Search

The dangers of the blue light are the object of numerous publications, for both the scientific community and the general public. The new prolific development of light sources emitting potentially toxic blue light (415-455nm) ranges from LED (Light Emitting Diodes) lamps for interior lighting to television screens, computers, digital tablets and smartphones using OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or AMOLED (Active-Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology. First we will review some technical terms and the main characteristics of light perceived by the human eye. Then we will discuss scientific proof of the toxicity of blue light to the eye, which may cause cataract or macular degeneration. Analysis of the light spectra of several light sources, from natural light to LED lamps, will allow us to specify even better the dangers related to each light source. LED lamps, whether used as components for interior lighting or screens, are of concern if they are used for extended viewing times and at short distance. While we can protect ourselves from natural blue light by wearing colored glasses which filter out, on both front and back surfaces, the toxic wavelengths, it is more difficult to protect oneself from LED lamps in internal lighting, the use of which should be restricted to "white warmth" lamps (2700K). As far as OLED or AMOLED screens are concerned, the only effective protection consists of using them occasionally and only for a short period of time., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Angle closure glaucoma, a recognized major world health issue disproportionately affecting women and Asians, is not often considered in our European populations, normotensive subjects, myopic patients, or subjects with a deep anterior chamber. Early diagnosis is worthwhile, as laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) is an effective one-step treatment of the causal mechanism., Patients and Methods: We have performed a retrospective study of patients who underwent an LPI, the indication for which was based on "photodynamic" gonioscopy in a darkened room showing iridotrabecular contact in darkness. Such photodynamic gonioscopy was motivated by the presence of even minute defects in the nerve fiber layer as seen on the GDxVCC or the presence of a Van Herick sign (narrow limbal anterior chamber depth)., Results: One hundred and three eyes of 103 patients underwent LPI and a minimum 1-year follow-up (mean follow-up almost 2 years). Mean age was 63.7±11.8 years, and women accounted for 63.1% of cases. The vast majority (78.6%) of patients had neither glaucoma nor ocular hypertension. There were 60.1% hyperopes and 39.9% myopes. Over half (57%) had a deep or a very deep anterior chamber. After LPI, there was immediate deepening of the limbal depth of the anterior chamber in 100% of cases. The aqueous humor that flowed forward was almost always viscous-looking. After 1 year, the IOP was 1.3mm Hg±2.4 lower (P<.001) (t test). All patients who had experienced morning headaches (44% of patients) were relieved of this symptom. GDxVCC after 1 year was clearly improved in 18% of cases, slightly improved in 20%, stable in 50%, slightly worse in 11% of cases, and clearly worse in 1%. Cases treated at an earlier stage had a better improvement in GDxVCC., Discussion: Our study shows frequent chronic angle closure in our European population even with deep anterior chambers. Absence of a Van Herick sign does not rule out angle closure at night. A photodynamic gonioscopy with the Goldmann three-lens mirror (to avoid unintentional indentation with the small diameter lenses in these normotensive eyes) should be performed in a darkened room. LPI is an effective one-step treatment of the underlying cause, that is particularly beneficial if performed early., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To investigate epidemiological, microbiological and clinical aspects of severe bacterial keratitis, in order to update current understanding of risk factors (RF) and prognosis., Patients and Methods: We conducted a monocentric retrospective study from January 2005 to January 2011, identifying and collecting data from inpatients admitted for severe documented bacterial keratitis., Results: We found 268 unilateral corneal ulcers. At least one local or systemic risk factor was identified in 255/268 patients (95%). The leading risk factor was contact lens wear (129/268), followed by underlying corneal disease (50/268) and prior corneal surgery (47/268). Initial and final visual acuities were 0.06 and 0.2 (1.20 and 0.72 LogMAR) respectively. Contact lens wear was associated with better prognosis and shorter hospitalization (P<0.05). Corneal healing was obtained in 255/268 patients (95%), with adjuvant surgery for 33 patients. The most frequently isolated pathogens were Gram+ cocci, more commonly associated with degenerative keratopathy or prior corneal surgery, and Gram- bacilli, more commonly associated with contact lenses (P<0.05). Both demonstrated a similar prognosis., Conclusion: Specific risk factors should be investigated in cases of severe bacterial keratitis. Contact lens wear is the most frequent risk factor, but with a better prognosis than underlying corneal disease, prior corneal surgery or systemic risk factors. The specific bacterial pathogen no longer appears to dramatically influence the outcome of severe corneal ulcers., (Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Aim: To objectively analyze the cutaneous scar after external dacryocystorhinostomy and to compare the cosmetic result of a nasal incision and an inferior eyelid incision., Patients and Methods: All patients consecutively operated between January 2007 and December 2009 were notified of an examination. The cutaneous scar was photographed and de visu analyzed by the two authors who gave marks : 20, no visible scar ; 10, visible scar but cosmetically considered not detrimental ; 0, visible scar and considered unesthetic., Results: Eighteen of the 60 patients notified came for examination. One hundred percent of ten patients operated via an inferior eyelid incision were graded 20 versus 25% of eight patients operated via a nasal incision. Of these patients, 62.5% were graded 10. Only one patient was marked 0 (nasal incision)., Discussion: The inferior eyelid incision seemed to give much better cosmetic results than the nasal incision., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: iterative penetrating keratoplasty procedures (PKPs) increase the risk of graft rejection. Surgeons are reluctant to perform a third procedure following two previous graft failures. We evaluated the outcomes of patients who had three successive PKPs treated with a local combination of cyclosporin 2% A and dexamethasone 0.1% eye drops., Patients and Methods: this is a retrospective study of a series of cases including 15 eyes of 15 patients treated and followed in the ophthalmology unit at the Hôtel-Dieu Hospital in Paris (2006-2009)., Results: after an average follow-up of 20.5±2 months, the risk of transplant rejection was 13.33% and the duration of follow-up corresponded in all patients to the duration of treatment with cyclosporin eye drops. The treatment was not interrupted by any patient because of intolerance., Conclusion: in this study, we observed a success rate justifying the indication of the third keratoplasty under local cyclosporin 2% classically considered debatable., (2010. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Adenovirus keratoconjunctivitis is caused by numerous types of adenovirus with different clinical presentations. The most frequent is epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), but follicular conjunctivitis and pharyngoconjunctival fever are also possible. The virus is very resistant to desiccation and it is transmitted by direct contact. On the conjunctiva, the symptoms will be those of any conjunctivitis. On the cornea, remnants of viral proteins will remain on the surface of the Bowman layer. Immune reaction against these remnants will lead to the formation of subepithelial infiltrates. The diagnosis is mainly clinical, with laboratory tests only rarely contributing information rapidly. There is no other treatment than symptomatic eyedrops. The major sequelae are subepithelial infiltrates, which are difficult to treat. The use of topical steroids is discussed at all stages of the disease. Prevention is the most important action of the ophthalmologist in this viral infection., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To study the behavior of a "pushed" monocanalicular stent by means of nasal endoscopy., Patients and Methods: Four children (six affected sides) with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction were treated with monocanalicular intubation with an anchoring plug. The children's mean age at the time of the operation was 33 months (range, 30-37 months). The procedure began with probing in order to verify (a) dacryostenosis (simple or extensive nasolacrimal duct impatency) and (b) the metal-to-metal contact in the lower nasal meatus. The stent was similar to a Monoka(TM), but the guide (a malleable stainless steel probe) is located inside the silicone stent rather than projecting from it. The silicone's total length is 40 mm and the external diameter 0.96 mm. Simultaneously, the guide acts to catheterize the nasolacrimal duct by pushing the silicone through the upper and lower parts of the outflow system. The guide is removed via a punctal approach. This mode of intubation dispenses with the nasal recovery step. Nasal endoscopy was used to monitor (a) the position of the stent in the lower nasal meatus (free or submucosal), (b) mucosal damage and bleeding, and (c) the behavior of the silicone tube during removal of the guide., Results: Because of the complexity of nasolacrimal ducts, two of the six sides were treated with the classical Monoka intubation method of pulling the silicone tubing out from the nasal exit of the duct (the pull technique). The pushed intubation method was used for the four simple nasolacrimal stenoses, with no problems whatsoever. In all four cases, endoscopic examination showed (a) no submucosal tunneling (false passage), (b) no noteworthy mucosal damage, and (c) no retraction (bunch-up) of the silicone tube during the metal guide removal. No particular complications were reported during the procedure or the intubation period, which lasted an average of 3 weeks. The stents were removed in the consulting room. Tearing ceased during the 1(st) week in two cases, during the intubation period. Tearing persisted throughout the intubation period in the other two cases, but ceased during the week following stent removal. The follow-up lasted 2 months., Conclusions: The pushed procedure simplifies monocanalicular nasal intubation. Its indications remain to be determined.

