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Abstract Purpose: To assess the non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT) and tear meniscus height (TMH) after instilling the three different types of anesthetic eye drops by Oculus Keratograph 5M. Methods: In this prospective study, 85 healthy subjects (85 eyes) were randomly divided into three groups. The groups were randomly received lidocaine hydrochloride 2%, proparacaine hydrochloride 0.5%, and tetracaine hydrochloride 0.5%. The qualitative and quantitative parameters of tear film were assessed using NITBUT and TMH, respectively. In all groups, the quantity of tear film using TMH was measured in the right eye of subjects, while the quality of tear film using NITBUT was assessed in the left eye. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the difference between before and after the intervention. A P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Differences for TMH and NITBUT between before and after applying lidocaine hydrochloride 2% were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The mean values of NITBUT and TMH after the instillation of proparacaine hydrochloride 0.5% showed a significant decrease than before the intervention (P < 0.05). Also, after the use of tetracaine hydrochloride 0.5%, the mean value of NITBUT was significantly increased (P < 0.05), but the mean value of TMH was significantly decreased than before the intervention (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our study showed that lidocaine hydrochloride 2% as an anesthetic eye drops can be an appropriate choice for eye examinations due to a lack of significant effect on the quantity and quality of tear film.

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Objective: To evaluate the tear film and dry eye symptoms before and after phacoemulsification. Methods: Fifty-one patients diagnosed with cataracts participated in this clinical study (55% female; 78% white; 71.2 ± 6.5 years old; without the use of lubricating eye drops) and underwent phacoemulsification at a hospital in Aparecida (SP). Tear film analysis was performed by the tear film break-up test and dry eye symptoms were assessed by the Ocular Surface Disease Index, both before surgery and 30 and 60 days after surgery. Results: In the preoperative analysis, 25.5% of the patients had dry eye according to the subjective criterion (Ocular Surface Disease Index = 25%), while the proportion of patients with dry eye was 92.2% according to the objective criterion (tear film break-up test < 10 seconds). There was no correlation between tear film break-up test and Ocular Surface Disease Index (r = -0.14; p = 0.33). There was no reduction in dry eye symptoms (15.9 ± 17.6 versus 12.2 ± 13.2 versus 7.8 ± 11.5; p<0.001) nor in tear film break-up time (6.2 ± 2.2 versus 4.3 ± 2.0 versus 6.9 ± 2.0 seconds; p < 0.001) before, 30 and 60 days after surgery. Conclusion: Phacoemulsification triggers dry eye symptoms and changes Ocular Surface Disease Index and tear film break-up test values, with improvement over the postoperative days. Sixty days after surgery, the symptoms of dry eye assessed according to the Ocular Surface Disease Index improved. Regarding the tear film, evaluated by tear film break-up test, it was observed that there was a statistically significant worsening at 30 days, followed by an improvement in the postoperative period of 60 days. The results suggest that the clinical analysis of dry eye should be performed using different methods, preferably objective ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of two different doses of topical cyclosporine A used in addition to artificial tears in the treatment of patients with meibomian dysfunction and secondary dry eye. Methods: Fifty patients aged 18 to 40 years, who presented to our clinic between June 2020 and June 2021 were included in our study. Patients were divided into two groups as Group A (topical cyclosporine A 0.05%) and Group B (topical cyclosporine A 0.1%). All the patients underwent a detailed ophthalmological examination, basal Ocular Surface Disease Index measurement, and Schirmer 1 and tear break-up time tests at all visits. Results: The mean age was 32±7.1 years in Group A and 30.7±8.5 years in Group B. In Group A, there were 15 women and ten men, and Group B consisted of 14 women and 11 men. There was no difference between the groups in terms of age and gender distribution (p>0.05). Schirmer 1 and tear break-up time results and Ocular Surface Disease Index score also did not significantly differ between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Cyclosporine A 0.05% and 0.1% eye drops were both seen to be effective in managing dry eye disease in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effects of rosacea on ocular surface changes such as alterations in dry eye parameters, corneal densitometry, and aberrations, in comparison with healthy controls. Methods A total of 88 eyes of 44 patients diagnosed with rosacea and 88 eyes of 44 healthy controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. All participants underwent a comprehensive dermatologic and ophthalmic examination and Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) and Schirmer-1 tests were performed. The rosacea subtype and Demodex count and OSDI scores of all participants were recorded. Corneal topographic, densitometric, and aberrometric measurements were obtained using the Scheimpflug imaging system. Results The mean age of the 44 patients was 41.2 ± 11.0 years of whom 31 (70.5%) were female. The mean TBUT and Schirmer-1 test values were significantly decreased and OSDI scores were significantly increased in the rosacea group compared to healthy controls (p < 0.01 for all). The most common subtype of rosacea was erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (70.4%). The severity grading of rosacea revealed that 18 (40.9%) patients had moderate erythema. The median (min-max) Demodex count was 14.0 (0-120) and the disease duration was 24.0 (5-360) months. The comparison of the corneal densitometry values revealed that the densitometry measurements in all concentric zones, especially in central and posterior zones were higher in rosacea patients. Corneal aberrometric values in the posterior surface were also lower in the rosacea group compared to healthy controls. The topographic anterior chamber values were significantly lower in the rosacea group. Study limitations Relatively small sample size, variable time interval to hospital admission, and lack of follow-up data are among the limitations of the study. Future studies with larger sample sizes may also enlighten the mechanisms of controversial anterior segment findings by evaluating rosacea patients who have uveitis and those who do not. Conclusion Given the fact that ocular signs may precede cutaneous disease, rosacea is frequently underrecognized by ophthalmologists. Therefore, a comprehensive examination of the ocular surface and assessment of the anterior segment is essential. The main priority of the ophthalmologist is to treat meibomian gland dysfunction and Demodex infection to prevent undesired ocular outcomes.

