Showing papers on "corneal ulcer published in 2017"

Corneal grafting for the treatment of full-thickness corneal defects in dogs: a review of 50 cases

Abstract: Objective To describe corneal grafting for the treatment of full-thickness corneal defects in dogs and to determine its effectiveness in preserving vision. Methods A review of the medical records of dogs that underwent corneal grafting following corneal perforations (≥3 mm) at the VTH-UAB from 2002 to 2012 was carried out. Results Fifty dogs of different breed, age and gender were included. Brachycephalic breeds were overrepresented (37/50;74%). All cases were unilateral, with euryblepharon being the most common concurrent ocular abnormality (20/50;40%). Full-thickness penetrating keratoplasties (FTPK) were performed in 21/50 eyes (42%) and lamellar keratoplasties (LK) in 29/50 eyes (58%). Frozen grafts (FroG) were used in 43/50 eyes (86%) and fresh homologous grafts (FreHoG) in 7/50 (14%). Of the former group, 26 were homologous (FroHoG:60%) and 17 heterologous (FroHeG:40%). A combination of topical medication (antibiotics, corticosteroids, cycloplegics, and 0.2% cyclosporine A) and systemic mycophenolate mofetil was administered. Median follow-up time was 200 days. Postsurgical complications included wound dehiscence (6/50;12%) and glaucoma (4/50;8%). Clinical signs of graft rejection were diagnosed as follows: FroHoG (13/26;50%), FroHeG (11/17;65%), FreHoG (4/7;57%), FTPK (12/21;57%), and LK (16/29;55%). Medical treatment successfully controlled graft rejection in 11/28 eyes (39%). Good anatomical outcome was achieved in 86% (43/50), of which 95% (41/43) were visual at last examination, with moderate opacification to complete transparency of the graft present in 48.2%. Conclusions Corneal grafting is an effective surgical treatment for full-thickness corneal defects in dogs. If graft rejection is present, additional medical or surgical therapy may be necessary, achieving a highly satisfactory visual outcome.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug delays corneal wound healing by reducing production of 12-hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid, a ligand for leukotriene B 4 receptor 2

Abstract: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used to reduce inflammation by suppressing cyclooxygenases (COXs). NSAID eye drops are frequently prescribed after ocular surgery to reduce inflammation and pain, but this treatment has clinically significant side effects, including corneal ulcer and perforation. The molecular mechanisms underlying these side effects remain unknown. Recently, the COX product 12(S)-hydroxyheptadeca-5Z,8E,10E-trienoic acid (12-HHT) was identified as an endogenous ligand for leukotriene B4 receptor 2 (BLT2), which is important in maintenance of epithelial homeostasis. We hypothesized that NSAID-dependent corneal damage is caused by reduced production of 12-HHT. Diclofenac eye drops decreased the abundance of downstream products of COX and delayed corneal wound healing in BALB/c mice. Expression of BLT2 was observed in murine ocular tissues including cornea, and in human corneal epithelial cell line and human primary corneal epithelial cells. In BLT2-knockout mice, corneal wound healing was delayed, but the diclofenac-dependent delay in corneal wound healing disappeared. 12-HHT accelerated wound closure both in BLT2-transfected corneal cell line and human primary corneal epithelial cells. Thus, our results reveal that NSAIDs delay corneal wound healing by inhibiting 12-HHT production, and suggest that stimulation of the 12-HHT/BLT2 axis represents a novel therapeutic approach to corneal wound healing.