Introduction: In France in 2009, newly operated patients after cataract surgery are usually seen by their surgeon the day after surgery (D1). The value of this day-after visit has been undergoing reassessment for some years, but this visit remains in widespread use in France. The aim of this study was to assess whether this visit changes patient management., Patients and Methods: One hundred three consecutive patients (106 eyes) undergoing cataract surgery by phacoemulsification were prospectively treated in our department (82% were outpatients). All intraoperative events were noted. The day after surgery, we monitored ocular tension, the anterior segment, and the fundus. Every change in the postoperative prescription compared with a standard prescription was noted., Results: Intraoperative complications occurred in eight cases. On D1, six patients had ocular hypertension that exceeded 24 mmHg, 14 had a corneal edema, six had corneal erosion, two had a Seidel, one had an anterior subluxation of the IOL, and one had retinal detachment. In 26 cases (24.5%), the prescription was changed compared to our standard prescription., Discussion: Several studies have shown that the day-after-surgery visit was not mandatory. The main objective of this visit is to check for ocular hypertension. More rarely, it can detect a Seidel in front of the wound, incorrect position of the IOL, retinal detachment, or other complications that may require surgery., Conclusion: The day-after-surgery visit remains necessary after phacoemulsification because complications, sometimes unpredictable, can occur and compromise the result of surgery. This visit also has an educational value (to reiterate to the patients the symptoms that would require an emergency visit)., (Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The prognosis for Fusarium keratitis is poor. Effective drugs to treat this infection are therefore needed., Case Report: A patient presented Fusarium solani keratitis. The infection regressed with topical amphotericin B and intravenous voriconazole. Topical steroids were introduced. There was reactivation and extension of the infection, invading the anterior chamber. Steroids were discontinued and the antifungal treatment was restarted but there was continued deterioration. Recovery was achieved without surgery, with topical voriconazole, topical liposomal amphotericin B, topical natamycin, intravenous liposomal amphotericin B, and intravenous voriconazole., Conclusion: Combined orally and topically administered voriconazole is a promising therapy when the minimum inhibitory concentration is approximately 2 microg/ml. Liposomal amphotericin B seems to be the most effective drug for the different infection stages. Posaconazole is a useful alternative but further investigations must be pursued.

