Search Results

Abstract

Objetivo: Estimar a epidemiologia do pterígio; sua correlação com sintomas de olho seco e com potenciais preditores sistêmicos e oculares.
Métodos: Estudo transversal, de base populacional, no qual foram realizadas visitas domiciliares aleatórias a 600 participantes, com 40 anos ou mais de idade, em Ribeirão Preto-SP (n=420) e Cassia dos Coqueiros-SP (n=180), Brasil. Uma entrevista estruturada com um questionário detalhado foi usada para coletar informações sobre demografia e possíveis fatores de risco. Em um segundo momento, participantes aleatórios com pterígio (n=63) ou não (n=110) foram avaliados quanto a alterações na superfície ocular.
Resultados: A frequência de pterígio em Ribeirão Preto foi de 21%; 15.7% entre as mulheres e 32.1% entre os homens (p=0,0002). Em Cássia dos Coqueiros, essa taxa foi de 19.4%; onde 17.3% eram mulheres e 25.5% eram homens (p=0,28). A média de idade naqueles afetados pelo pterígio foi superior à dos participantes sem pterígio, 65,6 ± 10,5 e 61,2 ± 12,0 anos, respectivamente (p=0,02). Houve uma correlação positiva entre o pterígio e história prévia de radioterapia e quimioterapia (p<0,0001 para ambos). Houve maior coloração de fluoresceína na córnea e maior coloração de lissamina verde na conjuntiva em olhos com pterígio (p=0,0003 e 0,0001, respectivamente).
Conclusão: Encontramos uma alta frequência de pterígio em duas populações adultas brasileiras, principalmente em homens e idosos. Danos na superfície ocular e história prévia de radioterapia e/ou quimioterapia foram associados ao pterígio.

Keywords: Pterígio/epidemiologia; Síndrome do olho seco; Prevalência; Fatores de risco

Abstract

PURPOSE: Endophthalmitis is one of the most important adverse events after cataract surgery, as it can lead to total vision loss. This study aimed to describe the occurrence of endophthalmitis after phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in patients treated in a community setting in Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil.
METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted using a database of 649 medical records of patients who underwent surgery and were followed for three months. Poisson regression analysis was used to estimate relative risks and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).
RESULTS: The incidence of confirmed endophthalmitis was 11.94% (95% CI, 9.50-14.76), while the incidence of confirmed and probable cases was 20.50% (95% CI, 17.52-23.73). For confirmed cases, bilateral surgery and the use of lens model 3 were identified as risk factors for endophthalmitis, whereas age over 70 yr and preoperative antibiotic use were protective factors. For confirmed and probable cases, brown and yellow skin color, bilateral surgery, and the use of lens model 3 were also identified as risk factors. Gram-negative bacteria were the predominant etiological agents, and corneal edema was the main clinical manifestation. The mean duration of treatment was eight days, and 27.12% of patients used antibiotics.
CONCLUSION: The incidence observed was substantially higher than that reported in the literature, with a predominance of Gram-negative agents and an association with bilateral surgeries and the Eyeol intraocular lens model. These findings reinforce the need for continuous epidemiological surveillance and the implementation of specific biosafety and infection control protocols during cataract surgery campaigns.