Predictors of Corneal Perforation or Need for Therapeutic Keratoplasty in Severe Fungal Keratitis: A Secondary Analysis of the Mycotic Ulcer Treatment Trial II

Abstract: Importance Identifying patients with infectious keratitis who are at risk of experiencing a poor outcome may be useful to allocate resources toward high- risk patients, particularly in resource-poor settings. Objective To determine baseline patient and ulcer characteristics that predict a high risk of developing corneal perforation and/or the need to undergo therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (TPK). Design, Setting, and Participants This is a secondary analysis of Mycotic Ulcer Treatment Trial II, a multicenter, double-masked, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial that enrolled 240 patients with smear-positive filamentous fungal corneal ulcers who enrolled between May 2010 and August 2015. Participants had a baseline visual acuity of 20/400 or worse and were randomized to receive oral voriconazole or a placebo (all participants received topical voriconazole, 1%). After 39 participants (16.3%) were enrolled, topical natamycin, 5%, was also added. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome of this secondary analysis was the rate of corneal perforation or the need to undergo TPK. Results The mean (SD) age at enrollment was 49 (13) years, 104 participants (43.3%) were women, and all were of Southeast Asian descent. The presence of hypopyon at baseline indicated 2.28 times the odds of the patient developing corneal perforation and/or needing TPK (95% CI, 1.18-4.40; P = .01). Study participants whose infiltrate involved the posterior one-third had a 71.4% risk of developing corneal perforation and/or needing TPK. For each 1-mm increase in the geometric mean of the infiltrate, there was 1.37 (95% CI, 1.12-1.67; P = .002) increased odds of developing perforation and/or needing TPK. Other clinical features such as visual acuity, baseline culture positivity, type of filamentous fungal organism and duration of symptoms, and demographic characteristics, such as sex and occupation, were not significant predictors in the multivariable regression analysis. Conclusions and Relevance These results suggest that risk stratification from baseline ulcer characteristics can identify those at highest risk for developing corneal perforation and/or needing TPK. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT00996736

Neurotrophic Keratopathy: Therapeutic Approach Using a Novel Matrix Regenerating Agent

Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of a new matrix-regenerating agent (RGTA), Cacicol®, a polymer that mimics heparan sulfates bound to extracellular matrix proteins, avoiding its proteolysis, to treat neurotrophic keratopathy (NK). Methods: Uncontrolled prospective clinical study performed between January 2014 and May 2016. Twenty-five patients (25 eyes) with corneal neurotrophic ulcers, nonresponsive to at least 2 weeks of conservative therapy, were treated with Cacicol, instilled once/twice a week. During follow-up, slit-lamp examination, anterior segment photography, fluorescein-dye testing, and best-corrected visual acuity were analyzed. Ulcer evolution was evaluated using image analysis software (ImageJ®) and healing defined as decrease of the corneal ulcer area. An independent observer measured ulcer area. Results: All patients had complete corneal healing within an average of 4.13 ± 2.32 weeks. Mean ulcer area decreased significantly (P = 0.001) from 16.51% ± 18.56% (1st day)...

A study protocol for a multicentre randomised clinical trial evaluating the safety and feasibility of a bioengineered human allogeneic nanostructured anterior cornea in patients with advanced corneal trophic ulcers refractory to conventional treatment.

Abstract: Introduction There is a need to find alternatives to the use of human donor corneas in transplants because of the limited availability of donor organs, the incidence of graft complications, as well as the inability to successfully perform corneal transplant in patients presenting limbal deficiency, neo-vascularized or thin corneas, etc. We have designed a clinical trial to test a nanostructured fibrin-agarose corneal substitute combining allogeneic cells that mimics the anterior human native cornea in terms of optical, mechanical and biological behaviour. Methods and analysis This is a phase I-II, randomised, controlled, open-label clinical trial, currently ongoing in ten Spanish hospitals, to evaluate the safety and feasibility, as well as clinical efficacy evidence, of this bioengineered human corneal substitute in adults with severe trophic corneal ulcers refractory to conventional treatment, or with sequelae of previous ulcers. In the initial phase of the trial (n=5), patients were sequentially recruited, with a safety period of 45 days, receiving the bioengineered corneal graft. In the second phase of the trial (currently ongoing), subjects are block randomised (2:1) to receive either the corneal graft (n=10), or amniotic membrane (n=5), as the control treatment. Adverse events, implant status, infection signs and induced neovascularization are evaluated as determinants of safety and feasibility of the bioengineered graft (main outcomes). Study endpoints are measured along a follow-up period of 24 months, including 27 post-implant assessment visits according to a decreasing frequency. Intention to treat, and per protocol, and safety analysis will be performed. Ethics and dissemination The trial protocol received written approval by the corresponding Ethics Committee and the Spanish Regulatory Authority and is currently recruiting subjects. On completion of the trial, manuscripts with the results of phases I and II of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Trial registration CT.gov identifier: NCT01765244 (Jan2013). EudraCT number: 2010-024290-40 (Dec2012).