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Copyright of Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia is the property of Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: Many reports have indicated an association between thyroid dieases and primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). The aim of our study was to evaluate the outcomes of the tests used for dry eye diagnosis and salivary gland involvement in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. Methods: Forty-two patients (group 1) with autoimmune thyroid disease and 30 controls (group 2) were selected. Tear film break up time, Schirmer I test, Schirmer II test, ocular staining with 1% rose Bengal and salivary gland cintilography were performed in both groups. Results: Regarding the ocular surface damage observed by Rose Bengal test there was no difference between groups (p=0.77). For tear film break up time the groups did not differ statistically (p=0.46). There was no statistical difference between groups 1 and control in scintigraphy of the salivary gland (p=0.99). A statistical difference between the patients with thyroid disease and the control group was seem only in the Schirmer II test (p=0.0009). Conclusions: No patients fulfilled all criteria for Sjögren’s syndrome. It is possible that it could be underestimated.

ABSTRACT: This study analyzed clinical and cyto-histomorphological parameters of the ocular surface of Shih Tzu dogs, non-carriers and carriers of quantitative keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) at different stages. Thirty-five eyes from 23 male and female Shih Tzu dogs between two and eight years were evaluated in four groups: control group (CG - without KCS), mild KCS group (KCS1), moderate KCS group (KCS2), and severe KCS group (KCS3). Most clinical variables among KCS carrier groups worsened at the more advanced stages of the disease, with a negative correlation between the Schirmer tear test (STT-1) and tear film break-up time (TBUT). Squamous metaplasia, lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltrate, and decrease in conjunctival goblet cells on histopathological examination comprised disease severity parameters. Quantitative KCS non-carried Shih Tzu dogs have qualitative and tear film distribution changes. The cytomorphological exam is limited to evaluating the inflammatory infiltrate and quantifying conjunctival goblet cells. However, intermediate epithelial cells were higher in healthy eyes compared to eyes with KCS in Shih Tzu dogs. Also, moderate and severe KCS carrier Shih Tzu dogs have qualitative dysfunction of the tear film. KCS in Shih Tzu dogs is common and chronic and may be responsible for the loss of vision of these animals. Early identification of the disease and routine evaluation can improve these dogs’ quality of life and ocular health.

