Search Results

Abstract

Objetivos: Relatar a distribuição dos motivos de encaminhamento de crianças para ambulatório de glaucoma infantil em um serviço oftalmológico terciário.
Métodos: Dados médicos de pacientes menores que 18 anos encaminhados para ambulatório de glaucoma infantil na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil, de 2012 a 2018 foram retrospectivamente analisados. Os dados incluíram os motivos de encaminhamento, a idade, a origem e quem detectou a alteração ocular. Para definição diagnóstica, a classificação do Childhood Glaucoma Research Network foi usada.
Resultados: 563 olhos de 328 pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. O diagnóstico de glaucoma foi confirmado em 162 crianças (49%). 83 (25%) pacientes tiveram diagnóstico de glaucoma descartado, e 83 (25%) continuaram em acompanhamento como glaucoma suspeito. Os principais motivos de encaminhamento foram relação escavação-disco >0,5 ou assimetria ≥0,2 (24%), pressão intraocular >21 mmHg (21%) e opacidade corneana (15%). No período neonatal, os motivos de encaminhamento foram opacidade corneana, buftalmo, lacrimejamento e fotofobia. Após o período neonatal, além desses sinais externos, outros sinais foram também motivos de encaminhamento, como escavação-disco >0,5 ou assimetria ≥0,2, pressão intraocular >21 mmHg e miopização. Os encaminhamentos ocorreram por profissionais de saúde em 69% e preocupação dos pais em 30%. Os pais foram os primeiros a identificar as alterações e procurar cuidado médico em 97% dos casos de glaucoma congênito primário.
Conclusões: Os motivos de encaminhamento de crianças para um serviço de glaucoma de glaucoma terciário foram determinados e diferem em diferentes faixas etárias e grupos. Os autores reforçam a necessidade de alertar diferentes grupos para os sinais mais comuns, a fim de evitar, não só o adiamento do diagnóstico, o que impacta no prognóstico, mas também despender recursos importantes direcionados ao enfrentamento dessas doenças, com encaminhamentos imprecisos.

Keywords: Glaucoma/congênito; Glaucoma/fisiopatologia; Opacidade da córnea; Criança; Acuidade visual; Encaminhamento e consulta; Serviços de saúde ocular

Abstract

Objetivo: Examinar a eficácia da ceratectomia fo­toterapêutica para o tratamento de patologias variáveis que apresentarem opacidades anteriores da córnea, e avaliar a distribuição das indicações de ceratectomia fototerapêutica nos últimos 10 anos.
Métodos: Foram revisados retrospectivamente os prontuários de 276 pacientes, com 334 olhos tratados com ceratectomia fototerapêutica entre março de 2010 e o ano de 2020. As etiologias dos pacientes submetidos à ceratectomia fototerapêutica foram anotadas e suas alterações foram examinadas. Os resultados refrativos e de acuidade visual antes e após a operação foram registrados e analisados de acordo com a etiologia.
Resultados: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 40,7 ± 16,2 anos (faixa: 19-84). O tempo médio de acompanhamento foi de 25,5 ± 19,1 meses (faixa: 3-96). A ceratectomia fototerapêutica foi aplicada com mais frequência para distrofias estromais corneanas (44%, 151 olhos de 111 pacientes); entre as distrofias corneanas como um todo, a distrofia granular foi a indicação terapêutica mais comum desse procedimento. Ao contrário de outras indicações, nos últimos 10 anos houve um aumento na aplicação de ceratectomia fototerapêutica em casos de opacidade subepitelial persistente causada por conjuntivite adenoviral. Houve um aumento significativo na acuidade visual em todos os grupos, exceto para o grupo com defeito epitelial recorrente (p<0,05). A maior melhora na acuidade visual foi detectada em casos de distrofia estromal, no subgrupo das distrofias granulares.
Conclusão: Apesar das mudanças nas tendências de indicação, a ceratectomia fototerapêutica continua sendo uma abordagem terapêutica eficaz e confiável para tratar lesões da córnea anterior.