Aims: Evaluate the efficacy of a little-used surgical method: corneal tattooing, using a dermograph to hide unsightly corneal scars on nonfunctional eyes., Patients and Methods: Retrospective study of 14 eyes of 13 patients treated by tattooing the corneal surface, by directly introducing the pigments into the corneal stroma using a dermograph. The effectiveness of tattooing was evaluated by pigmentation homogeneity and patient satisfaction. Tolerance was evaluated by the scarring at the 7th day and ocular inflammation. The average follow-up was 18 months., Results: Fourteen eyes presented an unaesthetic, neovascularized major corneal edema (79% traumatism). In 12 eyes, the treatment was homogeneous with a very satisfactory aesthetic result for the patient. One eye presented minor complications of pigmentary migration. One eye presented a corneal perforation 40 days after the procedure on a very pathological cornea., Conclusion: Corneal tattooing using a dermograph is a little-used technique since changes in corneal transplantation indications but is also a simple and inexpensive alternative for corneal scar treatment on nonfunctional eyes.

Introduction: Ophthalmological indications for traditional hospitalizations are not clearly established and should be updated with respect to both healthcare quality and economic considerations. We therefore analyzed the data of patients hospitalized in an ophthalmology department., Patients and Method: We prospectively analyzed the medical and socioeconomic charts of all patients hospitalized during a 2-month period (December 2006 and January 2007) in a single ophthalmology department., Results: Over the 2 months, 349 patients were admitted (mean stay, 3 days), 324 of whom were operated. The main causes of admission were retinal detachments (n=103), injuries (n=33), endothelial cell failure (n=27), cataract (n=27), high ocular pressure (n=23), and corneal abscess (n=17). Admission was mainly guided by the surgeon's habits (n=135, 39%) and was not medically relevant but was generally motivated by financial considerations. Other hospital admissions were medically justified (intravenous injections, head positioning) but the hospitalization of patients living far from the hospital (n=46; 13%) could be limited by the development of housing made available to patients., Conclusion: Ophthalmological hospitalization is not always medically relevant and often is based on financial or housing constraints. More than half of the classical admissions should be switched to ambulatory patient care by adapting financial compensations to surgical costs or providing outpatient housing.

Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is a congenital, generally X-linked dermatosis that associates facial dysmorphy, short stature, and severe blepharitis. The anomalies of the skin are epidermic abnormalities; reduction of the glands of the derm, particularly the sweat glands, explaining the hypohidrosis; onychodysplasia; trichodysplasia; and abnormal dentition. The ophthalmologic manifestations are palpebral anomalies with a reduction in or an absence of Meibomian glands, dysfunction of the Moll and Zeis glands, leading to chronic squamous blepharitis and lacrimal punctal atresia. These anomalies result in severe attacks of the ocular surface, developing during the second decade, which are often invalidating and require a rigorous follow-up to avoid corneal complications.

Purpose: To quantify the visual outcome obtained in patients operated on for penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus (KC) after 1 and 2 years., Patients: and methods: The files from consecutive keratoconus patients operated on for PKP after more than 2 years of follow-up were retrospectively studied. The demographic charts, the KC stage, and the surgical features were noted. The best corrected visual acuities (BSCVA) were analyzed at the initial examination and after 1 and 2 years of follow-up., Results: One hundred and two eyes from 98 patients were analyzed, including 83 grade 4 (81%) and 19 grade 3 (18%) cases of KC. The mean preoperative BSCVA was 0.08 on the decimal chart, which increased to 0.5 and 0.6 1 and 2 years after penetrating keratoplasty (p<0.001, respectively). The mean keratometric astigmatism was 3.80+/-2.9 D and 3.94+/-2.3 D for the grade 3 and 4 KC, respectively, after 1 year and 2.52+/-1.9 D and 3.34+/-2.2 D after 2 years (NS). At this time point, 81% of the eyes had less than 5 D astigmatism., Conclusion: One and 2 years after penetrating keratoplasty, a mean BSCVA of 0.5 and 0.6 could reasonably be expected in keratoconus patients and three-quarters of patients can be expected to see better than 0.5 after 2 years.

Introduction: We report an atypical case of scleral perforation due to an inadvertent intravitreal lidocaine injection following palpebral anesthesia. We discuss the management of this rare complication and focus on the transient lidocaine toxicity on human retina., Observation: A 29-year-old man presented with unilateral decreased vision during a lower right palpebral anesthetic injection for a chalazion removal procedure. The patient's vision was light perception. Examination revealed intraocular pressure at 55 mmHg, a wound of the posterior crystalloid, an intraocular gas bubble, and a central retinal artery spasm. On ERG, the b wave was decreased. The central retinal artery spasm resolved with prompt reduction of hypertony. Twenty-four hours later, the vision was 6/10 and the ERG showed an increased b wave activity. No clinical retinal toxicity of lidocaine was observed. Only a subcapsular cataract was observed, which had caused the loss of vision., Conclusion: This case confirms that lidocaine is well tolerated by the retina and reminds us that superficial palpebral anesthetic injection should be done with great caution.

We present a patient with ocular ischemia following autologous refined fat injection (lipostructure) into the glabellar area to treat wrinkles. We think this visual loss is directly a consequence of the surgery, by retrograde arteriolar microembolus into the ophthalmic artery via peripheral anastomoses with the arteries of the face. These complications are on the rise because of the esthetic facial injections of viscous materials. We explain the pathophysiology and present a review of the litterature.

