Search

This article discusses a study that aimed to determine if the irregular astigmatism and optical aberrations in keratoconus (KC) patients could affect the accuracy of optical coherence tomography (OCT) evaluations in the macular region. The study compared macular thickness and volume in KC eyes with and without scleral contact lenses using OCT. The results showed no significant differences in macular thickness or volume with or without contact lenses. The authors concluded that the irregular astigmatism associated with KC does not affect macular thickness measurements obtained using OCT. [Extracted from the article]

Inflammation may play a significant role in Keratoconus (KC), but the relationship between inflammatory markers and choroidal thickness (CT) is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate serum inflammatory markers and correlate them with the choroidal profile of KC patients and control subjects. Forty patients with KC and 26 age-matched control subjects were enrolled in a cross-sectional case–control study. Choroidal profile was studied with a Spectralis Heidelberg apparatus and venous blood samples were collected. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte/HDL ratio (MHR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and systemic immune inflammation index (SII) were calculated. Serum inflammatory biomarkers IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-alfa were also analyzed. KC group presented thicker choroids in each evaluated point when compared to the control group (subfoveal CT 417.38 ± 79.79 vs 299.61 ± 76.13, p < 0.001 for all measured locations). Mean values of NLR, PLR and SII were significantly higher in patients with KC (NLR p = 0.001; PLR p = 0.042; SII p = 0.007). Although KC patients presented higher mean levels of MHR, IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α than control group, no significant differences were achieved. Positive correlations were found between subfoveal CT and NLR and SII (0.408, p = 0.001 and 0.288, p = 0.019 respectively). The results presented are in favor of a relationship between the increased CT and inflammatory mechanisms in KC patients. The elevated serum inflammatory indices NLR, SII and PLR provide additional evidence of a role for systemic inflammation in the pathophysiology of KC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To analyze and compare choroidal thickness between keratoconus (KC) patients and age-matched non-KC subjects. Methods. A cross-sectional, case-control study. One hundred and thirty-four keratoconic eyes and 78 control eyes, from individuals aged from 12 to 30 years old, were studied. Patients with KC followed in Corneal Department of Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto, Portugal, were identified and consecutively included between December 2017 and February 2018. A spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) using depth enhanced imaging was performed, and choroidal thickness in the center of the fovea and at 500 μm intervals along a horizontal section was measured and compared. Results. The statistical analysis showed that keratoconic eyes present a thicker choroid in every measured location (p<0.05). Mean subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) values obtained were 375.86 ± 89.29 and 322.91 ± 85.14 in keratoconus and control groups, respectively (p<0.001). In a multivariate analysis, SFCT was significantly associated with spherical equivalent (p=0.004) and the presence of keratoconus (p<0.001), but not with age (p=0.167), gender (p=0.579), or best-corrected visual acuity (p=0.178). In a "fixed model," keratoconus patients were found to have a 67.55 μm (95% CI 36.61–98.49) thicker subfoveal choroid compared to controls. Conclusion. Keratoconus patients seem to have a thicker choroid than healthy individuals. The exact pathophysiological mechanism resulting in a thicker choroid in KC patients is not known, but it could possibly be associated with inflammatory choroidal mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report the clinical outcomes of intravitreal aflibercept therapy in eyes with refractory and recurrent neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) switched from intravitreal bevacizumab or ranibizumab. Methods: This is a retrospective review of eyes with neovascular AMD switched to intravitreal aflibercept with at least 1 year of follow-up after the switch. All patients had had a minimum of 3 injections of bevacizumab or ranibizumab before the switch. Aflibercept was used in patients considered refractory to bevacizumab (group 1) and in recurrent patients on therapy with ranibizumab due to an