Keywords: Ceratectomia fotorrefrativa; Opacidade da córnea; Lesões da córnea; Distrofias da córnea; Fototerapia.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To assess the reliability and penetration depth of an automated micropuncture system using a tattoo machine.
METHODS: Twenty human corneas were obtained and subjected to intrastromal micropuncture using a tattoo machine. Each cornea was divided into two halves: one received pigment, while the other received saline solution as a control. The Cheyenne tattoo machine was operated at 60 Hz, with standardized needle exposure (six passes per application). The machine used cartridges containing five microneedles. The study was registered with Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária ANVISA (numbers 80281110015, 80281110016, and 80281110019). The pigment used was Electric Ink black ink, with a density of 1,271,460 μg/mL. Puncture depth was measured before and after the procedure using both anterior segment optical coherence tomography and histopathological analysis. Puncture depth measurements were analyzed using ImageJ software. Each cornea was measured thrice, and the results were subsequently compared.
RESULTS: No corneal perforations were observed with the use of the tattoo machine, and puncture depth measurements ranged from 107 to 486 µm.
CONCLUSIONS: The use of a tattoo machine represents a viable and accessible approach for keratopigmentation, with potential for both cosmetic and therapeutic applications. Its adaptation for controlled intrastromal drug delivery may enable the targeted treatment of deep infectious keratitis, corneal neovascularization, and stromal inflammatory disorders, representing a promising approach for corneal stromal diseases. Further research is needed to optimize techniques and evaluate long-term safety and efficacy, particularly for the delivery of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents.

Keywords: Eye banks; Cadaver; Cornea; Corneal stroma; Drug delivery systems; Tissue donors; Tattooing/instrumentation; Punctures

Abstract

PURPOSE: To describe the technique and outcomes of intrastromal autologous blood injection in patients with severe corneal hydrops.
METHODS: Nineteen patients with corneal hydrops underwent intrastromal autologous blood injection. Postoperative assessments included best-corrected visual acuity and time to resolution of corneal edema
RESULTS: Corneal edema resolved within 1 week in 5 patients, within 1 month in 11, and within 3 months in 3. The mean duration of edema persistence was 37.94 ± 33.05 days (range, 6–124). Corneal thickness decreased from 2.06 ± 0.71-mm preoperatively to 1.34 ± 0.65-mm at day 7, 0.85 ± 0.56-mm at day 30, and 0.57 ± 0.13-mm at day 90 (p<0.001). Descemet’s membrane (DM) detachment decreased from 1.01 ± 0.75-mm to 0.44 ± 0.57-mm, 0.24 ± 0.36-mm, and 0.08 ± 0.11-mm on postoperative days 7, 30, and 90, respectively (p<0.001). DM break size decreased from 1.12 ± 1.19-mm to 0.62 ± 0.84-mm at 3 months (p<0.005). Three patients developed hematocornea; no other major complications were observed. At 3 months, mean best-corrected visual acuity improved from 2.37 ± 0.66 to 0.41 ± 0.17 logMAR with hard contact lenses (p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Intrastromal autologous blood injection is an effective treatment for severe corneal hydrops, promoting faster edema resolution and visual improvement with minimal complications.

Keywords: Corneal edema; Corneal diseases; Edema; Visual acuity; keratoconus.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine the indications and epidemiological characteristics of corneal transplant recipients at a referral center in Amazonas, Brazil, and to evaluate postoperative visual outcomes.
METHODS: This retrospective, descriptive, observational study included adult patients who underwent corneal transplantation performed by a single surgeon at the Instituto de Oftalmologia de Manaus between 2013 and 2023. Demographic characteristics, occupation, comorbidities, surgical indications, graft type, and best-corrected visual acuity at baseline and 12 months postoperatively were analyzed.
RESULTS: A total of 413 corneal transplantations were performed, predominantly in male patients (64.4%) aged 41–70 years (43.3%). Leucoma was the most common indication (26.2%), followed by perforated corneal ulcers (21.1%), bullous keratopathy (17.9%), and keratoconus (10.7%). Penetrating keratoplasty accounted for 94.9% of all procedures. Optical keratoplasty was the most frequently performed procedure (76.3%), followed by tectonic (22.0%) and therapeutic (1.7%) keratoplasty. At 12 months postoperatively, visual improvement was greatest among patients who underwent optical keratoplasty, particularly those with keratoconus, bullous keratopathy, and leucoma. Functional vision (≤0.3 logMAR) was achieved in 32.6% of eyes overall and in 40.3% of eyes that underwent optical keratoplasty. The number of transplantations declined after 2019, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic.
CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the largest retrospective series of corneal transplantations in Amazonas and one of the few such studies from Northern Brazil. The predominance of leucoma and infectious corneal perforation reflects regional socioeconomic and occupational vulnerabilities. Although visual outcomes improved significantly after transplantation, visual recovery was limited by the advanced stage of disease at presentation. These findings underscore the need to expand access to early diagnosis, strengthen eye banking and donor tissue procurement systems, and increase the adoption of lamellar keratoplasty techniques to optimize visual outcomes in the Amazon region.

