VOLUME 72 - ISSUE 1

PURPOSE: To compare the individual means of ocular components of both eyes in patients with anisometropia; to correlate the differences of the components with refractive differences; and to identify the smallest number of factors that contain the same level of information expressed in the set of variables that influence refractive difference. METHODS: An analytical transversal study was carried out in 77 patients with anisometropia of two or more dioptres seen at the Ophthalmologic Clinic, University Hospital, Nilton Lins Medical School, Manaus. RESULTS: All participants were submitted to ophthalmologic examination which included objective and subjective cycloplegic refractometry, keratometry and ultrasound biometry. Data analysis comprised the following statistical models: univariate, multivariate, multiple and factorial regression analyses. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in the comparison between the individual means of the ocular components. There was negative correlation between refractive difference and difference of axial length (r= -0.64; p<0.01) and weak negative correlation between refractive difference and crystalline lens power difference (r= -0.34; p<0.01). The analyzed variables reached 78% of the total variation of refractive difference. Three factors were identified for refractive differences: a) factor 1 (refraction, axial length); b) factor 2 (anterior chamber depth, cornea power), and c) factor 3 (crystalline lens power).

Keywords: Anisometropia; Biometry; Eye; Eye; Refractive errors

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of latanoprost (L) and travoprost (T) as monotherapy as well as both drugs associated with 0.5% timolol maleate twice a day regarding the daily curve of intraocular pressure (DCPo) with the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) at 6 am in bed. METHODS: Retrospective study analyzing the daily curve of intraocular pressure of patients treated with L or T with or without 0.5% Tim. Patients who did not correctly follow the treatment were excluded. We also excluded the patients who used the prostaglandin analog associated with any other antiglaucomatous drug different from 0.5% Tim and those who were treated with more than two antiglaucomatous drugs. Statistical analysis was made through the SPSS 11.0 program calculating mean intraocular pressure (Pm), variability (V), p value and standard deviation. Ethnic aspects or type of glaucoma were no criteria of inclusion or exclusion in this study. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients (142 eyes) were included. The average age was 61.7 years. Thirty-three (44.0%) patients were male and 42 (56.0%) were female. Thirteen patients (26 eyes 18.3%) used L, 18 patients (33 eyes - 23.2%) were treated with T, 18 patients (32 eyes - 22.5%) used latanoprost and 0.5% timolol (L 0.5%Tim) and 26 patients (51 eyes - 35.9%) used travoprost and 0.5% timolol (T 0.5%Tim). Chronic simple glaucoma was the most common type (92.0%), followed by congenital glaucoma (6.7%) and glaucoma secondary to cataract surgery (1.3%). Pm was 15.2 (± 4.2) mmHg among those treated with L and 14.8 (± 3.2) mmHg among the T users. Those patients showed a V of 2.0 (± 1.2) and 3.2 (± 1.9). In the group of L 0.5%Tim and T 0.5%Tim the Pm and V were 14.9 (± 2.2) mmHg, 15.0 (± 3.2) mmHg, 2.4 (± 1.2) and 2.8 (± 1.6) respectively. No statistical significant difference was found in the Pm neither with the drugs used as monotherapy nor with them associated with 0.5% timolol maleate as well as in the V with both drugs associated with 0.5% timolol maleate. However, V showed a significant statistically difference when we considered the drugs in monotherapy, the IOP fluctuation being lower with L (t= -2.9; p=0.005). CONCLUSION: In the daily curve of intraocular pressure performed with the measurement of intraocular pressure at 6 am in bed, L and T associated with 0.5% timolol maleate had a similar efficacy; however, in monotherapy, Pm was similar in both drugs but the V obtained with L was lower the difference being statistically significant.

