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Our aim was to report the case of endothelial corneal allograft rejection after inactivated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine with an atypical presentation.This was a case report.A 63-year-old woman with previous penetrating keratoplasty and laser in situ keratomileusis presented with clinical signs of endothelial corneal graft rejection 24 hours after CoronaVac (SinoVac Biotech, Beijing/China) vaccine. Slitlamp examination showed corneal edema and interface fluid accumulation. It was partially resolved after treatment with topical corticosteroids and polydimethylsiloxane.Corneal allograft rejection was already reported after another SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. This is the first report in the literature describing a possible association with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and corneal allograft rejection, especially with laser in situ keratomileusis interface fluid accumulation presentation. Ophthalmologists should be aware of this potential complication.

Purpose Refractive surgery promotes good quality of vision without optical correction in most cases. Conventional ablation has reduced effectiveness in irregular corneas, where custom ablations are usually a better option. We have evaluated the results of visual acuity and refraction in patients undergoing custom topography-guided ablation. # Setting Oftalmocentro, Porto Alegre – RS – Brazil. # Design This is a case series, retrospective, non-comparative study. # Methods We studied 60 eyes from 48 patients who underwent topography guided customized refractive surgery, from October 2013 to September 2017, performed with excimer laser Schwind Amaris 750. # Results Mean age was 44.2 years, being most men (56.6%). Patients with penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) encompassed 36.6% (n = 22), previous radial keratotomy (RK) 20.0% (n = 12), previous deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) 16.6% (n = 10) and 26.5% (n = 16) with other diagnoses. Topo-guided surgeries were trans-photorefractive keratectomy (trans-PRK) (41.5%), femto laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (femto-LASIK) (35.0%), laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) (11.6%) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) (11.6%). Cylinder refraction decreased from −3.91 D (±2.00) to −1.45 D (±1.43) (p

Background/Aims High astigmatism after keratoplasty is the main limiting factor for visual rehabilitation. Among its treatment options the arcuate keratotomy (AK) with the femtosecond laser stands out for its perfection and versatility of the incision making. We designed a study to evaluate the results and safety of femtosecond arcuate keratotomy (femto-AK) in the treatment of high astigmatism after keratoplasty.Methods A prospective interventional cohort study. We enrolled 17 eyes with high degree of irregular astigmatism, scheduled for Femto-AK. IntraLase FS was used to perform arcuate incisions 1.00 mm inside the graft. Patients’ uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BDCVA), and astigmatic change were recorded and followed up to one year after surgery.Results Despite overall improvement in corneal cylinder and visual acuity in one-year follow-up, there was a 52.9% complication rate. Cylinder overcorrection occurred in 6 cases (35.3%) that was managed with compressive sutures; microperforation occurred in two cases (11.7%); and endothelial rejection in one case (5.9%).Conclusion The predictability of astigmatism correction was variable in reducing postkeratoplasty astigmatism and high complication rate was found in our case series. New nomograms and improvements in technique need to be developed in order to reduce the incidence of overcorrections.

Purpose To determine host and pathogen factors predictive of outcomes in a large clinical cohort with keratoconjunctivitis. Design Retrospective analyses of the clinical and molecular data from a randomized, controlled, masked trial for auricloscene for keratoconjunctivitis (NVC-422 phase IIB, NovaBay; clinicaltrials.gov identifier, NCT01877694). Participants Five hundred participants from United States, India, Brazil, and Sri Lanka with clinical diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis and positive rapid test results for adenovirus. Methods Clinical signs and symptoms and bilateral conjunctival swabs were obtained on days 1, 3, 6, 11, and 18. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was performed to detect and quantify adenovirus in all samples. Regression models were used to evaluate the association of various variables with keratoconjunctivitis outcomes. Time to resolution of each symptom or sign was assessed by adenoviral species with Cox regression. Main Outcome Measures The difference in composite scores of clinical signs between days 1 and 18, mean visual acuity change between days 1 and 18, and time to resolution of each symptom or sign. Results Of 500 participants, 390 (78%) showed evidence of adenovirus by PCR. Among adenovirus-positive participants, adenovirus D species was most common (63% of total cases), but a total of 4 species and 21 different types of adenovirus were detected. Adenovirus D was associated with more severe signs and symptoms, a higher rate of subepithelial infiltrate development, and a slower decline in viral load compared with all other adenovirus species. The clinical courses of all patients with non–adenovirus D species infection and adenovirus-negative keratoconjunctivitis were similar. Mean change in visual acuity between days 1 and 18 was a gain of 1.9 letters; worse visual outcome was associated with older age. Conclusions A substantial proportion of keratoconjunctivitis is not associated with a detectable adenovirus. The clinical course of those with adenovirus D keratoconjunctivitis is significantly more severe than those with non–adenovirus D species infections or adenovirus-negative keratoconjunctivitis; high viral load at presentation and non-United States origin of participants is associated with poorer clinical outcome.

The increasing use of contact lenses worldwide has led to an increase in cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis, which are often associated with inappropriate cleaning of contact lenses and lens cases. This study aimed to retrospectively review 28 cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis in Porto Alegre (southern Brazil) and identify the risk factors and clinical outcomes of affected patients. Most patients had higher education (66.6%), all were users of contact lenses, mostly women (67.9%). Most patients were soft contact lens wearers (66.7%) and 85.7% used multipurpose cleaning solutions. Sixteen patients (64.0%) used to wear contact lenses while swimming and/or bathing. Pain was the most common symptom (92.6%). For treatment, patients used polyhexamethylene biguanide drops (92.6%), propamidine isethionate drops (81.5%), chlorhexidine drops (55.6%), topical corticosteroids (63.0%), and systemic corticosteroids (37.0%). Herpes simplex keratitis was the most common misdiagnosis (72.7%). The majority of patients (76.0%) underwent a corneal transplant to control the disease.

PURPOSE To evaluate the clinical outcomes after implantation of a new 320°-arc length Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segment (320-ICRS) in eyes of patients with keratoconus. METHODS A multicentric nonrandomized study was conducted in which a new 320-ICRS was placed in 138 eyes of 130 patients with keratoconus. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), keratometry, corneal volume, asphericity, lines of vision gain/loss, and vectorial analysis were assessed preoperatively and at the final follow-up visit after the procedure. RESULTS The mean follow-up time was 6.2 ± 3.3 (SD) months (range 3-12 months). Mean UDVA improved from 20/250 to 20/60. Mean CDVA improved from 20/100 to 20/40. Mean Q improved from -1.12 ± 0.49 preoperatively to -0.28 ± 0.51 postoperatively (P < 0.001). Mean corneal volume increased from 56.2 ± 4.28 mm preoperatively to 57.6 ± 4.74 postoperatively (P < 0.001). Mean Km reduced from 53.3 ± 5.5 D preoperatively to 47.8 ± 4.6 D postoperatively (P < 0.001). The change in UDVA, CDVA, and topographic astigmatism was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The 320-ICRS can efficiently and safely improve visual acuity in keratoconus, modifying the corneal shape to a more physiologic, aspheric shape.

