VOLUME 70 - ISSUE 6

PURPOSE: To report the findings of indocyanine green angiography performed in patients with recurrent ocular toxoplasmosis. METHODS: Institutional prospective analysis of 23 eyes from 23 immunocompetent patients with recurrent ocular toxoplasmosis aged between 17 and 41 years. These patients underwent a complete ocular examination including indocyanine green angiography. RESULTS: Multiple hypofluorescent spots distant from the recurrent active lesion of retinochoroidal toxoplasmosis were found in 26.08% of the patients. We also found multiple hypofluorescent satellite dots in 69.56% of the patients. CONCLUSION: These remote dots seen suggest either a more widespread choroidal involvement in this disease and this can represent simply remote collections of inflammatory cells or subclinical infection.

Keywords: Toxoplasmosis, ocular; Choroiditis; Fluorescein angiography; Indocyanine green; Retinitis; Recurrence

PURPOSE: To report a surgical technique for retinal detachment surgery using transconjunctival sutureless 23-gauge vitrectomy with silicone oil injection. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with retinal detachment underwent vitreoretinal surgery using a transconjunctival sutureless 23-gauge vitrectomy system. At the end of the procedure silicone oil was injected into all eyes through a microcannula. After removing the microcannula, a bipolar cautery was used in the conjunctiva over the wound to prevent silicone oil reflux. RESULTS: In all patients retinal reattachment and injection of silicone oil through transconjunctival sutureless 23-gauge vitrectomy system was possible. Retinal re-detachment occurred in 8 patients (25.80%) who were submitted to a new vitreoretinal surgery by the technique described above, however, more extensive retinotomy was necessary in all cases, specially inferiorly. Three patients (9.67%) presented silicone oil leakage in subconjuntival compartment. Another surgical procedure was necessary to remove the subconjuntival silicone oil. CONCLUSIONS: The retinal detachment surgery with silicone oil injection in transconjunctival sutureless 23-gauge vitrectomy is a safe and efficient technique to repair retinal detachment and it has the advantage of being minimally invasive.

Keywords: Retinal detachment; Vitrectomy; Ophthalmologic surgical procedures; Silicone oils; Surgical procedures

PURPOSE: To compare histological changes induced by antiglaucoma medications in the rabbit conjunctiva. METHODS: Fifty New Zealand rabbits were divided in 5 groups of 10 animals. The left eyes were treated daily with one drop of bimatoprost 0.03%, travoprost 0.004%, latanoprost 0.005%, timolol maleate 0.5% or artificial tears containing benzalkonium chloride (BAK) for 30 days. The right eyes served as controls. Superior limbic conjunctival biopsies were performed at the 8th and 30th day in 5 rabbits of each group. The conjunctiva was fixed with 10% formaldehyde, followed by HE and PAS staining. Morphohistometric quantitative analyses were performed to evaluate the following parameters: inflammatory infiltrate, epithelial thickness, number of goblet cells, diameter and number of blood vessels. RESULTS: At the 8th and 30th posttreatment days, all groups, except one that received artificial tears, exhibited a diffuse inflammatory infiltrate, composed by lymphocytes and neutrophils, which was denser in the timolol group than in the prostaglandin (PG) analogues groups. At the 30th day, the timolol group also showed an increased subepithelial collagen density and a significant increase in epithelial thickness (p=0.0035). The goblet cell density was significantly increased at the 8th day in the group treated with travoprost (p=0.0006), and at the 30th day in those treated with bimatoprost (p=0.0021) and latanoprost (p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Although a moderate, diffuse inflammatory infiltrate was observed in PG-treated eyes, no changes in conjunctival epithelial thickness or subconjunctival collagen density were observed with these medications, suggesting that these drugs induce fewer changes than timolol maleate in the rabbit conjunctiva.

Keywords: Prostaglandins; synthetic; Timolol; Conjunctiva; Glaucoma; Rabbits

PURPOSE: To develop and implement an algorithm for simulation of photorefractive surgery. It is well known that many flying-spot lasers in the market have limitations in correcting higher order aberrations, but there is little quantitative information about errors related to aberration complexity. METHODS: By applying known surfaces described by Zernike polynomials of different orders it was possible to simulate several target surfaces that may well resemble in vivo cases of refractive surgery candidates. An algorithm that uses the mathematical concept of convolution was implemented and several simulated surfaces were tested, ranging from low order aberrations (sphere-cylinder) to 10th order aberrations, (high orders of coma, spherical aberration, trefoil, etc). RESULTS: the results show that the laser profile and diameter are critical factors when considering the correction of higher order aberrations. CONCLUSIONS: Not all aberrations of the same high order induce the same amount of error - spherical aberrations are shown to be far more difficult to correct than higher order aberrations related to angular frequency.