Abstract Background: Previous studies has shown that dry eye test abnormalities, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), may occur in psoriasis. Objectives: The authors aimed to evaluate the dry eye disease (DED), MGD, in psoriasis patients with meibography which is a current, objective, noninvasive method for patients with meibomian gland diseases, to investigate the relationship between disease severity and ocular involvement. Methods: This study included 50 participants with psoriasis and 50 healthy individuals. All subjects were examined by the same dermatologist and referred for ophthalmological examination including meibomian gland obstruction, lid margin alterations assessment, ocular surface disease index assessment, tear film break-up time test, Schirmer test, corneal conjunctival fluorescein staining assessment. Additionally, upper and lower lids were evaluated for meibomian gland loss with meibography. Results: MGD (28%), meibomian gland loss (MGL) (29.5%), upper meiboscore (0.61 ± 0.81), lower meiboscore (0.46 ± 0.61), DED (22%) were significantly higher in the psoriasis group compared with the control group (p = 0.008, p < 0.001, p = 0.027, p = 0.041, p = 0.044, respectively). There was a significant relationship between MGD and psoriasis area severity index (PASI) (p = 0.015, Odds Ratio = 1.211). There was a significant positive relationship between MGL with PASI (p < 0.001, r = 608) and psoriasis duration (p < 0.001, r = 0.547). Study limitations: Smaller study group and inability to detect quality changes of meibum with meibography were limitations of the study. Conclusions: Psoriasis may affect the meibomian gland morphology, may cause structural changes in meibomian glands, and as a result of these may cause MGD and DED. Therefore, ophthalmologists and dermatologists should be aware of this situation and co-evaluate the patients in this respect.

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Copyright of Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia is the property of Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the use of subconjuctival administration of the anti-tumor necrosis factor agent adalimumab for treatment of dry eye in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome, and to investigate conjunctival healing. Methods Prospective, nonrandomized, noncomparative interventional case series including consecutive patients with Sjögren’s syndrome and dry eye disease treated with subconjunctival adalimumab, who were refractory to conventional treatment. Patients with infectious ocular surface involvement or structural changes in the tear pathway or eyelids were excluded. Data recorded included age, sex, lissamine green staining pattern, Schirmer test results, intraocular pressure, conjunctival mobility, tear break up time and findings of biomicroscopic evaluation, following fluorescein dye instillation. The Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire validated for the Portuguese language was used for subjective assessment of patients. Results Eleven eyes of eight patients were studied. Mean patient age was 53±13.4 years. Patients were treated with subconjunctival injection of 0.03 mL of adalimumab and followed for 90 days thereafter. There were no statistically significant objective improvement (objective tests results; p>0.05) and no statistically significant changes in intraocular pressure (p=0.11). Questionnaire responses revealed a significant improvement in ocular symptoms (p=0.002). Conclusion Based on the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire, subconjunctival administration of adalimumab improved dry eye symptoms. However, objective assessments failed to reveal statistically significant improvements.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disease characterized by chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism. Hormonal changes can affect tear function. This study evaluates tear function and impact of hyperandrogenism on it in PCOS patients. Methods: Fifty patients with PCOS and thirty control volunteers were examined for tear break-up time, Schirmer-I and tear osmolarity. Also, serum levels of total testosterone, FSH, LH and AMH were determined in venous blood samples in the early follicular phase. PCOS patients were divided into two groups by plasma total testosterone level: Group A with normal (≤0.513 ng/ml;n=27), Group B with higher hormone level (>0.513 ng/ml;n=23). Healthy control group indicated as Group C (n=30). Results: LH, total testosterone levels were higher in the PCOS group than in the control group (p=0.012; p=0.025). Mean values of tear break-up time and Schirmer-I were different between groups and especially Group A and C were near to each other differing from B (p>0.05). Tear osmolarity results were higher in Group B, compared to A and C (p=0.049; p=0.033). No significant difference detected in tear osmolarity value means of Group A and C (p=0.107). AMH levels were higher in Group B, compared to A and C (p=0.002; p=0.001). AMH levels in Group A were higher than that of C (p=0.002). Positive correlation between levels of total testosterone and AMH was detected in all PCOS patients (n=50;Pearson's r=0.579; p