Keywords: Endophthalmitis; Disease outbreaks; Phacoemulsification; Lens implantation, intraocular; Lenses, intraocular; Cataract; Risk factors; Anti-bacterial agents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To examine how ophthalmological features, screen exposure duration, and break habits among office employees affect ocular surface parameters.
METHODS: This single-center cross-sectional study involved two assessments on the same day: one before and one after a visual display terminal task. During the initial assessment, information on screen use was gathered, and refractive error, anterior segment examination, tear breakup time, and Schirmer test measurements were conducted. Participants tracked their screen usage and break durations throughout the day. At the end of the workday, tear breakup time and Schirmer I tests were repeated. Baseline and follow-up results were compared, and regression analysis was performed to identify factors linked to tear breakup time reduction.
RESULTS: The study enrolled 60 female office employees. Their mean screen time was 269.26 ± 70.21 min, with an average break duration of 151.93 ± 46.24 min. Tear breakup time at the second assessment (6.38 ± 2.70) was significantly lower than at baseline (8.62 ± 2.73) (p<0.001), whereas Schirmer test scores showed no significant change (p>0.05). Tear breakup time reduction was noted in 54 participants (90.0%), with a significant association between tear breakup time decrease percentage and screen exposure (p=0.001, r=0.463). Regression analysis showed that uncorrected or undercorrected refractive error was an independent risk factor for a ≥30% tear breakup time reduction, while taking more frequent short breaks (<15 min) acted as a protective factor.
CONCLUSIONS: Taking more frequent short breaks (<15 min) and correcting refractive errors help prevent intra-day tear breakup time decline during visual display terminal use. Structuring breaks to support tear film stability is advisable for occupations that require regular visual display terminal tasks.

Keywords: Tear film; Screen time; Tear breakup time; Office workers; Protective factors; Lacerations;  Refractive errors; Risk factors.

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify barriers to diabetic retinopathy screening among a socioeconomically vulnerable urban population in northeast Brazil.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted during a diabetic retinopathy screening campaign at primary healthcare units. Ninety-five patients with diabetes underwent retinal examinations and completed a structured interview. Clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic data were collected.
RESULTS: The study population consisted predominantly of older adults (mean age: 60.7 ± 10.5 years), with a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes (99.0%) and low educational attainment. Most participants were economically inactive (81.1%) and reported low income (83.2%). Diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy were highly prevalent, affecting 50.0% and 22.9% of participants, respectively. Longer duration of diabetes was significantly associated with greater awareness of diabetic retinopathy (p=0.035), higher HbA1c levels (p<0.001), and increased prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (p=0.013) and maculopathy (p=0.002). Notably, 33.3% of participants reported difficulties attending medical appointments for diabetes management. In addition, 78.1% experienced challenges scheduling ophthalmologic evaluations, and 76.3% reported that no ophthalmologist was available in their city through the public healthcare system. Financial constraints also limited adherence to recommended dietary practices (90.4%) and impaired glycemic control, with more than half of participants reporting difficulty maintaining target glucose levels.
CONCLUSION: Major barriers to diabetic retinopathy screening included limited awareness of the importance of screening, financial hardship, and transportation challenges. Targeted educational initiatives and structural interventions such as expanded screening programs incorporating telemedicine and subsidized transportation—may improve screening adherence among vulnerable populations.

Keywords: Diabetic retinopathy; Mass screening; Health services accessibility; Health knowledge, attitudes, practices; Socioeconomic factors

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify barriers to diabetic retinopathy screening among a socioeconomically vulnerable urban population in northeast Brazil.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted during a diabetic retinopathy screening campaign at primary healthcare units. Ninety-five patients with diabetes underwent retinal examinations and completed a structured interview. Clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic data were collected.
RESULTS: The study population consisted predominantly of older adults (mean age: 60.7 ± 10.5 years), with a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes (99.0%) and low educational attainment. Most participants were economically inactive (81.1%) and reported low income (83.2%). Diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy were highly prevalent, affecting 50.0% and 22.9% of participants, respectively. Longer duration of diabetes was significantly associated with greater awareness of diabetic retinopathy (p=0.035), higher HbA1c levels (p<0.001), and increased prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (p=0.013) and maculopathy (p=0.002). Notably, 33.3% of participants reported difficulties attending medical appointments for diabetes management. In addition, 78.1% experienced challenges scheduling ophthalmologic evaluations, and 76.3% reported that no ophthalmologist was available in their city through the public healthcare system. Financial constraints also limited adherence to recommended dietary practices (90.4%) and impaired glycemic control, with more than half of participants reporting difficulty maintaining target glucose levels.
CONCLUSION: Major barriers to diabetic retinopathy screening included limited awareness of the importance of screening, financial hardship, and transportation challenges. Targeted educational initiatives and structural interventions such as expanded screening programs incorporating telemedicine and subsidized transportation—may improve screening adherence among vulnerable populations.