Collagen Cross-linking for Microbial Keratitis.

Abstract: Collagen cross-linking is gaining popularity not only for arresting the progression of keratoconus but also other indications including management of corneal infections. In this review article, we analyzed the published literature to understand the level of evidence for its use in corneal ulcer. Photoactivated riboflavin and ultraviolet A light are known to possess antimicrobial properties. The treatment also induces formation of inter- and intra-fibrillar bonds, thereby making the corneal collagen resistant to the action of proteases arresting stromal melt. Both properties are well documented in in vitro experiments. The antimicrobial action is seen against bacteria, fungi, and parasites. The animal experiments have documented its efficacy against bacterial and fungal keratitis models. The literature on its application in human corneal infection is highly variable and comprises case reports, case series, and comparative nonrandomized and randomized trials. The treatment has been used as primary treatment, adjunctive treatment along with antibiotics, as the first line of treatment as well as for failed medical treatment cases. Even the cases included are of variable severity caused by a variety of microorganisms including culture-negative cases. Furthermore, the treatment protocols are also variable. While most reports show beneficial effects for bacterial corneal ulcer cases, especially those with superficial infiltrate, the effect has been mixed for fungal and parasitic keratitis. In view of these characteristics, we infer that the level of evidence for its use in corneal ulcer is at most weak. We need well-characterized, high-quality, clinical trials of sufficient power to assess its true value.

Effects of topical hyaluronic acid on corneal wound healing in dogs: a pilot study

Abstract: Objective To investigate the efficacy of topical 0.2% hyaluronic acid in canine corneal ulcers in vivo. Procedures Six purpose-bred beagles were randomly assigned into two groups (three dogs/group): group A received experimental product (Optimend™, containing 0.2% hyaluronic acid, KineticVet™); group B received control product (Optimend™ without 0.2% hyaluronic acid and supplemented with carboxymethylcellulose). The clinical scorer was masked to product content and subject assignment. Under sedation and topical anesthesia, 6-mm axial corneal epithelial debridements were performed in the left eye. Wounded corneas received standard ulcer treatment and topical product (group A) or control product (group B) three times a day (TID) until ulcers were healed. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy was performed 6 h after wounding and then every 12 h; findings were graded according to modified McDonald–Shadduck scoring system; extraocular photography was performed after fluorescein stain application at all examination time points. Images were analyzed using NIH image j software to quantify rate of corneal epithelialization. Gelatin zymography was used to analyze matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and 9 protein expression in tears collected at set time points during the study period. Results No statistical differences in clinical ophthalmic examination scores, rate of corneal epithelialization, or MMP2 or MMP9 protein expression were found between groups at any tested time point. Conclusions The application of 0.2% hyaluronic acid to standard ulcer medical management is well tolerated. Topical addition of the viscoelastic did not accelerate corneal wound healing compared to a topical control with similar viscosity in this study.

Management of severe and refractory Mooren's ulcers with rituximab

Abstract: Purpose Management of severe and refractory Mooren9s ulcers is challenging as it encompasses tectonic surgical treatment and aggressive immunosuppressive therapies. Efficacy of rituximab in the management of severe Mooren9s ulcers has never been reported. Methods Five patients (six eyes) from the Cornea and External Disorders department at the Rothschild Ophthalmologic Foundation (Paris, France) were treated for severe Mooren9s ulcer unresponsive to conventional treatments between 2008 and 2016. Conventional treatment included topical steroid and ciclosporin 2%, high doses of systemic corticosteroids and/or cyclophosphamide and conjunctival resection with amniotic membrane graft. These patients received two infusions of 1000 mg of rituximab at 2 weeks interval. Epithelial healing, inflammation, additional surgery, systemic corticosteroids and rituximab-related side effects were reported. Results The mean follow-up was 46.8 months. Following rituximab treatment, we observed a complete healing of Mooren9s ulcer within 2 weeks in all patients. Peripheral lamellar keratoplasty was associated when peripheral corneal perforation occurred (5/6 affected corneas). Systemic corticosteroids had been discontinued in all patients. Two recurrences occurred 13 and 53 months after the first rituximab infusion and where successfully treated with a new infusion. No rituximab-related adverse events were reported. Conclusions Rituximab was effective in the management of severe Mooren9s ulcers and could be an alternative to cyclophosphamide. Additional studies should assess the role of this biotherapy in the management of immunological corneal ulcer.