Several strains of free-living amoebae belonging to the genusAcanthamoebacan cause a painful sight-threatening disease of the cornea known asAcanthamoebakeratitis (AK). The numbers of AK cases keep rising worldwide mainly due to an increase in contact lens wearers and lack of hygiene in the maintenance of contact lenses and their cases. We report a case of AK in a healthy young woman admitted to the Hospital de Clinicas in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil. Corneal scrapings were examined for the presence ofAcanthamoebastrains. The initial isolate was characterized by morphological and genotypic properties. The isolate belonged to group III according to Pussard and Pons’ cyst morphology. Analysis of its 18S rDNA sequence identified the isolate as genotype T4. The T4 genotype is the most commonly reported among keratitis isolates and the most common in environmental samples.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as diferentes técnicas cirúrgicas oftalmológicas nas quais se pode utilizar a cola biológica e possíveis complicações relacionadas ao seu uso. MÉTODOS: Estudo de série de casos retrospectivo, não-comparativo. Foram avaliados 161 olhos de pacientes com idade média de 51,8 anos em que foi utilizada cola biológica (Beriplast P® - Aventis Behring, Alemanha) para fixação de tecido ou fechamento incisional. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 76 pacientes com pterígio, 4 com ceratoconjuntivite límbica superior, 4 com tumor limbar, 21 com conjuntivocálase, 31 com ceratopatia bolhosa, 7 com deficiência límbica, 6 com queimadura alcalina, 2 com Stevens-Johnson, 5 com catarata e 5 com glaucoma. Complicações foram relatas em 28 casos (17,4%). Descolamento do tecido fixado e granuloma foram as complicações mais frequentes. Descolamento ocorreu em 10 casos (5,6%) (7 em transplante de membrana amniótica em ceratopatia bolhosa, 2 em transplante de conjuntiva autólogo após exérese de pterígio, 1 após transplante de limbo autólogo por Stevens-Johnson). Granuloma ocorreu em 9 casos (5,6%) (5 em pacientes com queimadura alcalina aguda tratados com transplante de membrana amniótica, 1 em paciente com sequela de queimadura tratado com transplante de limbo autólogo e 3 em pacientes após exérese de pterígio tratados com transplante de conjuntiva autólogo). Todas as complicações ocorreram dentro da primeira semana de pós-operatório. CONCLUSÃO: Embora o presente seja retrospectivo e não-comparativo, podemos observar que a utilização do adesivo de fibrina parece ser segura e efetiva, além de apresentar baixas taxas de complicações nas cirurgias de superfície ocular e de segmento anterior.PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of fibrin glue and its complications in different ophthalmic surgeries. METHODS: A retrospective and non-comparative case series study. 161 eyes were evaluated. The mean age was 51.8 years. Fibrin glue (BeriplastTM - Aventis Behring, Germany) was used in all patients for tissue adherence or incisional closure. RESULTS: Main preoperatives diseases were pterygium (76 patients), superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis (4 patients), limbal tumor (4 patients), conjunctivochalasis (21 patients), bullous keratopathy (31 patients), limbal stem cell deficiency (7 patients), alkali injury (6 patients), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (2 patients), cataract (5 patients) and glaucoma (5 patients). Complications occurred in 28 patients (17.4%). Detachment of the fixed tissue and granulomatous foreign body reaction were the main complications. Detachment occurred in 10 cases (5.6%) (7 in amniotic membrane transplantation in bullous keratopathy, 2 in autologus conjunctival grafting for pterygium surgery, 1 in autologus limbal transplantation in a Stevens-Johnson syndrome). Granulomatous foreign body reaction was described in 9 patients (5.6%) (5 in amniotic membrane transplantation due to acute alkali injury, 1 in autologus limbal graft due to chronic burn injury, and 3 in autologus conjunctival transplant due to pterygium surgery). All the complications described occurred in the first week after surgery. CONCLUSION: Despite the limitations related to the retrospective and non-comparative setting, this study suggests that the use of fibrin glue seems to be safe and effective for tissue fixation or incisional closure presenting low rates of complications in ocular surface and anterior segment surgeries.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term outcome of HLA-matched lr-CLAL for bilateral ocular surface disorders. METHODS: A retrospective, non-comparative interventional case series study of 39 eyes of 32 patients with bilateral surface disorders and clinical diagnosis of limbal stem cell deficiency who underwent HLA-matched lr-CLAL. Visual acuity (VA), ambulatory vision (> 20/200) and ocular surface stability were evaluated as main outcomes. Donor limbus was obtained from a sibling or a parent of the patient, after an appropriate Class I and II HLA match. RESULTS: One year after surgery, VA improved in 46.2%, ambulatory vision was achieved in 48.7% and a stable corneal surface was achieved in 84.6% of the eyes. At the final follow-up (mean, 48.7 ± 30.6 months), 66.6% of the eyes that had gained VA one year after surgery maintained an improved VA (p=0.28), 94.7% of eyes that had achieved ambulatory vision one year after surgery maintained 20/200 or better (pOBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados em longo prazo do transplante alogênico inter vivo de limbo conjuntival para doenças bilaterais da superfície ocular com compatibilidade HLA doador-receptor. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo, não comparativo e intervencionista de 39 olhos de 32 pacientes submetidos a transplante alogênico de limbo com compatibilidade HLA e diagnóstico de deficiência límbica. Foram analisados como desfechos principais acuidade visual, visão ambulatorial (> 20/200) e estabilidade da superfície ocular. Limbo doador foi obtido de parentes do paciente após estudo de compatibilidade HLA classe I e II. RESULTADOS: Com um ano de pós-operatório, a acuidade visual melhorou em 46,2%, visão ambulatorial foi atingida em 48,7% e estabilidade da superfície corneana em 84,6% dos pacientes. Ao final do seguimento (média, 48,7 ± 30,6 meses), 66,6% dos olhos que haviam ganho acuidade visual um ano após a cirurgia mantiveram esta melhora (p=0,28), 94,7% dos olhos que haviam alcançado visão ambulatorial um ano após a cirurgia mantiveram visão de 20/200 ou melhor (p

Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados em longo prazo do transplante alogênico inter vivo de limbo conjuntival para doenças bilaterais da superfície ocular com compatibilidade HLA doador-receptor. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, não comparativo e intervencionista de 39 olhos de 32 pacientes submetidos a transplante alogênico de limbo com compatibilidade HLA e diagnóstico de deficiência límbica. Foram analisados como desfechos principais acuidade visual, visão ambulatorial (≥ 20/200) e estabilidade da superfície ocular. Limbo doador foi obtido de parentes do paciente após estudo de compatibilidade HLA classe I e II. Resultados: Com um ano de pós-operatório, a acuidade visual melhorou em 46,2%, visão ambulatorial foi atingida em 48,7% e estabilidade da superfície corneana em 84,6% dos pacientes. Ao final do seguimento (média, 48,7 ± 30,6 meses), 66,6% dos olhos que haviam ganho acuidade visual um ano após a cirurgia mantiveram esta melhora (p=0,28), 94,7% dos olhos que haviam alcançado visão ambulatorial um ano após a cirurgia mantiveram visão de 20/200 ou melhor (p