institutional policy decision (group 2). Changes in best-corrected visual acuity, fluid on optical coherence tomography (OCT), central retinal thickness (CRT) and the frequency of injections were compared. Results: Eighty-five eyes of 69 patients were analyzed, 39 eyes in group 1 and 46 in group 2. The mean follow-up time was 31.6 months prior to the switch and 14.7 months on treatment with aflibercept. One year after the switch, there was a nonsignificant mean decrease of 2 letters in visual acuity in both groups (group 1: from 58.2 to 55.8 letters, p = 0.086; group 2: from 56.4 to 54.5 letters, p = 0.168), but the mean number of injections per month was significantly lower (from 0.76 to 0.57, p < 0.001). With the switch, 90.6% of the patients showed anatomic improvement with a reduction of fluid on OCT, and both groups presented significant improvement in CRT (group 1: 65.3 µm, p = 0.051; group 2: 91.0 µm, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Aflibercept appears to be a valuable tool for the management of patients with poor responses to other anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs. These patients could have anatomic improvement, and the injection intervals could be extended. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare outcomes after switching from intravitreal ranibizumab to bevacizumab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: A retrospective review of 110 eyes treated in a 1+PRN (pro re nata) clinical setting with ranibizumab that were switched to bevacizumab. Patients analyzed had at least 3 ranibizumab injections followed by at least 3 bevacizumab injections. Changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), retinal thickness and frequency of injections were compared. Results: The mean duration of ranibizumab treatment was 18.1 months, followed by 12.2 months of bevacizumab. Mean injection rates per month were similar (0.54 and 0.56 respectively, p = 0.230). There were no significant differences between BCVA at baseline and at the time of the switch (52.4 and 54.8 letters, p = 0.059). After the switch, there was a statistically significant decrease in BCVA to 51.7 letters (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Switching patients to bevacizumab may have a minor negative effect on the initial gain obtained with ranibizumab; however the degenerative history of wet AMD could explain this small variation in visual acuity. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the medium- and long-term efficacy of anti-VEGF agents in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization secondary to pathologic myopia (mCNV). Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with mCNV who had been treated with intravitreous anti-VEGF for at least 2 years. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were compared before and after the treatment. The number of injections per year was also assessed. Results: The results were analysed at 2 years for 67 eyes, at 3 years for 52 eyes, at 4 years for 28 eyes and at 5 years for 13 eyes. The mean change from baseline BCVA was significant at 2 years (+8.6 letters; p < 0.001) and this gain remained significantly stable for a period of 5 years. The mean CRT showed a significant decrease over time, with a nadir at 2 years (-104.0 μm; p < 0.001). The mean number of injections performed during the first year was 5.2, being lower in subsequent years (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In this subset of patients with mCNV, an intravitreous therapy with anti-VEGF agents proved to have effective results over 5 years, with a sustained increase in BCVA. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent findings of increased Choroidal Thickness (CT) in Keratoconus (KC) patients raised the question of whether CT could be an indicator of progressive KC. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated and compared the choroidal profile in progressive and non-progressive KC. We ran a cross-sectional observational study in 76 patients diagnosed with KC, age 14–30, to assess KC progression. Progression was defined as when at least two of the studied variables confirmed progression (Kmax, Km, PachyMin, D-Index, Astig, K2, 3 mm PCR). Included patients performed a Spectralis Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) with enhanced depth image (EDI) technology to evaluate choroidal profile. Choroidal measurements were taken subfoveally and at 500 µm intervals from the fovea, in 7 different locations, and compared between groups. Multivariate linear regression analyses were also performed to assess the influence of CT in KC progression. Thirty-six eyes (47.4%) were