Purpose: We showed in a previous study that procyanidolic oligomers (PCOs) from grape seeds effectively protect corneal stroma against degradation by bacterial collagenase. Here we report the study of the effect of PCOs on protein and collagen composition of cornea and on the biosynthesis of corneal collagens., Methods: Bovine corneas were used in explant cultures. We quantitatively determined total proteins and collagen as well as the incorporation of 3H-proline in separated collagen types. Collagens type I, V, and VI were separated and quantitated. In order to understand some of the results obtained, we studied the interaction of PCO with collagen type I separately., Results: In the absence of PCOs, collagen typing and 3H-proline incorporation yielded the expected results for a normal cornea, with the usual proportion of the three major types of collagens. In presence of PCOs at 1 mg/ml and after 24 h incubation, total proteins and collagens decreased, as did papain-extractable collagens. Proteins in the final residue solubilized in 1 M KOH-80% v/v aqueous ethanol increased. The proportion of the three principal collagens was also modified: type I became preponderant, and the proportions of the two others (type V and VI) decreased. The study of the interaction of collagen type I with PCOs showed that 30% of total PCOs do not interact with collagen, 20% interact reversibly, and 50% of PCOs are strongly and irreversibly fixed. This strongly fixed fraction could not be separated from collagen by either column chromatography or collagenase or KOH in aqueous ethanol., Conclusions: Bovine corneas in explant cultures in presence of PCOs undergo a modification of their protein and collagen content, with a concurrent modification of the proportion of collagens types I, V, and VI. Collagen type I predominates, and the two other types decrease. Study of the collagen type I-PCO interaction showed that roughly 50% of PCOs become irreversibly fixed to collagen, resisting collagenase or other methods of separation. This strong PCO-collagen type I interaction explains the decrease in solubility.

Introduction: Silicone oil is used in the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment when there is a high risk of postoperative proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). This type of internal tamponade can be responsible for serious side effects. Removal of silicone oil is necessary to ensure a long-lasting functional result. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of using a transient internal tamponade with silicone oil., Patients and Methods: A retrospective review of cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment treated with internal tamponade with silicone oil for the first time in a 1-year period (January 2001 to December 2001) was conducted. We studied the type of retinal detachment, treatment before vitrectomy and silicone oil tamponade, indication for silicone oil tamponade, surgical steps and their results, causes of recurrent retinal detachment, and final visual acuity. Anatomical success was defined as a reattached retina after silicone oil removal., Results: Ninety-three patients were included. Anatomical success was achieved, after one or several procedures, in 71 patients (76.3%). The mean total number of surgical procedures was 2.6. After initial surgery, recurrence of retinal detachment after removal of silicone oil occurred in 17.0% of the cases. Recurrence of retinal detachment under silicone oil occurred in 45.1% of the cases; the cause of the recurrence was PVR in 97.6% of those patients. No serious complication of silicone oil tamponade occurred. The mean duration of the tamponade was 6.7 months. The best results were achieved among patients showing no recurrence with silicone oil: visual acuity above 4/200 in 84.6% of the patients, above 20/200 in 61.5% of the patients and above 80/200 in 20.5% of the patients. In case of recurrence with silicone oil treatment, visual acuity reached 4/200 in 70.4% of the patients and was above 20/200 in 25.9% of the patients., Discussion and Conclusion: The results of this study are equivalent to those of studies in which analysis was made after removal of silicone oil. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy remains the only risk factor of retinal detachment recurrence with silicone oil (p<0.01). The number of previous surgeries is not a risk factor for postoperative PVR. Retinectomy is a surgical procedure that seems to improve the results in cases of severe PVR.

Purpose: Early treatment of amebic stromal keratitis can change patients' final visual and esthetic prognosis. The aim of this study was to review all proven Acanthamoeba stromal keratitis cases presenting at our ophthalmology emergency department over the past 3 years, in order to delineate the incidence and the factors still leading to this serious complication., Patients: and methods: All cases of Acanthamoeba stromal keratitis confirmed with a parasitology examination and treated between January 2000 and December 2002 were recorded. During this period of time, eight patients were identified with this condition. Their charts, as well as biomicroscopic, therapeutic, and outcome data were analyzed., Results: All patients were referred in a second or third intention. Only one patient did not usually wear contact lenses. Six patients had an associated bacterial abscess. The typical amebic annular infiltrate was only observed in one patient. Three patients received an effective antiamebic treatment in the 15 days following the first symptoms and five patients 1 month or more after. An emergency keratoplasty was carried out in one patient. Finally, visual acuity was lower than 5/10 in all cases. The patients treated in the first 15 days had the best final visual acuity., Discussion: Soft contact lenses are still responsible for the majority of serious amebic corneal complications. Late diagnosis remains the main cause of Acanthamoeba stromal keratitis development, particularly in the absence of contact lens history, because of the delay in treatment., Conclusion: The catastrophic consequences of this complication justify a systematic treatment against ameba in each case of suspected diagnosis. An early and effective treatment of the stromal amebic keratitis can increase the final visual prognosis.