OBJETIVO: Relatar a evolução de 9 olhos (8 pacientes) submetidos ao implante da ceratoprótese de Dohlman-Doane tipo 1, com tempo médio de seguimento de 11,2 meses (2 a 25 meses). MÉTODOS: Trabalho retrospectivo, não comparativo, intervencionista de uma série de casos. Quanto à doença de base, em 4 olhos foram queimadura alcalina, 3 falência de múltiplos transplantes de córnea, 1 síndrome de Stevens-Johnson e 1 queimadura térmica. A acuidade visual pré-operatória era de movimento de mãos ou pior em todos os olhos. Três olhos apresentavam glaucoma pré-operatório, sendo submetidos a implante valvulado de Ahmed. RESULTADOS: A acuidade visual com correção pós-operatória foi melhor ou igual a 20/100 em 88,9% dos olhos e melhor ou igual a 20/40 em 44,4% dos olhos. Como intercorrências pós-operatórias, 3 olhos apresentaram opacidade de cápsula posterior tratada com capsulotomia com YAG laser; 3 olhos membrana retroprotética de fibrina tratada com injeção tPA ou corticoterapia; 2 olhos glaucoma tratado com medicação; 1 olho "melting" corneano tratado com a troca do botão e 1 olho endoftalmite fúngica tratada com transplante a quente, vitrectomia anterior, explante da ceratoprótese e da LIO e tratamento antifúngico. CONCLUSÃO: A ceratoprótese de Dohlman-Doane é uma boa opção para casos graves de cegueira corneana, em que o transplante penetrante de córnea não apresenta bom prognóstico. Sua principal vantagem é não necessitar imunossupressão sistêmica. Casos de queimadura alcalina e de alta chance de rejeição apresentaram os melhores resultados.PURPOSE: To describe 9 eyes in 8 patients who received Dohlman-Doane type 1 keratoprosthesis (KPro) with a mean follow-up of 11.2 months (2 to 25 months). METHODS: A retrospective, non-comparative interventional case series. Previous corneal disease was alcaline burn in 4 eyes, multiple graft failure in 3 eyes, Stevens-Johnson syndrome in 1 eye and thermal injury in 1 eye. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was hand motions or worse in all patients. Glaucoma was present preoperatively in 3 eyes and received Ahmed valve implantation. RESULTS: 88,9% eyes achieved BCVA of better than or equal to 20/100, and 44,4% better than or equal to 20/40. In the postoperative period, 3 eyes developed posterior capsule opacity treated with YAG laser capsulotomy; 3 retroprosthetic membrane treated with tPA injection or steroids; 2 glaucoma in clinical treatment; 1 corneal melting, treated with donor cornea bottom exchange; and 1 fungic endophthalmitis, treated with corneal transplant, anterior vitrectomy, KPro and intraocular lens explantation, and specific intravitreal and endovenous treatment. CONCLUSION: Dohlman-Doane K-Pro seems to be a good option for cases of corneal blindness with poor prognosis for traditional penetrating keratoplasty. Its main advantage is not requesting systemic immunossuppression. Best results were achieved in non-immune diseases.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a incidência de positividade de culturas de halos doadores córneo-esclerais preservados em Optisol GS, identificar os patógenos envolvidos, a sensibilidade dos mesmos à gentamicina e a ocorrência de infecções em olhos receptores. MÉTODOS: Foram analisadas retrospectivamente 163 culturas de halos córneo-esclerais cujos botões corneanos foram utilizados em transplantes de córnea no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre entre janeiro de 2001 e janeiro de 2003. Os halos foram divididos em dois segmentos, metade inoculada em meio Sabouroud e a outra metade em tioglicolato, com posterior semeadura em ágar-sangue, ágar-chocoloate e meio de MacConkey, conforme necessidade para identificação dos patógenos. Os prontuários dos pacientes receptores foram revisados. RESULTADOS: Dos 163 halos analisados, 11 apresentaram culturas positivas, correspondendo a 6,7% do total. Destes, quatro foram por Staphylococcus epidermidis, um por Staphylococcus aureus, um por Serratia sp, um por Pseudomonas aeruginosa e os outros quatro por diferentes subtipos de Candida (dois por Candida sp, um por Candida albicans e um por Candida parapapilosis). No antibiograma, todas as bactérias apresentaram-se resistentes à gentamicina. Nenhum olho que recebeu córnea com cultura positiva apresentou infecção após a cirurgia. CONCLUSÕES: Baixos índices de positividade de cultura de halos utilizados em transplantes de córnea no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre foram encontrados. Os patógenos mais freqüentemente identificados não apresentam boa cobertura pelos antimicrobianos presentes nos meios de preservação. A cultura de halos corneanos é recomendada para auxílio no tratamento de possível infecção ocular pós-cirúrgica.PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of positive corneoscleral rim cultures preserved in Optisol GS medium, to identify pathogens involved and possible recipient eye infection. METHODS: A hundred sixty-three corneoscleral rim cultures penetrating keratoplasties performed from January 2001 to January 2003 in the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre were reviewed. Enucleations and corneal storage were done as aseptic as possible and gentamicin 0.3% was instilled. Corneoscleral rim was divided into two segments, half was inoculated into Sabouraud broth and the other half into thioglycolate broth; inoculation into blood agar, chocolate agar and MacConkey agar was done later if necessary for pathogen identification. The receiver's eye data were reviewed. RESULTS: There were eleven positive cultures (6.7%) out of 163 evaluated corneoscleral rim cultures. Of these, four were Staphylococcus epidermidis, one was Staphylococcus aureus, one was Serratia sp., one was Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the other four were different subtypes of Candida (two Candida sp., one Candida albicans and one Candida parapapilosis). All pathogens were resistant to gentamicin. None of the eleven cases of positive corneoscleral rim cultures resulted in ocular infection at the receiver's eyes (six months follow-up). CONCLUSIONS: We found low rates of positive corneoscleral rim cultures after penetrating keratoplasty at the Porto Alegre Clinical Hospital. The most frequent involved pathogens were Staphylococcus sp and Candida sp. Although we did not identify any postoperative infection at the receiver's eyes, we recommend corneoscleral rim culture for guidance of postoperative infection, a rare but possible devastating ocular event.

OBJETIVOS: Verificar a aderência bacteriana a lentes intra-oculares de silicone e de polimetilmetacrilato como possível fator de risco no desenvolvimento de endoftalmite pós-operatória, utilizando-se um modelo in vitro com três microrganismos potencialmente patogênicos. MÉTODOS: As análises foram realizadas com cepas de Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Staphylococcus epidermidis (amostra clínica) e Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 incluindo a determinação de curvas de crescimento, testes para verificação de produção de cápsula, avaliação da hidrofobicidade, testes de aderência a diferentes materiais, microscopia óptica, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e microscopia de força atômica. RESULTADOS: A produção de cápsula e a aderência das três diferentes cepas não mostraram qualquer relação com a quantidade de microrganismos; em relação às lentes intra-oculares de polimetilmetacrilato e de silicone, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na aderência de S. aureus e S. epidermidis; P. aeruginosa foi o microrganismo mais aderente a ambos os materiais. A microscopia eletrônica de varredura confirmou estes achados em relação à aderência, ao peso que a microscopia de força atômica evidenciou a produção de biofilme pelas cepas de S. aureus, S. epidermidis e P. aeruginosa. CONCLUSÕES: Constatou-se, in vitro, que os materiais analisados não diferiram com relação à taxa de aderência bacteriana, porém, P. aeruginosa apresentou maior eficiência de adesão entre as bactérias testadas. Todas as cepas produziram biofilme. Silicone foi o material mais hidrofóbico, quando comparado ao polimetilmetacrilato.PURPOSE: To evaluate bacterial adherence to silicone and polymetylmethacrylate (PMMA) intraocular lenses as a risk factor for postsurgery endophthalmitis by using an in vitro model with three potentially pathogenic microorganisms. METHODS: In vitro experiments were carried out with the Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Staphylococcus epidermidis (clinical isolate) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 strains including growth curves, tests to verify capsule production, hydrophobicity and adherence to different materials as well as optical microscopy, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). RESULTS: No relation between capsule production, adherence of the strains tested and amount of microorganisms was observed; no statistically significant differences were detected between S. aureus and S. epidermidis adherence to polymetylmethacrylate and silicone intraocular lenses; P. aeruginosa was the most adherent microorganism to both materials. This adherence pattern was confirmed by SEM, while biofilm production by the three strains was visualized by AFM. CONCLUSIONS: In vitro experiments showed no differences of bacterial adherence between PMMA and silicone lenses, but P. aeruginosa displayed a greater level of adherence in relation to staphylococci. All three strains were shown to produce biofilm. Silicone was shown to be more hydrophobic when compared to polymethylmethacrylate.

OBJETIVO: Apresentar 10 casos de subluxação de cristalino, secundários a trauma ou a síndrome de Marfan, discutindo o tratamento e os resultados obtidos. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 10 olhos de 9 pacientes, 6 casos secundários a trauma contuso e 4 casos a síndrome de Marfan. A idade média foi de 48,9 ± 18,2 anos, com tempo de seguimento de 34,6 ± 11,6 meses (12 a 62 meses). Os pacientes foram submetidos à facectomia intracapsular (1 caso), extracapsular com capsulorrexe (1 caso), facoemulsificação sem LIO (1 caso), e facoemulsificação com implante de LIO (7 casos). Anéis expansores capsulares foram utilizados em 7 olhos. RESULTADOS: Houve melhora da acuidade visual em todos os casos durante o seguimento, exceto em um, em que houve descolamento de retina, 20 dias após o procedimento. CONCLUSÃO: A facectomia com implante de LIO em pacientes com cristalino subluxado é procedimento viável, principalmente com a facoemulsificação e o uso do anel expansor capsular, podendo melhorar bastante a acuidade visual e a qualidade de vida desses pacientes.PURPOSE: To evaluate 10 cases of subluxated lens due to trauma or Marfan syndrome, focussing on their treatment and the results. METHODS: Ten eyes of 9 patients were operated on due to lens subluxation. Six eyes were due to trauma and 4 eyes to Marfan syndrome. The mean age was 48.9 ± 18.2 years, and the follow-up period of 34.6 ± 11.6 months. Patients were submitted to intracapsular lens extraction (1 eye), extracapsular lens extraction (1 eye), phacoemulsification without IOL (1 eye), and phacoemulsification with IOL (7 eyes). Endocapsular rings were used in 7 eyes. RESULTS: Best-corrected visual acuity improved in all patients, except for one, who had a regmatogeneous retinal detachment, 20 days after surgery. CONCLUSION: Lens extraction with IOL implantation in subluxated lens patients has a good prognosis, especially with pha-coemulsification and endocapsular rings. With this approach, we were able to improve visual acuity and life quality in 90% of the cases.

