VOLUME 83 - ISSUE 1

PURPOSE: To determine the reliability of the endoscopic dye transit test for the prediction of functional success after dacryocystorhinostomy.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 patients who underwent external dacryocystorhinostomy Group or transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy Group and had anatomically patent ducts during irrigation, with a minimum 6-month follow-up. The external dacryocystorhinostomy, defined as the time from instillation of the dye into the conjunctival sac until its flow from the rhinostomy site, was performed in all patients. Positive predictive value of the endoscopic dye transit test to assess functional success was analyzed. The cutoff point was determined using a receiver operating characteristic curve.
RESULTS: Of the 50 patients, 44 (88%) exhibited subjective improvement or complete resolution of epiphora (functional success). The best cutoff point for the endoscopic dye transit test was 60 s. Of 39 patients with endoscopic dye transit test £60 s, 38 (97.4%) exhibited functional success, demonstrating a 97.4% positive predictive value.
CONCLUSION: The endoscopic dye transit test £60 s is a reliable tool to predict functional success and good prognosis after external or laser transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy.

Keywords: Lacrimal apparatus diseases; Dacryocystorhinostomy; Endoscopy; Nasolacrimal duct; Laser therapy/methods; Lasers, semiconductor; Predictive value of tests

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to measure the free carnitine and acylcarnitine levels in pterygium tissue and normal conjunctival tissue at the metabolomics level using tandem mass spectrometry.
Methods: In this prospective, clinical randomized study, pterygium tissues and normal conjunctival tissues taken during pterygium excision with autograft were compared regarding their free carnitine and acylcarnitine profiles. After tissue homogenization, carnitine levels were measured using tandem mass spectrometry. The data were statistically analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
Results: Pterygium and normal conjunctival tissue samples from a single eye of 29 patients (16 females, 13 males; mean age, 54.75 ± 11.25 years [range, 21-78 years]) were evaluated. While the free carnitine (C0) level was significantly high in the pterygium tissue (p<0.001), acylcarnitine levels were significantly high in some esterized derivatives (C2, C5, C5:1, C5DC, C16:1, C18, methylglutarylcarnitine) (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was determined for the other esterized derivatives (p>0.05).
Conclusion: That the carnitine levels in pterygium tissue were higher suggests that acceleration of cell metabolism developed secondary to chronic inflammation and the premalignant characteristics of pterygium tissue. High carnitine levels may also effectively suppress the apoptosis process. The data reported in our study indicate that further, more extensive studies of the carnitine profile could help clarify the pathogenesis of pterygium.

Keywords: Acylcarnitine; Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; Carnitine, metabolomics, Pterygium

PURPOSE: To determine the long-term functional and cosmetic outcomes in patients who underwent modified Hughes procedure with different types of anterior lamellar reconstruction for lower eyelid defects.
METHODS: This study included 58 patients who had undergone a modified Hughes flap for reconstruction of lower eyelids after tumor excision within a 10-year period. Data regarding patient demographics, size of eyelid defect, tumor pathology, surgical techniques, functional and cosmetic outcomes, and complications were recorded. Postoperative complications were evaluated according to the type of anterior lamella reconstruction (i.e., advancement flap or free skin graft). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors affecting the success of the procedure.
RESULTS: The average size of the lower eyelid defect was 22 ± 6.3 mm (range: 11-30 mm). The anterior lamella was reconstructed with advancement flaps and full-thickness skin grafts in 36 (58.6%) and 24 (41.4%) patients, respectively. Mean follow-up time was 23.6 ± 11.9 months. Postoperative complications included trichiasis (three patients; 5.2%), ectropion (two patients; 3.0%), flap necrosis (one patient; 1.7%), flap dehiscence (one patient; 1.7%), infection (one patient; 1.7%), and eyelid margin erythema (one patient; 1.7%). The rates of complication and secondary surgery were similar among the different types of anterior lamellar reconstruction (p=768 and p=0.139, respectively). Success of the modified Hughes procedure was not significantly affected by any of the identified risk factors (p>0.05). Functional and cosmetic outcomes were 96.6% and 94.8%, respectively.
CONCLUSION: Modified Hughes procedure is a safe and effective option for the reconstruction of small and large defects of the lower eyelid, regardless of the type of anterior lamella reconstruction (i.e., advancement flap or skin graft).