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Oftalmologia is the property of Sociedade Brasileira de Oftalmologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

V appeared in 2002, distributed across an invertible two-in-one print book from Penguin, V: WaveSon.nets/ Losing L'una, and two online locations: the first, V: Vniverse, a Director project with Cynthia Lawson, and the second, Errand Upon Which We Came, a Flash piece with M.D. Coverley. The print book contained at its center the url for the Vniverse site. This print book was re-issued February 2014 in a new edition by SpringGun Press as V: Wave- Tercets / Losing L'una. The truncation from Son.nets to Tercets was driven by limitations and aff ordances that we encountered as we set out to modify the Vniverse Director project to run as an app on iPad. The original Vniverse was created, not using Director's timeline, but all in one frame. This choice took advantage of the speed of imaging Lingo to control both animation and interaction, permitting swift gestural command of the appearance of language emerging without lag from "the sky." Since mobile devices support an entirely diff erent suite of gestures, we needed to re-implement Vniverse as an app for a smaller screen and a diff erent gestural repertoire. The re-education of hand and mind, the gestural translation, that such a project entails is our focus in this article which addresses the loss of hover as gesture, the loss of location-a point is no longer a place-and the loss of overview, or revelation, as sweeping gestures no longer reveal, but re-scale. Emotional coloring is shifted when exchanging a click for a tap imposes a required time-delay, when an expansive swing-sweep of mouse is substituted by contractive pinch-zoom, or when legibility can be gained only through granulation (losing the sense of fades between whole poems against which active sky stars can be activated), or through text compression and fior suppression (son.nets to tercets). These losses are in part compensated by other gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJETIVO: O presente estudo comparou a eficácia do tratamento da síndrome do olho seco em pacientes infectados pelo HIV com suplementação lacrimal (carboximetilcelulose sódica 0,5%) ou com suplementação lacrimal associada à terapia anti-inflamatória (carboximetilcelulose sódica 0,5% e ciclosporina 0,05%). MÉTODOS: Vinte pacientes portadores do vírus HIV provenientes do ambulatório de Infectologia do Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro foram selecionados. O diagnóstico de síndrome do olho seco foi baseado no questionário para olho seco (Ocular Surface Disease Index - OSDI®), teste de Schirmer I, tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal e coloração da superfície ocular com rosa bengala a 1%. Os pacientes foram distribuídos em dois grupos com dez pacientes (20 olhos) e acompanhados durante seis meses. O grupo I foi tratado com colírio de carboximetilcelulose sódica 0,5% e o grupo II foi tratado com a associação de carboximetilcelulose sódica 0,5% e ciclosporina 0,05% tópica. RESULTADOS: Comparando os resultados no início e no final do tratamento, a associação com ciclosporina 0,05% mostrou-se superior (p < 0,05) para o teste de Schirmer I. CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo sugere que o uso de ciclosporina 0,05% tópica melhora a produção lacrimal em pacientes infectados pelo HIV, apresentando um importante papel como adjuvante no tratamento do olho seco nestes pacientes.PURPOSE: This study evaluates the use of topical cyclosporine 0.05% and sodium carboxymethylcellulose 0.5% for the treatment of dry eye disease in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. METHODS: Twenty HIV-positive-patients