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Purpose: To report histopathologic findings in a case of bilateral corneal ectasia following intrastromal femtosecond laser presbyopia surgery., Methods: Case report., Results: A 56-year-old patient was referred for bilateral corneal ectasia. He was treated for hyperopia using LASIK twice in both eyes. A bilateral femtosecond laser intrastromal presbyopia correction was secondarily performed. The patient complained of progressive loss of distance visual acuity shortly after. Corneal topography showed a bilateral central corneal protrusion. Rigid contact lenses were successfully fitted on the right eye and, because the patient still complained, a deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty was performed in the left eye. Light and electronic microscopy of the corneal button revealed that the inner intrastromal incision crossed the LASIK interface and led to stromal bed dehiscence., Conclusion: This case illustrates that intrastromal refractive surgery should not be recommended in eyes previously treated by lamellar refractive surgery.

The macroscopic study of choroidal melanoma gives information on tumor extension and tumor size, which help in determining the prognosis and in making the therapeutic choice. Numerous microscopic changes observed in melanomas are also important in the prognosis. However, the number of available histologic specimens has dramatically decreased since the generalized use of conservative radiation treatment. Except in cases of enucleation or choroidectomy, the histologic criteria to establish the prognosis are not available in many cases and cannot be used for wide-range statistical studies.

Purpose: This study reports the results of proton beam radiotherapy based on a retrospective series of patients treated for uveal melanoma at the Orsay Center., Methods and Materials: Between September 1991 and September 2001, 1,406 patients with uveal melanoma were treated by proton beam radiotherapy. A total dose of 60 cobalt Gray equivalent (CGE) was delivered in 4 fractions on 4 days. Survival rates were determined using Kaplan-Meier estimates. Prognostic factors were determined by multivariate analysis using the Cox model., Results: The median follow-up was 73 months (range, 24-142 months). The 5-year overall survival and metastasis-free survival rates were 79% and 80.6%, respectively. The 5-year local control rate was 96%. The 5-year enucleation for complications rate was 7.7%. Independent prognostic factors for overall survival were age (p < 0.0001), gender (p < 0.0003), tumor site (p < 0.0001), tumor thickness (p = 0.02), tumor diameter (p < 0.0001), and retinal area receiving at least 30 CGE (p = 0.003). Independent prognostic factors for metastasis-free survival were age (p = 0.0042), retinal detachment (p = 0.01), tumor site (p < 0.0001), tumor volume (p < 0.0001), local recurrence (p < 0.0001), and retinal area receiving at least 30 CGE (p = 0.002). Independent prognostic factors for local control were tumor diameter (p = 0.003) and macular area receiving at least 30 CGE (p = 0.01). Independent prognostic factors for enucleation for complications were tumor thickness (p < 0.0001) and lens volume receiving at least 30 CGE (p = 0.0002)., Conclusion: This retrospective study confirms that proton beam radiotherapy ensures an excellent local control rate. Further clinical studies are required to decrease the incidence of postirradiation ocular complications.

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.

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.

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.

Background: To describe the indications for removal of Miragel episcleral buckles and to compare them with removed silicone sponges and solid silicone indentations., Methods: Retrospective analysis of the charts of patients successfully treated for retinal detachment in whom the episcleral buckle was removed after surgery, with a minimal follow-up of 6 months., Results: In a series of 90 eyes of 90 patients, including 38 cases of Miragel elements, 25 cases of solid silicone, and 27 cases of silicone sponge removal, the duration of indentation before removal was significantly longer with Miragel (91.9 months) than with solid silicone (10.6 months) and silicone sponges (18.6 months). In eyes treated with Miragel elements, swelling of the material with progressive limitation of ocular motility and protrusion of the buckle beneath the eyelids indicated its removal in 34 (89.5%) eyes. Infection of the buckle and erosion of the conjunctiva with an exposed indentation were significantly more common with silicone buckles. Overall, scleral perforation occurred in four (4.4%) eyes, and retinal redetachment occurred in eight (8.8%) eyes., Conclusion: Late swelling of Miragel buckling elements represents a common indication for buckle removal, significantly different from silicone indentations.

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.