Keywords: Refractive errors; Computer simulation; Refraction, ocular; Calibration; Algorithms; Surgery, computer-assisted

PURPOSE: To assess the in vitro susceptibility of conjunctival and corneal coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) to methicillin, fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides. METHODS: A total of 707 conjunctival and corneal CoNS disk diffusion test results were retrospectively analyzed, from January 2000 through December 2003. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2003, there was an increase in number of CoNS isolated from conjunctiva (n=57 to n=153) and cornea (n=28 to n=78). The frequency of conjunctival and corneal methicillin-resistant CoNS also increased (1.8 to 19.6% and 14.3 to 29.3%, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between fluoroquinolones-resistant CoNS percentages in conjunctiva (ofloxacin: 1.8 to 7.8% and ciprofloxacin: 3.5 to 9.2%) and cornea (ofloxacin: 14.3 to 9.0% and ciprofloxacin: 14.3 to 10.3%). Evaluating the results of the conjunctival samples, there was increased resistance to tobramycin (15.8 to 34.0%) and to gentamycin (10.5 to 25.5%). There was no change in resistance of corneal isolates to tobramycin (28.6 to 26.9%) and to gentamycin (21.4 to 23.1%). CONCLUSIONS: there was a decrease in in vitro CoNS susceptibility to methicillin, tobramycin and gentamycin. Fuoroquinolones represented by ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin demonstrated stable in vitro susceptibility.

Keywords: Drug resistance; Eye infections, bacterial; Staphylococcus; Coagulase; Fluoroquinolones; Aminoglycosides; Methicillin resistance; Conjunctivitis; Keratitis

PURPOSE: To compare the microbiological profile of normal microbiota of healthy people obtained from conjunctival smear using dry swab in Stuart's transport medium and wet swab transported in test tube sealed with cotton. METHODS: A prospective study with random samples, performed at the Departments of Ophthalmology and Pathology of Santa Casa Misericórdia de São Paulo, in August of 2006. Eighty normal eyes of 40 healthy individuals were analyzed. Samples were collected in the right eye with a dry swab and stored in Stuart's medium, where all microbiological material is kept immersed in the medium and the tube is hermetically sealed. In the left eye, the conjunctival material was collected using a swab embedded in saline solution 0.9%, and stored in dry and sterile test tubes sealed with cotton. The samples were analyzed within 2 hours at most after collection. RESULTS: Out of 40 samples collected with wet swab and transported in dry tube, bacteria were observed in 10 (25%), whereas of 40 samples collected with dry swab and transported in Stuart's medium, 12 (30%) had bacteria. CONCLUSION: The results of the microbiological profile of normal conjunctival microbiota using dry swab in Stuart's medium were statistically similar (p=0.85) to those obtained in wet swab in dry tube for spreading performed within 2 hours after collection of conjunctival specimen.

Keywords: Bacteria; Conjunctiva; Culture media; Eye infections, bacterial

PURPOSE: To describe the relation between visual results and macular morphology through optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients submitted to removal of the idiopathic epiretinal membranes. METHODS: Ten eyes of ten patients with diagnosis of idiopathic epiretinal membranes underwent standard 20-G pars plana vitrectomy. Posterior hyaloid attachments were identified and dealt with. Idiopathic epiretinal membranes were removed in all cases. Corrected visual acuity, retinography, fluorescein angiography, fundus biomicroscopy and the optical coherence tomography in the pre- and postoperative periods were performed in all patients. In OCT, three characteristics were considered in each image: presence of foveal depression, presence of cystoid macular edema and mean central macular thickness. RESULTS: Pre-operative visual acuity varied from 20/80 to counting fingers. The mean age was 63 years, ranging from 57 to 78 years. Five patients were male and five female. Preoperative visual acuity (VA) varied from 20/80 to CD to 1 meter. An improvement in VA of at least two lines was noted in all cases and metamorphopsia in eight eyes (80%). Four patients did not present metamorphopsia according to Amsler grid test, and the remaining presented partial improvement. On optical coherence tomography all eyes maintained increased central thickness, ranging from 232 to 605 µ (mean of 351.9 µ). Three eyes maintained cystoid macular edema. Four eyes presented final VA better or equal to 20/30. In this group the mean central thickness was of 277 µ. Foveal contour was recovered in two of these eyes. Four patients had no residual cystoid macular edema. CONCLUSIONS: Optical coherence tomography is a tool that evaluates the structural changes before and after surgery to remove idiopathic epiretinal membranes. Although the foveal area architecture stays irregular six months after surgery, the visual outcomes are very promising. Other prognostics factors may be involved in the final visual results of this pathology.