Purpose: To explore tumors of the limbus with a new in vivo confocal microscope and to compare the images to histology results., Methods: We evaluated three tumors in three patients with the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II, Rostock Cornea Module. A diagnostic and therapeutic excision with adjunctive cryotherapy was performed for each individual. Confocal microscopy was compared to histopathologic sections., Results: Histology identified two dysplasias and one carcinoma in situ. The main pathological features were visible on our images: cytonuclear atypias, epithelial folds into an inflammatory and vascularized conjunctival stroma, fine vessels perpendicular to the surface, a clear limit with normal epithelium, papillomatous organization, and abnormal keratinization., Conclusion: Our preliminary study showed that this type of limbal tumor could be explored using in vivo confocal microscopy. We were not able to determine whether there was a microinvasion. This new method could be a diagnostic aid, especially for atypical lesions and for follow-up because of frequent recurrences. Other studies are necessary to confirm our hypothesis.

A 74-year-old woman consulted for bloody tears. The etiology was a large conjunctival nodular melanoma hidden in the left superior fornix that had developed quietly on an unknown primary acquired melanosis. In this report the clinical and histological features as well as the treatment are presented. A decisional tree summarizes the treatment for conjunctival melanosis.

A 56-year-old female patient displayed an increased volume of her left lacrimal gland with pain and inflammation. On CT scan, a hyperdense lacrimal mass was found in the left lacrimal fossa. Observation was the first course, for no steroid therapy could be applied because of evolving digestive ulcers. After 9 months of observation, the gland was surgically removed en bloc through a wide anterolateral approach. Pathological analysis of the gland showed a pleomorphic adenoma. This case illustrates the advantage of a wide surgical approach in treating lacrimal gland tumors, in order to avoid or limit the risk of recurrence.

Eye burns are frequent among eye traumas. They induce different effects on the ocular structures, depending on the type of burn: chemical, with an important difference between acids and bases, thermal, or ionizing rays. The physiopathology of eye burns reflects the different stages of progression, with a first stage of destruction, a second stage of cleaning and inflammation, and a last stage of reconstruction and scarring. The final prognosis depends on the initial lesions, not only involving the eye ball, but also the conjunctiva and eyelids. Chemical burns by basic fluids have the worst prognosis because they are able to penetrate the tissues quickly. Burns by acids have a better prognosis and thermal burns are located only at the injured area. Treatment is most effective at the initial stage of destruction and can dramatically change the prognosis. The secondary phase of cleaning includes the entire biochemical cascade of inflammation and the production of proteases. At this stage, treatment can be effective but must be closely monitored because it can inhibit progression to the last stage of scarring. At the scarring stage, neovascularization begins, induced by initial ischemia, the reconstruction of epithelium with a probable role of stem cells, the reconstruction of nerve fibers depending on the nerve growth factor (NGF), and the reconstruction of extracellular matrix in which matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are essential. At this stage, therapy can only be surgery of functional after effects and esthetic anomalies.

Introduction: The introduction of a porous, biocolonizable, orbital implant is difficult after a classic evisceration. We have developed a modification of the method that provides better results., Material and Methods: Four scleral squares pediculized on the right oculomotor muscles were cut. They were sutured two-by-two over the anterior part of the implant., Results: Fifteen patients were operated. There were no complications during a mean follow-up of 12.4 months., Discussion: The soft anterior tissues were protected by the two vascularized scleral layers. The diameter of the implant was 18 mm for three patients, 20 mm for eight patients, and 22 mm for four patients. Operating time was much shorter than with enucleation and covering of the implant with autologous sclera., Conclusion: Evisceration with the four-square technique is a safe and quick method, which can be used for most patients, except those with an intraocular neoplasia.

Purpose: Cyclosporine administration is very effective in the case of immunological diseases of the cornea, conjunctive or uvea. Moreover, it is widely used in the case of high-risk rejection corneal transplantation. We present a preparation of cyclosporine 2% eye drops., Methods: Cyclosporine 2% eye drops are prepared following a particular formulation including one part commercially available cyclosporine oral solution (Sandimmun) diluted in four parts of sterile castor oil. Manufacturing procedures maintain the sterile state of the preparation with a laminar airflow hood placed in a particulate controlled room, with pharmacists, technicians and clerical personnel wearing sterile clothes. Physical and chemical monitoring during and after manufacture for each batch guarantees the process and minimizes the risk of batch rejection. Chemical analysis of cyclosporine is conducted using a validated stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic assay (reverse-phase). Blood dosages taken after the first administration at the 24th hour (after administration of the 6th drop) check for systemic integration., Results: Cyclosporine 2% eye drops are fairly stable: 12 months after manufacturing, concentrations result in levels not statistically different from concentrations measured the day of preparation. After a daily regimen of six drops in the eye, cyclosporine 2% eye drops have a very low systemic bioavailability, because the blood concentrations only reach the detection limit of the fluorescence polarization immunoassay used for cyclosporine drug monitoring. This explains the absence of systemic toxicity., Conclusion: Cyclosporine 2% eye drops can be available in the hospital pharmacy. The eye drops are stable at room temperature and can be delivered up to 12 months after manufacture. No local adverse effects have been noted, probably in relation with the very low concentration of ethanol in the ocular preparation.

A 6-year-old girl had a single molluscum contagiosum of the lower eyelid. Clinically, the tumor had grown slowly since it had been discovered 8 months before the child was seen at our consultation. It appeared as a nodular lesion on the middle part of the eyelid. Its surface was irregular and its color was the same as the epidermis. It was surgically excised, using the shaving biopsy technique. Its histopathological study showed a papillomatous lesion with the typical features of a molluscum contagiosum. The patient was lost to follow-up soon after the surgery.

A 3-year-old girl had a tumor growing for a month on the superior right eyelid, attached on the free margin of the eyelid and partially necrotic. A surgical excision was performed under general anesthesia. The histopathological study found an inflammatory lesion with epithelioid and giant cells, evidence of a granuloma, suggesting the diagnosis of chalazion. This case shows the various clinical presentations of this common and benign disease of the eyelid.