A Case of Bilateral Corneal Perforation in a Patient with Severe Dry Eye.

Abstract: Dry eye is a common problem affecting mainly the adult population. In severe cases, it can result in sterile corneal ulcer and perforation. We report a rare case of a 26-year-old male, a known patient of severe dry eye who presented with sterile corneal ulcer with corneal perforation in both the eyes. The patient was managed by applying cyanoacrylate glue and bandage contact lens in both eyes and topical antibiotic, topical cyclosporine and preservative free artificial tears at two hourly intervals. The patient was investigated for the systemic cause of severe dry eye but no cause could be ascertained. On follow up, the patient reported marked relief in photophobia. On examination, both eyes showed sealed perforation with well formed anterior chamber. In conclusion, one should examine a dry eye patient carefully and detect corneal ulcers and perforations in time so as to prevent its sequelae.

Umbilical Cord Patch Transplantation for Corneal Perforations and Descemetoceles

Abstract: Purpose To evaluate the clinical outcome of umbilical cord patch (UCP) transplantation for deep corneal ulcers with perforations and descemetoceles Methods In this retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series, 11 eyes of 11 patients with corneal perforation or descemetocele were included The thickness and microstructure of UCP were measured All eyes were treated with UCP and amniotic membrane transplantation for corneal reconstruction Corneal ulcer healing, corneal thickness, anterior chamber formation, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were recorded and analyzed Results The thickness of human UCP is 3986 ± 1028 μm ( ) with compact aligned fibers The average age was 562 ± 158 (ranging from 22 to 75) years The mean follow-up period was 71 ± 17 (ranging from 5 to 10) months Four patients had descemetocele and 7 had perforation The anterior chambers in all the 7 perforated corneas were formed at postoperative day 1 All patients regained a normal corneal thickness and smooth corneal surface within the first postoperative month The vision improved in 10 eyes and remained unchanged in 1 eye No recurrence nor side effects occurred during the follow-up Conclusions UCP can serve as an alternative material in the treatment of corneal perforations and descemetoceles This treatment option is also beneficial in those countries with limited cornea donors and eye bank services

Clinical efficacy of conjunctival flap surgery in the treatment of refractory fungal keratitis

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate the use and effectiveness of a selective, partial, pedunculated (tongue-shaped) conjunctival flap (CF) for the treatment of refractory fungal keratitis (FK) with or without perforation. A total of 31 cases of corneal diseases treated by CF surgery between April 2014 and October 2015 were evaluated. Among the 31 cases, 16 cases (male:female, 11:5) with FK were selected. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate factors associated with complications of CF surgery. A higher prevalence of FK was identified among male farmers compared with female farmers, in which plant trauma was the most prevalent cause of the disease. Only 4 patients had experienced corneal perforation prior to CF surgery. Patients aged 61-80 years had a higher prevalence of FK (50%) compared with other age groups; however, there was no statistically significant correlation between the prevalence of FK and sex or age. It was also demonstrated that age, sex, combined surgery and surgery duration were not significantly associated with post-surgical complications. All CF surgeries were performed following corneal ulcer scraping; however, 4 patients (12.5%) required additional surgery. The visual acuity of participants post-surgery decreased in 4 cases and remained unchanged in 12 cases. A total of 3 study patients experienced post-surgical complications of corneal perforation (1 patient) and purulent exudate spreading (2 patients). The post-surgical outcome was good for all study participants as the surgeries were able to control infection and preserve the eyeball, with the potential of future corneal transplant. These results suggest that CF surgery may be a useful alternative treatment for refractory FK in countries such as China where there is lack of cornea donors.