Keywords: Corneal transplantation; Corneal opacity; Eye infections; Keratoplasty; Epidemiology; Visual acuity; Amazonas; Brazil

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of intrastromal corneal ring segment implants on the intraocular pressure measurements using Goldmann applanation tonometry, rebound tonometry, and noncontact tonometry in keratoconic corneas and analyze the intertonometer agreement.
METHODS: We enrolled 74 eyes in this observational and prospective study. Each participant had a complete eye examination, corneal analysis with Scheimpflug Tomography (Pentacam^®), and intraocular pressure evaluation with Goldmann applanation tonometry, rebound tonometry, and noncontact tonometry, before and after intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation (on postoperative days 1, 7, 45, and 90). Intertonometer agreement was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis.
RESULTS: The mean age was 29.9 ± 10.2 years, and 47 (63.5%) eyes had keratoconus grade II. Intraocular pressures were higher for noncontact tonometry preoperatively and on 90 postoperative day (mean ± SD: 12.4 ± and 12.1 ± 2.2 mmHg, respectively), followed by Goldmann applanation tonometry (11.1 ± 3.0 and 11.2 ± 2.7 mmHg, respectively), and were lower for rebound tonometry (9.7 ± and 9.4 ± 3.2 mmHg, respectively). The variation from the Goldmann tonometry on 7 postoperative day to the baseline (p=0.022) and that of noncontact tonometry on 90 postoperative day to the baseline (p=0.021) were statistically significant. The rebound tonometry underestimated intraocular pressure when compared with the Goldmann applanation tonometry by a mean of 1.47 ± 5.19 mmHg. Noncontact tonometry, when compared with Goldmann applanation tonometry, overesti-mated intraocular pressure by a mean of 1.23 ± 4.15 mmHg.
CONCLUSION: Despite statistically significant differences between some postoperative periods, the intraocular pressure measurement differences may not be clinically relevant.

Keywords: Keratoconus; Intraocular pressure; Cornea; Corneal stroma; Postoperative period; Tonometry ocular; Prostheses and implants

Abstract

Objetivo: Relatar um experimento projetado para determinar alterações anatômicas em córneas porcinas após a colocação de um novo implante depolímero na córnea.
Métodos: Foi utilizado olho de porco ex vivo. Um novo agente modelador biocompatível, de colágeno tipo 1, com 6mm de diâmetro foi moldado com excimer laser em sua face posterior, para criar três formatos planocôncavos. Os implantes foram inseridos dentro de um bolsão, dissecado manualmente, a 200 micrômetros (µm). Foram definidos três grupos de tratamento: grupo A (n=3), teve a profundidade máxima de ablação de70 µm; o grupo B (n=3), profundidade máxima de ablação de 64 µm; e o grupo C (n=3), profundidade máxima de ablação de 104 µm, com buraco central. O grupo controle, D (n=3), foi incluído, com a criação do bolsão estromal, porém sem inserir o material. A avaliação desses olhos foi realizada por tomografia de coerência óptica (OCT) e por tomografia corneana.
Resultados: A tomografia corneana mostrou uma tendência para diminuição da ceratometria média em todos os 4 grupos. A tomografia de coerência óptica mostrou córneas com implantes localizados no estroma anterior e aplanamento visível, enquanto as córneas não mudaram qualitativamente o formato no grupo controle.
Conclusões: O novo implante de biomaterial planocôncavo descrito aqui foi capaz de remodelar a córnea em modelo de animal ex vivo, resultando no aplanamento corneano. Novos estudos são necessários usando modelos animais in vivo para confirmar tais achados.