OBJETIVO: Apresentar 10 casos de subluxação de cristalino, secundários a trauma ou a síndrome de Marfan, discutindo o tratamento e os resultados obtidos. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 10 olhos de 9 pacientes, 6 casos secundários a trauma contuso e 4 casos a síndrome de Marfan. A idade média foi de 48,9 ± 18,2 anos, com tempo de seguimento de 34,6 ± 11,6 meses (12 a 62 meses). Os pacientes foram submetidos à facectomia intracapsular (1 caso), extracapsular com capsulorrexe (1 caso), facoemulsificação sem LIO (1 caso), e facoemulsificação com implante de LIO (7 casos). Anéis expansores capsulares foram utilizados em 7 olhos. RESULTADOS: Houve melhora da acuidade visual em todos os casos durante o seguimento, exceto em um, em que houve descolamento de retina, 20 dias após o procedimento. CONCLUSÃO: A facectomia com implante de LIO em pacientes com cristalino subluxado é procedimento viável, principalmente com a facoemulsificação e o uso do anel expansor capsular, podendo melhorar bastante a acuidade visual e a qualidade de vida desses pacientes. PURPOSE: To evaluate 10 cases of subluxated lens due to trauma or Marfan syndrome, focussing on their treatment and the results. METHODS: Ten eyes of 9 patients were operated on due to lens subluxation. Six eyes were due to trauma and 4 eyes to Marfan syndrome. The mean age was 48.9 ± 18.2 years, and the follow-up period of 34.6 ± 11.6 months. Patients were submitted to intracapsular lens extraction (1 eye), extracapsular lens extraction (1 eye), phacoemulsification without IOL (1 eye), and phacoemulsification with IOL (7 eyes). Endocapsular rings were used in 7 eyes. RESULTS: Best-corrected visual acuity improved in all patients, except for one, who had a regmatogeneous retinal detachment, 20 days after surgery. CONCLUSION: Lens extraction with IOL implantation in subluxated lens patients has a good prognosis, especially with pha-coemulsification and endocapsular rings. With this approach, we were able to improve visual acuity and life quality in 90% of the cases.

Bacterial isolation, identification and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were carried out in ocular material collected with swab and polimethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or silicone intraocular lenses (IOL) from forty six patients submitted to cataract surgery. Seventy six isolates and seven different microorganisms were identified. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) were the predominant microorganisms isolated from swabs (71.4% of cases), PMMA lenses (81.3%) and silicon lenses (77.8%). Coagulase-negative staphylococci isolates revealed high resistance to penicillin G followed by tetracycline, chloramphenicol and aminoglicosides. However, these isolates displayed great susceptibility to vancomycin, cephalothin and ofloxacin. Except for penicillin G, Staphylococcus aureus was very sensitive to the antimicrobial agents including oxacillin. Among Gram-negatives, Proteus mirabilis was prevalent and presented high resistance to tetracycline and chloramphenicol. Enterococcus isolates were vancomycin sensitive.A partir de material ocular coletado de 46 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de catarata foram realizados isolamento, identificação e teste de susceptibilidade de microrganismos frente a antimicrobianos, utilizando-se suabes e lentes intraoculares (LIO). Foram obtidos 76 isolados e identificados 7 tipos de microrganismos. Estafilococos coagulase-negativos (CNS) foram os microrganismos mais freqüentemente detectados de suabes (71,4% dos casos), lentes de PMMA (81,3%) e lentes de silicone (77,8%). Isolados de CNS apresentaram elevada resistência à penicilina G, seguida por tetraciclina, cloranfenicol e aminoglicosídeos. No entanto, estes isolados mostraram grande sensibilidade à vancomicina, cefalotina e ofloxacina. Com exceção da penicilina G, os isolados de Staphylococcus aureus foram bastante sensíveis aos agentes antimicrobianos, incluindo a oxacilina. Entre as gram-negativas, Proteus mirabilis foi a bactéria mais freqüente e também se mostrou bastante resistente à tetraciclina e ao cloranfenicol. Os isolados de Enterococcus se mostraram sensíveis à vancomicina.

Purpose. To evaluate the additional benefits of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) when combined with conjunctival limbal autograft (CLAU) in the treatment of chronic chemical burns. Methods. Thirty eyes of 30 rabbits underwent a chemical burn to create limbal deficiency. Forty-five days later, the animals were randomized into three groups of 10 rabbits each. Eyes from group 1 were treated with CLAU, group 2 underwent CLAU and AMT, and group 3 served as control without surgery. Corneal vascularization and opacity were documented with external photographs at postoperative days 30, 60, and 90. The rabbits were killed 3 months after surgery, and their corneas divided into two halves. One half was prepared for hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid–Schiff staining and the other for frozen sections and immunostaining with AM3 (to MUC 5AC mucin) and AE5 (to K3 keratin). Final clinical outcome was also scored using external photographs at the last follow-up examination. Results. After chemical burn, all groups showed similar degrees of conjunctivalization. After transplantation, corneal vascularization was worse in controls at 60 and 90 days (p < 0.001). At 30 days, eyes from group 1 had less corneal opacity (p < 0.05). At 90 days, corneal opacity was worse in controls but the same in groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.05). At the same time, limbal deficiency was significantly worse in controls (p < 0.05) but similar between groups 1 and 2. Corneal phenotype was present in 70% of the eyes in group 1, 50% in group 2, but in 10% of the controls. Clinical success with clear corneas was significantly more common in groups 1 and 2 when compared with controls (p < 0.001). Conclusions. CLAU is effective in treating limbal deficiency. The concurrent AMT does not add benefits in this rabbit model of chemical burns.

Objetivo: Definir as indicações mais freqüentes de ceratoplastia penetrante no Serviço de Oftalmologia da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - a verificação da doença corneana mais transplantada bem como as médias etária e de tempo de preservação das córneas utilizadas. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo comparativo entre os pacientes atendidos e que tiveram indicação de transplante de córnea (transplantados e em lista de espera) no período de janeiro de 1988 a dezembro de 1997. Resultado: As principais indicações foram: ceratocone (28,6%), ceratopatia bolhosa (20,9%), leucoma (12,6%) e retransplante (11,0%). A doença mais transplantada foi o ceratocone (95% dos casos). As médias etária e de preservação das córneas utilizadas foram 44 anos e 6,6 dias respectivamente. Conclusão: As principais indicações de ceratoplastia penetratnte em nosso meio são o ceratocone, a ceratopatia bolhosa, os leucomas e o retransplante. A doença mais transplantada foi o ceratocone por ser a doença mais incidente e não pelo fato de termos maior oferta de córneas doadoras idosas como suspeitávamos inicialmente. Quanto às médias etária e de tempo de preservação das córneas utilizadas houve preferência estatisticamente significativa pelo uso de córneas mais jovens nos casos de ceratopatia bolhosa.

Purpose To assess the outcomes of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). Setting Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. Methods Fourteen eyes of 13 patients who had LASIK after PKP were retrospectively reviewed. The interval between LASIK and PKP was at least 1 year, and the follow-up after LASIK was also at least 1 year. All patients had a stable refractive error for a minimum of 6 months after all sutures were removed, regular and symmetric topographic astigmatism, and a minimal ultrasonic central corneal pachymetry of 500 μm. The Chiron Automatic Corneal Shaper® and the Meditec Aesculap MEL 60 excimer laser were used. Results At 12 months, mean myopia decreased from –5.33 diopters (D) ± 4.22 (SD) to 0.19 ± 1.71 D, mean hyperopia decreased from +5.04 ± 3.32 D to + 0.42 ± 0.46 D, and mean astigmatism decreased from 5.37 ± 2.12 D to 2.82 ± 2.42 D (47.5% of mean percentage reduction). Retreatment was necessary in 42.9% of eyes because of cylindrical undercorrection. Uncorrected visual acuity improved in 11 eyes (78.6%). Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved in 6 eyes (42.8%) and was maintained in 4 eyes (28.6%); 5 eyes (35.7%) lost 1 Snellen line. Intraoperative complications included 1 buttonhole flap. Postoperative complications included interface epithelial ingrowth at the periphery (2 eyes) and pseudophakic retinal detachment 2 years after LASIK (1 eye). Conclusion Laser in situ keratomileusis after PKP safely and predictably corrected the spherical component of the refraction. However, the predictability of LASIK in correcting post-PKP astigmatism was poor.