classified as KC progressors. The mean subfoveal CT observed in the total sample was 382.0 (± 97.0) μm. The comparison between groups (progressive and non-progressive KC) showed no differences in the locations evaluated (mean subfoveal CT difference between groups was 2.4 μm, p = 0.915). In the multivariate analysis CT seems not be influenced by KC progression (B = 6.72 μm, 95% CI − 40.09 to 53.53, p = 0.775). Assessment of choroidal profile does not appear to be a useful tool to differentiate progressive and non-progressive KC. Further research is needed in order to better understand the role of choroid in KC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report the 4-year outcomes of transepithelial accelerated corneal collagen crosslinking (TE-ACXL) in the treatment of eyes with progressive keratoconus (KC). Methods: Eyes of patients who underwent TE-ACXL (6mW/cm2 for 15 minutes) for progressive KC and presented 48 months of follow-up were included. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), keratometry measurements (Kmax, maximum keratometry, Kmean, mean keratometry and Astg, corneal astigmatism), thinnest corneal thickness (PachyMin), and topographic, and tomographic indices (specifically the posterior radius of curvature from the 3.0 mm centered on the thinnest point of the cornea (PRC), and the D-index) were analysed preoperatively and every 12 months after TE-ACXL, up to 48 months. Progression after TE-ACXL was considered when eyes presented ≥ 1 criteria: (1) increase of ≥ 1D in Kmax or increase of ≥ 0.75D in Kmean or increase of ≥ 1D in Astg; (2) reduction of ≥ 0.085 mm in PRC; (3) decrease ≥ 5% in PachyMin. Results: 41 eyes from 30 patients were included, with a mean age at crosslinking of 20.90± 4.69 years. There was a significant increase in Kmean (+0.64± 1.04 D, p< 0.001; +0.98 ± 1.49 D, p< 0.001; +1.27± 2.01 D, p< 0.001; +1.13± 2.00 D, p=0.006) and a significant decrease in PRC throughout follow-up (− 0.12± 0.22, p=0.002; − 0.15± 0.24, p< 0.001; − 0.17± 0.43, p=0.021; − 0.16± 0.43, p=0.027). PachyMin decreased significantly at 36 and 48 months (− 8.50± 15.93 μm, p=0.004; − 7.82± 18.37, p=0.033). According to our progression criteria, there was a major progression rate throughout follow-up (57.1%, 61.1%, 58.8%, and 67.9%, respectively). Surgery and follow-up were uneventful in all subjects. Eleven eyes (26.8%) required further procedures, ≥ 36 months after the initial TE-ACXL, due to persistent progressive disease. Conclusion: TE-ACXL proved to be a safe therapeutic option for progressive KC. However, its efficacy is deemed unsatisfactory, as a notable proportion of affected eyes may continue to advance within a 4-year timeframe, necessitating additional procedures to halt the disease's course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Covid-19 pandemic introduced significant changes in our daily life, including the widespread use of face masks. The purpose of this study was to assess if significant changes occurred in the microbiological profile of infectious keratitis. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study was performed, based on a survey review of the electronic medical records of all patients with presumed infectious keratitis, between March 2020 and October 2021. The microbiological isolates in this sample (pandemic group) were compared with those obtained in our center between 2009 and 2018 (pre-pandemic group). Results: A total of 194 samples were included in the pandemic group. We obtained a culture-positivity rate of 43.3%, which was significantly higher when compared with the pre-pandemic data (35.15%, p = 0.033). Several further significant differences were found between the pandemic and the pre-pandemic groups: the proportion of bacteria, including gram-positive and gram-negative groups, was higher in our sample (pre-pandemic vs pandemic: 76.78% vs 83.33%, p = 0.010; 53.35% vs 60.71%, p = 0.016; 23.43% vs 34.52%, p = 0.005, respectively); two populations of Gram-positive bacteria found in this study were not isolated in the pre-pandemic sample – Dolosigranulum pigrum and Propionibacterium spp.; and two bacterial isolates were significantly increased in our sample – Corynebacterium spp. (18.41% vs 29.76%, p = 0.003) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.00% vs 16.66%, p = 0.012). Conclusion: In conclusion, significant changes were found in the microbiological profile of infectious keratitis in our center during the Covid-19 pandemic. While these changes could be related to face mask use, more observational and experimental studies are needed to explore this possible association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To