were selected from the Department of Infectious Diseases of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Hospital. Dry eye diagnosis was based on a dry eye questionnaire (Ocular Surface Disease Index - OSDI®), Schirmer I test, break up time and 1% rose bengal staining of the ocular surface. The patients were divided into two groups with ten patients (20 eyes). Group I received sodium carboxymethylcellulose 0.5% drops and group II received sodium carboxymethylcellulose 0.5% drops and topical cyclosporine 0.05% for six months. RESULTS: Comparing the results at the beginning and in the end of the treatment, the use of cyclosporine was superior (p < 0.05) for the Schirmer I test. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that topical cyclosporine improves lacrimal production and has an important role as an adjuvant therapy for dry eye disease in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To analyse the concept of Dry Eye Syndrome in patients admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICU). Method: This is a concept analysis, according to Walker’s and Avant’s method, conducted using an integrative review, through search in the database. Science Direct, Scopus, Cinahl, Pubmed, Lilacs, Cochrane and Web of Science. The following keywords were used: “Keratoconjuntivite Sicca”, “Risk Factors”, “Dry eye Syndromes” and “Intensive Care Units”. After selection, 85 articles have been kept. Results: Antecedents found: age, lagophthalmos, environmental factors, use of medications, systemic diseases, mechanical ventilation and eye surgeries. Attributes: Tear Break-up Time < 10 s, Schirmer’s test I < 10 mm, Schirmer’s test II < 5 mm and signs and symptoms. Consequents: eye damage and discomfort; unstable vision. The Model Case and the Contrary Case were used to illustrate it. Conclusion: The research provided clarification of the concept and consequent understanding of the Dry Eye Syndrome, which is preventable especially in ICU.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of signs and symptoms of ocular surface disease (OSD) in patients using topical intraocular pressure-lowering therapy., Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 40 patients were consecutively recruited from the glaucoma clinic of a public hospital located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Eligible patients were 18 years of age or older, with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension and on the same topical ocular therapy for at least 6 months. The following data were considered: sex, age, medication history and number of years on topical intraocular pressure-lowering therapy. All patients underwent an evaluation of the ocular surface which included: an interview using the Ocular Surface Disease Index® (OSDI®) questionnaire, break-up time, biomicroscopy, fluorescein corneal staining and rose Bengal ocular surface staining., Results: The mean OSDI® score was 24.6 ± 20.7. Most patients (67.5%) had an abnormal score on the OSDI® questionnaire. In 25% of patients, the score was consistent with mild symptoms, 12.5% with moderate symptoms and 30% with severe symptoms. Blepharitis and punctate keratitis were diagnosed in 42.5% and 20% of patients respectively. Tear film instability was observed in 75% of patients and ocular surface staining with rose Bengal in 35%. A positive statistically significant correlation (r=0.4; p=0.01) was found between OSDI® scores and the duration of topical intraocular pressure-lowering therapy., Conclusion: Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension on topical intraocular pressure-lowering therapy have high prevalence of OSD. Longer duration since diagnosis is significantly correlated with worsening of OSD symptoms.