Keywords: Epiretinal membrane; Basement membrane; Visual acuity; Macular edema, cystoid; Tomography, optical coherence; Pilot projects

PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency of different types of ocular deviations in patients referred to the strabismus sector at the Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo - Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective study of 935 records of patients examined at the strabismus sector in 2005 was conducted to evaluate sex, age and types of misalignments in the primary position. Statistical analysis was applied to these data. RESULTS: Esotropia was the most prevalent misalignment in this population (44.52%). There were more males in this group (p=0.001) with a predominance of the age group 0-2 years (p=0.009). Exotropia (12.25%) was more frequent in females (p=0.046) in the age group 46 years and over (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Esodeviations were more frequent than exodeviations. Esotropia was more prevalent in males early in life, while exotropia was more frequent in older females. The larger number of exophorias was found in the age group 16-20 years.

Keywords: Strabismus; Strabismus; Strabismus; Prevalence; Data collection

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis is an idiopathic demyelinating disease that may affect the optic nerve leading to acute unilateral visual loss, which could be observed by means of evoked visual potential (VEP). This exam is much valued for studying prechiasmatic visual paths in multiple sclerosis. PURPOSE: To analyze the findings of pattern reversal VEP in patients with prior diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and to compare them to visual acuity. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with a definite diagnosis of multiple sclerosis were submitted to pattern reversal VEP from October 2001 to March 2007. RESULTS: In P100 component response, at 15' and 1º stimuli, 19 eyes presented latency response up to 115 ms in both stimuli, which coincided in 6 eyes with latency response between 116 and 135 ms; 11 eyes had a latency response higher than 135 ms, and four eyes did not respond to stimuli. Correlating visual acuity with P100 latency for 15', in Pearson r correlation, r=0.85 with p=0.000000123, and for 1º, r = 0.87 with p=0.0000000338. CONCLUSION: Approximately 60.4% of patients presented abnormalities. However, the correlation between the P100 latency (15' and 1º) and visual acuity was statistically significant; therefore the better the visual acuity, the better the response to stimuli of the pattern-reversal VEP.

Keywords: Demyelinating diseases; Multiple sclerosis; Optic neuritis; Visual acuity; Electrophysiology

PURPOSES: To verify the relation between prescription of eyeglasses and presence of ocular infections found in the " Eye to Eye Campaign" carried out in the city of Recife in 2004. METHODS: School-aged children seen in the " Eye to Eye Campaign" in Recife, in 2004. Stages recommended by the Brazilian Ophthalmologic Council (CBO) were followed, from preparation of teachers to select children to appointment with ophthalmologists. The patients were divided into two groups according to the need of eyeglasses, and related to presence or not of ocular conditions. This is a cross-section study and the results were analyzed by the statistical software Epi Info version 6.0. RESULTS: In a group of 1994 school-aged patients, 686 needed eyeglasses (34.4% - Group 1), 543 (27.2%) did not had any ocular diseases, while 143 (7.17%) had some ocular condition. A total of 1308 children (65.5% - Group 2) did not require eyeglasses. Among those, 256 (62.5%) did not show any ophthalmologic condition, whereas 52 (2.6%) had some type of ocular diseases. Groups 1 and 2 were compared and children in need of eyeglasses had a 5.24-fold (95% confidence interval: 3.87 to 7.10) greater relative risk of developing ocular diseases than children who did not require correction, and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.0000001). CONCLUSION: We conclude that school-aged children in need of eyeglasses are more likely to suffer ocular diseases, and a complete ophthalmologic examination should be performed in childhood by qualified ophthalmologists to detect and treat several disorders and also prescribe adequate correction.

