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BackgroundConjunctival intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN) typically occurs in elderly individuals. A number of aetiological factors are implicated in CIN, including life-long exposure to ultra-violet light and immunodeficiency states, particularly HIV infection. Asthma is a common condition affecting more than 3.5 million individuals in the UK, and is associated with atopy in approximately 70% of cases. In this paper we describe CIN occurring in young patients with asthma.MethodsRetrospective case series: A review of our ocular oncology database helped to identify 11 patients <55 years of age and presenting with CIN. Of these, seven (64%) were noted to have co-existent asthma.ResultsSeven patients were included in the study (six male and one female). Mean age at presentation was 44 years (range 36–54 years). Five patients showed unilateral disease, whereas two showed bilateral. Five patients showed local recurrence; however, there were no cases of metastasis.ConclusionThe occurrence of CIN, particularly bilateral CIN, in younger immunocompetent individuals is very unusual, and the presence of asthma in 64% of our patient cohort suggests that atopic asthma may be a further aetiological factor involved in the development of this rare neoplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeTo evaluate bovine pericardium (Tutopatch®) as a wrapping material for hydroxyapatite implants in patients undergoing enucleation for uveal melanoma.MethodProspective cohort study of patients who had enucleation for uveal melanoma between January 2003 and August 2003 were included in the study. Any patient with less than 3 months follow-up was excluded. Enucleation was performed under general anaesthesia followed by insertion of hydroxyapatite implants wrapped in bovine pericardium (Tutopatch). The recti muscles were sutured directly to the wrap. The tenon's capsule and conjunctiva were closed in two layers. A conformer was inserted at 1 week and artificial eye at 2–3 months. The patients were followed up regularly and were assessed for cosmetic result, exposure of implant, and the need for any further surgical procedures.ResultsA total of 19 patients (seven male and 12 female) were included in the study. Median age at diagnosis was 63 years (range 38–80 years). Median follow-up was 26 months (range 22–30 months). No patient developed postoperative complications of wound dehiscence. The overall cosmetic result was excellent in all the patients. The rate of postoperative complications compared favourably with published data using other wrapping materials/implants.ConclusionTutopatch® is a safe wrapping material for hydroxyapatite orbital implants in patients undergoing enucleation for uveal melanoma.Eye (2007) 21, 476–479. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6702227; published online 27 January 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AimTo report results of proton beam therapy for iris melanoma.MethodsA retrospective case series of 15 patients with nonresectable iris melanomas treated with proton beam therapy between August 1998 and August 2004. The main outcome measures were (1) local tumour control, (2) complications, and (3) eye retention.ResultsOf the 15 cases, 11 patients showed documented growth (including two cases of local recurrence following iridocyclectomy) while a further three cases were biopsy-proven melanoma. One patient presented with a newly acquired vascular nodule of the iris associated with angle seeding and glaucoma. Tumour control at mean follow-up of 34 months was 93% (14 of 15 eyes). Common complications included glaucoma in 53% (five patients had glaucoma prior to irradiation), dry eye (27%) and cataract in three patients (20%). Eye retention was possible in 80% (12 cases).ConclusionProton beam therapy is an effective treatment for cases of nonresectable iris melanoma. The major complications are cataract and glaucoma.Eye (2007) 21, 79–82. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6702132; published online 13 January 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aimsTo describe the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the management of symptomatic serous retinal detachment associated with choroidal naevi.MethodsInterventional case series. The records of seven patients with choroidal naevus and associated serous retinal detachment, treated with PDT were reviewed retrospectively. Main outcome measures were Snellen visual acuity, clinical appearance, and ocular tomographic findings.ResultsAll seven patients showed a reduction in the degree of serous detachment and symptomatic improvement. Five patients showed a corresponding improvement in visual acuity that persisted over a mean period of 9 months.ConclusionPDT appears to be effective in the management of serous retinal detachment associated with choroidal naevus.Eye (2007) 21, 1531–1533; doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6702623; published online 6 October 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor on spontaneous regression of the melanoma is presented.

The article presents the case of a 76-year-old man with reduced vision in his left eye. His visual acuity in the right eye was 6/5 and his left eye had a normal anterior segment. A diffuse melanocytic choroidal thickening in the macular region was shown during the fundus evaluation. He underwent a periodic observation but rejected any kind of eye treatment. An intraocular diffuse choroidal melanoma was detected through the histopathologic examination.

Presents a letter to the editor of the periodical "Eye" about an article on spontaneous resolution of a choroidal mass.

Presents a letter to the editor presenting a medical case of a 50-year old Caucasian female diagnosed with choroidal neovascularization secondary to choroidal osteoma and is successful treatment with photodynamic therapy.

Presents a letter to the editor regarding the relation between photodynamic therapy of choroidal haemangioma and Sturge-Weber syndrome.

A letter to the editor regarding iris pigment epithelial adenoma is presented.

Presents a letter to the editor referring to a case of retinal astrocytic hamartoma with exudation.