar adenopathy or parenchymal lung disease found in 90% of patients.

Triaging self-referred patients attending ophthalmic emergency room.

Objectives:To introduce an effective and safe ophthalmic triaging system to be used by non-ophthalmologists.Methods:A modified scoring triage system with more relevant clinical symptoms and signs from a previously published Rome Eye Scoring System for Urgency and Emergency (RESCUE) was evaluated over a 2-month period. The study was conducted following a prospective cohort design between March and September 2014 at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Only self-referred patients were included. Its reliability in differentiating urgent and semi-urgent conditions from non-urgent conditions, identifying patients who need immediate intervention, and decreasing the waiting time were tested using Mann Whitney U test.Results:A total of 531 patients were included in the validation phase to evaluate the triaging system reliability, and 824 patients were included in the implementation phase (applying the system in the ophthalmology emergency room). The sensitivity to differentiate urgent and semi-urgent conditions from non-urgent conditions improved from 90.7 to 98.7%, while the specificity decreased from 97.2 to 87% compared with RESCUE. The sensitivity in differentiating urgent conditions from semi-urgent and non-urgent conditions was 99%, and the specificity was 90%. Mean waiting time reduced from 58.23 minutes to 46 minutes (p=0.014), and the median waiting time reduced from 46 minutes to 33 minutes (p=0.009).Conclusion:This triage system appears to be safe and effective in recognizing the urgency of different ophthalmic conditions, reducing unnecessary ophthalmic emergency load and waiting time significantly.

An Outbreak of Streptococcus Endophthalmitis After Intravitreal Injection of Bevacizumab

To report a series of patients with Streptococcus endophthalmitis after injection with intravitreal bevacizumab prepared by the same compounding pharmacy. Noncomparative consecutive case series. Medical records and microbiology results of patients who presented with endophthalmitis after injection with intravitreal bevacizumab between July 5 and July 8, 2011, were reviewed. Twelve patients were identified with endophthalmitis, presenting 1 to 6 days after receiving an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab. The injections occurred at 4 different locations in south Florida. All patients received bevacizumab prepared by the same compounding pharmacy. None of the infections originated at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Florida, although 9 patients presented to its tertiary-care ophthalmic emergency room for treatment, and 3 additional patients were seen in consultation. All patients were treated initially with a vitreous tap and injection; 8 patients subsequently received a vitrectomy. Microbiology cultures for 10 patients were positive for Streptococcus mitis/oralis. Seven unused syringes of bevacizumab prepared by the compounding pharmacy at the same time as those prepared for the affected patients also were positive for S. mitis/oralis. After 4 months of follow-up, all but 1 patient had count fingers or worse visual acuity, and 3 required evisceration or enucleation. Local, state, and federal health department officials have been investigating the source of the contamination. In this outbreak of endophthalmitis after intravitreal bevacizumab injection, Streptococcus mitis/oralis was cultured from the majority of patients and from all unused syringes. Visual outcomes were generally poor. The most likely cause of this outbreak was contamination during syringe preparation by the compounding pharmacy.

Common ophthalmic emergencies

Ophthalmic emergencies are immediate threats to the visual system that can lead to permanent loss of visual function if left untreated. These emergencies should be detected by physicians and immediately treated and referred to an ophthalmologist if necessary. This article reviews the most common ophthalmic emergency room presentations, the history and physical examination for an ophthalmic emergency, and the diagnosis and management of each condition.

A feasibility study of an Internet-based telemedicine system for consultation in an ophthalmic emergency room

We examined the feasibility of a low-bandwidth, Internet-based tele-ophthalmology system for consultation in an ophthalmic emergency room. Forty-nine patients (98 eyes) with complicated cases were seen during night shifts in the ophthalmic emergency room. Ocular images were taken using a slit-lamp connected to a video camera, processed and transmitted to a senior physician by email. A telephone was used for real-time audio communication. Each case was re-examined by the same senior physician the following day. The time needed to capture and to process the images was 5 min (SD 2). Each case was given a feasibility score (0-100%), which was defined as the contribution made by the transmitted images in presenting clinical details which could not have been described verbally. High feasibility scores (mean scores ranging from 85 to 90) were found for the following images: ocular surface, anterior chamber, anterior chamber angle, pupils, lens, optic nerve and macula. In contrast, images of vitreous and peripheral retina received low feasibility scores (mean score 65). There was 100% agreement between the diagnosis made during consultation and the on-site examination made by the senior ophthalmologist later on. Ninety-eight percent of the patients stated that they would prefer being examined under the telemedicine system on their next emergency room visit, rather than the traditional resident on-site examination.

Topography after repair of full-thickness corneal laceration

Purpose: To characterize corneal topography after repair of full-thickness corneal laceration.Setting: Ophthalmic emergency room serving as a trauma referral center.Methods: Twenty-two eyes with full-thickness corneal lacerations were prospectively studied after standardized surgical repair. Computerized videokeratography was done 2 and 14 weeks after surgery, with the latter measurement corresponding to 6 to 8 weeks after all sutures were removed. Fellow uninjured eyes served as the control group.Results: Twenty eyes (91 %) had a significant reduction in topographic distortion after suture removal. Mean corneal astigmatism, measured by simulated keratometry, was 10.70 diopters (D) ± 5.90 D (SD) with sutures in place and 2.25 ± 4.90 D after their removal (P < .005). Eighteen patients (82%) had 2.00 D or less of corneal astigmatism 6 to 8 weeks after all sutures were removed. The final distribution of topographic patterns was bow tie (50%), spherical/oval (36%), and irregular (14%). There was no significant correlation between laceration configuration (curvilinear, jagged, branched wound margins) and final topography. Lacerations that passed within 2.0 mm of the line of sight, however, were significantly more likely to have more than 2.00 D of final astigmatism. Mean central corneal power was 42.40 ± 3.20 D in the injured eyes and 42.40 ± 2.40 D in the uninjured fellow eyes.Conclusion: Although high astigmatism is frequently produced by corneal sutures used to repair full-thickness lacerations, the cornea has a substantial topographic memory that results in a marked normalization of contour after suture removal.

Clinical Predictors of Scleral Rupture After Blunt Ocular Trauma

We conducted a two-part study to define better the clinical predictors of scleral rupture after blunt trauma. In part 1 we ascertained the prevalence of scleral rupture among a population of patients examined in an ophthalmic emergency room with severe blunt ocular trauma over a six-month period. Scleral rupture was diagnosed in ten of 283 patients (3.5%). In part 2 we compared the clinical findings in 29 patients with scleral rupture to those of 273 patients with no scleral rupture after blunt trauma. We noted that eyes with visual acuity of light perception or less, an intraocular pressure of 5 mm Hg or less, an abnormally deep or shallow anterior chamber, or a media opacity preventing a view of fundus details by indirect ophthalmoscopy, should be considered ruptured when severe intra- or periocular hemorrhage is present. This diagnostic algorithm had a sensitivity of 100.0% (98.7% to 100.0%), specificity of 98.5% (97.1% to 99.9%), and a positive predictive value of 71.4% (66.3% to 76.5%).