Keywords: Diabetic retinopathy; Mass screening; Health services accessibility; Health knowledge, attitudes, practices; Socioeconomic factors

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify barriers to diabetic retinopathy screening among a socioeconomically vulnerable urban population in northeast Brazil.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted during a diabetic retinopathy screening campaign at primary healthcare units. Ninety-five patients with diabetes underwent retinal examinations and completed a structured interview. Clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic data were collected.
RESULTS: The study population consisted predominantly of older adults (mean age: 60.7 ± 10.5 years), with a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes (99.0%) and low educational attainment. Most participants were economically inactive (81.1%) and reported low income (83.2%). Diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy were highly prevalent, affecting 50.0% and 22.9% of participants, respectively. Longer duration of diabetes was significantly associated with greater awareness of diabetic retinopathy (p=0.035), higher HbA1c levels (p<0.001), and increased prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (p=0.013) and maculopathy (p=0.002). Notably, 33.3% of participants reported difficulties attending medical appointments for diabetes management. In addition, 78.1% experienced challenges scheduling ophthalmologic evaluations, and 76.3% reported that no ophthalmologist was available in their city through the public healthcare system. Financial constraints also limited adherence to recommended dietary practices (90.4%) and impaired glycemic control, with more than half of participants reporting difficulty maintaining target glucose levels.
CONCLUSION: Major barriers to diabetic retinopathy screening included limited awareness of the importance of screening, financial hardship, and transportation challenges. Targeted educational initiatives and structural interventions such as expanded screening programs incorporating telemedicine and subsidized transportation—may improve screening adherence among vulnerable populations.

Keywords: Diabetic retinopathy; Mass screening; Health services accessibility; Health knowledge, attitudes, practices; Socioeconomic factors

Abstract

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of intravitreal dexamethasone implant used as either an adjuvant or a switching therapy for diabetic macular edema in patients with poor anatomic response after three consecutive monthly injections of ranibizumab.
METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with diabetic macular edema who received three consecutive doses of ranibizumab as initial therapy and demonstrated poor response. A single dose of intravitreal dexamethasone implant was administered to these patients. The patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment modalities: the adjuvant therapy group, consisting of patients who continued treatment with ranibizumab injection after receiving intravitreal dexamethasone implant, and the switch therapy group, consisting of patients who were switched from ranibizumab treatment to intravitreal dexamethasone implant as needed. The main outcome measurements were best corrected visual acuity and central retinal thickness at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of follow-up.
RESULTS: In this study that included 64 eyes of 64 patients, the best corrected visual acuity and central retinal thickness values did not significantly differ between the groups at baseline and at 6 months of follow-up (p>0.05). However, at 12 months, the best corrected visual acuity values in the adjuvant and switch therapy groups were 0.46 and 0.35 LogMAR, respectively (p=0.012), and the central retinal thickness values were 344.8 and 270.9, respectively (p=0.007).
CONCLUSIONS: In a real-world setting, it seems more reasonable to use intravitreal dexamethasone implant as a switch therapy rather than an adjuvant therapy for diabetic macula edema refractory to ranibizumab despite three consecutive monthly injections of ranibizumab. Patients switched to intravitreal dexamethasone implant were found to have better anatomic and visual outcomes at 12 months than those who continued ranibizumab therapy despite their less-than-optimal responses.