A 28-year-old male patient had a chalazion on his left eyelid. Increased discomfort led to the discovery of a conjunctival mass under the inner part of his upper eyelid. On clinical examination, a small reddish mass on the palpebral conjunctiva of the upper left eyelid was only visible on the underside of the lid; the mass was diffusely reddish. Additionally, a chalazion was present in the middle of the lower left eyelid. As this condition was a source of discomfort to the patient, the mass was surgically resected. The histological study found a typical pyogenic granuloma, a possible complication in the course of a chalazion.

Pseudophakic bullous keratopathy is one of the most common complications of intraocular lenses, which explains the high rate of this condition in series of patients experiencing corneal grafts. It is caused by irreversible damage to the endothelial layer of the implanted eye involving the artificial lens, and occurs either during cataract extraction or after the operation. Intraoperative endothelial protection and the choice of an appropriate lens may contribute to decreasing this secondary disease, which can have severe consequences for many patients whose corneal graft may not restore their visual potential as well as expected. We report a clinicopathological case of a 59-year-old male, previously operated on for cataract in both eyes with an anterior chamber lens. A bilateral corneal edema occurred a few years after the operation, with a bilateral decrease in vision as a consequence. A corneal graft was performed in 2000 on the left eye in order to improve the patient's visual autonomy. The best treatment of this condition remains prevention, avoiding the use of this type of intraocular lens, whose main complication is corneal edema.

A cutaneous horn was observed close to the free margin of the inferior right eyelid in a 26-year-old-male patient. A minimal resection was primarily performed. Histopathologic study disclosed a precancerous keratosis. As the tumor had not been entirely excised, a complementary resection was performed secondarily to obtain the entire resection of the tumor.

Conjunctival nevi are lesions observed commonly occasionnally and can be found later in a life. Such a lesion was observed on the conjunctival semilunar fold in a 76-year-old female patient. It was oval in shape, pigmented, and was mainly visible when the affected eye was in abduction. As no accurate anterior clinical history was available, surgical resection was performed. Hitopathological study disclosed a subepithelial nevus, which was completely resected. Regular follow-up was recommended, as is usual after surgical resection of a conjunctival pigmented tumor.

This is the first report of three cases of severe acute corneal graft rejection, treated by transscleral methylprednisolone (Solumédrol) iontophoresis. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated by corneal transparency, visual acuity and corneal inflammation parameters. The patient was treated with Solumédrol iontophoresis once a day for 3 days with a topical corticotherapy reduced to three drops of dexamethasone per day. Iontophoresis was performed, under topical anesthesia, and lasted 3 minutes with a 1.5-mA current. The subjective and objective tolerance of iontophoresis was good. No side-effect was observed. Corneal transparency and visual acuity improved rapidly after the second iontophoresis procedure. These observations show that Solumédrol iontophoresis might be an alternative to pulse therapy in the treatment of corneal graft rejection. Further comparative studies are necessary to confirm these preliminary observations.

Purpose: To report incidence and circumstances of aphakic anterior chamber intraocular lens implantation., Methods: Retrospective study of medical charts of anterior chamber intraocular lens implantation in the Ophthalmology Department, Hôtel Dieu, Paris, from 1996 to 2000, investigating the number of anterior intraocular lenses (ACIOL) implanted, circumstances, and incidence during cataract extraction., Results: One hundred and forty-three ACIOLs (139 patients, 60 men, 79 women) were implanted. The mean age was 75.98+/-10.6 years [range, 35-96 years]. All ACIOLs were of open-loop design: open C-loop or Kelman lens. Four circumstances leading to ACIOL implantation were reported: extracapsular cataract extraction with intraoperative complications (94 cases), intracapsular cataract extraction (13 cases), secondary implantation (20 cases), and penetrating keratoplasty with ACIOL (9 cases). Since 1996, the number of ACIOLs implanted each year has decreased (p<0.01): 1.09% of cataract extractions performed in 1996 were implanted with ACIOLs and 0.43% in 2000. At the end of the 5-year period, 12,580 cataract extractions had been performed in our department, with a mean incidence of ACIOL implantation at 0.85%., Conclusion: ACIOLs continue to be implanted in some cases in the absence of capsular support. Because of endothelial complications, they must be reserved for elderly patients. Endothelial surveillance using specular microscopy remains indispensable.

A clinicopathological case of a 76-year-old male patient with a chronic inflammatory change of the inferior left eyelid is reported. The inflammation appeared as a reddish area of the inner part of the eyelid, without sharp limits, but with loss of lashes. Numerous local treatments did not to cure this condition. As some true eyelid tumors may mimic an inflammation during growth and, for example, sebaceous carcinoma may clinically present as chronic unilateral blepharitis, a surgical excisional biopsy was performed on this left eyelid. Its histopathological study showed a granulomatous inflammation, which was typical of a simple chalazion. This case clearly illustrates that the chalazion may not always appear as a limited nodular inflammation of the eyelid, but may have a more diffuse clinical presentation.

The clinicopathologic case of a 53-year-old female patient with an abnormal tumor growing on the mucous part of the superior right eyelid is reported. The patient was operated on for ten years ago and a whitish mass slowly developed on the conjunctival face of the eyelid disturbing the use of corneal lenses. It was hard, painless and had the shape of a flat mushroom. The removal was performed under local anesthesia and allowed us to resect a hard and fibrous lesion. Histopathology showed that the lesion was made of a fibrous tissue organized like a hypertrophic scar. Surgical treatment of chalazion is frequent and rarely gives rise to abnormal scarring.