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of the tests used for dry eye diagnosis in patients with hepatitis C virus, and to verify if there is any relationship between the duration of illness and intensity of ocular surface changes., Methods: 25 patients with hepatitis C virus without treatment, and 29 patients with negative serologic tests for hepatitis C virus were selected. Biomicroscopy, tear film crystallization test, tear film break-up time, evaluation of the corneal staining with 1% fluorescein sodium, Schirmer I test, ocular surface staining with 1% rose bengal and esthesiometry were performed in both groups., Results: In the Schirmer I test, the group of patients with hepatitis C displayed lower values in both eyes (OR p=0.0162; OS p=0.0265). For the tear film break-up time, there was a lower score in the group with hepatitis C, but it was statistically significant only in the left eye (p=0.0007). Regarding the ocular surface damage, the rose bengal staining test showed a higher average in the hepatitis group in both eyes (right p=0.0008; left p=0.0034). There was a difference in the average esthesiometry between the groups, being the average lower in infected patients (OR p=0.0006; OS p=0.0015). There was no linear association between time of hepatitis C infection and intensity observed in dry eye tests., Conclusions: Hepatitis C virus infection causes dry eye. Further researches are necessary to establish the physiopathology and the relationship with Sjögren syndrome.

Purpose: To analyze the influence of botulinum toxin on the lacrimal function of patients with facial dystonias., Methods: Patients with the diagnosis of hemifacial spasm or benign essential blepharospasm were evaluated and invited to answer the Ocular Surface Index Disease (OSID) questionnaire. All patients underwent Schirmer I and basal tests; break-up time (BUT) test and lacrimal clearance evaluation. On the following day, the patients were treated with botulinum toxin. The Ocular Surface Index Disease questionnaire and all the initial tests were reapplied 30 days after the treatment by the same examiner., Results: Twenty-six patients were enrolled in this study, 15 (57.7%) with hemifacial spasm and 11 (42.3%) with benign essential blepharospasm. The mean age of patients with hemifacial spasm was 70.9 ± 13.3 years and the male:female ratio was 1:1.5. In the group of patients with benign essential blepharospasm, the mean age was 68.9 ± 8.4 years with a female preponderance (90.0%). After the treatment, the Ocular Surface Index Disease score, Schirmer I and basal tests score decreased in both groups. The mean of Break-up time test increased significantly in both groups. The lacrimal clearance evaluation showed a greater number of eyes that achieved a complete drainage of the tears after the treatment in both groups., Conclusion: The treatment with botulinum toxin improved dry eye symptoms in patients with facial dystonia. Despite of the aqueous portion of tear have decreased, blink modifications improved the tear stability and drainage.

Purpose: To evaluate the frequency of atopic keratoconjunctivitis, its symptoms and changes in patients of Pediatric Dermatology Service of 'Santa Casa de Misericordia de São Paulo' Hospital with a previous diagnosis of atopic dermatitis., Methods: Fifty-two patients with atopic dermatitis under 16 years old (mean age 8.9 +/- 4.1 between 2 and 16 years old) were evaluated through a protocol of questions and assessment of signs and symptoms. The signs and symptoms were graded from 0 (absent) to 4 (highest intensity), and in some cases only as present or not. The analysis was descriptive and statistical, with a 5% significance level., Results: The frequency of atopic keratoconjunctivitis was 76.9% among the 52 patients with atopic dermatitis, including atopic conjunctivitis (26.7%) and atopic blepharitis (50.2%). Atopic dermatitis is more frequent in female patients and atopic conjunctivitis in male. Age was practically the same in both groups. The most frequent symptoms were red eye and itching, especially in the atopic conjunctivitis group. Itching was the most intense symptom and was present in all patients of the atopic conjunctivitis group. Blepharitis and papillae were the most common signs. Other signs were less frequent. The tear break-up time was changed in most patients., Conclusions: The prevalence of atopic keratoconjunctivitis was 76.9% in patients with atopic dermatitis. Itching was the most frequent symptom, followed by red eye, in patients with atopic conjunctivitis. Blepharitis and papillae were the most frequent signs in patients with atopic conjunctivitis. Due to the increasing prevalence of atopic dermatitis in children, it would be prudent to perform a routine ophthalmologic evaluation of these patients. From the patients evaluated in this study, none had been previously monitored with ophthalmological exams.