Keywords: Diabetic retinopathy; Macular edema/drug therapy; Dexamethasone/administration & dosage; Drug implants; Intravitreal injections; Ranibizumab/administration & dosage; Tomography, optical coherence; Endothelial growth factors

Abstract

PURPOSE: Although Brazil has a high prevalence of retinoblastoma, there is a lack of epidemiological data on the disease. Thus, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the epidemiological profile of patients diagnosed with retinoblastoma in the ophthalmology department of a pediatric tertiary referral hospital in Ceara, Brazil.
METHODS: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted by retrospectively analyzing the clinical and socioeconomic data from the medical records of pediatric patients followed-up at the hospital between 2007 and 2021. Retinoblastoma was diagnosed on the basis of a fundoscopic or histopathologic examination.
RESULTS: The data of 105 patients were included in the study, and the mean patient age at the time of diagnosis was 1.7 years. Most of the patients were women (50.5%) and hailed from rural areas (57.4%), which was associated with a higher tumor stage. Of the 150 patients, 57.1% initially presented with leukocoria. Ocular hyperemia was associated with more advanced stages of retinoblastoma (p=0.004). Bilateral involvement was observed in 25.7% of the patients and at a significantly younger age (p=0.009). The presence of retinal detachment, vascularized lesions, and vitreous seeds significantly increased the likelihood of requiring enucleation.
DISCUSSION: This study presents an epidemiological description of retinoblastoma in Brazil, which highlights the significance of early detection. Delayed diagnosis is associated with a poorer visual prognosis and higher mortality rate, particularly in patients with unilateral disease. Risk factors for a more severe disease were retinal detachment, vascularized lesions, and vitreous seeds. The correlation between histopathological features and clinical outcomes was limited.
CONCLUSION: Further studies are required to assess the influence of ocular hyperemia, fundoscopic assessment, and histopathologic findings on the prognosis of retinoblastoma. Moreover, it is critical to devise interventions to reduce the time-to-diagnosis in rural areas.

Keywords: Retinoblastoma; Retinal neoplasms; Epidemiology; Prevalence; Risk factors; Delayed diagnosis; Child

Abstract

OBJETIVO: A deficiência visual e a cegueira causadas pela catarata são um grande problema de saúde pública. Há vários fatores associados a um risco maior de catarata relacionada à idade na população mundial, tais como idade, tabagismo, consumo de álcool e radiação ultravioleta. Esta meta-análise foi realizada para avaliar a associação entre o índice de massa corporal e a catarata relacionada à idade.
MÉTODOS: Foi revisada a literatura sobre catarata relacionada a peso e idade publicada de janeiro de 2011 a julho de 2020, através de buscas nos bancos de dados PubMed, Medline e Web of Science. Na meta-análise, foram utilizados modelos de efeito aleatórios e de efeitos fixos e os resultados foram apresentados como razões de chances (OR).
RESULTADOS: Um total de 9 estudos foi incluído na meta-análise. Não houve correlação entre ausência de sobrepeso e cataratas nucleares (OR=1,31, IC 95%: −0,50-3,12, p=0,156). Os resultados do modelo de efeitos aleatórios mostraram que o excesso de peso estava significativamente associado a uma redução do risco de catarata relacionada à idade (OR=0,91, IC 95%: 0,80-1,02, p<0,0001, I²=62,3%, p<0,0001). Houve correlações significativas entre o excesso de peso e cataratas corticais (OR=0,95, IC 95%: 0,66-1,24, p<0,0001), nucleares (OR=0,92, IC 95%: 0,76-1,08, p<0,0001) e subcapsulares posteriores (OR=0,87, IC 95%: 0,38-1,02, p<0,0001) relacionadas à idade. Houve correlações significativas entre obesidade e cataratas corticais (OR=1,00, IC 95%: 0,82-1,17, p<0,0001), nucleares (OR=1,07, IC 95%: 0,92-1,22, p<0,0001) e subcapsulares posteriores (OR=1,14, IC 95%: 0,91-1,37, p<0,0001) relacionadas à idade.
CONCLUSÃO: Estes achados sugeriram uma correlação significativa entre o índice de massa corporal e a catarata relacionada à idade, com o excesso de peso e a obesidade reduzindo e aumentando o risco de catarata relacionada à idade, respectivamente.