A 6-year-old girl exhibited a recent caruncular tumor which was increasing in size. It was removed after a CT scan had showed a both medial and superficial mass. Fortunately, histological tests only found inflammatory cells attesting that the mass was due to an inflammation of this area. Inflammation is one of the different processes that may increase the size of the caruncle, but sometimes, only histopathology can provide conclusive evidence.

A cystic cutaneous mass was observed on the lateral canthus of the left eyelid in a 25-year-old woman, 2 years after being operated on for a lesion that had existed in the same area several years before, but the patient could not identify its nature. The present mass appeared as a well-circumscribed bluish cystic lesion. A surgical resection was performed; pathological analysis disclosed a cystic sweat tumor composed of several contiguous cysts. One year of follow-up has revealed no complications.

A 67-year-old woman had three different tumors of the eyelids. The most prominent one was a nevus of the free margin of the inferior left eyelid. The nevus was followed for 18 months without change while two epidermal papillomatous tumors grew and were surgically removed. Histopathology disclosed that one tumor was a seborrheic keratosis and the other was a pre-epitheliomatous keratosis. Histologic evaluation of the margins showed that surgical removal was complete. A regular examination of the scars was recommended to the patient.

Introduction: Due to a long-term alteration in their chemical composition, resulting in excessive swelling, Miragel scleral buckles are now commonly removed. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics and the outcome of patients needing Miragel buckling removal., Methods: Retrospective analysis between 1997 and 1999 of the charts of patients successfully treated for retinal detachment and in whom a Miragelepiscleral buckle was removed after surgery with a minimal follow-up of 6 months after removal., Results: The study group consisted of 24 eyes of 13 women and 11 men. Their mean age at removal was 47.1+/-18.4 years. The removed buckle was encircling in nine cases (37.5%), circumferential (<180 degrees ) in 11 cases (45.8%) and radial in four cases (16.7%). An exposed buckle was observed in two cases (8.3%). Reasons for removal were excessive swelling of the buckle inducing ocular motility disturbance in 23 cases and infection of an extruded buckle in only one case. The mean time between implantation and removal was 91.9+/-28.7 months (range 20-120). One case of scleral perforation during removal and one case of retinal redetachment were observed. Three cases of persistent ocular motility disturbance after removal were also noted., Conclusion: Late swelling of the buckle was the main reason for removal. Patients undergoing Miragel buckling removal should be informed of scleral perforation during removal, retinal redetachment and persistence of ocular motility disturbance as possible complications.

An 80-year-old male patient experienced recently diagnosed swelling of the limbal conjunctiva. In his clinical history were found cataract surgery on the right eye 3 months before, chronic open angle glaucoma effectively treated by local eye drops, treated systemic hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. On ophthalmic examination, a conjunctival mass was present in the inferior lateral conjunctival quadrant next to the limbus, with numerous vessels visible at its top. Treatment with topical corticosteroids failed to obtain regression, but decreased the local inflammatory signs. The persistence of the mass led to its surgical excision under local anesthesia. Histopathology found a subepithelial accumulation of modified collagen bundles typical of elastotic degeneration. Capillary vessels were seen in the superficial subepithelial area, attesting to the high degree of vascularization observed clinically. The final diagnosis was a pinguecula, which was not exactly located on the horizontal meridian area as it is usual.

Among corneal dystrophies, the keratoconus is one of the most frequently observed among young adults. A clinico pathological case is reported in a 13-year-old-girl of African origin. The diagnosis of bilateral keratoconus was established based on the obvious changes of the corneal curvature and thickness. After an unsuccessful attempt to improve vision with contact lenses, a keratoplasty was finally performed on one side to remove the pathological cornea. Its histopathological study found the characteristic changes of keratoconus: breaks of Bowman's layer and corneal thinning.

Chicken pox is a very common infectious disease in children. Its corneal involvement is less serious than with measles, which may lead to blindness in numerous developing countries. However, with occasional cases occur. A case of a 59-year-old male patient whose left cornea was involved during a chicken pox infection at the age of 7 is reported. More recently, the vision of the right eye was normal at 20/20 and reduced to visual perception in the affected left eye. Corneal sensitivity was maintained in the left eye, which, however exhibited a central epithelial defect. A central round opacity of the left corneal stroma was believed to be the scar resulting from a previous disciform keratitis. The left central cornea was thinned and there was neither an anterior chamber flare nor new corneal vessels. This corneal condition required a corneal allograft, performed quickly because of the potential risk of perforation. Histopathological study of the corneal button showed a central corneal thinning with an increase in epithelial thickness. The corneal stroma was disorganized, with irregular collagen bundles. No inflammatory cells could be observed, however. All the histopathological changes observed were those of a corneal scar.

A clinicopathologic case of a 41-year-old female patient exhibited a single cutaneous tumor at the inner part of the free margin of the inferior left eyelid. It was a pink, fleshy, and nodular well-circumscribed exophytic mass with thin vessels on its surface. Experienced already for 20 years, this lesion had been observed 6 years before and has not exhibited much change since then. However, its clinical appearance argued for a possible small basal cell carcinoma, which had grown over the inferior left lachrymal duct. After surgical removal, histopathology showed that the tumor was an amelanotic dermal nevus. No disturbance of lachrymal drainage was observed after surgery. This case shows that nodular amelanotic tumors of the eyelid, even when located on the inner segment of the eyelid, may be a nevus.