Keywords: Glaucoma; Intraocular pressure; Prostaglandins F, synthetic; Antihypertensive agents; Cloprostenol; Timolol; Drug combination; Time factors

PURPOSE: To evaluate retinal toxicity of varying doses of rapamycin when injected intravitreally in rabbits. Rapamycin is a potent immunosuppressive agent with significant antitumor and antiangiogenic properties, clinically approved for prevention of organ transplant rejection. METHODS: Twelve New Zealand albino rabbits were divided into four groups. Four different doses of rapamycin were prepared in 0.1 ml: 20 µg, 50 µg, 200 µg, and 1000 µg. Each concentration was injected in one eye of three rabbits, and 0.1 ml volume of sterile BSS was injected into the contralateral eye of the three rabbits. Slit-lamp and fundoscopic examinations were performed and the animals were observed for 2 weeks for signs of infection, inflammation, and toxicity. A baseline ERG was performed before drug treatment and at day 14, after which the rabbits were euthanized. Histology of the enucleated eyes was studied to look for retinal toxicity. RESULTS: ERG results showed some decrease in scotopic response; however this was not dose related. ERG results were normal at 20 µg. Histological results showed no retinal toxicity in all groups. CONCLUSION: Although ERG changes were identified at dosages between 50-1000 µg, the histology of all groups up to 1000 µg did not show any discernable abnormalities.

Keywords: Choroidal neovascularization; Sirolimus; Uveitis; Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1; Rabbits

PURPOSE: To evaluate macular function by focal electroretinography and fluorescein angiography (FA) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration submitted to verteporfin photodynamic therapy (VPT). METHODS: Prospective study involving 22 patients with age-related macular degeneration and predominantly classic subfoveal neovascular membrane, in non consecutive series, treated with VPT and followed for 12 months. They had their best corrected visual acuity measured by ETDRS chart, changes of lesion measured by fluorescein angiography and cone function assessed by focal electroretinography at baseline and each 3month follow-up. RESULTS: All 22 patients completed the scheduled follow-up. After a mean of 3.5 sessions of treatment per patient, the mean visual acuity variation was not significant at the end of study. Eleven patients showed variation >1 line. 86% of patients achieved stabilization of lesion leakage at the end of the study. Focal electroretinography showed a mean of 194.88 nV in amplitude and 29.19 ms in latency and did not present a significant variation during treatment. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in focal electroretinography amplitudes and latencies after a 9-month period. Visual acuity did not show important variations during the 12 months. The decrease of lesion size showed a significant difference at 12 months with negative correlation between the amplitude of focal electroretinography and best corrected visual acuity.

Keywords: Macular degeneration; Photochemotherapy; Electroretinography; Fluorescein angiography; Porphyrins

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil injection for the treatment of infectious endophthalmitis. METHODS: 35 cases of endophthalmitis secondary to phacoemulsification (20 patients), trabeculectomy (8 patients), perforating trauma (2 patients), trauma (2 patients), corneal transplantation (1 patient), vitrectomy (1 patient) and corneal ulceration (1 patient) were retrospectively studied. Patients were separated into two groups: Group 1 (n=24): intravitreal antibiotic injection, associated with topical and oral antibiotics; Group 2 (n=11): vitrectomy with intravitreal antibiotic injection and silicone oil injection. The follow-up ranged from 1 to 48 months (mean of 16 months). RESULTS: From 24 patients in group 1, 11 patients (45.83%), had infection controlled with intravitreal antibiotic injection only; 13 patients (54.15%) regressed to uncontrolled endophthalmitis, in which two patients (8.33%) were submitted to evisceration and one patient (4.16%) had corneal melting. The remaining 10 patients (41.66%) with uncontrolled endophthalmitis were submitted to pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil injection. Six patients (25%) from Group I had retinal detachment during the first month of follow-up and also required pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil injection. In Group 2 patients (n=11), all of them had controlled infection at the first procedure. In one case (9.09%), a severe proliferatative vitreoretinopathy induced loss of vision. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that silicone oil tamponade might be beneficial in the treatment strategy of infectious endophthalmitis.