PURPOSE Salivary gland transplantation has been a promising alternative for the treatment of dry eye syndrome. In this article, we describe the results of an autotransplant procedure of labial salivary glands in the upper conjunctival fornix of patients with severe dry eye. METHODS A total of 14 eyes from 14 patients presenting with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and chemical burns were prospectively analyzed after surgery (average follow-up of 14 months). We evaluated their underlying symptoms, visual acuity, biomicroscopy, Schirmer's test, break-up time, and need for lubricants before and after transplantation. RESULTS All patients expressed improvement in their ocular discomfort. Nine eyes showed a slight best-corrected visual acuity improvement, while the vision of the remainder stayed stable. Corneal staining, present in all patients before surgery, was persistent in only four patients, but in a reduced area. Schirmer's test and break-up time showed significant increase in all patients (p < 0.05). In 71% of the patients, the use of lubricants was reduced. CONCLUSION Labial salivary gland transplantation can improve the life quality of patients with compromised ocular surfaces who suffer from severe dry eye syndrome.

Objetivo: Relata a experiência em nossos primeiros 329 olhos operados com a técnica de Lasik para miopia, astigmatismo e hipermetropia, com um mínimo de 6 meses de seguimento pós-operatório. Métodos: Foram analisados retrospectivamente os resultados de Lasik em 110 olhos com baixa miopia (grupo I), 113 com miopia moderada (grupo II), 47 com alta miopia (grupo III), 139 com astigmatismo baixo (grupo IV), 31 com astigmatismo moderado (grupo V), 27 com baixa hipermetropia (grupo VI) e 25 com hipermetropia moderada (grupo VII). Resultados: A refração pré-operatória média de cada grupo acima foi, respectivamente: -3,56 ± 1,25 D, -8,31 ± 1,68 D, -14,95 ± 2,85 D, -1,57 ± 0,49 D, -3,98 ± 0,85 D, +2,32 ± 0,65 D, +5,05 ± 1,02 D. Aos 12 meses de pós-operatório, a refração média residual em cada grupo acima apresentava-se, respectivamente, com -0,11 ± 0,69 D, -0,42 ± 0,85 D, -0,69 ± 1,48 D, -0,42 ± 0,73 D, -0,73 ± 1,16 D, +0,35 ± 0,50 D, e +1,32 ± 1,03 D. A regressão do efeito da cirurgia neste período foi clinicamente insignificante em todos os grupos, exceto no dos hipermétropes moderados (0,76 D). Foram necessárias re-intervenções em 4,9% dos olhos operados (3,4% para hipocorreção, 0,6% hipercorreção, e 0,9% para limpeza da interface). Perda de uma ou duas linhas na tabela de Snellen ocorreu em 3,7% dos míopes baixos, 12,4% dos míopes moderados, 0% dos míopes altos, 18,5% dos baixos hipermétropes, e 20% dos hipermétropes moderados. Outras complicações, raras, foram as seguintes: corte completo do disco, entretanto sem perda do disco (0,3%), corte incompleto (0,3%), corte irregular por perda de sucção do anel (0,3%), astigmatismo regular induzido (7,4%), descentração da foto-ablação induzindo astigmatismo irregular (0,3%), opacidades e fragmentos na interface (0,6%), estrias importantes do disco (0,3%). Conclusões: A cirurgia de Lasik demonstra ser segura, eficaz, e previsível para uma grande parte das ametropias.Purpose: To report the experience on our first 329 eyes operated with the Lasik technique for myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia, with a minimum postoperative follow-up period of 6 months. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the results of Lasik surgery of 110 eyes with low myopia (group I), 113 with moderate myopia (group II), 47 with high myopia (group III), 139 with low astigmatism (group IV), 31 with moderate astigmatism (group V), 27 with low hyperopia (group VI) and 25 with moderate hyperopia (group VII). Results: Mean preoperative refractive error of each group was, respectively, -3.56 ± 1.25 D, -8.31 ± 1.68 D, -14.95 ± 2.85 D, -1.57 ± 0.49 D, -3.98 ± 0.85 D, +2.32 ± 0.65 D, +5.05 ± 1.02 D. Twelve months after surgery, the mean residual refractive error of each group was, respectively, -0.11 ± 0.69 D, -0.42 ± 0.85 D, -0.69 ± 1.48 D, -0.42 ± 0.73 D, -0.73 ± 1.16 D, +0.35 ± 0.50 D, e +1.32 ± 1.03 D. Regression was clinically insignificant, except for the moderate hyperopia group (0.76 D). Re-operation was necessary in 4.9% of cases (3.4% for undercorrection, 0.6% for overcorrection, and 0.9% for interface cleaning). Loss of one or two best corrected visual acuity occurred in 3.7% of eyes with low myopia, 12.4% in moderate myopia, none in high myopia, 18.5% in low hyperopia and in 20% of the moderate hyperopia group. Other complications were rare: incom-plete disc cut (0.3%), irregular stromal bed because of loss of ring suction (0.3%), free cap (0.3%), regular induced astigmatism (7.4%), irregular induced astigmatism by decentered photoablation (0.3%), interface fragments (0.6%), and disc striae disturbing visual acuity (0.3%). Conclusions: Lasik seems to be a safe, effective, and predictable procedure for a variety of refractive errors.

A computerized topographic analysis system was used to evaluate corneal changes after strabismus surgery in eight eyes of five patients with Graves' disease. All patients underwent inferior rectus muscle recession; three eyes also had medial rectus recession. Corneal topographic analysis revealed that, postoperatively, corneas steepened inferiorly and inferotemporally at 1.5 mm from corneal apex (p less than 0.05). The opposite effect was observed in the superior quadrant (average flattening of 1.20 +/- 0.32 D at 1.5 mm from corneal apex, and 1.08 +/- 0.39 D at 3.0 mm from corneal apex; p less than 0.05). Superotemporally, the cornea flattened by an average of 0.65 +/- 0.26 D at 3.0 mm from corneal apex, and superonasally 0.72 +/- 0.19 D at 3.0 mm from corneal apex (p less than 0.05). Central, nasal, and temporal cornea did not show statistically significant changes. Spherical equivalent did not change significantly after surgery. The amount of restriction and upgaze measured preoperatively was correlated weakly with inferior corneal steepening (r2 = 0.44; p = 0.046). These results are indicative that corneal topography may be influenced by strabismus surgery for Graves' disease through alteration of extraocular muscle tension or intraocular pressure.

Diurnal changes in corneal topography have been documented to be greater in eyes following radial keratotomy that in normal eyes. To determine whether substantial changes of this nature result from corneal incisions in general or are a specific complication of radial keratotomy, we examined 12 corneas (10 patients) after penetrating keratoplasty for diurnal changes, using a computerized corneal topographic analysis system. Diurnal changes in keratometry readings, central corneal thickness, intraocular pressure, and refraction also were analyzed. From morning to evening, central corneal curvature flattened by an average of 0.74 ± 0.18 diopters in eight eyes (67%), and steepened by an average of 2.00 ± 0.53 D in four eyes (33%). Diurnal changes in central corneal thickness were correlated with diurnal changes in central corneal curvature (r = 0.63.P < .05). These data suggest that changes in corneal thickness over the course of the day may partially account for the changes in corneal curvature demonstrated to occur following penetrating keratoplasty.

Apresentamos aqui uma atualização sobre o transplante de conjuntiva, tanto em relação à sua técnica cirúrgica como em relação às indicações para o pterígio, tumores conjuntivais, úlceras vernais, ceratoconjuntivite límbica superior e necrose conjuntival de fístula glaucomatosa.We report herein an update on conjunctival transplantation, as regard to its technique as well as to its indication for pterigium, conjunctival tumors, vernal ulcers, superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis and conjunctival necrosis of trabeculectomy blebs.

Apresentamos aqui uma atualizacao sobre o transplante de conjuntiva, tanto em relacao a sua tecnica cirurgica como em relacao as indicacoes para o pterigio, tumores conjuntivais, ulceras vernais, ceratoconjuntivite limbica superior e necrose conjuntival de fistula glaucomatosa.