Purpose: To evaluate if oral flaxseed oil (Linum usitatissimum), which reduces the inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, may help keratoconjunctivitis sicca's treatment in Sjögren's syndrome patients., Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, 38 female patients with rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erithematosus associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca and Sjögren's syndrome were consecutively selected from patients of the Department of Rheumatology of the Amazonas University Hospital. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca diagnosis was based on a dry-eye symptom survey score (Ocular Surface Disease Index - OSDI), Schirmer-I test, fluorescein break-up time, 1% Rose Bengal staining of ocular surface measured by the van Bijsterveld scale. All patients had ocular surface inflammation evaluated and quantified by conjunctival impression cytology, before and after the study. The subjects were divided into three groups with 13 (Group I), 12 (Group II) and 13 (Group III) patients. Group I received flaxseed oil capsules with a final 1 g/day dosis, Group II flaxseed oil capsules with a final 2 g/day dosis and Group III - controls - placebo, for 180 days., Results: Comparing the results at the beginning and at the end of the treatment, statistically significant changes (p<0.05) in symptoms (OSDI), ocular surface inflammation quantified by conjunctival impression cytology, Schirmer-I test and fluorescein break-up time occurred in Groups I e II when compared to controls., Conclusions: Therapy with oral flaxseed oil capsules 1 or 2 g/day reduces ocular surface inflammation and ameliorates the symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in Sjögren's syndrome patients. Long-term studies are needed to confirm the role of this therapy for keratoconjunctivitis sicca in Sjögren's syndrome.

Purpose: To evaluate comfort and visual performance in relation to two different used contact lens types: hybrid material (HM) and rigid-gas-permeable (RGP), in patients with regular myopic astigmatism and with keratoconus., Methods: A randomized, double masked, prospective study of 22 patients with the diagnosis of myopic astigmatism (8 with myopic astigmatism and 14 with keratoconus) was conducted. Fifteen patients were female and 7 were male, and mean age was: 32.13 +/- 8.12 years. In one of the eyes a rigid-gas-permeable contact lens was adapted (DK 30), and in the other a hybrid material contact lens was adapted (DK 23). All patients were submitted to the following tests: measurement of comfort level by means of the analogical visual scale, tear break-up time, best corrected visual acuity with the Bailey-Lovie scale adapted for 4 meters, functional acuity contrast test (FACT) and wavefront analysis., Results: In relation to comfort, there was no association with the evaluated contact lens type (p=0.350). There was a variation in comfort level during the first 7 days. The visual acuity increased between the 7th and the 15th day of adaptation. Visual acuity stabilized right after this period. The visual acuity did not show differences in relation to the studied lens type. It was verified that there was no difference in the tear break-up time (p=0.989) in relation to the studied lenses type and there was a decrease in the tear break-up time (p=0.001) when we compared the measurement before the use of the lenses and 2 months after their use. There was no difference in contrast sensitivity in the used lens type and between each type and the use of glasses (p<0.047). High order aberrations decreased significantly when comparing patients with and without contact lenses, except for spherical and coma aberrations (p=0.394)., Conclusion: Comfort and visual performance when comparing hybrid material and rigid-gas-permeable contact lenses did not show any significant difference in the patients or when compared separately in regular myopic astigmatism and in keratoconus patients.

Purpose: To determine vision conditions and ocular findings in patients older than 99 years., Methods: Patients were recruited by media advertisement and examined at the Vision Institute of UNIFESP. The following examinations were performed: visual acuity, ectoscopy, refraction, biomicroscopy, tear film break-up time, Schirmer basal test, tonometry, direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Complementary examinations such as optical coherence tomography were performed when indicated., Results: Thirty patients older than 99 years were identified. Mean age of 101.5+/-1.8, 25 females and 5 males. Most common systemic disease, according to history, was arterial hypertension. In 11 patients (55%), the best corrected far visual acuity was 20/100 or better. The best corrected near visual acuity was J4 or better also in 55% (11 patients) and 63.0% (7 patients) of these were the ones that had not been submitted to cataract surgery. The most frequent visual complaint was low vision for reading (55%) and other 8 patients (40%) reported no disturbance (satisfied with their vision). Lens opacity was present in 9 patients (60%) and 8 patients (40%) had previous cataract surgery (5 aphakic eyes, 9 pseudophakic eyes). Cataract was identified as important for impairment of vision in 5 patients but only 2 of them wanted to be submitted to surgery. The main cause of visual impairment was age-related macular degeneration, present in all patients, 95% with no exudative form. Vision improved with new refractive prescription in 4 patients., Conclusion: Once we understand the needs we can plan specific diagnostic and treatment strategies. This sample showed that most were female (83.3%), with good general health (35%), most with systemic arterial hypertension (40%), complaining of low vision for reading (55%) because of age-related macular degeneration (100%, 95% dry form). Only 40% had been previously submitted to cataract surgery. Most of the patients with cataract said to be satisfied with their vision; of the 5 patients that could be operated only 2 decided to do it. Low vision for reading, AMD and cataract were the main findings.

