Abstract: Several factors drive the need for increased efficiency in telemedicine screening programs directed toward diabetic retinopathy: continually increasing prevalence of diabetes worldwide, growing awareness among physicians and patients of the importance of early detection of retinal damage, and emerging technology in artificial intelligence that enables rapid identification of vision-threatening fundus features. In this context, optimizing workflows in teleretinopathy programs becomes a priority. Recent work has revealed opportunities for improvement in areas of logistics, in particular in finding the best way to get diabetic patients in front of screening cameras as conveniently as possible, as this improves compliance and, ultimately, achieves the widest reach for detection programs. The present review discusses particular aspects of mobile screening programs in which specialized retinal cameras are deployed in a van or similar type of vehicle so that they can reach patients anywhere in order to reduce barriers to access. The rationale for implementing such programs and practical considerations are presented, along with a view toward future expansion of screening and integration with artificial intelligence platforms. Lacking standardization of format and quality control among smartphone-linked approaches at present, translation of eye clinic-based photographic techniques to community-based screening offers a means of expanding the scope of impactful screening programs without the need for adoption of significantly new technology.
Background: Total lower eyelid defect after eyelid malignancy excision poses a challenge in the surgical management of total lower eyelid reconstruction. We describe a technique of reconstructing total lower eyelid defect, using a skin flap and the residual lower forniceal conjunctiva.
Methods: A retrospective case series review. Five patients had undergone lower eyelid basal cell carcinoma excision. A 3–4 mm margin excision was performed and specimens were sent for paraffin section histological examination. Reconstruction was performed at the same stage, using a skin flap and the residual lower forniceal conjunctiva. A full thickness skin flap is raised from the lateral cheek, with its base at the lateral canthus. Subcutaneous tissues are not included in the skin flap. The lower forniceal conjunctiva is released from the inferior retractors and advanced superiorly to cover the inner surface of the skin flap. The skin flap is transposed to cover the lower eyelid defect and sutured to the soft tissues at the medial end of the defect. The advanced forniceal conjunctiva is sutured to the superior edge of the skin flap forming the new mucocutaneous junction of the eyelid margin.
Results: There were 4 females and 1 male, with a mean age of 74 years (range, 68–80 years). Histological clearance was achieved in all cases. None of the patients developed lagophthalmos, symblepharon or dry eye symptoms. None of the patients required any further revision surgery.
Conclusions: Total lower eyelid defects can be reconstructed using the residual lower fornix conjunctiva and a skin flap.
Abstract: Our increase in knowledge of the pathophysiology of non-infectious uveitis (NIU) and other immune-mediated diseases has been mirrored over the last two decades by the expansion of therapeutic options in the realm of immunosuppressive medications. Principal among these advances is the emergence of biologics, which offer the promise of targeted therapy and the hope of reduced toxicity when compared to corticosteroids and “standard” immunosuppression. Among the biologics, monoclonal antibodies blocking tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) have been shown to be a very effective therapeutic target for uveitis and many associated systemic inflammatory diseases. Multiple TNF blockers have shown benefit for uveitis, and in 2016, adalimumab became the first biologic and non-corticosteroid immunosuppressive to obtain Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in the treatment of NIU. Although effective, TNF blockers are not universally so, and safety concerns such as infection and demyelinating disease must be carefully considered and ruled out prior to their use, especially in patients with intermediate uveitis with which multiple sclerosis is a known association. Ongoing study has identified novel targets for regulation in the treatment of immune-mediated and inflammatory diseases. Interferons, interleukin and Janus kinase inhibitors in addition to antibodies targeting T cell and B cell activation highlight the expanding field of treatment modalities in NIU. Ongoing study will be required to better determine the safety and efficacy of biologics in the armamentarium of immunosuppressive treatments for NIU.
Background: Using a randomized controlled trial (RCT), to assess the efficacy of the folded technique of self-adherent wrap to eyes after orbital tumour extirpation and compare it with the classic technique.
Methods: A single-centre, prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted among 128 patients who underwent orbital tumour extirpation in this study. The folded and classic techniques of applying self-adherent wraps were randomly allocated to patients (1:1). The primary endpoint was the interface pressure on the affected eye. Secondary efficacy endpoints were the interface pressure above and below the ear of the affected side, above the ear of the non-affected side, and discomfort scores. Postoperative complications were observed for 24 hours.
Results: The interface pressure with the folded technique on the affected eye was neither inferior nor superior to the classic technique (1.33±0.07 vs. 1.41±0.09 mmHg, P=0.480). Most importantly, the pressure at three other points outside of the affected eye, including above and below the ear of the affected side, and above the ear of the non-affected side, were significantly higher when using the classic technique than when using the folded technique (P=0.041, 0.019, and 0.047, respectively). Discomfort scores were higher in the classic technique group than in the folded technique group (2.93±0.30 vs.1.52±0.19, P≤0.001).
Conclusions: Findings demonstrated the advantages of using folded technique to apply self-adherent wrap for wounds after orbital tumour extirpation with lower interface pressure outside of the affected eye and patient discomfort scores, without influencing pressure on the affected eye comparing with the classic technique.