Keywords: Surgical flaps; Anterior lamella; Carcinoma, basal cell; Skin transplantation; Conjunctiva/transplantation

PURPOSE: To assess the reproducibility of retinal and choroidal measurements in the macular and peripapillary areas using swept-source optical coherence tomography in patients with Parkinson's disease.
METHODS: A total of 63 eyes of 63 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease were evaluated using a three-dimensional protocol of swept-source optical coherence tomography. The following layers were analyzed: full retinal thickness, retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, and choroid. The coefficient of variation was calculated for every measurement.
RESULTS: In the macular area, the mean coefficients of variation of retinal thickness, ganglion cell layer + thickness, and choroidal thickness were 0.40%, 0.84%, and 2.09%, respectively. Regarding the peripapillary area, the mean coefficient of variation of the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was 2.78. The inferior quadrant showed the highest reproducibility (coefficient of variation= 1.62%), whereas the superonasal sector showed the lowest reproducibility (coefficient of variation= 8.76%).
CONCLUSIONS: Swept-source optical coherence tomography provides highly reproducible measurements of retinal and choroidal thickness in both the macular and peripapillary areas. The reproducibility is higher in measurements of retinal thickness versus choroidal thickness.

Keywords: Retina; choroid; Parkinson’s disease; Optical coherence tomography

Purpose: The purpose of the present work is to measure the interocular upper lid contour symmetry using a new method of lid contour quantification.
Methods: The Bézier curve tool of the Image J software was used to extract the right and left upper eyelid contours of 75 normal subjects. Inter-observer variability of 29 right lid contours obtained by two independent observers was estimated using the coefficient of overlap of two curves and an analysis of the differences of the contour peak location. A two-way analysis of variance was used to test the mean value of the coefficient of overlap of the right and left contours in males and females and lid segments. The same analysis was performed to compare the location of the contour peak of the right and left contours.
Results: The coefficient of contour overlap obtained by independent observers ranged from 93.5% to 98.8%, with a mean of 96.1% ± 1.6 SD. There was a mean difference of 0.02 mm in the location of the contour peak. Right and left contour symmetry did not differ between females and males and was within the range of the method variability for contour overlap and location of the contour peak.
Conclusions: The upper eyelid contour is highly symmetrical. Bézier lines allow a quick and fast quantification of the lid contour, with a mean inter-observer variability of 3.9%.

Keywords: Eyelids/anatomy & histology; Bézier curve; Facial asymmetry/diagnosis; Reference values; Image processing, computer-assisted

Purposes: To identify problems caused by prosthesis-socket volume imbalances in anophthalmic sockets; and to evaluate rehabilitation with dermofat graft as a solution.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients operated in our clinic (between May 2011 and June 2016) with dermofat grafts to treat anophthalmic socket-related problems. During the preoperative examinations, ophthalmologists recorded the presence of eyelid problems due to the socket volume deficit, upper and lower fornix deficiency, deepening in the upper eyelid sulcus, epiphora and secretion, lower eyelid laxity, ptosis, entropion, and ectropion. Following the surgical repair, new prosthesis suitable for the resulting socket area were implemented for all the patients. The mean follow-up period was 27.42±16 months (ranging from 10-62 months). On the last control examinations, ophthalmologists recorded solved and unsolved socket problems that were present preoperatively.
Results: We included 16 men and 5 women in this study. The mean age was 38.3 ± 18.4 years (range, 5-75 years). The mean duration of preoperative prosthesis use was 9.4 ± 6.8 years (range, 1-30 years). Preoperatively, 7 patients had only orbital volume deficits, and 14 had socket volume displacements in addition to the volume deficits. After the dermofat graft implantations, the remaining deficits were corrected during another surgical session: 6 patients underwent ptosis corrections, 5 lateral canthal suspensions, 5 lower fornix with mucosal graft formations, and 2 upper fornix formations with mucosal grafts. All patients were able to use prosthesis postoperatively.
Conclusion: The use of dermofat grafts to correct anophthalmic socket problems caused by orbital volume deficits or volume displacements is an effective, reliable, and reproducible surgical method.