Keywords: Envelhecimento; Catarata; Índice de massa corporal; Sobrepeso; Obesidade

Abstract

PURPOSE: To clarify the postoperative incidence of macular edema in patients undergoing surgery to repair rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and identify the associated risk factors.
METHODS: In this prospective, observational study, 79 patients who underwent surgery to correct rhegmatogenous retinal detachment using pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil injection were analyzed. Patients were followed up postoperatively at 7, 30, 90, 180, and 365 days. At each visit, optical coherence tomography was performed to assess the presence or absence of macular edema. were analyzed as possible risk factors for macular edema: age, sex, macular status (attached or detached), presence of vitreoretinal proliferation, history of previous intraocular surgery, reported time of symptoms suggestive of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment up to the date of surgery, and the surgical modality performed.
RESULTS: The 1-year macular edema prevalence rate was 26.6%. In the adjusted analysis, older patients had a higher risk of macular edema, and each 1-year increase in age increased the risk of macular edema by 6% (95% confidence interval = 1.00-1.12). The macular status, vitreoretinal proliferation, the surgical technique used, prior intraocular surgery, and the intraocular lens status were not identified as risk factors. However, the incidence of macular edema increased up to 180 days after surgery, peaking at 10.6%, and then decreased until 365 days after surgery.
CONCLUSION: Macular edema was a common complication after surgery to treat rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, with its incidence peaking between 30 and 180 days after surgery. Age was an important risk factor for macular edema in this cohort.

Keywords: Macular edema; Retinal detachment; Vitrectomy; Tomography, optical coherence; Incidence; Risk factors

Abstract

PURPOSE: Posterior capsule rupture is defined as an intraoperative posterior capsule tear resulting in vitreous loss. This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics, preoperative risk factors, intraoperative management strategies, and postoperative complications associated with posterior capsule rupture during phacoemulsification surgery.
METHODS: This was a retrospective observational cohort study of the medical records for 25,224 phacoemulsification surgeries performed at our tertiary eye care center between 2017 and 2022. We collected and collated the demographic characteristics and clinical findings of the patients in our cohort. Intraoperative management strategies and postoperative outcomes over a 1-year followup period were also recorded.
RESULTS: Posterior capsule rupture occurred in 351 eyes (351 patients), giving an overall posterior capsule rupture rate of 1.3%. The mean patient age was 68.6 ± 10.8 years. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome, mature cataracts, brown cataracts, and surgery performed by a resident were identified as risk factors for posterior capsule rupture (p<0.05 for each; the risk ratios were 2.70, 2.15, 2.44, 1.34, respectively). The most common intraoperative complications were dislocated lens fragments in the vitreous (8%) and iris damage (7.1%). The mean best-corrected visual acuity improved from 1.31 ± 0.84 (logMAR) postoperatively to 0.51 ± 0.56 at the end of the 1-year follow-up period (p<0.001). Corneal edema (55.6%) and elevated intraocular pressure (33.3%) were the most common early postoperative complications. Persistently elevated intraocular pressure (11.1%) and cystoid macular edema (5.1%) were the most common late postoperative complications.
CONCLUSION: Posterior capsule rupture is a common complication of phacoemulsification surgery that requires prolonged postoperative follow-up and a multidisciplinary approach. Despite the increased incidence of complications when rupture occurs, appropriate intraoperative and postoperative management can lead to satisfactory visual outcomes.

Keywords: Cataract extraction; Phacoemulsification; Posterior capsule rupture; Corneal edema; Risk factors; Postoperative complications; Intraoperative complications

Abstract

A retinopatia lúpica é uma manifestação clínica do lúpus eritematoso sistêmico no sistema visual. Geralmente assintomática, porém pode ser uma condição ameaçadora à visão. Está intimamente associada à atividade inflamatória do lúpus eritematoso sistêmico e ao aumento da mortalidade. A retinopatia lúpica tem diversas apresentações clínicas, como a microangiopatia lúpica, oclusão vascular, vasculite, retinopatia hipertensiva associada à nefrite lúpica e retinopatia autoimune. A prevalência e os fatores associados à retinopatia lúpica estão bem definidos em algumas partes do mundo. No entanto, esses dados são pouco conhecidos na América Latina, incluindo o Brasil. Como a retinopatia lúpica é geralmente assintomática, sem a fundoscopia de rotina, provavelmente esta é subestimada. O objetivo desta revisão é discutir a epidemiologia e fatores de risco para retinopatia lúpica.