Purposes: To evaluate the importance of objective examinations in conjunction with ocular history and orbital and periorbital anatomy, to identify patients at risk of developing a post-blepharoplasty dry eye complication., Methods: A prospective study was performed on 29 patients with dermatochalasis who were studied before and three months after blepharoplasty. Changes in ocular symptoms, physical examination and in objective tests, like Schirmer's test, tear film break-up time and rose Bengal coloration were evaluated., Results: No statistically significant alteration in results of objective tests, except Schirmer II test, was found between the pre- and postoperative period. Regarding eyelid anatomy, alterations in palpebral fissure and excursion of the upper eyelid were observed that were statistically significant postoperatively., Conclusions: It is possible to state that the palpebral fissure alterations happen frequently in patients submitted to esthetic blepharoplasty. It was also possible to conclude, by this study, that the objective tests for dry eye evaluation, did not show significant alterations postoperatively, except for Schirmer II test.

Purposes: To evaluate the importance of objective examinations together with ocular history and orbital and periorbital anatomy, to identifying patients at risk of developing a post-blepharoplasty dry eye complication., Methods: A prospective study was performed on 29 patients with dermatochalasis that were studied before and three months after blepharoplasty. Changes in ocular symptoms, physical examination and in objective tests, like Schirmer's test, tear film break-up time and rose bengal coloration were evaluated., Results: No statistical significant alteration in results of objective tests, except Schirmer II test, between pre and postoperative period were found. In relation to eyelid anatomy, alterations in palpebral fissure and in excursion of the upper eyelid, that were statistically significant were found after surgery., Conclusions: It may be stated that palpebral fissure alterations occur frequently in patients submitted to esthetic blepharoplasty. It is also possible to conclude, that in this study, the objective tests for dry eye evaluation, did not demonstrate significant postoperative alterations, except for Schirmer II test.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of dry eye in Hansen's disease patients from the "Hospital de Dermatologia Sanitária de Goiânia"., Methods: The sample of the present study included 70 patients with Hansen's disease, from the "Hospital de Dermatologia Sanitária de Goiânia", and 30 controls, from the "Fundação Banco de Olhos de Goiás", both located in Goiânia-GO, Brazil. Ophthalmologic examination and Schirmer I, break-up time (BUT) and rose Bengal staining tests were carried out for all patients in a single evaluation. For the diagnosis of dry eye the Schirmer I equal or less than 5 mm and rose Bengal grade II or III, in at least one eye were considered., Results: Forty-four (63.0%) patients with Hansen's disease were male and 22 (73.3%) controls were female (p=0.001). The mean age of the patients with Hansen's disease was 61.1+/-12.5 years and in the control group, it was 55.7+/-9.6 years. Fifteen (21.4%) patients with Hansen's disease and four (13.3%) controls presented with dry eye diagnosis (p=0.429). The lepromatous type (74.2%) of Hansen's disease was the most prevalent and dry eye (66.7%) was more frequent in this clinical form of the disease., Conclusion: The dry eye disease was more prevalent in patients with Hansen's disease, although the difference was not statistically significant.