Keywords: Vitrectomy; Silicone oils; Endophthalmitis

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical aspects and evaluate optical coherence tomography of macular microholes. METHODS: Seven patients were assessed (8 eyes) with microholes of the macula. All patients underwent complete eye examination, fundus photography, fluorescent angiography and OCT-3 imaging. RESULTS: Ages ranged from 26 to 69 years. Six patients were female (85.7%) and five of them had microhole in the right eye. The presenting symptom was decrease in visual acuity (71.3%) and central scotoma in (14.3%). Five eyes (71.4%) had no defects shown by fluorescent angiography. A defect in the outer retina was demonstrated in all eyes on optical coherence tomography. The lesions were nonprogressive. CONCLUSION: Macular microholes are small lamellar defects in the outer retina. The condition is nonprogressive, generally unilateral and compatible with good visual acuity. Fundus biomicroscopy associated with an optical coherence tomography are the main elements in the diagnosis and study of this pathology.

Keywords: Retinal perforations; Tomography, optical coherence; Fluorescein angiography

PURPOSE: To present the characteristics of individuals and the prevalence of ectropium eyelid in a random sample of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Data were collected during the Project on Prevention of Blindness, Faculty of Medicine of Botucatu - UNESP, a systematic random household sample was obtained. We evaluated 10,432 individuals, residents in 11 cities of the health regional located in the Central-Western region of the state of São Paulo. The results were submitted to statistical analysis to evaluate descriptive variables and the prevalence of ectropium eyelid. RESULTS: Seventy-one ectropium eyelid patients were detected, with an estimated prevalence of 0.68%. The prevalence was not similar in all the studied municipalities. Most people with ectropium eyelid presented age over 70 years and were male. Cataract was concurrently present in 28.0% of them. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ectropium population in the Central-Western region of São Paulo state is 0.68%. The ectropium eyelid affect mainly male, over 70 years relating sun light exposition and with normal visual acuity.

Keywords: Ectropion; Eye diseases; Prevalence; Visual acuity; Brazil

PURPOSE: Interstitial cells of Cajal were identified in the gastrointestinal tract of several species, with close relation to the enteric nervous system. Since it was recognized that interstitial cells of Cajal express the gene product of c-kit, we performed immunohistochemistry for c-kit protein in ciliary muscle specimens of monkeys' eyes. METHODS: Eight eyes from four adult male new world monkeys (Cebus apella) were studied. After blocking endogenous peroxidase activity and nonspecific protein binding, 1:100 dilution of mouse monoclonal antibody against c-kit human oncoprotein was applied to tissues. Antigen-antibody reaction was visualized using the avidin-biotinylated horseradish peroxidase complex in each slide. RESULTS: We observed some groups of fusiform c-kit expressing cells located amongst muscle bundles of the ciliary muscle. Other pigment cells and mast cells were also observed. CONCLUSION: C-kit expressing cells observed in the ciliary muscle of Cebus apella, showed no similarity to melanocytes or mast cells and they could be associated with their gastrointestinal interstitial cells of Cajal counterpart.

Keywords: Coiled bodies; Ciliary body; Enteric nervous system; Gastrointestinal motility; Proto-oncogene proteins c-kit; Cebus

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the feasibility of monocular surgery in the treatment of large-angle esotropias through large recessions of the medial rectus (6 to 10 mm) and large resections of the lateral rectus (8 to 10 mm). METHODS: 46 patients were submitted to surgery. They had esotropias of 50Δor more that were relatively comitant. The patients were operated under general anesthesia and received no adjustable sutures. The methods used for refractometry, measurement of visual acuity and angle of deviation were those traditionally used in strabismology. Postoperatively, measurements in primary position (and side gaze) were carried out, along with assessments of limitations to adduction or abduction of the operated eye. RESULTS: Four groups comprised the study according to four periods of time: one week, six months, two years and four to seven years. The results for the postoperative angle of deviation were compatible with those reported in the literature, and remained stable in the folllowup. The motility of the operated eye presented a slight limitation in adduction and no limitation in abduction, contradicting the findings presented in the strabologic literature. No statistically significant differences were detected in the comparison between adults and children, neither regarding amblyopes and non-amblyopes. CONCLUSION: Monocular recession-resection surgery seems to be a valid option in the treatment of large-angle esotropias, both for adults and children, as well as for amblyopes and non-amblyopes.