Keywords: School health; Health promotion; Eyeglasses; Eye diseases; Visual acuity

PURPOSE: In order to maintain its clear and uniform structure, the corneal epithelium needs constant equilibrium between production (division) and desquamation of its epithelial cells. The author aimed to evaluate the cell kinetics of corneal epithelium of rabbits in three situations (control, hypoproliferation and hyperproliferation) using BrdU, Ki-67/MIB-1 and AgNORs proliferation markers. METHODS: Fifteen white female rabbits had their eyes randomly divided into three groups (A, B and. C). Group A included eyes submitted to phosphate buffer saline instillation (total 10 eyes); group B, instillation of phosphate buffer saline after removing a 10 mm central area of the corneal epithelium (total 10 eyes) and group C, instillation of 5-fluorouracil in normal epithelium (total 10 eyes). RESULTS: The results of the mean number and standard deviation of the marked cells using BrdU in groups A, B e C were, respectively, 7.17 ± 0.74; 35.00 ± 3.01 e 0.22 ± 0.1 marked cells per 100 basal cells. Differences among groups were statistically significant. The mean number and standard deviation of the labelled cells using Ki-67 were 7.55 ± 1.22 in group A; 35.55 ± 3.84 in group B and 0.34 ± 0.14 in group C. Differences among groups were statistically significant. The mean area and standard deviation of NORs in group A were 1.92 ± 0.24, in group B, 3.61 ± 0.27 and in group C, 1.71 ± 0.26. CONCLUSIONS: The markers BrdU, Ki-67 and AgNOR showed a positive correlation with statistical significance among the cellular proliferation situations studied (control, hypoproliferation and hyperproliferation); the AgNOR did not show statistically significant differences among the control and hypoproliferation situations and there was more agreement in the results among markers BrdU and Ki-67 in three cell proliferation situations.

Keywords: Epithelium, corneal; Cell cycle; Cell proliferation

PURPOSE: To compare the cardiovascular and mydriatic effects of 2.5% and 10.0% phenylephrine. METHODS: A case-control, randomized, crossover clinical trial study. We monitored heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and mydriasis in healthy volunteers aged 18-45 years after the instillation of 2.5% and 10.0% phenylephrine in two different occasions. RESULTS: The sample comprised 28 healthy volunteers, 17 male and 11 female, with a mean age of 26.5 years. No changes in heart rate and systolic blood pressure were observed. No significant variation of the mean diastolic blood pressure was found after 1, 5, 10 and 30- minute instillation of 2.5% phenylephrine. However, with 10.0% phenylephrine, there was an increase in mean diastolic blood pressure after five and ten minutes, followed by a drop after 30 minutes, which was not statistically significant. Mydriasis was more marked in both eyes with a statistically significant difference after instillation of 10.0% phenylephrine. CONCLUSIONS: The mydriatic effect was greater with 10.0% phenylephrine than with 2.5% phenylephrine and the difference was statistically significant. No statistically significant difference was found in relation to cardiovascular effects in both phenylephrine concentrations.

Keywords: Phenylephrine; Heart rate; Blood pressure; Mydriatics; Cardiovascular system; Ophthalmic solutions; Ophthalmology

PURPOSE: To study the results of Carlson & Jampolsky technique in 31 patients with VI nerve palsy. METHODS: We had 23 unilateral and 8 bilateral cases. The mean unilateral preoperative esotropia was 56.8 PD ± 24 PD (30 PD to 100 PD) and they had a mean postoperative follow-up of 14 ± 17.9 months (3 to 72). The mean bilateral preoperative esotropia deviation angle in primary position was 74.5 PD ± 20.7 PD (45 PD to 100 PD) and the mean postoperative follow-up was 14.7 ± 15.7 months (4 to 47). RESULTS: In the unilateral group, 18 patients had good results and reoperation was not necessary. Out of 5 patients who were reoperated (2 undercorrections and 3 overcorrections), 2 had to use prismatic glasses. Among the bilateral patients, 2 cases were reoperated (1 undercorrection and 1 overcorrection), and the undercorrected patient remained with esotropia (ET13 PD), and also had to use prismatic glasses. CONCLUSIONS: Carlson & Jampolsky technique was useful to treat patients with VI nerve palsy. We had low reoperation rates and, among the 7 patients who needed a second intervention, only 3 did not achieve good results.