Purpose: This retrospective study was designed to investigate the therapeutic potential of phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) for the treatment of map-dot-fingerprint corneal dystrophy (MDFCD)., Patients and Methods: PTK was performed with the Excimed UV 200 and with the Nidek EC5000 on 38 patients (55 eyes). Mean patient age was 51 years (range, 28-86 years). The mean follow-up period was 19 months (range, 8-54 months). The treatment goal for each patient was to improve vision (17 eyes), to heal recurrent corneal erosions (28 eyes) or both (10 eyes)., Results: In 13 of 17 eyes (76.47%) with reduction in visual acuity, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved by two lines or more. In 36 eyes of 38 (94.7%) with recurrent corneal erosions, there was no recurrence during the follow-up period. No decreased BCVA was noted. No recurrence of corneal dystrophic changes was seen in the ablation zone at the final follow-up. The mean hyperopic shift caused by tissue ablation was +O.55+/-1.35 after 1 year., Conclusion: Excimer laser PTK is a safe and effective outpatient treatment and should be used as initial treatment for MDFCD.

Aim of the Study: The purpose of this work was the development of an antiprotease treatment for the cornea and later for other ocular tissues. Indeed, many proteases participate in various ocular pathologies and no really effective treatments are currently available., Methods: We worked on bovine corneas in organ cultures, incubated in the presence and absence of bacterial collagenase. We used procyanidolic oligomers from grape seeds (PCO) as the antiproteolytic agent, added to the cultures in two different concentrations., Results: The corneas incubated in the presence of collagenase were quickly attacked and their degradation was practically complete after 24 hours. With the low concentration used (0.066 mg/ml), proteolysis was only slightly inhibited. With the higher concentration of PCO (1 mg/ml), the collagenolysis was completely prevented and the corneas were completely preserved., Conclusion: These results show that the protective effect of the PCO against proteolytic attack, demonstrated previously on other tissues, proved to be effective also for the cornea in vitro. An adequate method of administration in clinical practice must now be developed in order to obtain an effective clinical antiproteolytic treatment.

A 25-year-old-male patient had one keratinized tumor on the inferior right eyelid, first observed 5 months before. Its size had been increasing for the last three weeks. The visual function was normal. Clinical examination disclosed a papillomatous lesion on the cutaneous middle part of the eyelid. A surgical excision was performed under local anesthesia. The histopathological study found a papillomatous epidermal proliferation with both structural and cytological atypias, concluding with a precancerous keratosis of the eyelid.

A 43-year-old female patient had an amelanotic single tumor thickening the upper right eyelid and observed since early childhood. Clinically, it appeared as a firm mass, without sharp margins, giving a thickened appearance to the superior eyelid. The ophthalmic clinical examination was normal but some subcutaneous nodules attested to the diffusion of the disease recognized as a limited form of neurofibromatosis 1. Although well tolerated, it gave rise to a cosmetic disturbance and the patient was willing to undergo an excision. A complete surgical excision was performed on the lesions and the pathological study disclosed a typical neurofibroma. Regular observation of the different cutaneous nodules was recommended.

Purpose: Retinal detachment (RD) is a major complication of cataract surgery, which can be treated by either primary vitrectomy without indentation or the scleral buckling procedure. The aim of this study is to compare the results of these two techniques for the treatment of pseudophakic RD., Patients and Methods: The charts of 40 patients (40 eyes) treated with scleral buckling for a primary pseudophakic RD were retrospectively studied and compared to the charts of 32 patients (32 eyes) treated with primary vitrectomy without scleral buckle during the same period by the same surgeons. To obtain comparable samples, patients with giant retinal tears, vitreous hemorrhage, and severe preoperative proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) were not included. Minimal follow-up was 6 months., Results: The primary success rate was 84% in the vitrectomy group and 82.5% in the ab-externo group. Final anatomical success was observed in 100% of cases in the vitrectomy group and in 95% of cases in the ab-externo group. Final visual acuity was 0.5 or better in 44% of cases in the vitrectomy group and 37.5% in the ab-externo group. The duration of the surgery was significantly lower in the ab-externo group, whereas the hospital stay tended to be lower in the vitrectomy group. In the vitrectomy group, postoperative PVR developed in 3 eyes and new or undetected breaks were responsible for failure of the initial procedure in 2 eyes., Conclusion: Primary vitrectomy appears to be as effective as scleral buckling procedures for the treatment of pseudophakic RD.

There are numerous variants of cutaneous tumors involving the eyelids. Tumors of a different nature may at times be observed simultaneously in the same area of the eyelid. A clinicopathologic case of a 36-year-old male patient with 2 different cutaneous tumors at the nasal part of the left eyelid is reported. One was a nodular tumor on the inner canthus with a pearly appearance; the other had a papillomatous pattern. After surgical removal, the histopathological study of the tumors disclosed a typical basal cell carcinoma and a squamous cell papilloma. Both tumors can be commonly observed on the eyelids and surgical excision cured the patient.

A 46-year-old female patient had a tumor of the free margin area of the superior right eyelid, appearing as the fourth recurrence of a primary lesion, occurring 24 years before. The lesion was covered with a thick layer of keratin, giving it a grayish and black color. Excision was performed without involving the free margin. Histopathology disclosed that the tumor was a seborrheic keratosis, which was not completely removed. As the lesion was benign, no further surgery was performed but regular examination was recommended to the patient.