Keywords: Strabismus; Esotropia; Oculomotor muscles; Refractive errors

PURPOSE: To investigate factors associated with the morphological quality of corneal tissue at the Hospital São Paulo Eye Bank (BOHSP) - UNIFESP. METHODS: Retrospective study of records from the BOHSP between 2001 and 2006. Information about donors such as age, gender, and cause of death were collected as well as time between death and enucleation (time-to-enucleation), time between enucleation and tissue preservation (time-to-preservation), preservation media, and source of corneal tissue. Biomicroscopic examination was performed in preserved corneas which were classified as "Excellent" or "Good" (group A) or "Regular", "Bad", or "Unacceptable" (group B). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess factors that were independently associated with corneal quality. RESULTS: Data from 870 cornea donors were analyzed. The mean ± standard error age in groups A and B was 40.7 ± 16.1 and 56.3 ± 17.5 years, respectively (p<0.01). Time-to-preservation was significantly lower in group A (5.2 vs. 6.6 hours, p<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding gender (p=0.82) and time-to-enucleation (p=0.17). A higher proportion of traumas was observed in group A compared to group B (p<0.01). Overall, Optisol was the most commonly used preservation medium and approximately half of the corneas were harvested by BOHSP. Factors that were independently associated with corneal quality were: age (Odds ratio 95% CI, 1.05 (1.04 - 1.06), for 1 year), time-to-preservation (1.05 (1.02 - 1.08), for 1 hour), source (1.53 (1.12 2.09), for Others vs. BOHSP) and cause of death (2.06 (1.43 -2.96), for Chronic diseases vs. External causes). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed some factors that were independently associated with morphological quality of donated corneas in the BOHSP such as age, time-to-preservation, source, and cause of death. Similar studies are necessary in order to determine factors that might influence the quality of corneas delivered to ophthalmic surgeons.

Keywords: Corneal diseases; Eye banks; Corneal transplantation; Quality control; Tissue and organ procurement; Organ preservation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between oral low-dose contraceptives and color vision alterations. METHODS: Were included in the study 30 women, sixteen used oral contraceptive for less than five years (Group I) and 14 used it for more than five years (Group II). The Ishihara, City University Color Vision Test, and the D 15 desaturated tests were used. RESULTS: No characteristic alterations in the chromatic perception were found in any of the groups. CONCLUSION: In the studied sample, low-dose oral contraceptive has not influenced color vision, independent of the time of use.

Keywords: Color perception; Vison; Color vision defects; Contraceptives, oral

PURPOSE: To analyze the difference between measurements of Schirmer test I (ST I) and basal Schirmer test (STB) with open and closed eyes. METHODS: Sixty eyes of 30 normal volunteers, 12 males and 18 females aged 28 ± 9 years were recruited for the study. All ST were carried out in a closed environment with the absence of airflow (humidity 60 ± 2.34% and temperature 20.72 ± 1.52ºC). ST I and ST B were performed with the individuals' both eyes open and closed with an interval of 6 hours. All ST were conducted in 5 minutes. For statistical analysis, the ST strip's wetting velocity (ST V) (in millimeters per minute) was calculated, dividing the ST values by its wetting time. If ST values were 35mm before 5 minutes, wetting time was recorded to obtain ST V. RESULTS: ST V measurements of ST I performed with closed eyes (10.30 ± 11.55) were statistically different from those performed with open eyes (18.85 ± 17.88) and ST V measurements of STB performed with closed eyes (3.74 ± 3.14) were statistically different from those performed with open eyes (6.19 ± 5.86). CONCLUSION: ST performed with open or closed eyes can have an important influence in the results of ST I and STB in normal individuals.