The biocompatibility of autocatalyzed poly(ortho ester) (POE(70)LA(30)), a viscous, hydrophobic, bioerodible polymer, was investigated. POE(70)LA(30) was synthesized, sterilized by gamma irradiation, and injected in rabbit eyes at adequate volumes through subconjunctival, intracameral, intravitreal, and suprachoroidal routes. Clinical examinations were performed postoperatively at regular time points for 6 mo, and histopathologic analysis was carried out to confirm tissular biocompatibility. After subconjunctival injection, the polymer was well tolerated and persisted in the subconjunctival space for about 5 weeks. In the case of intracameral injections, polymer biocompatibility was good; the POE(70)LA(30) bubble was still present in the anterior chamber for up to 6 mo after injection. No major histopathologic anomalies were detected, with the exception of a localized Descemet membrane thickening. After intravitreal administration, POE(70)LA(30) biocompatibility was excellent, and no inflammatory reaction could be detected during the observation period. The polymer was degraded in approximately 3 mo. Suprachoroidal injections of POE(70)LA(30) were reproducible and well tolerated. POE(70)LA(30) triggered a slight elevation of the retina and choroid upon clinical observation. The polymer was detectable in the suprachoroidal space for about 6 mo. No inflammatory reaction and no major retinal anomalies could be detected by histology. In conclusion, POE(70)LA(30) appears to be a promising biomaterial for intraocular application, potentially providing sustained drug delivery over an extended period of time, with a good tolerance., (Copyright 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 67A: 44-53, 2003)

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.

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: Drug delivery to treat diseases of the posterior segment of the eye, such as choroidal neovascularization and its complications, is hampered by poor intraocular penetration and rapid elimination of the drug from the eye. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility and tolerance of suprachoroidal injections of poly(ortho ester) (POE), a bioerodible and biocompatible polymer, as a biomaterial potentially useful for development of sustained drug delivery systems., Methods: After tunnelization of the sclera, different formulations based on POE were injected (100 microL) into the suprachoroidal space of pigmented rabbits and compared with 1% sodium hyaluronate. Follow-up consisted of fundus observations, echography, fluorescein angiography, and histologic analysis over 3 weeks., Results: After injection, POE spread in the suprachoroidal space at the posterior pole. It was well tolerated and progressively disappeared from the site of injection without sequelae. No bleeding or retinal detachment occurred. Echographic pictures showed that the material was present in the suprachoroidal space for 3 weeks. Angiography revealed minor pigment irregularities at the site of injection, but no retinal edema or necrosis. Histology showed that POE was well tolerated in the choroid., Conclusions: POE suprachoroidal injections, an easy, controllable, and reproducible procedure, were well tolerated in the rabbit eye. POE appears to be a promising biomaterial to deliver drugs focally to the choroid and the retina.

Uveal melanoma mainly affects the choroid and to a lesser extent the ciliary body. Its clinical presentation, as well as the angiographic and microscopic features are often reported. Its macroscopic appearance is less often reported in publications, however. The macroscopic study of these tumors provides useful information and a series of photographs illustrating the macroscopic study of these tumors was gathered to be shown to ophthalmologists who have little experience with these intraocular tumors.

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.

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.

A clinicopathologic case of an 89-year-old female patient with a single cutaneous tumor at the outer part of the outer left eyelids is reported. It was a pink nodular mass, well circumscribed, exophytic and with thin vessels. After surgical removal, histopathology showed that the tumor was a typical basal cell carcinoma, with many cystic-like cavities. Basal cell carcinomas can be commonly observed on the eyelids and surgical excision of these small size lesions is an easy way to perform a curative treatment. As often in other tumors, early diagnosis is probably the easiest way to improve the prognosis.

A case of meibomian carcinoma of the left eyelid is reported in a 72-year-old female patient. The tumor had been present on the left eyelid for months. Clinically, the tumor appeared as a reddish mass implanted on the external part of the free margin of the left superior eyelid. An excisional biopsy disclosed meibomian carcinoma. A total resection of the left superior eyelid was followed by plastic surgery. Results after a one-month follow-up were very satisfactory. This case is emphasizes the importance of an early diagnosis which enabled us to perform a rather conservative treatment limited to the removal of the affected eyelid. The diagnosis of meibomian carcinoma is infrequent but it must be kept in mind in cases of tumor without the typical clinical characteristics of a basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma. Complete removal surgery may bring a curative effect and histopathology has a key role in the diagnosis of meibomian carcinoma.

Aim: To describe the inflammatory reaction that can occur following proton beam irradiation of uveal melanomas based on a large series of patients and to try to determine the risk factors for this reaction., Methods: Data from a cohort of patients with uveal melanoma treated by proton beam irradiation between 1991 and 1994 were analysed. The presence of inflammation was recorded and evaluated. Kaplan-Meier estimates and statistical analysis of general and tumour related risk factors were performed., Results: 28% of patients treated during this period presented with ocular inflammation (median follow up 62 months). Risks factors were essentially tumour related and were correlated with larger lesions (height > 5 mm, diameter > 12 mm, volume > 0.4 cm(3)). Multivariate analysis identified initial tumour height and irradiation of a large volume of the eye as the two most important risk factors. Ocular inflammation usually consisted of mild anterior uveitis, resolving rapidly after topical steroids and cycloplegics. The incidence of inflammation after proton beam irradiation of melanomas seems higher than previously reported and is related to larger lesions. Evidence of inflammation associated with uveal melanoma has been described and seems to be associated with tumour necrosis (spontaneous or after irradiation). The appearance of transient inflammation during the follow up of these patients may be related to the release of inflammatory cytokines during tumour necrosis., Conclusion: Inflammation following proton beam irradiation is not unusual. It is correlated with larger initial tumours and may be related to tumour necrosis.