Keywords: Ophthalmoplegia; Strabismus; Esotropia; Ophthalmologic surgical procedures; Abducens nerve; Oculomotor muscles; Postoperative complications

PURPOSE: The association of retinal vein occlusion and hereditary thrombophilia abnormalities is not established, with controversial results in the literature. This study investigates the association between retinal vein occlusion and three thrombophilic mutations: factor V 1691A (factor V Leiden), prothrombin 20210A (PT 20210A) and homozygous methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677T (MTHFR 677TT). METHODS: 55 consecutive retinal vein occlusion patients and 55 controls matched by age, gender and race, were tested for the presence of the following mutations: factor V Leiden, PT 20210A and MTHFR 677TT. The frequencies of the three mutations in cases and controls were compared. RESULTS: Factor V Leiden was found in 3.6% of patients and in 0% of controls; PT 20210A was found in 1.8% of patients and 3.6% of controls, (matched-pair odds ratio, 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.04 to 5.51); MTHFR 677TT was found in 9% of patients and 9% of controls (matched-pair odds ratio, 1; 95% confidence interval, 0.92 to 3.45). Arterial hypertension was more frequent in patients than controls (matched-pair odds ratio, 3.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.25 to 9.21). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that thrombophilic mutations are not risk factors for RVO. Routine investigation of hereditary thrombophilia in these patients is not justified.

Keywords: Retinal vein occlusion; Risk factors; Thrombophilia; Factor V; Prothrombin; Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (NADPH2)

PURPOSE: To assess the long-term refractive outcomes of photorefractive keratectomy in myopia and myopic astigmatism. METHODS: A retrospective study of 120 photorefractive keratectomy operated eyes with at least four-year follow-up (maximum of 96 months, mean follow-up 55 months). We divided patients into group 1 (G1) spherical equivalent (SE) up to -4.00 diopters (D) and group 2 (G2) SE >-4.00 D. The Summit Apex Plus® excimer laser was used for ablation. All eyes were analyzed in terms of uncorrected and best spectacle corrected visual acuity (UCVA/BSCVA) and cycloplegic refraction. Data were analyzed using the Refractive Surgery Consultant Elite database software. RESULTS: G1 with 85 eyes (49 patients) presented mean SE -2.42 D and G2 with 35 eyes (22 patients) and mean SE of -4.45 D. Ninety-four percent of eyes in G1 and 82.9% of G2 were within ±1.00 D of emmetropia at 4 years. The UCVA was 20/30 or better in 82.0% of G1 eyes and 77.0% of G2 in the last postoperative follow-up. No patient lost more than one line in G2 compared to 13.0% in G1. Eyes that gained one or more lines after 4-year follow-up were 11.9% G1 and 2.9% in G2, respectively. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between achieved versus attempted refractive correction in both groups (r=0.925, p<0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: Photorefractive keratectomy was a safe and stable surgical procedure to correct myopic refractive errors, with no significant change in mean postoperative spherical equivalent refraction in the long-term follow-up.

Keywords: Keratectomy, photorefractive, excimer laser; Myopia; Astigmatism; Treatment outcome; Visual acuity

PURPOSE: To evaluate tissue reaction to implantation of homologous scleral and dura mater grafts. METHODS: Experimental surgeries were performed on 41 albine New Zealand rabbits; two rabbits were selected at random to be graft donors. Thirty rabbits were divided into two groups: group D and group E, receiving grafts of homologous tissues. The remaining nine animals comprised the control group (DE) and were submitted to surgery but with no graft. The eyes were enucleated and samples collected two, six and 12 weeks after the experiment, comprising subgroups I, II and III. RESULTS: A qualitative histopathological analysis was performed together with a comparative semi-quantitative study on vascularization and inflammatory infiltrate in the transplanted sclera and dura mater. Histomorphometry was conducted based on measurements of the grafts with an image analyzing system. There was no statistically significant difference when comparing vascularization, inflammatory infiltrate and measurements between subgroup I in relation to sclera and dura mater, nor in subgroup II. Subgroup III was not compared, since only fragments of dura mater grafts were considered. CONCLUSIONS: The dura mater graft presented intense absorption and progressive replacement of loose connective tissue. And the scleral graft showed discreet absorption in the periphery with formation of a more evident fibrous membrane, integrating the graft into the host sclera.