evaluate the predictive factors of long-term visual outcomes in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents. Methods. Unicentric retrospective review of patients with nAMD treated with anti-VEGF agents. Visual outcomes, 12 and 60 months after diagnosis, were evaluated. In an attempt to identify predictive factors of visual outcomes, multiple variables (demographic and epidemiological characteristics, angiographic and tomographic features) were analyzed, at baseline and during follow-up. Results. One hundred and seventeen patients were included. In multivariate analysis, baseline best-corrected visual acuity was associated with all visual endpoints at 12 and 60 months. Additionally, age, gender, number of injections, and development of subretinal fibrosis during follow-up were also significant predictors of visual outcomes at 60 months. Conclusions. Several factors can be useful in clinical practice as predictors of visual outcomes in response to anti-VEGF treatment of nAMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We evaluated the Maximum Elevation of Corneal Back Surface adjusted to the same Best Fit Sphere Back (BFSB) between timeline measurements (AdjEleBmax) and the BFSB radius (BFSBR) itself as new tomographic parameters for documentation of ectasia progression and compare them with the most recent and reliable parameters used on keratoconus (KC) progression. Results: We evaluated the performance and the ideal cutoff point of Kmax, D-index, posterior radius of curvature from the 3.0 mm centered on the thinnest point (PRC), EleBmax, BFSBR, and AdjEleBmax as isolated parameters to document KC progression (defined as a significant change in two or more variables), we found a sensitivity of 70%, 82%, 79%, 65%, 51%, and 63% and a specificity of 91%, 98%, 80%, 73%, 80%, and 84% to detect KC progression. The area under the curve (AUC) for each variable was 0.822, 0.927, 0.844, 0.690, 0.695, 0.754, respectively. Conclusion: AdjEleBmax presented a greater specificity, larger AUC, and better performance compared to EleBmax without any adjustment, with similar sensitivity. Although AdjEleBmax and BFSB demonstrated smaller AUC and specificities comparing with Kmax and D-Index, AdjEleBmax still presented a good performance with a reasonable AUC. Since the shape of the posterior surface, more aspheric and curved than the anterior, may facilitate detection of change, we suggest the inclusion of AdjEleBmax in the evaluation of KC progression in conjunction with other variables to increase the reliability of our clinical evaluation and early detection of progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyze the effect of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents on intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Materials and Methods: This is, retrospective study that included 72 patients treated unilaterally with anti-VEGF agents according to, pro re nata regimen. Fellow noninjected eyes (n = 72) were used as controls. IOP variation and the development of sustained ocular hypertension (OHT) were assessed both in the injected and in the fellow eyes. Results: While the final IOP was not significantly different between the 2 groups, sustained OHT developed in 4.2% of the injected eyes and 1.4% of the controls. In the study group, no significant IOP variation was noted during follow-up in patients receiving ≤ 20 injections, but there was, significant increase in IOP with time in more frequently treated patients (p = 0.041). Comparison of both subgroups demonstrated that patients receiving >20 injections suffered significantly greater IOP variation (p = 0.034) during follow-up, and that these patients tended to require IOP-lowering treatment more frequently (p = 0.090). Conclusion: Multiple anti-VEGF injections lead to an increase in IOP, although this variation is not sufficient to cause development of OHT in the majority of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the 5-year results obtained in clinical practice in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) with anti-VEGF agents. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed all patients with nAMD who initiated anti-VEGF treatment before October 2009. We collected data regarding visual and anatomical outcomes. Results: A total of 278 patients met the selection criteria. The mean number of intravitreal injections was 5.7 in the first year and 3.7 in the fifth year. A positive mean visual acuity variation of +3.7 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters occurred in the first year, but no significant differences relative to baseline were observed thereafter. The majority of patients (71%) maintained stable visual acuity throughout follow-up. At 5 years, mean central macular thickness remained substantially inferior to baseline (-96.6 µm), and 56% of patients maintained dry retinas. Conclusion: Anti-VEGF therapy leads to long-term visual stabilization in the great majority of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To report clinical findings and prognostic factors for visual and morphological outcomes in patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). Single-center, retrospective, longitudinal study of 51 cases of AK diagnosed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) between March 2010 and October 2022. The primary outcome was the final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Poor visual outcome was defined as a final BCVA ≥ 1 logMAR unit, while good visual outcome was defined as a final BCVA < 1 logMAR unit. Eyes from these two groups were compared, regarding demographic and initial clinical variables, anti- Acanthamoeba treatment used, and complications of the disease. Early diagnosis was defined as ≤ 14 days from symptom onset to diagnostic confirmation and initiation of Acanthamoeba medical treatment. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine predictors of poor visual outcome. A total of 51 eyes from 46 patients diagnosed with AK, all contact lens (CL) wearers, were included in this study. Average follow-up was 39.0 ± 30.2 [total range 14–120] months. Thirty-one eyes (60.8 %) presented good visual outcome, with a lower baseline age (30.5 ± 9.0 vs. 42.3 ± 15.8; p = 0.020), better initial BCVA (0.8 ± 0.7 logMAR units vs. 1.3 ± 0.9 logMAR units; p = 0.047), higher rate of early diagnosis (45.2 % vs. 5.6 %; p = 0.004), and higher rate of therapeutic epithelial debridement (64.5 % vs. 10 %; p < 0.001). 20 eyes (39.2 %) presented poor visual outcome, with 12 eyes undergoing evisceration/enucleation (23.5 %). These 20 eyes presented a higher rate of complications (90 % vs. 61.3 %; p = 0.031). In multivariable analysis, early diagnosis of AK (OR 19.78; 95 % CI 2.07–189.11; p = 0.010) and therapeutic epithelial debridement (OR 19.02; 95 % CI 3.27–110.57; p = 0.001) were associated with a good visual outcome. In the present study, poor visual outcome was present in 39 % of affected eyes. Early AK diagnosis (≤14 days from symptom onset) and therapeutic epithelial debridement were associated with good final visual outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the long-term risk of geographic atrophy (GA) progression after cataract surgery. Methods: Subjects with GA secondary to AMD followed for at least 1 year with fundus autofluorescence imaging and with at least two visits at our centre were included. Patients with wet AMD, disciform scar, past history of intravitreal injections or laser treatment, other maculopathies and with poor quality images were excluded. GA area at baseline and at follow-up visit was measured. Three study groups were defined according to their phakic status: (A) pseudophakia, (B) phakic and (C) phacoemulsification surgery performed during the study. Differences of GA area progression were compared between these study groups. In addition, comparison between GA progression rate in group (C) before and after the surgery was performed. The enlargement rate (ER) was calculated for lesion size after transforming the measurements to the square-root scale. Results: A total of 92 eyes of 92 patients were enrolled. Median follow-up time was 4 [1–10] years. Regarding the eye's phakic status, 29 (31.5%) were pseudophakic and 63 (68.5%) were phakic; of these, 22 underwent phacoemulsification during the study. Overall, the median baseline and follow-up area of GA were 1.42 [0.04–32.10] mm2 and 6.48 [0.25–47.40] mm2, respectively. The ER was similar between phakic and pseudophakic eyes (0.18 [0.01–1.03] vs 0.15 [0.01–0.65] mm/year, p = 0.62). In patients that underwent cataract surgery during the study, the GA ER remained stable (0.13 [0.01–0.92] vs 0.14 [0.01–0.63] mm/year, p = 0.43). Conclusion: These results suggest that cataract surgery does not increase the risk of pre-existing GA progression. Therefore, cataract surgery seems safe and a potential therapeutic weapon to improve visual acuity and consequently quality of life in GA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous approaches have been designated to document progression in keratoconus, nevertheless there is no consistent or clear definition of ectasia progression. In this present study, we aim to evaluate Keratoconus Enlargement (KCE) as a parameter to document ectasia progression. We define KCE as an increase of more than 1D in the anterior