Keywords: Lúpus eritematoso sistêmico/epidemiologia; Doenças retinianas; Fatores de risco

Abstract

Degeneração macular relacionada à idade (DMRI) é a principal causa de perda de visão em pessoas idosas. É também um desafio médico e socioeconômico. O tratamento da degeneração macular relacionada à idade seca baseia-se na suplementação vitamínica. Novos tratamentos estão focados na prevenção da progressão da degeneração e tentativas de repovoar a mácula atrófica. A degeneração macular relacionada à idade neovascular experimentou um grande avanço com o advento dos inibidores do fator de crescimento endotelial anti-vascular (anti-VEGF); no entanto, apesar do ranibizumab, aflibercept e bevacizumab serem eficazes na redução do comprometimento visual grave, os pacientes geralmente perdem visão ao longo do tempo. Portanto, a busca por novas terapias, tratamentos e diagnósticos é de fundamental importância. Os estudos estão focados em novos fármacos sobre fator de crescimento endotelial anti-vascular, inibidores nucleosideos da transcriptase reversa, anticorpos contra esfingosina-1-fosfato, fator de crescimento derivado de plaquetas, terapia genética e RNA de interferência. A terapia para degeneração macular relacionada à idade está prestes a melhorar como resultado desses estudos clínicos em andamento.

Keywords: Degeneração macular; Inibidores da angiogenese; Tratamento farmcalológico; Neovascularização de coroide; Fator A de crescimento do endotélio vascular

Abstract

Após a descoberta do anti fator de crescimento endotelial vascular no tratamento da degeneração macular relacionada à idade úmida, muitas pesquisas têm sido realizadas com o intuito de elucidar os mecanismos moleculares envolvidos na gênese da degeneração macular relacionada à idade. O fator nuclear eritroide 2 relacionado ao fator 2 destaca-se pelo fato de diversas proteínas, oriundas de sua ativação, estarem envolvidas na manutenção do equilíbrio do estado redox e consequente prevenção da doença macular degenerativa. Este artigo mostra as características do fator nuclear eritroide 2 relacionado ao fator 2 e descreve as principais enzimas antioxidantes originadas da ativação que contribuem para a preservação da visão.

Keywords: Degeneração macular; Fator nuclear eritroide 2 relacionado ao fator 2; Oxidação; Elemento de resposta antioxidante; Ativador de enzima

Abstract

O presente relato de caso identificou a maculopatia média aguda paracentral como a causa de baixa de acuidade visual severa e irreversível após cirurgia de catarata. Existem fatores de risco bem estabelecidos para o desenvolvimento da maculopatia média aguda paracentral que devem ser conhecidos pelos cirurgiões de catarata. Nesse contexto cirúrgico, precauções extras no tocante a procedimentos anestésicos, pressão intraocular e alguns outros aspectos da cirurgia devem ser consideradas. A maculopatia média aguda paracentral é descrita como um sinal clínico observado no exame de tomografia de coerência óptica por domínio espectral e se trata, provavelmente, da evidência de um evento isquêmico no tecido vascular retiniano. Esse diagnóstico deve ser cogitado nos casos de perda de acuidade visual súbita no pós-operatório imediato associada com exame fundoscópico normal, como evidenciado no caso apresentado.

Keywords: Tomografia, coerência óptica; Procedimentos cirúrgicos oftalmológicos; Complicações pós-operatórias; Fatores de risco; Catarata; Extração de catarata; Baixa visão; Saúde oc