Objetivo: Avaliar as diferentes técnicas cirúrgicas oftalmológicas nas quais se pode utilizar a cola biológica e possíveis complicações relacionadas ao seu uso. Métodos: Estudo de série de casos retrospectivo, não-comparativo. Foram avaliados 161 olhos de pacientes com idade média de 51,8 anos em que foi utilizada cola biológica (Beriplast P® - Aventis Behring, Alemanha) para fixação de tecido ou fechamento incisional. Resultados: Foram avaliados 76 pacientes com pterígio, 4 com ceratoconjuntivite límbica superior, 4 com tumor limbar, 21 com conjuntivocálase, 31 com ceratopatia bolhosa, 7 com deficiência límbica, 6 com queimadura alcalina, 2 com Stevens-Johnson, 5 com catarata e 5 com glaucoma. Complicações foram relatas em 28 casos (17,4%). Descolamento do tecido fixado e granuloma foram as complicações mais frequentes. Descolamento ocorreu em 10 casos (5,6%) (7 em transplante de membrana amniótica em ceratopatia bolhosa, 2 em transplante de conjuntiva autólogo após exérese de pterígio, 1 após transplante de limbo autólogo por Stevens-Johnson). Granuloma ocorreu em 9 casos (5,6%) (5 em pacientes com queimadura alcalina aguda tratados com transplante de membrana amniótica, 1 em paciente com sequela de queimadura tratado com transplante de limbo autólogo e 3 em pacientes após exérese de pterígio tratados com transplante de conjuntiva autólogo). Todas as complicações ocorreram dentro da primeira semana de pós-operatório. Conclusão: Embora o presente seja retrospectivo e não-comparativo, podemos observar que a utilização do adesivo de fibrina parece ser segura e efetiva, além de apresentar baixas taxas de complicações nas cirurgias de superfície ocular e de segmento anterior. Purpose: To evaluate the use of fibrin glue and its complications in different ophthalmic surgeries. Methods: A retrospective and non-comparative case series study. 161 eyes were evaluated. The mean age was 51.8 years. Fibrin glue (Beriplast ™ - Aventis Behring, Germany) was used in all patients for tissue adherence or incisional closure. Results: Main preoperatives diseases were pterygium (76 patients), superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis (4 patients), limbal tumor (4 patients), conjunctivochalasis (21 patients), bullous keratopathy (31 patients), limbal stem cell deficiency (7 patients), alkali injury (6 patients), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (2 patients), cataract (5 patients) and glaucoma (5 patients). Complications occurred in 28 patients (17.4%). Detachment of the fixed tissue and granulomatous foreign body reaction were the main complications. Detachment occurred in 10 cases (5.6%) (7 in amniotic membrane transplantation in bullous keratopathy, 2 in autologus conjunctival grafting for pterygium surgery, 1 in autologus limbal transplantation in a Stevens-Johnson syndrome). Granulomatous foreign body reaction was described in 9 patients (5.6%) (5 in amniotic membrane transplantation due to acute alkali injury, 1 in autologus limbal graft due to chronic burn injury, and 3 in autologus conjunctival transplant due to pterygium surgery). All the complications described occurred in the first week after surgery. Conclusion: Despite the limitations related to the retrospective and non-comparative setting, this study suggests that the use of fibrin glue seems to be safe and effective for tissue fixation or incisional closure pre- senting low rates of complications in ocular surface and anterior segment surgeries.

Fifty-five eyes of 51 patients with different forms of refractory glaucoma (15 aphakic,12 neovascular, 9 postpenetrating keratoplasty, 8 congenital, 5 secondary to uveitis, 4 associated with aniridia, 1 pseudophakic, and 1 traumatic) underwent antiglaucomatous surgery using a modified 90° Schocket implant. In 25 eyes (45.4%), this was the first surgical procedure. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 27 months (mean, 10.3 ± 5.4 months). The mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 39.5 ± 8.6 mmHg (range, 22 to 66 mmHg). The mean postoperative IOP was 17.8 ± 7.6 mmHg (range, 4 to 50 mmHg). Intraocular pressure remained less than 21 mmHg in 50 eyes (90.9%) during the follow-up period. In 13 of these eyes (26.0%), IOP remained under control without any medication. Complications were observed in 13 eyes (23.6%) and were successfully treated in 11 of them. Complications included iris-tube block (5.4%), vitreous-tube block (3.6%), early postoperative flat anterior chamber (1.8%), choroidal effusion (3.6%), tube exteriorization from anterior chamber (3.6%), tube displacement from silicone band (1.8%), retinal detachment (1.8%), tubecornea touch (1.8%), vitreous hemorrhage (1.8%), infectious endophthalmitis (1.8%), and phthisis bulbi (1.8%). Modified 90° Schocket implants are an effective technique in the management of refractory glaucoma.

To evaluate the use of fibrin glue and its complications in different ophthalmic surgeries.A retrospective and non-comparative case series study. 161 eyes were evaluated. The mean age was 51.8 years. Fibrin glue (Beriplast--Aventis Behring, Germany) was used in all patients for tissue adherence or incisional closure.Main preoperatives diseases were pterygium (76 patients), superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis (4 patients), limbal tumor (4 patients), conjunctivochalasis (21 patients), bullous keratopathy (31 patients), limbal stem cell deficiency (7 patients), alkali injury (6 patients), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (2 patients), cataract (5 patients) and glaucoma (5 patients). Complications occurred in 28 patients (17.4%). Detachment of the fixed tissue and granulomatous foreign body reaction were the main complications. Detachment occurred in 10 cases (5.6%) (7 in amniotic membrane transplantation in bullous keratopathy, 2 in autologous conjunctival grafting for pterygium surgery, 1 in autologous limbal transplantation in a Stevens-Johnson syndrome). Granulomatous foreign body reaction was described in 9 patients (5.6%) (5 in amniotic membrane transplantation due to acute alkali injury, 1 in autologous limbal graft due to chronic burn injury, and 3 in autologous conjunctival transplant due to pterygium surgery). All the complications described occurred in the first week after surgery.Despite the limitations related to the retrospective and non-comparative setting, this study suggests that the use of fibrin glue seems to be safe and effective for tissue fixation or incisional closure presenting low rates of complications in ocular surface and anterior segment surgeries.

Objetivos: Avaliar a incidência de positividade de culturas de halos doadores córneo-esclerais preservados em Optisol GS, identificar os patógenos envolvidos, a sensibilidade dos mesmos à gentamicina e a ocorrência de infecções em olhos receptores. Métodos: Foram analisadas retrospectivamente 163 culturas de halos córneo-esclerais cujos botões corneanos foram utilizados em transplantes de córnea no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre entre janeiro de 2001 e janeiro de 2003. Os halos foram divididos em dois segmentos, metade inoculada em meio Sabouroud e a outra metade em tioglicolato, com posterior semeadura em ágarsangue, ágar-chocoloate e meio de MacConkey, conforme necessidade para identificação dos patógenos. Os prontuários dos pacientes receptores foram revisados. Resultados: Dos 163 halos analisados, 11 apresentaram culturas positivas, correspondendo a 6,7% do total. Destes, quatro foram por Staphylococcus epidermidis, um por Staphylococcus aureus, um por Serratia sp, um por Pseudomonas aeruginosa e os outros quatro por diferentes subtipos de Candida (dois por Candida sp, um por Candida albicans e um por Candida parapapilosis). No antibiograma, todas as bactérias apresentaram-se resistentes à gentamicina. Nenhum olho que recebeu córnea com cultura positiva apresentou infecção após a cirurgia. Conclusões: Baixos índices de positividade de cultura de halos utilizados em transplantes de córnea no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre foram encontrados. Os patógenos mais freqüentemente identificados não apresentam boa cobertura pelos antimicrobianos presentes nos meios de preservação. A cultura de halos corneanos é recomendada para auxílio no tratamento de possível infecção ocular pós-cirúrgica. Purpose: To determine the incidence of positive corneoscleral rim cultures preserved in Optisol GS medium, to identify pathogens involved and possible recipient eye infection. Methods: A hundred sixty-three corneoscleral rim cultures penetrating keratoplasties performed from January 2001 to January 2003 in the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre were reviewed. Enucleations and corneal storage were done as aseptic as possible and gentamicin 0.3% was instilled. Corneoscleral rim was divided into two segments, half was inoculated into Sabouraud broth and the other half into thioglycolate broth; inoculation into blood agar, chocolate agar and MacConkey agar was done later if necessary for pathogen identification. The receiver’s eye data were reviewed. Results: There were eleven positive cultures (6.7%) out of 163 evaluated corneoscleral rim cultures. Of these, four were Staphylococcus epidermidis, one was Staphylococcus aureus, one was Serratia sp., one was Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the other four were different subtypes of Candida (two Candida sp., one Candida albicans and one Candida parapapilosis). All pathogens were resistant to gentamicin. None of the eleven cases of positive corneoscleral rim cultures resulted in ocular infection at the receiver’s eyes (six months follow-up). Conclusions: We found low rates of positive corneoscleral rim cultures after penetrating keratoplasty at the Porto Alegre Clinical Hospital. The most frequent involved pathogens were Staphylococcus sp and Candida sp. Although we did not identify any postoperative infection at the receiver’s eyes, we recommend corneoscleral rim culture for guidance of postoperative infection, a rare but possible devastating ocular event.