curvature of non-apical corneal areas. We have designed a longitudinal study in 113 keratoconic eyes to assess keratoconus progression. KCE was compared with variables commonly used for detection of keratoconus progression like Kmax, Km, K2, PachyMin, D-Index, Corneal Astigmatism and PRC of 3.0 mm centered on the thinnest point. The variations of keratometric readings, D-index and ELEBmax showed positive associations with KCE. Evaluating the performance of Kmax, D-index and KCE as isolated parameters to document keratoconus progression we found a sensitivity of 49%, 82% and 77% and a specificity of 100%, 95% and 66% to detect keratoconus progression (p < 0.001 for all). This difference in sensitivity can be explained by the changes in keratoconus outside the small area represented by Kmax. The inclusion of KCE should be considered in the evaluation of keratoconus progression in conjunction with other variables to increase the reliability of our clinical evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Although classically classified as a non-inflammatory condition, an inflammatory basis for keratoconus (KC) appears to be a growing evidence. Recently, it has been shown that KC patients have an increased choroidal thickness (CT). Among inflammatory disorders, atopy has been associated with KC development; therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate if the increased CT in patients with KC is related to atopy. Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study of patients with KC. Patients were classified as atopic and non-atopic according to their atopy history (allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AR), asthma (AA) and/or atopic dermatitis (AD)) and were also classified based on their eye rubbing habits. Choroidal profile of all subjects was evaluated using a Spectralis optical coherence tomography (OCT) device with enhanced depth imaging (EDI) mode. CT was measured and compared between groups at the center of the fovea and at 500 μm intervals along a horizontal section. A multivariable analysis, adjusted for sex, age, spherical equivalent, history of medication and atopy, was performed to assess the influence of atopy in CT. Results: Of the 80 patients included, 51 were atopic and 29 non-atopic. Atopic patients showed a thicker choroid in every measured location than the non-atopic patients (mean subfoveal CT 391.53 μm vs 351.17 μm, respectively), although the differences were not statistically different. The multivariable analysis revealed that being atopic makes the choroid statistically thicker, on average, 55.14 μm, when compared to non-atopic patients (p=0.043). Furthermore, patients who are frequent eye rubbers have significantly thicker choroids than non-rubbers (p=0.004). Conclusion: Although some results do not reach statistical significance, atopic KC patients seem to have thicker choroids compared with non-atopic KC patients, suggesting a possible role for atopy in the choroidal profile of KC. This constitutes a completely new sight in this field of research that needs further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the microbiological profile, risk factors, treatment and surgical intervention rates of fungal keratitis at a tertiary referral centre. Methods: A retrospective review of microbiological and medical records from hospitalised patients treated for fungal keratitis at Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João from 2009 to 2019 was conducted. Results: Overall, 43 patients were included in our study. The mean age of patients was 63.7 years and 46.5% were men. In culture were isolated 22 (51.2%) filamentous fungi and 21 (48.8%) yeast. Candida species (n = 20, 46.5%), Fusarium species (n = 10, 23.4%) and Aspergillus species (n = 4, 9.3%) were the most common isolated species. Important risk factors were contact lens use (n = 24, 55.8%), long-term users of topical corticosteroids (n = 19, 44.2%) and previous keratitis (n = 19, 44.2%). Yeast isolates had a statistically significant higher prevalence in long-term users of topical corticosteroids compared to filamentous ones (p = 0.043). Twenty-four cases (55.8%) required surgical intervention, of which 23 cases underwent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. Ocular complications, such as evisceration was noted in 12 patients (27.9%) and endophthalmitis in 5 (11.6%). No statistically significant changes of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were found after treatment (p = 0.687). Conclusion: Most patients with fungal keratitis have associated risk factors. Filamentous and yeast species have equally prevalent etiologies. In general, our results mirror how difficult and challenging the approach and treatment of fungal keratitis could be. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report 2-year outcomes of trans-epithelial accelerated corneal collagen crosslinking (TE-ACXL) procedure in the treatment of progressive keratoconus patients. Patients and Methods: Twenty-four eyes from 24 patients who underwent TE-ACXL (6mW/cm2 for 15 minutes) were included in this retrospective interventional study. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), keratometry values, thinnest corneal thickness (PachyMin) and topometric indexes were analysed preoperatively and at 6-month, 12-month, 18-month and 24-month postoperative. Progression was assessed by increase ≥ 1.00D in maximum keratometry (Kmax); increase ≥ 1.00D in corneal astigmatism; decrease ≥ 2% in PachyMin; increase ≥ 0.42 in D-index. Results: There were no complications during or after TE-ACXL. No significant differences (Δ) were observed between baseline and 12-month or 24-month postoperative: ∆BCVA (− 0.08 ± 0.25, p=0.190; − 0.04 ± 0.17, p=0.588), ∆Kmax (− 0.08 ± 1.32, p=0.792; − 1.04 ± 1.89, p=0.135), ∆Astigmatism (− 0.15 ± 0.89, p=0.485; − 0.24 ± 1.38, p=0.609), ∆PachyMin (− 0.56 ± 15.70, p=0.882; 0.56 ± 18.74, p=0.931), ∆Index Surface Variation (∆ISV) (− 2.11 ± 10.27, p=0.395; − 4.67 ± 17.32, p=0.442), ∆Index Vertical Asymmetry (∆IVA) (− 0.05 ± 0.17, p=0.208; − 0.08 ± 0.26, p=0.397), ∆Index Height Decentration (∆IHD) (0.00 ± 0.02, p=0.368; − 0.01 ± 0.04, p=0.484), ∆KI (0.00 ± 0.05, p=0.851; 0.01 ± 0.06, p=0.877) and ∆D-index (0.15 ± 1.14, p=0.572; 0.06 ± 1.36, p=0.892). Eleven to 33% of patients had disease progression at 24-month postoperative according to the parameters used to determine progression. Conclusion: Although some patients maintain disease progression, TE-ACXL seems to be a safe and effective treatment for keratoconus over the 2-year follow-up period. Studies with longer follow-up periods and larger patient cohorts are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We investigated the characteristics, prognosis, and clinical outcome of the Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: Five hundred psychiatrically healthy patients with neovascular AMD were screened for CBS. The individuals that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were systematically interviewed using a structured questionnaire that covered the impact, prognosis, risk factors, phenomenology, symptoms, and knowledge about the syndrome. A control group of 45 patients was used for comparison. Demographic data, current medication, and ocular risk factors were collected in all patients. Results: Forty-five patients with CBS were identified. The majority of patients reported images that consisted of colored (62%) animals (44%) or faces (42%) that lasted for seconds (53%). Most patients reported a selflimited disease with a median duration of symptoms between 9 and 11.5 months, with only 7% knowing about CBS at symptom onset. The degree of visual deficit did not predict the characteristics, complexity, frequency, duration, or impact of visual hallucinations. One-third of patients reported negative outcome, which was associated with shorter duration of CBS (p = 0.023), fear-inducing images (p < 0.001), and impact on daily activities (p = 0.015). Conclusion: The prevalence of CBS in neovascular AMD patients is high and clinically relevant. Patients with recent onset of visual hallucinations and describing fear-inducing images are at greater risk for negative outcome. Periodic screening may minimize the negative consequences of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To report the long-term clinical outcomes after switching from intravitreal bevacizumab or ranibizumab to aflibercept therapy in eyes with AMD. Methods. Retrospective analysis of changes in BCVA, SD-OCT image, and frequency of injections after 1, 2, and 3 years of follow-up. Results. 164 eyes were analyzed, 101 eyes switched from bevacizumab (group 1) and 63 from ranibizumab (group 2). One year after the switch, there was an overall nonsignificant mean decrease of 2 ETDRS letters in BCVA. Three years after, there was an overall mean decrease of 7 ETDRS letters, which was statistically significant. A significant improvement in the mean CRT was found at 1, 2, and 3 years. There was a significant decrease in the mean number of injections per year (7.8 to 6.5, p<0.005) between the first and third year. Conclusion. Aflibercept can be useful in the management of refractory neovascular AMD, with a good morphological response. However, in the long-term, BCVA stabilization was not achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]