Keywords: Transplantation, homologous; Sclera; Dura mater; Sclera; Dura mater; Connective tissue; Rabbits

PURPOSE: To determine the histological and biomechanical characteristics of glycerol-preserved human sclera. METHODS: A total of 114 paired human sclerae were cleaned and preserved with 98% glycerol under refrigeration at 4 to 8ºC. The samples were divided into a control group with no preservation and 5 groups of 19 sclerae in 7, 15, 30, 90 and 180 days of preservation. Each specimen was submitted to histological examination and tested for traction distensibility functions. RESULTS: Preservation in glycerol did not cause alterations in the histological architecture of the scleral tissue. The mean load required to break the scleral tissue increased according to preservation time as a sigmoid function. A significant increase in mechanical resistance and decrease in distension of scleral tissue occurred after 90 days of preservation. CONCLUSIONS: Scleral preservation in glycerol keeps tissue integrity. The preserved material is less distensible after 90 days. Surgeons who use sclera in ophthalmic procedures should be aware of the mechanical characteristics of glycerol-preserved sclera and take into account tissue preservation time.

Keywords: Sclera; Glycerol; Tissue preservation; Histology

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the cutaneous sensitivity to a variety of allergens in patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and to demonstrate the relation between skin response and clinical aspects of the disease. METHODS: Twenty patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis were randomly chosen from the External Disease and Cornea Sector. They were clinically evaluated, and a score ranging from 0 to 20 was applied based on signs and symptoms on ophthalmic examination. All subjects underwent a skin prick test against standardized allergens, such as house dust mites D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae, and Blomia tropicalis, as well as allergens from cat, dog, fungi and feather. RESULTS: Seventy-five per cent of patients were positive for at least one of the allergens tested. House dust mites were responsible for the majority of the cases (75%). There was a poor correlation between the clinical score and sensitivity to allergens (r= - 0.119 for fungi; r= - 0.174 for dog; r= - 0.243 for house dust mites; r= - 0.090 for feather). A significant correlation was found only for cat allergen extract (r = - 0.510; p=0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated poor correlation between cutaneous hypersensitivity tests and clinical findings in patients with vernal keratoconjuntivitis. We concluded that skin response to inhalant allergens is not a useful test to identify clinical severity and chronicity of inflammatory process in this disease.

Keywords: Hypersensitivity; Conjunctivitis, allergic; Conjunctiva; Skin tests

PURPOSE: To evaluate the structure and function of the macula following rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery. METHODS: Prospective study of patients submitted to scleral buckle surgery or pneumatic retinopexy. The follow-up comprised a complete ophthalmologic exam and optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 14 eyes (14 patients), 71.4% operated with the scleral buckle technique, and 28.6% with the pneumatic retinopexy. The age range was from 24 to 59 years (mean of 39.3 years). There was a negative correlation between the final visual acuity and age of patient (r=-0.64, p=0.0127) and between final vision and duration of detachment (r=-0.54, p=0.0447). There was a positive correlation between visual acuity at initial follow-up and that at the final follow-up (r=0.69, p=0.0059). The optical coherence tomography of the initial follow-up showed subclinical foveal detachment in four eyes (28.6% of cases); at the final follow-up the retina was applied by itself with improved vision in all eyes (p=0.031), regardless the time span until reapplication (p=0.5546). CONCLUSION: The results show that the younger the patient and the earlier the surgical procedure, the better the final visual acuity. Furthermore, there is a positive correlation between initial and final postoperative vision and, all cases that presented foveal detachment on the optical coherence tomography at the initial follow-up had the retina flattened and the vision improved at the final examination.

Keywords: Retinal Detachment; Retinal Detachment; Macula lutea; Postoperative Complications; Tomography, optical coherence; Visual acuity

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate chromatic discrimination in employees of a photographic laboratory. METHODS: A total of 47 professional employees of the technical area devoted to calibration and technical assistance for one-hour photo machines (37 men), aged 18 to 41 years (mean of 27.2 ± 5.6 years). The period working in this function ranged from one month to 18 years. Twenty-two normal volunteers (5 men) aged 18-55 years (mean of 25.0 ± 10.6 years) were tested as a control group. Color discrimination was evaluated by the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue test. The inclusion criteria were visual acuity > 0.1 logMAR, normal fundus, absence of hereditary eye disease, absence of visual symptoms or ocular surgery. RESULTS: Twenty-four people (51%) of the professional group presented superior color discrimination when compared to 18% of the control group. Twenty people (42%) presented average discrimination and 3 (7%) presented inferior discrimination. Color vision discrimination was statistically better in professionals when compared to controls (T=968.000, P=0.011). There was no correlation between the period working in the function and color discrimination. CONCLUSIONS: Technical professionals working in a photographic laboratory showed better color discrimination than controls.