Keywords: Dry eye syndromes; Tears; Diagnostic techniques, ophthalmological; Cornea; Keratitis

PURPOSE: To demonstrate experimentally, by means of histological and histomorphometric examinations, the sclera and choroid degenerative alterations, which take place at an early stage due to a hypercholesterolemic diet. METHODS: New Zealand rabbits were divided into two groups: CG (control group) of 6 rabbits (6 eyes) received a regular diet for 6 weeks; G1, of 12 rabbits (12 eyes), was first fed a 1% cholesterol diet (Sigma-Aldrich) for 2 weeks and then from the 14th day on a 0.5% cholesterol diet (Sigma-Aldrich). The eyes underwent a histological analysis, stained with hematoxiline-eosine, and a morphometric examination. The histomorphometric analysis was performed in the posterior region, adjacent to the optic disk, and in the peripheral region. RESULTS: The CG presented a mean sclera and choroid thickness of 228.61 ± 31.71 micrometers in the peripheral region, while the thickness in the posterior region was approximately 246.07 ± 25.66 micrometers. In G1, these values were 303.56 ± 44.21 micrometers in the peripheral region and 295.59 ± 62.59 in the posterior region. There was a statistically significant difference in the sclera and choroid thickness between the groups in the peripheral region (p<0.001); however, this difference did not occur in the posterior region (p=0.250). The large number of histiocytes and collagen fibers accounted for the increase of G1 wall thickness in relation to CG. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the hypercholesterolemic diet in rabbits induces a fast increase in the choroid and sclera thickness, mainly due to the increase in the number of histiocytes and collagen fibers.

Keywords: Cholesterol; Choroid; Diet; Hypercholesterolemia; Macular degeneration; Atherosclerosis; Sclera; Models, animal; Rabbits; Comparative study

PURPOSE: To present the success rate in treating congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction with hydrostatic pressure (Crigler method). METHODS: Clinical data from 186 children aged up to 32 months treated from 1990 until 2005 were reviewed retrospectively. The procedure was repeated up to 3 times at a one week interval. Using EPI INFO version 6.04 software for analysis, data were tabulated and statistical significance was evaluated by applying chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: Leading age group was 1 to 5 months old (56.4%) for males and females. Affection was bilateral in 36.3%, 34.1% on right side and 29.6% on the left side. All cases had epiphora and 56.5% presented mucopurulent discharge. Cure was achieved with one massage for 43.6%, 23.3% with two, 17.4% with three and, with 4 and 5+ sessions in respectively 5.8% and 9.0%. Those 14 cases who did not respond to massage were treated with probing. CONCLUSION: The Crigler method was effective in managing congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction cases.

Keywords: Lacrimal duct obstruction; Nasolacrimal duct; Massage

PURPOSE: To evaluate the functional results and complications of the use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene in frontalis suspension surgery for the treatment of blepharoptosis. METHODS: Frontalis suspension procedure with polytetrafluoroethylene was performed between 2003 and 2007 on 23 patients (36 eyes) with blepharoptosis. An average follow-up time was 15.8 months (range, 3 to 36). Surgical technique used was described by Fox. RESULTS: The causes of blepharoptosis found were: congenital in 20 patients (86.95%), blepharophimosis in 2 (8.69%) and traumatic in 1 (4.35%). At the first week of postoperatory 6 (26.08%) patients related palpebral asymmetry, 4 (17.39%) noticed local edema, 3 (13.04%) presented granulomas and 1 (4.35%) presented facial cellulitis on the ipsilateral frontal region. After 3 months of follow-up 3 (13.04%) patients related palpebral asymmetry and 1 (4.35%) persisted the granuloma. CONCLUSION: Polytetrafluoroethylene - Model CV3, 6.0 (Gore-tex®, W.L. Gore & Associates Inc, Flagstaff, AZ, EUA) is an adequate material with good functional results (86.9%), relatively few complications (4.35%) and insatisfaction (13.4%) that could be an alternative for fascia lata in the surgery of frontalis suspension for the treatment of blepharoptosis.