Dysembryoplastic neoplasm, the limbal dermoid is a benign congenital tumor involving the outer coat of the eye. This congenital tumor affected the right eye of a 6-year-old girl. The lesion was typically hemispheric, covered with pink skin, located in the inferior and temporal part of the cornea, and devoid of any major consequences except the cosmetic appearance of the eye. There were no other major abnormalities in the clinical examination but a single skin tag could be observed at the homolateral preauricular area without any visible cutaneous fistula next to it. This additional change allowed us to establish the diagnosis of a minor form of Goldenhar syndrome. This malformative syndrome typically includes several changes: dermoid and/or dermolipoma, preauricular tags and/or cutaneous fistulas in the same area, vertebral abnormalities etc. These findings may be limited to dermoid and cutaneous tags, as in our report. Such changes must be looked for in all limbal dermoids.

Corneal immunoglobulin deposits are an unusual complication of lymphoproliferative affections such as monoclonal gammapathy of indeterminate significance, essential cryoglobulinemia, or multiple myeloma. Although uncommon, this crystalline keratopathy may be the first clinical sign of these malignant disorders. We report two cases of paraproteinic crystalline keratopathy: the first case is associated with a multiple myeloma, combined with cryoglobulinemia, and the second case with monoclonal gammapathy of indeterminate significance. In both cases, corneal crystalline deposits appeared before general clinical symptoms. In the first case, the systemic therapy made no change in the biomicroscopic aspect of the corneal deposit, despite immunoglobulin level normalization in the serum. Conversely, in the second case, we noticed a substantial regression of the corneal crystalline deposits as the systemic normalization. A review of the literature clarified the variety of clinical dorms of paraproteinic crystalline keratopathy, the physiopathogenics hypotheses that are currently being discussed, and the possible therapeutic modalities.

Purpose: To identify changing trends in penetrating keratoplasties (PKs) performed at the Hotel-Dieu Hospital in Paris between January 1980 and December 1999 and to explain the reasons for the changes., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 3,736 of the 3,836 PKs performed between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 1999, and classified them into diagnostic categories., Results: The most common indications for PK were keratoconus (28.8%), herpetic infections (10.9%), graft failures (9.9%), aphakic and pseudophakic corneal edema (9.9%), Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy (9.4%), and nonherpetic leucoma (7.7%). Other indications represented 23.4% of the cases. The incidence of aphakic and pseudophakic corneal edema progressively increased between 1980 and 1991, became the most frequent indication in 1991 (21.4%), and then progressively decreased. The annual number of PKs increased between 1980 and 1986, decreased between 1987 and 1997, and increased again after September 1997. The decrease was caused by both a shortage of corneal buttons, and, in 1987, the fear of transmitting diseases through corneal transplantation, particularly human immunodeficiency virus. Beginning in 1992, decreases were also associated with stringent governmental regulations of eye bank tissue., Conclusion: Changes in the incidence and management of corneal disorders were the primary factors leading to modifications of grafting until 1987. After 1987, corneal button shortage probably corresponded to the acquired immune deficiency syndrome epidemic. Governmental regulations of eye banking led to a severe corneal button shortage between 1992 and 1997. Despite an increase in the number of PKs performed after 1997, corneal buttons are still preferentially allocated to patients in whom there is a high probability of graft success.

The ICE syndrome includes 3 variants of the same disease, previously believed to be independent entities. All 3 share clinical and histopathological features such as endothelial abnormalities, iris damage, and progressive closure of the iridocorneal angle. Seven cases of ICE syndrome are reported, affecting 6 women and 1 man, with a mean age of 40 years. Corectopia was found in 5 eyes, a uveal ectropion in 2 cases, and other iris changes in 3 cases. The endothelial changes of the cornea were confirmed by a speculum microscopy in 5 cases. There were 5 cases of Chandler syndrome, 1 of Cogan-Reese syndrome, and 1 case of iris essential atrophy in our series. Ocular hypertony was observed in 3 cases, 2 of which needed to be operated. In one patient, a corneal edema was observed.