Clinical Features, Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile, and Outcomes of Infectious Keratitis Caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Abstract: Purpose Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, an uncommon cause of infectious keratitis, is difficult to treat because of its resistance to multiple antibiotics. The purpose of this study is to describe the clinical features, antibiotic susceptibility profile, and outcomes of S. maltophilia keratitis. Methods A retrospective review of records from 1987 to 2016 identified 26 eyes of 26 patients who were treated at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute for an S. maltophilia corneal ulcer. Clinical data were analyzed as to predisposing factors, clinical presentation, antibiotic susceptibility, treatment selection, and clinical outcomes. Results Median age at presentation was 65 years (range, 16-98). Twelve patients were using topical corticosteroids, 8 patients had a history of penetrating keratoplasty, and 9 were contact lens wearers. All patients received topical antibiotics, 2 required therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty, and 1 was enucleated. At presentation, 57.7% (15/26) of the patients had visual acuity of 20/400 or worse. At the final visit, only 30.4% (7/23) of the patients had visual acuity worse than 20/400, whereas 65.2% (15/23) of the patients had 20/100 or better. Almost all isolates (25/26, 96.2%) were susceptible to fluoroquinolones and 77.3% (17/22) of them to polymyxin B/trimethoprim. Only 33.3% (5/15) of the tested isolates were susceptible to aminoglycosides and 58.3% (7/12) to cephalosporins. Conclusions Infectious keratitis due to S. maltophilia presents a treatment challenge because of its resistance to aminoglycosides and cephalosporins, which are typically used for empiric broad-spectrum gram-negative coverage as fortified solutions. Fluoroquinolones and polymyxin B/trimethoprim should be considered instead in cases of S. maltophilia infection.

Intraocular minocycline for the treatment of ocular pythiosis

Abstract: Purpose A case of ocular pythiosis successfully treated with surgery and intraocular and oral minocycline is reported. Summary A 30-year-old man who wore corrective contact lenses traveled to Brazil and Colombia where he swam in salt and fresh waters while wearing contact lenses. He sought treatment at an emergency department after 2 weeks of suffering with a painful corneal ulcer, redness, and loss of vision in his right eye that had been treated at other centers with ophthalmic moxifloxacin for 10 days and with fortified topical antibiotics (amikacin and vancomycin) for 2 days. Examination using a slit lamp revealed a deep central corneal ulcer with surrounding white infiltrate, endothelial plaque, and hypopyon. Due to infection severity, the patient was admitted and received empirical antibiotic therapy and i.v. and topical antifungals. During the first corneal transplantation, the patient’s original infection relapsed and was treated with voriconazole and liposomal amphotericin B intraocular injections. A subsequent infection developed, and a second keratoplasty was performed. One month after hospital admission, the patient was diagnosed with ocular pythiosis and therapy with oral minocycline was initiated. After severe infection relapse in the anterior chamber, the patient underwent a third penetrating keratoplasty, where minocycline intraocular injection was administered. After this intervention, complete infection control was achieved, and the patient was discharged 45 days after admission with oral minocycline and 1% cyclosporine and 0.3% ofloxacin eye drops. Conclusion A patient with ocular pythiosis was successfully treated with penetrating keratoplasty and 2 months of treatment with intracameral and oral minocycline.