Abstract: The rare disease of chronic infantile neurological cutaneous and articular (CINCA) syndrome, is caused by the over-secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β due to a gain-of-function NLRP3 gene mutation in the autosomal chromosome which often involves in eyes. In this report, we studied a 9-year-old girl with CINCA. The eyes were also involved and presented bilateral papilledema. Genetic testing revealed that the symptoms were caused by a novel gene mutation site (c.913G>A, p. D305N) in conservative domain exon-3 of NLRP3 which is gain-function gene of CINCA. The patient had the characteristic facial features, frontal fossa and saddle nose, manifested the generalized urticaria-like skin rash at two weeks after birth, periodic fever 6 months after birth, sensorineural deafness at 7 years old, and bilateral papilledema, aseptic meningitis and knee arthropathy at 9 years old. White cell counts, C-reactive protein increased and intracranial pressure raised to 300 mmH2O. The meningeal thickening enhanced by gadolinium in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Based on clinical features and genetic test, the girl was diagnosed bilateral papilledema secondary to CINCA and administered prednisone and lowered intracranial pressure medicine to resolve symptoms. With 3-year follow-up, patient had no inflammatory flare-up with visual acuity improvement. The finding of novel genetic mutation site (p. D305N) in NLRP3 gene expanded genotype spectrum associated with CINCA. This case also expanded the cause spectrum of papilledema and it highlighted systemic disease history for patients with bilateral papilledema.
Abstract: Eyelid surgery is widely and extensively used in facial plastic and reconstructive surgeries. There are many categories of eyelid surgeries, the most common of which include blepharoplasty, ptosis surgery, and eyelid reconstruction. In many cases, these procedures are combined, and there are many different techniques for each type of operation. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty usually includes the excision of skin, preseptal orbicularis oculi muscle, and orbital fat. Common methods of lower eyelid blepharoplasty are the skin-muscle flap, the skin flap, and the transconjunctival. Ptosis surgery is mainly divided into three types: transcutaneous, transconjunctival, and sling surgery. Surgeons often used the Hughes or Cutler-Beard Bridge Flaps in eyelid reconstruction. Different types and methods of surgery have their own advantages and disadvantages, and postoperative complications may occur. Therefore, postoperative complications of eyelid surgeries, such as dry eye symptoms, should be taken into serious consideration. Relevant literature involving these complaints can be found in PubMed by searching the terms “dry eye”, “eyelid”, “surgery”, and other related keywords. Moreover, various ocular surface and tear film alterations may be detected using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear film breakup time, Schirmer test, fluorescein staining, and lissamine green staining after various eyelid surgeries. As dry eye disease is prevalent in the general population, it is more urgent to figure out what we can learn from these complaints. Further exploration in this field may help surgeons to choose a better surgical method and give an accurate evaluation of the postoperative effect.
Abstract: Navigation technology in ophthalmology, colloquially called “eye-tracking”, has been applied to various areas of eye care. This approach encompasses motion-based navigation technology in both ophthalmic imaging and treatment. For instance, modern imaging instruments use a real-time eye-tracking system, which helps to reduce motion artefacts and increase signal-to-noise ratio in imaging acquisition such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), microperimetry, and fluorescence and color imaging. Navigation in ophthalmic surgery has been firstly applied in laser vision corrective surgery and spread to involve navigated retinal photocoagulation, and positioning guidance of intraocular lenses (IOL) during cataract surgery. It has emerged as one of the most reliable representatives of technology as it continues to transform surgical interventions into safer, more standardized, and more predictable procedures with better outcomes. Eye-tracking is essential in refractive surgery with excimer laser ablation. Using this technology for cataract surgery in patients with high preoperative astigmatism has produced better therapeutic outcomes. Navigated retinal laser has proven to be safer and more accurate compared to the use of conventional slit lamp lasers. Eye-tracking has also been used in imaging diagnostics, where it is essential for proper alignment of captured zones of interest and accurate follow-up imaging. This technology is not routinely discussed in the ophthalmic literature even though it has been truly impactful in our clinical practice and represents a small revolution in ophthalmology.
Conjunctival flaps have previously proven to be effective in preserving the globe for individuals with severe ocular surface disease. Infectious keratitis, neurotrophic keratitis, nontraumatic corneal melts, descemetoceles, perforations, and corneal burns are all indications for this procedure. The flaps promote nutrition, metabolism, structure, and vascularity, as well as reduce pain, irritation, inflammation, and infection. Furthermore, patients avoid the emotional and psychological repercussions of enucleation or evisceration, while requiring fewer postoperative medications and office visits. Currently, fewer flaps are performed due to the emergence of additional therapeutic techniques, such as serum tears, bandage lenses, corneal grafting, Oxervate, amniotic membrane, and umbilical cord grafting. However, despite newer conservative medical methods, conjunctival flaps have been demonstrated to be useful and advantageous. Moreover, future technologies and approaches for globe preservation and sight restoration after prior conjunctival flaps are anticipated. Herein, we review the history, advantages, and disadvantages of various surgical techniques: Gundersen’s bipedicle flap, partial limbal advancement flap, selective pedunculated conjunctival flap with or without Tenon’s capsule, and Mekonnen’s modified inferior palpebral-bulbar conjunctival flap. The surgical pearls and recommendations offered by the innovators are also reviewed, including restrictions and potential complications. Procedures for visual rehabilitation in selective cases after conjunctival flap are reviewed as well.