To describe 9 eyes in 8 patients who received Dohlman-Doane type 1 keratoprosthesis (KPro) with a mean follow-up of 11.2 months (2 to 25 months).A retrospective, non-comparative interventional case series. Previous corneal disease was alcaline burn in 4 eyes, multiple graft failure in 3 eyes, Stevens-Johnson syndrome in 1 eye and thermal injury in 1 eye. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was hand motions or worse in all patients. Glaucoma was present preoperatively in 3 eyes and received Ahmed valve implantation.88,9% eyes achieved BCVA of better than or equal to 20/100, and 44,4% better than or equal to 20/40. In the postoperative period, 3 eyes developed posterior capsule opacity treated with YAG laser capsulotomy; 3 retroprosthetic membrane treated with tPA injection or steroids; 2 glaucoma in clinical treatment; 1 corneal melting, treated with donor cornea bottom exchange; and 1 fungic endophthalmitis, treated with corneal transplant, anterior vitrectomy, KPro and intraocular lens explantation, and specific intravitreal and endovenous treatment.Dohlman-Doane K-Pro seems to be a good option for cases of corneal blindness with poor prognosis for traditional penetrating keratoplasty. Its main advantage is not requesting systemic immunossuppression. Best results were achieved in non-immune diseases.

Keratoconus is one of the leading causes of corneal blindness and a frequent indication for penetrating keratoplasty (PK) (1). One of the most effective methods for visual rehabilitation of keratoconus patients is rigid contact lenses use, but a high percent of these patients are contact lens intolerant. Various types of surgical procedures have been suggested for keratoconus as an alternative for PK, including apex cauterization, epikeratophakia, sectorial keratotomy, photorefractive keratotomy (PRK), Lasik, and lamellar keratoplasty, but with worse results when compared to PK (2).

Objetivos: Verificar a aderência bacteriana a lentes intra-oculares de silicone e de polimetilmetacrilato como possível fator de risco no desenvolvimento de endoftalmite pós-operatória, utilizando-se um modelo in vitro com três microrganismos potencialmente patogênicos. Métodos: As análises foram realizadas com cepas de Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Staphylococcus epidermidis (amostra clínica) e Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 incluindo a determinação de curvas de crescimento, testes para verificação de produção de cápsula, avaliação da hidrofobicidade, testes de aderência a diferentes materiais, microscopia óptica, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e microscopia de força atômica. Resultados: A produção de cápsula e a aderência das três diferentes cepas não mostraram qualquer relação com a quantidade de microrganismos; em relação às lentes intra-oculares de polimetilmetacrilato e de silicone, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na aderência de S. aureus e S. epidermidis; P. aeruginosa foi o microrganismo mais aderente a ambos os materiais. A microscopia eletrônica de varredura confirmou estes achados em relação à aderência, ao peso que a microscopia de força atômica evidenciou a produção de biofilme pelas cepas de S. aureus, S. epidermidis e P. aeruginosa. Conclusões: Constatou-se, in vitro, que os materiais analisados não diferiram com relação à taxa de aderência bacteriana, porém, P. aeruginosa apresentou maior eficiência de adesão entre as bactérias testadas. Todas as cepas produziram biofilme. Silicone foi o material mais hidrofóbico, quando comparado ao polimetilmetacrilato. Purpose: To evaluate bacterial adherence to silicone and polymetylmethacrylate (PMMA) intraocular lenses as a risk factor for postsurgery endophthalmitis by using an in vitro model with three potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Methods: In vitro experiments were carried out with the Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Staphylococcus epidermidis (clinical isolate) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 strains including growth curves, tests to verify capsule production, hydrophobicity and adherence to different materials as well as optical microscopy, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Results: No relation between capsule production, adherence of the strains tested and amount of microorganisms was observed; no statistically significant differences were detected between S. aureus and S. epidermidis adherence to polymetylmethacrylate and silicone intraocular lenses; P. aeruginosa was the most adherent microorganism to both materials. This adherence pattern was confirmed by SEM, while biofilm production by the three strains was visualized by AFM. Conclusions: In vitro experiments showed no differences of bacterial adherence between PMMA and silicone lenses, but P. aeruginosa displayed a greater level of adherence in relation to staphylococci. All three strains were shown to produce biofilm. Silicone was shown to be more hydrophobic when compared to polymethylmethacrylate.

Purpose: To assess the outcome of Ferrara intracorneal ring segments for keratoconus. Setting: Private practice and university hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil. Methods: In this retrospective noncomparative interventional case series, 51 keratoconus eyes of 47 patients that had Ferrara intracorneal ring segment implantation were reviewed. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), central corneal curvature, corneal astigmatism, surface regularity index, surface asymmetry index, and complications were analyzed. Results: At a mean follow-up of 13.0 months ± 8.7 (SD), the BSCVA improved in 86.4% of eyes, was unchanged in 1.9%, and worsened in 11.7%. The UCVA improved in 86.4% of eyes, was unchanged in 7.8%, and worsened in 5.8%. The mean spherical equivalent (SE) was reduced from −6.08 ± 5.01 diopters (D) to −4.55 ± 5.71 D and the mean refractive astigmatism, from −3.82 ± 2.13 D to −2.16 ± 2.07 D. The mean central corneal curvature was reduced from 48.76 ± 3.97 D to 43.17 ± 4.79 D. Eyes with central keratoconus had statistically significantly better results than eyes with inferior keratoconus in topographic astigmatism, SE, and refraction cylinder. Penetrating keratoplasty was avoided in 38 eyes (74.5%) during the follow-up. Intracorneal ring segment decentration occurred in 2 eyes (3.9%), segment extrusion in 10 eyes (19.6%), bacterial keratitis in 1 eye (1.9%) with segment extrusion, and a disciform keratitis in 1 eye (1.9%). Conclusion: Implantation of Ferrara intracorneal ring segments in patients with keratoconus was a safe and reversible procedure that led to stable results and avoided or delayed PKP in many cases.

Gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy is a rare disorder with few cases described in the present literature. The following report will show how difficult it is to diagnose this disease in early stages. Modern image exams, such as optical coherence tomography helps to diagnose and can be crucial to establish the best treatment. We will present the histopathological changes and clinical features in this unusual dystrophy.A distrofia corneana gelatinosa em gotas é uma desordem rara e pouco descrita em nossa literatura. O caso apresentado demonstra a dificuldade de realizar o diagnóstico nas fases mais iniciais da doença. O uso de modernos exames de imagem, como a tomografia de coerência óptica de segmento anterior, auxilia no diagnóstico e pode ser crucial para definir a melhor conduta terapêutica. Apresentaremos as alterações histopatológicas e as características clínicas desta incomum distrofia.

To determine potential acuity meter (PAM) accuracy in patients with cataract as the only ocular disease.Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil.This prospective study comprised 74 eyes with cataract. Patients with other ocular pathology diagnosed before or after surgery, as well as those with complicated surgeries, were excluded. All patients had PAM evaluation before surgery; these results were compared to the final postoperative visual acuity. Patients were divided into 4 cataract groups based on the Lens Opacity Classification System II: Group 1, early cataracts (nuclear opalescence [NO] 1 and/or posterior subcapsular cataracts [P] 1 and/or cortical opacity [C]2); Group 2, definite cataracts (NO2 and/or C2, with or without P1); Group 3, posterior cataracts (P2 or P3); Group 4, mature cataracts (N3 and/or Cor = 3, with or without P1). The PAM result was considered accurate if it was within 2 lines of the postoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) 3 months after surgery.All patients had a BSCVA of 20/20. Accuracy of the PAM was 58.3% in Group 1, 50.0% in Group 2, 27.8% in Group 3, and 6.7% in Group 4 (P =.000 017). Patient age did not influence the results.The PAM may be used as a complementary tool in evaluating early and nondense cataracts; however, patients should not be excluded as candidates for cataract surgery based solely on PAM results.