Keywords: Blepharoplasty; Blepharoptosis; Polytetrafluoroethylene; Polytetrafluoroethylene

PURPOSE: To describe the orbito-sphenoidal expansive processes diagnosed at the Anatomo-Pathological Laboratory of the Fundação Faculdade Federal de Ciências Médicas de Porto Alegre - Complexo Hospitalar Santa Casa de Porto Alegre during a period of 15 years, evaluating their relative frequencies among other tumoral processes. METHODS: We performed a statistical analysis of all orbital tumors with anatomicopathological diagnosis from January 1968 to December 1982, comparing the frequency of orbital tumors with the total number of tumors diagnosed at this Laboratory in a period of 5 years. RESULTS: Eighty-two cases were diagnosed of expansive processes involving the orbit in 15 years - 20.7% of the total (17 cases) affecting children (up to 14 years-old) and the remaining 79.3% (65 cases) affecting adults. Children presented more frequently optic nerve gliomas (4 of 6 cases 66.6%), retinoblastomas (4 cases - 100%) and rhabdomiosarcomas (3 of 4 cases - 75%). Less frequent diseases in children were optic nerve meningioma, neurofibroma, inflammatory pseudotumor, chronic dacryoadenitis, neuroma and chronic inflammatory process. The adult population presented more cases of basal cell carcinomas (18 cases), squamous cell carciomas (12 cases), meningiomas (10 cases), choroidal malignant melanoma (3 cases) and lacrimal gland tumors (7 cases). Tumors originated from bone or vascular structures, pseudo-tumors, and intraorbital epidermic cysts were also diagnosed, among others. Of a sum of 2,639 tumors diagnosed at this Laboratory in the time period of 5 years (1976 to 1980), there were 22 cases of orbital tumors, reaching a total of 0.8% of all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomicopathological study of these processes is somehow important to diagnose and to establish an adequate therapy. The incidence of the expansive processes involving the orbit allows an epidemiological characterization of the different medical services responsible for the treatment of eye diseases. Despite its lower frequencies when compared to the diagnosis from other branches of Anatomical Pathology, Eye pathology has developed considerably over the past few years, contributing to more accurate diagnosis and to a better understanding of mechanisms responsible for these processes.

Keywords: Eye neoplasms; Neoplasm invasiveness; Orbital neoplasms; Retrospective studies

We present a case in which a patient with intraorbital Langerhans' cell granuloma, with anatomical and functional skills compromised by intraorbital hypertension, which was treated with urgency orbitotomy by cranial approach. Male, two years-old, presented conjuntival proptosis, red eye, complete ophthalmoplegy, exophthalmos, with non-fotoreactive mydriasis and blepharoptosis of the right eye. Fundoscopy presented venous enlargement with optic disc edema. A cranial approach with orbitotomy was carried out, removed the lesion with total remission of clinical presentation and anatomic appearance as well. The handling of Langerhans' cell granuloma can vary from primary surgical approach as corticotherapy to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In this case, the surgery was the first option due to the imminent risk of loss of visual function.

Keywords: Eosinophilic granuloma; Histiocytosis, Langerhans-cell; Orbital diseases; Ocular hypertension; Blepharoptosis; Orbital diseases; Case reports

Two cases in which patients had progressive loss of visual acuity in four years and eight months respectively are described. Clinical examination revealed fundoscopic alterations of the retina, pigment epithelium and choriocapillaris showing marked atrophy. The clinical picture resembles Kearns-Sayre syndrome. Etiological investigation is fundamental, because most of time this condition is associated with more serious systemic complications which need specific care.

Keywords: Mitochondrial diseases; Mitochondrial diseases; Ophthalmoplegia; Palpebral ptosis; Heart block; Retinal degeneration; Case reports

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome is a rare and acquired autoimmune disorder. We describe two female patients with medial rectus paresis as the only ocular manifestation. After a unilateral medial rectus recession and lateral rectus resection procedure, both patients recovered normal adduction. To our knowledge, this is the first report of surgery for extraocular muscle paresis in Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome.

Keywords: Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome; Myasthenia gravis; Strabismus; Paresis; Human; Female; Middle aged; Case reports

Acute angle-closure glaucoma may be induced, among other causes, by therapy with systemic drugs, such as the anticonvulsant topiramate. This paper reports the case of an young patient with acute myopia and angle-closure glaucoma associated with migraine prevention with topiramate. We make a link with similar cases described in medical journals and in a bibliographic review related to this entity.