Diagnostic Challenges in Nocardia Keratitis.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To present a case of diagnostic confusion in Nocardia keratitis in a contact lens wearer and to illustrate the characteristic clinical findings of this rare entity. METHODS Case report of Nocardia keratitis that was mistaken for acanthamoeba, herpetic, and fungal keratitis in three tertiary corneal referral centers before the correct diagnosis of Nocardia infection was made. RESULTS A 29-year-old contact lens wearer was referred to our hospital for a contact lens-associated bacterial keratitis, not improving under standard bacterial treatment. Biomicroscopy revealed a circular corneal ulcer and pinhead lesions arranged in a wreath pattern. Initial scraping revealed no positive cultures and confocal microscopy findings were suspicious for fungal keratitis. Only after a poor response to protozoal and fungal treatment, and a negative herpes serology, Nocardia was suspected. This suspicion was confirmed with a positive culture and the topical amikacin and ciprofloxacin were started. The infiltrate responded promptly and resolved, leaving a small corneal scar and a good visual recovery. CONCLUSION Because of its infrequent occurrence and its variable clinical picture, Nocardia keratitis is easily misdiagnosed. Although a rare entity, this infection should be added to the differential diagnosis in contact lens-related keratitis not responding to first-line antibiotics and presenting with patchy anterior stromal infiltrates.

Keratitis by a rare pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides: A case report.

Abstract: Summary Colletotrichum species have been reported infrequently as the cause of keratitis or subcutaneous lesions. The patient we describe developed keratitis after ocular trauma. The sample from the corneal scrapings grew Colletotrichum gloeosporioides as identified from morphological characters and DNA sequence of the ‘Internal Transcribed Spacer’ (ITS) region. The patient underwent topical application of amphotericin-B followed by itraconazole and natamycin treatment. Simultaneous oral voriconazole regimen leads to complete regression of corneal ulcer. This report highlights the fact that early and accurate identification and therapy can resolve keratitis caused by rare pathogen C. gloeosporioides.

Gout Keratitis: A Case of Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis Secondary to Gout With a Review of the Literature

Abstract: Purpose:To report a case of peripheral ulcerative keratitis secondary to gout.Methods:A 41-year-old man with a history of severe gout disease presented with pain and redness of the right eye. Physical examination revealed 2 areas of peripheral corneal thinning with overlying epithelial defects. Adja

Microbial keratitis: A five years retrospective clinical study in tertiary eye hospital of eastern region of Nepal

Abstract: Background: Corneal ulcer is a sight threatening disease of significant public health concern. Early diagnosis with microbiological identification of the causative organism and institution of the proper medical therapy are important for successful visual recovery.Objectives: To find out the demographic and predisposing factors associated with corneal ulcers, evaluate management of ulcers on the basis of clinical features and corneal scraping results.Methods: It was a retrospective clinical study conducted among 1897 subjects with microbial keratitis in Sagarmatha Choudhary Eye Hospital, Lahan, Nepal from January 2010 to December 2014. Assessment included detailed eye examination with slit lamp for size, depth and location of ulcer, presenting visual acuity on internally illuminated Snellen’s chart, and corneal scrapings for Gram’s stain and 10% Potassium hydroxide wet mount. A standard treatment was delivered on the basis of clinical features and corneal scraping results. Subjects were evaluated subsequently after 48 hours, one week, two weeks, three weeks and four weeks of initiation of therapy. Non-responding cases were admitted to perform re-scraping and to modify therapy.Results: Majority of subjects (71.2%) belonged to the age group of 26 to 55 years (71.2%), presented after two weeks (82.3%) and used non-prescription eye drops (71.9%) before visiting to the eye hospital. Ocular trauma (54.5%) was the most commonly reported predisposing factor. The central and paracentral ulcers comprised of 72.8% of ulcers withsize greater than 2mm in 2.7% and moderate ulcer in 71.1%. Microbiological test revealed fungal ulcers in 78.1% subjects. Presenting visual acuity better than 6/18 was reported in 7% only.Conclusion: Corneal ulcer was one of the commonly reported eye disease in Terai region of Nepal. Trauma is the commonest cause of corneal infection. Fungal corneal ulcers werecommonly noted.

Tear production and intraocular pressure in canine eyes with corneal ulceration.