Keywords: Color perception; Color perception tests; Color vision defects

Cysticercosis is a parasitosis caused by Taenia solium eggs that could affect several tissues, such as heart, skeletal muscles, brain and eyes. This study describes the case of a 62-year-old male who complained of progressively loss of vision in his right eye for two months. Slit-lamp and ultrasound exams suggested a diagnosis of intravitreous cysticercosis. The patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy to remove the intravitreous parasite. Intraoperatively the cyst ruptured and leaked into the vitreous cavity. Therefore, 400 µg of intravitreous dexamethasone was injected intraoperatively, and 60 mg/day of prednisone PO was prescribed for 14 days. The post-operative best corrected visual acuity was 20/25, the retina was attached and vitreous remained clear. In conclusion, drug therapy with intravitreous corticosteroids associated with systemic steroids showed to be an alternative approach to control inflammation following vitreoretinal surgery.

Keywords: Cysticercosis; Cysticercosis; Eye infections, parasitic; Dexamethasone; Glucocorticoids; Case reports

Wegener granulomatosis (WG) is characterized by a classic triad of granulomatous inflammation of the respiratory tract, necrotizing vasculitis and nephritis. The absence of renal disease defines a subset of " limited WG" . Approximately 50% of WG patients develop ophthalmic disease. The histopatological study and +c-ANCA were essential to make a definite diagnosis in these cases.

Keywords: Wegener granulomatosis; Wegener granulomatosis; Vasculitis; Antibodies, antineutrophil cytoplasmic; Granuloma, plasma cell, orbital; Immunosuppresive agents; Case reports

The antiangiogenic drugs have been recently introduced in the therapeutic armamentarium of choroidal neovascularization. The purpose of this report is to describe a case of occult choroidal neovascularization with extensive retinal pigment epithelial detachment treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin®). The efficacy of the medication was evaluated by means of visual acuity and complementary exams (fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green video angiography and optical coherence tomography). After three intravitreal injections of bevacizumab a satisfactory anatomic and visual response was achieved, showing benefits of the drug, despite the extensive retinal pigment epithelial detachment associated with occult choroidal neovascularization.

Keywords: Macular degeneration; Macula lutea; Choroidal neovascularization; Choroidal neovascularization; Angiogenesis inhibitors; Vascular endothelial growth factors; Fluorescein angiography; Tomography, optical coherence; Female; Humans; Aged; Case reports

Fibrous dysplasia is a benign, slowly progressive bone disorder, in which normal bone is replaced by fibrous tissue. It is called McCune Albright syndrome when associated with skin hyperpigmentation and endocrinological disorders. We report a rare case of McCune Albright syndrome in a boy, who presented bilateral and diffuse involvement of orbits but few external craniofacial distortions.

Keywords: Fibrous dysplasia, polyostotic; Orbital diseases; Craniofacial abnormalities; Facial bones

We report three rare cases of ethmoid osteoma extending to the medial quadrant of the orbit that had singular particularities, such as occurring in women, at an unusual age group, and complaint of epiphora. The radiographic images were typical of this condition. Patients were submitted to surgery with complete resolution of the disease.

Keywords: Osteoma; Paranasal sinus neoplasms; Ethmoid sinus; Orbit; Lacrimal apparatus diseases; Eye manifestations; Otorhinolaryngologic surgery procedures; Female; Adult; Middle aged; Case reports

The nonspecific orbital inflammatory presents several clinical forms. When it evolves the posterior segment of the eye, usually by contiguity, it can lead to serious damage to vision functions. Posterior scleritis causes permanent damage to the vision and rarely progresses to acute glaucoma. CASE REPORT: E.N., a 24-year-old black man, complained of pain in the left eye (OS) for ten days, with low visual acuity, malaise, nauseas and vomiting. On ophthalmologic examination, he presented proptosis, restricted eye movements and edema on the upper left eyelid. Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in OD and counting fingers at 1.5m in OS. The intraocular pressure was 14mmHg in OD and 34 mmHg in OS. The biomicroscopy presented in OS conjunctival hyperemia cornea with keratic precipitates, shallow anterior chamber with cells and flare 2+. Gonioscopy in OS showed angle-closure of 360º. The ophthalmoscopic examination revealed increased vascular tortuosity and posterior pole edema. Treatment for acute glaucoma was initiated and complementary tests were ordered. Ocular ultrasonography and orbit computerized tomography showed a diffuse thickening of the ocular wall and extrinsic muscles. Other tests were normal. The presumptive diagnosis was acute nonspecific orbital inflammation affecting the ocular bulb posterior segment together with acute glaucoma. He initiated on prednisone 60 mg/day PO. After two weeks of systemic corticotherapy, the patient was asymptomatic, with evident regression of proptosis and scleritis and normal intraocular pressure (11 mmHg in AU). Although not very frequent, acute glaucoma may be present in orbital inflammatory process and should be treated with systemic corticotherapy and topical medication.