Objetivo: Relata a experiência em nossos primeiros 329 olhos operados com a técnica de Lasik para miopia, astigmatismo e hipermetropia, com um mínimo de 6 meses de seguimento pós-operatório. Métodos: Foram analisados retrospectivamente os resultados de Lasik em 110 olhos com baixa miopia (grupo I), 113 com miopia moderada (grupo II), 47 com alta miopia (grupo III), 139 com astigmatismo baixo (grupo IV), 31 com astigmatismo moderado (grupo V), 27 com baixa hipermetropia (grupo VI) e 25 com hipermetropia moderada (grupo VII). Resultados: A refração pré-operatória média de cada grupo acima foi, respectivamente: -3,56 ± 1,25 D, -8,31 ± 1,68 D, -14,95 ± 2,85 D, -1,57 ± 0,49 D, -3,98 ± 0,85 D, +2,32 ± 0,65 D, +5,05 ± 1,02 D. Aos 12 meses de pós-operatório, a refração média residual em cada grupo acima apresentava-se, respectivamente, com -0,11 ± 0,69 D, -0,42 ± 0,85 D, -0,69 ± 1,48 D, -0,42 ± 0,73 D, -0,73 ± 1,16 D, +0,35 ± 0,50 D, e +1,32 ± 1,03 D. A regressão do efeito da cirurgia neste período foi clinicamente insignificante em todos os grupos, exceto no dos hipermétropes moderados (0,76 D). Foram necessárias re-intervenções em 4,9% dos olhos operados (3,4% para hipocorreção, 0,6% hipercorreção, e 0,9% para limpeza da interface). Perda de uma ou duas linhas na tabela de Snellen ocorreu em 3,7% dos míopes baixos, 12,4% dos míopes moderados, 0% dos míopes altos, 18,5% dos baixos hipermétropes, e 20% dos hipermétropes moderados. Outras complicações, raras, foram as seguintes: corte completo do disco, entretanto sem perda do disco (0,3%), corte incompleto (0,3%), corte irregular por perda de sucção do anel (0,3%), astigmatismo regular induzido (7,4%), descentração da foto-ablação induzindo astigmatismo irregular (0,3%), opacidades e fragmentos na interface (0,6%), estrias importantes do disco (0,3%). Conclusões: A cirurgia de Lasik demonstra ser segura, eficaz, e previsível para uma grande parte das ametropias. Purpose: To report the experience on our first 329 eyes operated with the Lasik technique for myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia, with a minimum postoperative follow-up period of 6 months. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the results of Lasik surgery of 110 eyes with low myopia (group I), 113 with moderate myopia (group II), 47 with high myopia (group III), 139 with low astigmatism (group IV), 31 with moderate astigmatism (group V), 27 with low hyperopia (group VI) and 25 with moderate hyperopia (group VII). Results: Mean preoperative refractive error of each group was, respectively, -3.56 ± 1.25 D, -8.31 ± 1.68 D, -14.95 ± 2.85 D, -1.57 ± 0.49 D, -3.98 ± 0.85 D, +2.32 ± 0.65 D, +5.05 ± 1.02 D. Twelve months after surgery, the mean residual refractive error of each group was, respectively, -0.11 ± 0.69 D, -0.42 ± 0.85 D, -0.69 ± 1.48 D, -0.42 ± 0.73 D, -0.73 ± 1.16 D, +0.35 ± 0.50 D, e +1.32 ± 1.03 D. Regression was clinically insignificant, except for the moderate hyperopia group (0.76 D). Re-operation was necessary in 4.9% of cases (3.4% for undercorrection, 0.6% for overcorrection, and 0.9% for interface cleaning). Loss of one or two best corrected visual acuity occurred in 3.7% of eyes with low myopia, 12.4% in moderate myopia, none in high myopia, 18.5% in low hyperopia and in 20% of the moderate hyperopia group. Other complications were rare: incom-plete disc cut (0.3%), irregular stromal bed because of loss of ring suction (0.3%), free cap (0.3%), regular induced astigmatism (7.4%), irregular induced astigmatism by decentered photoablation (0.3%), interface fragments (0.6%), and disc striae disturbing visual acuity (0.3%). Conclusions: Lasik seems to be a safe, effective, and predictable procedure for a variety of refractive errors.

SUMMARY Purpose: To compare corneal epithelium healing of rabbit eyes with partial keratoconjunctival and conjunctival limbal deficiency with normal corneas (controls). Methods: Partial limbal deficiency (PDL) was created by surgical removal of one third of the superior limbal zone by performing a partial-thickness corneal incision at 2 mm from the limbus (Group 1) and bythe removal of conjunctival limbus without corneal dissection (Group 2). All operated eyes and control underwent two consecutive alkali burns. Results: Afterthe two alkali burns, the eyes ofGroup 1 had a delayed epithelial healing curve when compared with controls (p < 0.05); eyes ofGroup 2 and the controls had similar healingcurves. Corneas ofboth groups showed greater vascularization than controls but there was no significant difference. The occurrence of stromal transient opacities was greater in Group 1 when compared with controls (p < 0.05). There was only one case of permanent opacity, vascularization and persistent epithelial defects that belonged to Group 1. Cytologic evaluation showed normal epithelial corneal cells except for one case of Group 1 which showed goblet cells on the superior cornea. Conclusions: These results supportthe concept that in PLD corneas the epithelium is still impaired after a moderate corneal burn and that keratoconjunctival limbal removal causes a worse PLD than conjunctival limbal removal, a relatively less invasive procedure. RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar a cicatrização epitelial corneana de olhos de coelhos com deficiência parcial de limbo (DPL) córneo-conjuntival e conjuntival com olhos normais (controles). Métodos: A DPL foi induzida pela retirada cirúrgica de 1/3 do limbo superior realizando uma ceratectomia a 2 mm do limbo (Grupo 1) e pela remoção do limbo conjuntival sem ceratectomia (Grupo 2). Posteriormente, todos os olhos operados e os controles foram submetidos a duas queimaduras alcalinas consecutivas. Resultados: Após a 1a e 2a queimaduras, os olhos do Grupo 1 tiveram uma curva de cicatrização epitelial significativamente mais lenta que os controles, os olhos do Grupo 2 e os contro les tiveram curvas de cicatrização similares. As córneas dos Grupos 1 e 2 apresentaram mais vascularização periférica que os controles porém sem diferença significativa. A incidência de leucomas transitórios foi maior no Grupo 1 quando comparado aos controles (p < 0.05). Houve apenas um caso de leucoma permanente, vascularização e defeito epiteliais persistentes que pertencia ao Grupo 1. A avaliação cito lógica demonstrou células epiteliais normais, com exceção de um caso do Grupo 1 que apresentou células caliciformes. Conclusões: Nossos resultados sustentam o conceito de que nas córneas com DPL o epitélio ainda pode estar comprometido após uma queimadura moderada e que a remoção de limbo córneo-conjuntival causa uma DPL mais grave do que a remoção de limbo conjuntival. Além disso, trata-se de um procedimento tecnicamente mais dificil e invasivo para o olho doador.

RESUMO Os autores relatam os tres primeiros casos comprovados de ceratite por Acanthamoeba sp no Rio Grande do Sul. Todos os pacientes eram usuarios de lentes rigidas gas-permeaveis, usando agua corrente para higiene das mesmas. Um paciente teve resolucao do quadro clinico apos 4 meses de tratamento intensivo com neomicina, biguanida, metronidazol e dexametasona topicos. Os outros pacientes necessitaram de ceratoplastia penetrante, um apos 2 meses e o outro apos 14 meses de tratamento clinico intensivo (neomicina, biguanida, propamidine e dexametasona topicos) sem sucesso. Nao houve recidiva da infestacao por Acanthamoeba em nenhum dos casos durante o periodo de seguimento (16, 5 e 22 meses). O diagnostico etiologico foi realizado pela identificacao de cistos e trofozoitos de Acanthamoeba no exame direto do raspado da ulcera de cornea em dois pacientes e no exame anatomo-patologico dos botoes corneanos dos que se submeteram ao transplante de cornea.