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate changes in lacrimation and intraocular pressure (IOP) in dogs with unilateral corneal ulceration using the Schirmer tear test (STT) and rebound (TonoVet®) tonometry. IOP and STT values were recorded in both ulcerated and non-ulcerated (control) eyes of 100 dogs diagnosed with unilateral corneal ulceration. Dogs presented with other ocular conditions as their primary complaint were excluded from this study. The mean ± standard deviation for STT values in the ulcerated and control eyes were 20.2±4.6 mm/min and 16.7±3.5 mm/min respectively. The mean ± standard deviation for IOP in the ulcerated and control eyes were 11.9±3.1 mmHg and 16.7±2.6 mmHg respectively. STT values were significantly higher (p<0.000001) in the ulcerated eye compared to the control eye while IOP was significantly lower (p<0.0001). There is an increase in lacrimation and a decrease in IOP in canine eyes with corneal ulceration. The higher tear production in ulcerated eyes shows the importance of measuring STT in both eyes in cases of corneal ulceration, since this increased lacrimation may mask an underlying keratoconjunctivitis sicca only evident in the contralateral eye. The lower IOP in ulcerated eyes is likely to relate to mild uveitic change in the ulcerated eye with a concomitant increase in uveoscleral aqueous drainage. While these changes in tear production and IOP in ulcerated eyes are widely recognised in both human and veterinary ophthalmology, it appears that this is the first controlled documented report of these changes in a large number of individuals.

Treatment Results of Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking Combined with Riboflavin and 440 Nm Blue Light for Bacterial Corneal Ulcer in Rabbits.

Abstract: Purpose: To study the treatment effect of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) combined with 440 nm blue light and riboflavin on bacterial corneal ulcer using animal experiments.Methods: A total of 21 New Zealand white rabbits that developed Staphylococcus aureus corneal ulcer were randomly divided into three groups. Seven rabbits were used as blank control groups; seven rabbits were treated with CXL combined with riboflavin and 440 nm blue light; and seven rabbits were treated with CXL combined with riboflavin and 370 nm ultraviolet A light. Necrotic tissues or secretions from the ulcer surface, eye secretions, conjunctival hyperemia, hypopyon, corneal infiltration, and pathological changes of the cornea were all observed.Results: The 1st, 3th, and 7th day after CXL treatment, a statistically significant difference was found among the inflammation scores of the three groups. The scores of 440 and 370 groups decreased gradually, significantly lower than that of the control group. Bacterial culture...

[Corneal collagen cross-linking in the treatment of infectious keratitis and corneal ulcers].

Abstract: In recent years, collagen cross-linking (CXL) of the cornea has acquired a new usage - in the treatment of infectious keratitis and corneal ulcers. This review was aimed at compiling the previously published data and assessing the effectiveness of the method.

Subconjunctival antimicrobial poloxamer gel for treatment of corneal ulceration in stranded California sea lions (Zalophus californianus)

Abstract: Objective Corneal ulcers are commonly encountered in pinnipeds. Prolonged oral antibiotics and topical ophthalmic solutions may not be practical to administer, and novel treatment techniques are desired. Thermodynamic gels are a potential solution because they hold antimicrobials at the site of injection, slowly releasing drug. This study investigated the clinical efficacy of antibiotic-impregnated poloxamer gel in management of corneal ulceration. Animal studied Twenty-six California sea lions undergoing rehabilitation at The Marine Mammal Center. Procedures A poloxamer gel mixed with 2% enrofloxacin was subconjunctivally injected in the treatment group. Control animals received oral doxycycline. Systemic anti-inflammatories and analgesics were administered as needed. Corneal examinations under general anesthesia were repeated weekly, and included sampling for bacterial culture and corneal cytology, collection of high-quality corneal images, and treatment administration until the ulcers were healed. Results There was no gross or histologic evidence of a localized tissue reaction to the gel administration in the conjunctiva, and no evidence of systemic reaction to therapy in animals that died due to unrelated causes during the study period (n = 17). In animals that experienced a superficial corneal ulcer involving only epithelium or superficial stroma (n = 12), all lesions resolved completely, in both treatment and control groups. Of those animals with deeper or more complex ulcers involving keratomalacia or descemetoceles (n = 15), four demonstrated complete lesion resolution (all four received gel treatment). Conclusions This study demonstrates that subconjunctival antibiotic poloxamer gel administration is a safe and effective alternative therapeutic option to traditional treatments for superficial corneal ulceration in pinnipeds.