Keywords: Anophthalmos; Orbital implants; Dermis; Prosthesis and implants; Ophthalmologic surgical procedures

Purpose: To review the outcomes of frontalis suspension surgeries with the use of polytetrafluoroethylene in patients with blepharoptosis.
Methods: A retrospective observational study analyzed the outcomes of frontalis suspension surgeries performed in a single institution from 2003 to 2018. All procedures were performed with closed incision and single pentagon techniques. Outcomes were classified as satisfactory or unsatisfactory, with satisfactory defined as a margin reflex distance of >3 mm and <1 mm between eyelids and unsatisfactory as hypocorrection, surgical complications, and asymmetry.
Results: We included a total of 76 eyelids from 52 patients in our study. Within a mean postoperative follow-up of 16.8 ± 18.5 months (range, 3-95), 59 (77.6%) eyelids had a satisfactory outcome, and 17 (22.4%) were unsatisfactory (8 cases of asymmetry, 3 granulomas, 3 suture extrusions, 2 abscesses, and 1 case of cellulitis). Nine eyelids from the unsatisfactory group required reoperation. Among the patients with a follow-up of≥12 months (38 surgeries), lasting results were observed in most eyelids, except for 2 late-onset suture extrusions.
Conclusion: The use of polytetrafluoroethylene in frontalis suspension surgery was shown to be predictable, safe, and lasting. Our findings support previous studies that have shown adequate functional results and low complication rates.

Keywords: Eyelids/surgery; Blepharoptosis/surgery; Blepharoplasty/methods; Polytetrafluoroethylene/utilization; Suture; Postoperative period

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of anterior chamber depth and axial length on clinical performance of the Spot Vision Screener in detecting amblyopia risk factors in children aged 3-10 years.
METHODS: A total of 300 eyes from 150 patients aged 3-10 years were prospectively tested with Spot Vision Screener (firmware version 3.0.02.32, software version 3.0.04.06) and a standard autorefractometer (Nidek ARK-1). The anterior chamber depth and axial length were measured with an optical biometer (Nidek AL-Scan). The sensitivity and specificity values for detecting significant refractive errors using the referral criteria of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus were determined. Pearson's correlation analysis was employed to evaluate the relationship between the Spot Vision results and the anterior chamber depth and axial length.
RESULTS: Compared with the standard autorefractometer results, the Spot Vision Screener's sensitivity and specificity was 59% and 94%, respectively. The differences between the cycloplegic autorefractometer and the Spot Vision Screener spherical equivalents were negatively correlated with anterior chamber depth (r=-0.48; p<0.001) and axial length (r=-0.45; p<0.001).
CONCLUSION: The Spot Vision Screener has moderate sensitivity and high specificity, using the criteria of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. The anterior chamber depth and axial length affect the Spot Vision results.

Keywords: Anterior chamber; Axial length; Amblyopia; Vision disorders; Vision screening; Retinoscopy

PURPOSE: To study the cost-effectiveness of ranibizumab and bevacizumab for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration.
METHODS: We used a decision tree model to analyze the cost-effectiveness of ranibizumab and bevacizumab for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration, from the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS) perspective. Ranibizumab and bevacizumab were administered to patients with the same treatment procedure, and the difference in treatment costs was calculated based on the cost of the drugs. Direct costs were estimated using the information provided by the Brazilian SUS. Effectiveness in terms of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) was calculated based on the utility values for visual impairment. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was calculated by comparing both treatments. The analytical horizon was one year.
RESULTS: The decision tree analysis showed that the difference in treatment effectiveness was 0.01 QALY. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio showed that ranibizumab treatment required an incremental annual cost of more than R$ 2 million to generate 1 additional QALY, as compared to bevacizumab.
CONCLUSIONS: From the Brazilian SUS perspective, bevacizumab is more cost-effective than ranibizumab for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Its use could allow potential annual savings in health budget.

Keywords: Age-related macular degeneration; Cost-benefit analysis; Retina; Bevacizumab; Ranibizumab

PURPOSE: To evaluate the rate of cystoid macular edema development among cataract surgery patients on four different therapeutic regimens.
METHODS: The present study is a retrospective analysis of 5,380 eyes following uncomplicated phacoemulsification at Wake Forest University. The study period went from July 2007 to December 2012. Patients received one of four regimens, as follows: postoperative generic ketorolac 0.4% and prednisolone 1%, postoperative name-brand ketorolac 0.45% and prednisolone 1%, postoperative bromfenac 0.09% and prednisolone 1%, preoperative and postoperative bromfenac 0.09% alone. A statistical analysis was performed to assess the differences in rate of cystoid macular edema development among the four different therapeutic regimens. The diagnosis of cystoid macular edema required worsening of vision and evidence of increased macular thickness on optical coherence tomography.
RESULTS: The overall rate of cystoid macular edema was 0.82%. Treatment by postoperative generic ketorolac 0.45% and prednisolone 1% demonstrated the highest rate of cystoid macular edema development (2.20% of the cases). Postoperative name-brand ketorolac 0.45% and prednisolone 1% exhibited intermediate rates of cystoid macular edema development (0.90% of the cases). Postoperative administration of bromfenac 0.09% and prednisolone 1% exhibited intermediate rates of cystoid macular edema development (0.44% of the cases). Preoperative and postoperative bromfenac 0.09% alone resulted in the lowest rate of cystoid macular edema development (0.09% of the cases). The rate of cystoid macular edema was significantly lower when bromfenac was used alone vs. either regimen where ketorolac and prednisolone were used (OR 0.043, 95% CI 0.002 to 0.312; p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Post-cataract surgery cystoid macular edema developed less frequently following topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs regimen compared to the other therapies evaluated. Bromfenac, without corticosteroids, achieved lower rates of cystoid macular edema vs. various combinations of non-ste­roidal anti-inflammatory drugs with corticosteroids.