Keywords: Glaucoma; Angle-closure glaucoma; Angle-closure glaucoma; Angle-closure glaucoma; Angle-closure glaucoma; Anticonvulsants; Case reports

Orbital involvement by multiple myeloma is rare. In this study, the authors report an unusual case of proptosis as the first clinical sign of multiple myeloma. The presence of an orbital lesion expanding and destroying the superior orbital rim, disclosed by computed tomography, lead us to consider multiple myeloma. Diagnostic and therapeutic aspects are discussed.

Keywords: Multiple myeloma; Exophthalmos; Tomography, emission-computed; Case reports

Fibrous histiocytomas represent 1% of all orbital masses and may be classified into benign, locally aggressive and malignant - these representing nearly 11% of the total. In this study, the authors describe an unusual case of malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the eyelid, discussing clinical and histological features of this neoplasm.

Keywords: Histiocytoma, malignant fibrous; Eyelid neoplasms; Ophthalmic surgical procedures; Radiotherapy adjuvant; Human; Male; Adult; Case reports

Creating a continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis in eyes with white intumescent cataracts is a challenge due to the high risk of extension of capsular tears to the lens periphery. Several approaches have been described to avoid this complication and preoperative Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy has been little reported as an optional technique. Eleven patients with white intumescent cataracts were submitted to preoperative Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy. All patients had some degree of cortex falling in anterior chamber after laser application. No patient developed later complications. Thus, preoperative Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy represents a safe and easy option for white intumescent cataracts.

Keywords: Capsulorhexis; Phacoemulsification; Cataract; Laser therapy; Preoperative care; Case reports

We report the case of a 40-year-old woman with chronic renal failure and secondary hyperparathyroidism that presented with slowly progressive proptosis of the right eye and mass sensation in the temporal and frontal orbital margins. Computerized tomography scan revealed two separate hyperdense and well-circumscribed lesions in the right orbital walls. A biopsy followed by histopathologic study revealed a dense lesion, with fibrous proliferation associated with osseous metaplasia and osteoclastic activity in the tumor, compatible with the diagnosis of brown tumor. The patient was submitted to surgical removal of the parathyroid glands that resulted in marked improvement in her condition and regression of the orbital tumors. Although the occurrence of more than one separate bone lesion in the orbit usually suggests metastasis, our case shows that brown tumors should also be included in the differential diagnosis of such lesions, particularly in patients with hyperparathyroidism.

Keywords: Hyperparathyroidism, secondary; Kidney failure, chronic; Orbital neoplasms; Exophthalmos; Vision disorders; Diagnosis, differential; Case reports

The authors describe a severe and rare case of restrictive strabismus, acquired during the first semester of life, in a previously normal baby. They discuss the possibility of inflammatory or infectious disease as the primary cause. Surgical management was challenging, after three procedures and required the cooperation of strabismus and orbit specialists and also a wide incision for orbital surgery.

Keywords: Strabismus; Oculomotor muscles; Cicatrix; Orbit; Child; Case reports

Retinal pigment epithelial dysfunction is believed to be the main cause of many debilitating retinal diseases of which age-related macular degeneration is the most common. In this disease, the retinal pigment epithelial dysfunction leads to photoreceptors damage causing severe vision loss. The retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch's membrane suffer cumulative damage over lifetime, which is thought to induce age-related macular degeneration in susceptible individuals. In the past 20 years, a huge amount of research has been conducted in the area of transplantation of RPE. This technique aims to restore the subretinal anatomy and reestablish the critical interaction between the retinal pigment epithelium and the photoreceptor, which is fundamental to sight. Retinal pigment epithelial transplantation has been performed with two different techniques: retinal pigment epithelial suspension and autologous full-thickness retinal pigment epithelial-choroid transplantation in some cases of the age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Despite the feasibility of this technique, search for a cell source to replace autologous retinal pigment epithelium such as embryonic stem cells, marrow-derived stem cells and umbilical cord-derived cells continues. The combination of cell transplantation with other modalities of treatment such as gene transfer remains an exciting future prospect.

Keywords: Pigment epithelium of eye; Choroid; Macular degeneration; Transplantation, autologous; Blindness