Keywords: Córnea; Cirurgia da córnea a laser; Substância própria; Proteses e implantes; Lasers de excimer; Materiais biocompatíveis; Animais; Suínos

Abstract

PURPOSE: To investigate the association of pre-photorefractive keratectomy Schirmer-1 test value with post-photorefractive keratectomy central corneal epithelial thickness, ocular surface disease index score, and uncorrected distance visual acuity.
METHODS: Patients were categorized according to preoperative Schirmer-1 value: the normal Schirmer Group (n=54; Schirmer-1 test value, >10 mm) and the low Schirmer Group (n=52; Schirmer-1 test value, between 6 and 10 mm). We analyzed ablation depth, visual acuity, result of Schirmer-1 test (with anesthesia), tear film break-up time, ocular surface disease index score, central corneal epithelial thickness, and spherical equivalent refraction.
RESULTS: We found significant differences between the groups in Schirmer-1 test value, tear film break-up time, and ocular surface disease index score, both preoperatively and postoperatively (p<0.001). The preoperative central corneal epithelial thicknesses of the two groups were similar (p>0.05). After photorefractive keratectomy, the Schirmer-1 test value and spherical equivalent refraction decreased in both groups (p<0.05), and ocular surface disease index scores and central corneal epithelial thickness values increased in the low Schirmer Group (p<0.001) but not in the normal Schirmer Group (p>0.05). The postoperative central corneal epithelial thicknesses of the low Schirmer Group were significantly higher than those of the normal Schirmer Group (p<0.001). Postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity did not differ significantly between the two groups (p>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: In patients with low Schirmer-1 test values before photorefractive keratectomy, the corneal epithelium thickened and ocular surface complaints increased during the postoperative period. However, changes in the corneal epithelium did not affect the postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity. To reduce postoperative problems on the ocular surface in these patients, we recommend that dry eye be treated before photorefractive keratectomy.

Keywords: Epithelium, corneal; Cornea; Photorefractive keratectomy; Schirmer test; Visual acuity

Abstract

PURPOSES: This study aims to assess and compare the postoperative visual and topographic outcomes, complications, and graft survival rates following deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and penetrating keratoplasty in patients with macular corneal dystrophy.
METHODS: In this study we enrolled 59 patients (23 male; and 36 female) with macular corneal dystrophy comprising 81 eyes. Out of these, 64 eyes underwent penetrating keratoplasty, while 17 eyes underwent deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty. The two groups were analyzed and compared based on best-corrected visual acuity, corneal tomography parameters, pachymetry, complication rates, and graft survival rates.
RESULTS: After 12 months, 70.6% of the patients who underwent deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and 75% of those who had penetrating keratoplasty (PK) achieved a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better (p=0.712). Following surgery, DALK group showed lower front Kmean (p=0.037), and Q values (p<0.01) compared to the PK group. Postoperative interface opacity was observed in seven eyes (41.2%) in the DALK group. Other topography values and other complications (graft rejection, graft failure, cataract, glaucoma, microbial keratitis, optic atrophy) did not show significant differences between the two groups. The need for regrafting was 9.4% and 11.8% in the PK and DALK groups, respectively (p=0.769). Graft survival rates were 87.5% and 88.2% for PK and DALK; respectively (p=0.88 by Log-rank test).
CONCLUSION: Both PK and DALK are equally effective in treating macular corneal dystrophy, showing similar visual, topographic, and survival outcomes. Although interface opacity occurs more frequently after DALK the visual results were comparable in both groups. Therefore, DALK emerges as a viable surgical choice for patients with macular corneal dystrophy without Descemet membrane involvement is absent.