Keywords: Orbital diseases; Scleritis; Glaucoma, angle-closure; case reports

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both diseases are characterized by chronic inflammation of the intestines. The advances in understanding the inflammatory process improved the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. The systemic complications of inflammatory bowel disease involve several organs included the eyes. The incidence of eye complications in IBD is unknown, but according to the literature the incidence vary between 3.5% and 11.8%. The ophthalmic complications are usually of inflammatory origin. We report a case of a patient with Crohn's disease that developed central retinal vein occlusion and papillophlebitis without any other retinal vascular disease during remission. The aim of this paper is to reinforce the importance of complete ophthalmic examination perform as a routine in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Keywords: Inflammatory bowel diseases; Colitis, ulcerative; Crohn disease; Uveitis; Retinal vein occlusion; Female; Adult; Case reports

A 13-year-old male patient with a recent history of hyperglycemia developed an acute bilateral posterior subcapsular cataract, consisting of fine feathery streak-like opacities. On examination, his uncorrected visual acuity was 20/50 and J4 at near in both eyes. Under cycloplegia, a moderate hypermetropic refraction was noted in both eyes. He was diagnosed with acute posterior subcapsular cataract secondary to diabetes mellitus. Two weeks after resolution of the hyperglycemic state, the bilateral feathery streak-like posterior subcapsular opacities regressed completely, hypermetropic refraction decreased and uncorrected visual acuity improved to 20/20 and J1 in both eyes.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Cataract; Hyperopia; Case reports

Currently, new types of intraocular lenses have been developed aiming to eliminate presbyopia and the use has become more popular. The authors report the case of a patient with bilateral cataract and corneal irregularities and astigmatism higher than 2D in the corneal topography, in which AcrySofTM ReSTOR TM intraocular lens was implanted in the left eye associated to relaxing limbal incisions trying to reduce corneal astigmatism. The near and distance postoperative visual acuity were worse than expected, with no improvement with refraction. Apparently, no other reason apart from irregular astigmatism/multifocal lens justified the low vision. After 45 days, with no visual acuity improvement, the intraocular lens was explanted and a monofocal one was implanted. The final corrected visual acuity improved. Thus, the present case emphasizes the need of a correct preoperative selection of patients to implant this type of multifocal lens, with special attention to corneal topography data.

Keywords: Pseudophakia; Phacoemulsification; Lens implantation, intraocular; Cataract extraction; Visual acuity; Case reports

We report on a patient with a past medical history of successfully treated systemic large-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (SNHL), who presented with multifocal yellowish retinal infiltrates (flecked retina) involving the post-equatorial retina of one eye. Fluorescein angiography revealed that the retinal infiltrates were hypofluorescent throughout the examination. The correct diagnosis of this ocular picture was important because the retinal lesions indicated central nervous system recurrence of systemic large-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Keywords: Lymphoma, non-Hodgkin; Fluorescein angiography; Fundus oculi; Retina; Choroid; Recurrence; Cases report

Retinal toxicity of chloroquine has been extensively studied since its first description in 1957. This drug is used on a chronic basis to treat several rheumatologic and dermatologic diseases, a there is a trend to use hydroxychloroquine rather than chloroquine. The recommended dose for hydroxychloroquine is 4 mg/kg lean body weight per day. The clinical picture of chloroquine retinopathy is characterized by a paracentral visual field scotoma with associated parafoveal retinal pigment epithelium atrophy, known as 'bull's eye maculopathy. The visual field and Amsler grids are the exams that early detect toxicity retinopathy. The authors aim to review the pathogenesis, clinical features, differential diagnosis, complementary exams, and treatment. The sources of references were PubMed (MEDLINE), LILACS and Ophthalmology Library databases.

Keywords: Chloroquine; Hydroxychloroquine; Retinal diseases; Macula lutea