Surgical outcome of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty with air-assisted manual dissection for corneas with previous inflammation or fibrosis.

Abstract: PURPOSE: To report our experience in air-assisted manual dissection deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) for the treatment of corneal scar with previous inflammation and fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical history of 21 patients (male:female = 13:8 mean age 41.9 years old) with corneal pathology from previous infection and inflammation. Trephination diameter ranged from 7.0 to 8.0 mm, and the graft was oversized by 0.25–0.50 mm. Debulking technique was performed to expose Descemet's membrane after filling stroma with air. Starting from postoperative 3 months, selective suture removal was performed to reduce corneal astigmatism. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 59.9 ± 19.8 (20–96) months. Intraoperative microperforation occurred in 2 eyes (9.5%); however, there was no shift to penetrating keratoplasty. Air-bubble tamponade was performed in 7 eyes (33.3%) for postoperative gapping of the graft. There were 2 failed grafts (9.5%) due to corneal ulcer while all the other grafts remained clear throughout follow-up. The mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.84 ± 0.66 logMAR, which improved to 0.74 ± 0.63 (P CONCLUSION: In severe ocular surface diseases, big-bubble technique frequently failed to separate predescemtic plane; however, it effectively created air-filled stroma which was easier to remove. Although BCVA was suboptimal due to ocular surface disorders, graft survival and clarity rate is high, justifying the application of DALK in these cases.

Cylindrocarpon lichenicola keratomycosis in Nigeria: the challenge of limited access to effective antimicrobials

Abstract: Introduction: We report a rare cause of keratitis, due to Cylindrocarpon lichenicola , in a farmer with keratomycosis. Despite the acknowledged virulence of this fungus, a suitable antifungal for its management was not accessible. Case presentation: A 67-year-old farmer presented with a two-week history of pain, mucopurulent discharge, redness and a corneal ulcer with a visual acuity of hand movement in the right eye. With a working diagnosis of infective keratitis, corneal scrapings were taken under a slit lamp biomicroscope for microbiological testing. Direct lactophenol cotton blue mounts revealed septate fungal hyphae, while fungal culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar at room temperature grew woolly mould phenotypically consistent with C. lichenicola . Management and outcome: The patient was started on hourly topical natamycin (5%), ciprofloxacin (0.3%), two-hourly instillation of tobramycin (0.3%) and atropine (1%) twice daily for three months following the isolation of the fungus. The eye healed with a corneal scar and no improvements in visual acuity. Discussion: This infection was difficult to manage due to the inaccessibility of a suitable antifungal, namely, voriconazole in our setting. Hence, there is a need for prompt identification and early institution of suitable antifungals in any patient with suspected keratomycosis.

Crosslinking in the complex treatment of corneal ulceration and corneal grafting

Abstract: Purpose: to study the impact of crosslinking (CL) on the healing of corneal ulcers of various etiologies. Materials and methods. Treatment results of 15 patients with corneal and transplant ulcers by CL and its combination with other surgical interventions were analyzed. Results. For the first time three options of combined treatment of corneal ulcers were proposed: 1) CL as an independent method; 2) CL combined with transplantation of amniotic membrane (ТАМ) and temporary tarsorrhaphy; 3) corneal grafting combined with CL. The main diagnostic technique of treatment result evaluation was OCT of the anterior segment of the eye. Results. CL was found to contribute to the cleaning of the bottom and the edges of the ulcer surface, to promote the resorption of the hypopyon and the edema, leads to rapid healing of the ulcer and the reduction of the corneal syndrome and increases visual acuity. Conclusion. The obtained data indicate the need for further study of the impact of CL on the healing process of corneal and transplant ulcers. For citations: Chentsova E.V., Verigo E.N., Makarov P.V., Khazamova A.I. Crosslinking in the complex treatment of corneal ulceration and corneal grafting. Russian ophthalmological journal. 2017; 10 (3): 93-100. doi: 10.21516/2072-0076-2017-10-3-93-100 (in Russian).