Keywords: Macular corneal dystrophy; Corneal dystrophies; Hereditary; Keratoplasty; Penetrating; Corneal transplantation

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical losartan for treating corneal injuries and stromal fibrosis based on preclinical and clinical evidence. A systematic search was conducted in October 2024 following PRISMA guidelines across Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Studies assessing topical losartan use in animal models or human patients with corneal injury were included. No randomized clinical trials were identified. Of 750 articles screened, 12 met the inclusion criteria – seven preclinical studies and five case reports. Preclinical evidence indicated that topical losartan at 0.2-0.8 mg/dL reduced stromal opacity and myofibroblast differentiation. Higher concentrations (8-80 mg/dL) offered no additional benefit and were associated with ocular surface irritation. The five case reports included 11 patients (12 eyes); eight eyes showed visual improvement, and no adverse effects were observed at a dose of 0.8 mg/dL. Topical losartan demonstrates potential as an antifibrotic agent for corneal injuries. However, variability in outcomes and dose-related toxicity at higher concentrations highlight the need for controlled clinical trials to confirm efficacy, establish optimal dosing, and ensure safety.

Keywords: Cornea; Epithelial cells; Myofibroblasts; Corneal opacity; Losartan

Abstract

Em decorrência de complicações, da biocompatibilidade e da escassez de tecido doador para transplantes de córnea natural, foram elaboradas córneas artificiais que são potenciais para reabilitar funções ópticas. Nessa perspectiva, objetivou-se a análise da eficácia da reabilitação visual entre os implantes: Boston tipo I, Boston tipo II, Aurolab, osteo-odonto-ceratoprótese e ceratoprótese de Osso Tibial. De modo geral, a princípio observou-se uma tendência de melhoria da Best-corrected visual acuity em todos os tipos de lentes, mas considerável queda durante acompanhamento a longo prazo. O dispositivo com melhor reabilitação visual em pacientes com superfícies oculares úmidas é a Boston tipo I, seguida pela Aurolab, que é economicamente viável em países emergentes. Ao considerar pacientes com olhos secos, o implante de Boston tipo II apresenta maior reabilitação visual. Por fim, em virtude de não apresentarem dados equiparáveis, as lentes osteo-odonto-ceratoprótese e de osso tibial não puderam ser analisadas.

Keywords: Transplante de córnea; Próteses visuais; Córnea; Reabilitação; Acuidade visual

Abstract

We present a case of a patient complaining of monocular diplopia due to a decentered ablation after LASIK. The patient underwent a wavefront-guided retreatment, which resulted in an epithelial ingrowth complication. Additionally, the patient developed cataract, with cataract surgery requiring reliable biometric measurements. Therefore, we opted for corneal treatment and corneal surface regularization. Although we attempted to lift the flap and wash the interface initially, the procedure proved unsuccessful, thereby necessitating immediate flap amputation. Once the corneal surface was regularized in the seventh postoperative month, transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy was successfully performed to homogenize the ocular surface, thereby significantly improving the patient's corrected visual acuity and resolving monocular diplopia. The surface and corneal curvature stabilized by the fifth month after the procedure. Phacoemulsification was then performed along with the implantation of a toric monofocal lens, which was selected using an appropriate formula, resulting in an excellent uncorrected visual acuity.

Keywords: Refractive surgical procedures; Surgical flap/surgery; Keratomileusis laser In situ/methods; Biometry; Corneal topography; Lasers, Excimer/adverse effects; Dipoplia/etiologia; Visual acuity; Humans; Case reports

Abstract

We present the case of a 37-year-old woman who underwent bilateral penetrating keratoplasty for congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy at the age of 10 years. Over the subsequent 27 years, the patient's vision slowly deteriorated. Our examination revealed decompensation of the right corneal graft. We addressed this with regraft surgery. We then learned that the patient had been suffering from progressive hearing loss since adolescence. Tonal audiometry revealed hearing perceptive deafness of 25 dB, which was more prominent in the left ear. Because the patterns of progressive sensorineural hearing loss and congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy have both been linked to the same gene, slc4a11, we tested our patient for mutations in this gene. The test was positive for a heterozygous slc4a11 gene fifth exon mutation on chromosome 20p13-p12, which causes a frameshift. A combined clinical and genetic evaluation confirmed a diagnosis of Harboyan syndrome. After the genetic diagnosis of the disease, she was evaluated for the need for a hearing aid due to her hearing loss. The patient was also informed about genetic counseling.

Keywords: Chromosomes; Corneal dystrophies; Exon; Genetic testing; Hearing loss; Hereditary/genetics; Mutation; Sensorineural; slc4a11 gene