Keywords: Phacoemulsification; Cystoid macular edema; Ketorolac; Prednisolone; Anti-inflammatory agents, non-steroidal

We present a patient who underwent evisceration surgery after spontaneous rupture of the ocular globe due to long-data uncontrolled glaucoma, with posterior placement of an orbital implant made of a bone cement compound based on polymethylmethacrylate as alternative materials were not available. Such a compound is characterized by excellent biocompatibility and low cost, which makes it an interesting alternative for treatment. The anophthalmic socket was successfully filled, providing proper esthetic results and favorable conditions for the posterior scleral prosthesis implantation. No complications were observed during 10 months of follow-up. We believe that, in the absence of alternative materials, low-cost materials may be used in emergency settings to repair anophthalmic cavities and provide satisfactory functional and esthetic outcomes.

Keywords: Eye evisceration; Orbital implants; Bone cements; Polymethyl methacrylate; Ophthalmologic surgical procedures; Case reports

We describe a case of keratomycosis caused by Arthographis kalrae after excimer laser keratomileusis. A 38-year-old female developed stromal keratitis eight weeks after refractive surgery. She developed severe corneal stromal infiltration and mild anterior segment inflammation, which could not be treated with topical voriconazole 1%, but topical natamycin 5% ameliorated her condition. A reactivation of keratomycosis symptoms was observed; therefore, longer treatment was administered to the patient. It has been reported that A. kalrae keratomycosis is associated with exposure to soil and contact lens usage. However, the patient, who lived in a rural location, was neither involved in gardening activities nor had a history of wearing contact lenses. This is the first case of post-refractive A. kalrae keratomycosis.

Keywords: Keratitis/microbiology; Eye infections, fungal; Keratomileusis, laser in situ; Refractive surgical procedures; Antifungal agents; Postoperative complications

Optic disc pit is a rare congenital anomaly that can cause serous macular detachment. It has no universally accepted single treatment. Recently, several investigators have performed new procedures to directly seal the pit. Herein, we report a case showing a promising method for optic pit maculopathy surgical treatment. We created an inverted internal limiting membrane flap and fold it over the pit to promote barrier in order to stop further fluid accumulation. Gradual absorption of subretinal fluid was observed over 12 months of follow-up. Optical coherence tomography can demonstrate internal limiting membrane folded over the pit and progressive subretinal fluid resolution. This technique resulted in a satisfactory anatomic outcome with good functional improvement in the best-corrected visual acuity.

Keywords: Tomography, optical coherence; Optic disk; Retinal detachment; Vitrectomy; Case reports

We describe three patients who had previous heart diseases and nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy with clinically significant diabetic macular edema. They underwent unilateral dexamethasone intravitreal implantation. Without ophthalmological treatment in the fellow eye, patients showed marked bilateral improvement in best-corrected visual acuity, optical coherence images, and macular thickness values. These findings provide evidence of the bilateral effect of dexamethasone intravitreal implantation, which may be clinically useful in patients for whom the systemic effects of the drug may affect their general health.

Keywords: Dexamethasone/administration & dosage; Macular edema; Intravitreal injections; Diabetic retinopathy; Diabetes mellitus; Humans; Case report

The point of centration for refractive surgery is a theme of great importance that generates considerable discussion among specialists and surgeons in the field. Notably, any changes in light can alter the size of the pupil, and the visual axis of the fixation line to the fovea is unique in each patient. A variety of options have been described in the literature with respect to centration in refractive surgery, and the results differ among these methods. No consensus has been established regarding the ideal refractive surgery technique for evaluation of centration in each patient that will yield a satisfactory surgical result.

Keywords: Refractive surgical procedures/methods; Cornea/ pathology; Pupil/physiology; Ocular fixation; Cornea/surgery; Excimer lasers