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The Descemet membrane (DM) is the basement membrane of corneal endothelial cells, which are responsible for maintaining corneal transparency. DM detachment (DMD) can occur due to various reasons, with the most common etiology being post-surgical. Older age, blunt instruments, and faulty surgical technique predispose to the intraoperative or postoperative occurrence of DMD, and one should have a high index of suspicion for DMD in cases with unexplained or an atypical pattern of corneal edema after surgery. Prompt intervention for DMD management is imperative to effect early visual rehabilitation, decrease corneal morbidity, and avoid permanent damage leading to scarring of the cornea. Various classifications of DMD and management protocols have been described. Anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) imaging is the most effective imaging to detect DMD and quantify its extent. Desmetopexy with air/gas is the initial treatment of choice and could be aided by suture fixation. Non-responsive cases might need endothelial keratoplasty.

Purpose: To report the clinical profile and donor characteristics of post-optical keratoplasty adverse events notified at an eye bank. Methods: Between January 2013 and December 2022, 37,041 donor corneas were utilized for keratoplasty, of which 16,531 were used for penetrating keratoplasty (PK), 12,171 for endothelial keratoplasty (EK), and 1356 for anterior lamellar keratoplasty (ALK). EK included 10,956 Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and 1215 Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). The adverse events reported within the first 6 weeks of optical keratoplasty were analyzed for donor-related parameters. Results: A total of 41 (0.11%) recipients had post-keratoplasty infections. Of these, 33 occurred after EK (29 after DSAEK, and four after DMEK), two after ALK, and six after PK. The clinical presentation was keratitis alone in 16 eyes and associated with endophthalmitis in 25 eyes. The organisms isolated were gram-negative bacteria in 26 eyes, fungus in eight eyes, gram-positive bacteria in four eyes, mixed infection in five eyes, and microbiology inconclusive in seven eyes. The majority (78%) of the gram-negative infections were due to multidrug-resistant organisms. Most (88%) donor corneas were harvested from hospital premises. The most common cause of donor mortality was trauma. The median duration of presentation from surgery was 4.46 (range: 1–30) days. The death to preservation time was 4.18 (1.5–7.65) hours. The death to utilization time was 3 (2–4.7) days. Conclusion: The overall risk of infectious adverse events after keratoplasty was 0.11%, ranging from 0.08% to 0.36%. Most (80.4%) of the adverse events occurred after EK. The majority (78.9%) of the adverse events were of bacterial etiology, of which gram-negative infections (68.4%) were the most common. The trends and microbiological spectrum of organisms associated with infections should be thoroughly documented in eye banks to gain insights and formulate guidelines on the management of adverse events.

This review highlights the evolution in the scope of eye banking activities in India. The roles and responsibilities of the eye banks have expanded to match the requirements and necessities that arose because of advancements in keratoplasty techniques and the need for corneal surgeons. Adoption of different types of corneal preservation solutions and methods of donor cornea preservation was a consequence of the changing and unprecedented times. The growth of eye banking in India has been a commendable journey and has placed the country in an “almost sufficient” category in eye banking and corneal transplantation. There exists a potential to reach the status of cornea surplus country in the future. The rules and laws governing eye banking operations need dynamic amendments based on the trends in keratoplasty, surgical practice patterns, and status of self-sufficiency. Newer technological advances and quality measures must be adopted in donor cornea evaluation and tissue preparation. Research should be integrated as an important component of eye banking, especially in developing novel methods of donor preservation, and evaluating and validating the existing and changing practices of eye banking.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of McCarey-Kaufman (MK) medium supplemented with colistin and amphotericin B in inhibiting the growth of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa, using an ex vivo experimental model with human donor corneas. Methods: Cadaveric human corneas deemed unsuitable for corneal transplantation were obtained, and MK media were supplemented with colistin and amphotericin B. Multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa was cultured and used to infect the human donor corneas ex vivo. Infected corneas were placed in the MK media with additional antibiotics (colistin and amphotericin B) and the standard MK media, which served as the control arm for comparison. Corneal opacity due to infiltration and quantitative analysis of colony-forming units (CFUs) were assessed. The viability of the corneal endothelium was assessed using trypan blue staining. Results: Corneas incubated in MK media supplemented with additional antibiotics showed less corneal opacification compared with those in standard MK media at both 48- and 96-hour (hr) time points. Quantitative analysis revealed a lower bacterial load and a significant reduction in CFU in the corneas incubated in MK media with additional antibiotics compared with the control group. At 48 hrs, there was 84% (P value = 0.024) reduction in bacterial load, and at 96 hr, a 53% (P value = 0.016) reduction was observed in comparison with those placed in standard MK media. The trypan blue staining tests revealed that the extent of endothelial cell loss in corneas incubated in supplemented MK media was comparable to the ones in standard MK media. Conclusion: The addition of colistin and amphotericin B to MK media demonstrated efficacy in inhibiting the growth of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa in an ex vivo cornea infection model. The supplemented media had no detrimental effect on the corneal endothelium. The findings suggest that supplementing the MK media with these broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents may help mitigate the risk of postoperative donor-related infection in the recipients by reducing and containing the load of microbial contamination in donor corneas.

Congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED) is a rare genetic corneal disorder causing progressive cornea clouding and significant visual impairment. CHED remains a leading indication for pediatric corneal transplantation despite its infrequency, particularly in regions with high consanguinity rates like Southeast Asia. Identifying the Solute Carrier Family 4 Member 11 (SLC4A11) gene as the genetic basis of CHED has led to the discovery of it's various genetic variations. However, a comprehensive understanding of its clinical-genetic correlation, pathophysiology, and optimal management is ongoing. This review aims to consolidate current knowledge about CHED, covering its genetic origins, pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical presentation, and management strategies. Surgical intervention, such as penetrating keratoplasty (PK), Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK), and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), remains the primary treatment. DSAEK and DMEK offer advantages over PK, including quicker visual recovery, reduced complications, and longer graft survival, especially in the pediatric age group. The timing of surgical interventions depends on disease severity, age at presentation, comorbidities, and visual potential. Elevated oxidative stress in CHED corneal tissue suggests potential benefits from anti-inflammatory drugs to rescue mutated endothelial cells. Considering the limitations of corneal graft surgeries, exploring novel gene-based molecular therapies are essential for future management. Early diagnosis, appropriate surgical interventions, amblyopia control, and genetic counseling for predictive analysis are pivotal for optimizing CHED management. A multidisciplinary approach involving ophthalmologists, researchers, and genetic counselors is essential for precise diagnosis and optimal care for CHED patients.

Abstract Background Congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED) is a rare form of corneal dystrophy caused by SLC4A11 gene variations. This study aims to find the genetic alterations in SLC4A11, in two Indian familial CHED cases with affected members n = 3 and n = 2 respectively and five sporadic CHED cases using direct sequencing, followed by in silico analysis and characterization of the identified variants. Results All three affected members of the first CHED family were identified with a novel homozygous c.1514C > G (p.Ser489Trp) variation while second family showed presence of a compound heterozygous variation c.529A > C (p.Arg161Arg) + c.2461insT (p.Val805fs). Among five sporadic cases, two showed novel changes, homozygous c.1487G > T (p.Ser480Ile) and c.620-2A > G, while the other one had previously reported homozygous c.2653C > T (p.Arg869Cys) variation. The remaining two cases did not reveal the presence of SLC4A11-related pathogenic variations. The identified variations were excluded from the Indian control (n = 80). In silico analysis using homology-based protein modeling and pathogenicity prediction tools, which revealed these alterations as pathogenic, changing their protein stability, local flexibility, residue contact clashes, and the hydrogen bond interactions. Conclusions This study contributed to the CHED mutational spectrum, adding four novel variations and confirming a previously reported one. It demonstrates different type of variations in CHED cases, including coding, non-coding, homozygous, synonymous, and compound heterozygous variations. The identified variations revealed different degrees of pathogenic effects in silico. Moreover, two sporadic cases could not be identified with pathogenic variation emphasizing the involvement of other genes or genetic mechanisms.

Purpose: Our study aimed to evaluate the utility of the anterior segment morphometry for objectively assessing anterior segment architectural changes of corneal clouding in the mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) cohort and to investigate whether these measurements correlate with the slit-lamp findings on the cornea and early diagnosis of glaucoma. Methods: This retrospective study involved 70 eyes of 35 children with cloudy cornea due to MPS variants. Anterior segment architectural alterations were measured using anterior segment imaging and biometry in MPS children and compared with controls. Results: Mean age of the cohort at the time of assessment was 7.9 ± 4.5 years. Males constituted two-thirds of the cohort. Variants of MPS with cloudy cornea were as follows: Type I (62%), Type IV (11%), and Type VI (22%). Morphometric measurements were available in 22 eyes of 11 MPS children and an age-matched healthy control group. There were significant differences between MPS cohort and controls in refraction in Diopters (5.03 ± 0.39 and 0.01 ± 0.04; P < 0.0001), axial length (AXL) in mm (21.39 ± 0.28 and 23.04 ± 0.28; P = 0.0002), average keratometry in Diopters (40.67 ± 0.44 and 42.83 ± 0.44; P < 0.0001), anterior chamber depth (ACD) in mm (2.92 ± 0.07 and 3.65 ± 0.07; P < 0.0001), and intraocular pressure (IOP) in mmHg (25.2 ± 2.0 and 14.1 ± 2.3; P = 0.0003). Secondary glaucoma was observed in 28% of the MPS cohort. Conclusion: The anterior segment morphometry in the cloudy cornea due to MPS provides an objective measurement of anterior segment architectural changes, thus diagnosing early-onset secondary glaucoma. These findings highlight that cloudy cornea due to MPS variants merits close monitoring throughout life.

Purpose: To evaluate Vitamin B12 levels in healthcare professionals at a tertiary eyecare centre in India. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among healthcare professionals working at a tertiary eyecare centre in India. The sample included 2,374 employees. Chemiluminescent immunoassay method (reference range, 211–911 pg/ml) was used to assess serum vitamin B12 levels. Effect of age and gender was analyzed in vitamin B12 normal and vitamin B12 deficient groups. To evaluate risk factors, questions related to vitamin B12 deficiency were asked to the study participants in a survey. Results: The mean age of employees was 29.2 ± 0.7 years. Around 26% of them were vitamin B12 deficient. The proportion of males in the vitamin B12 deficient group (61.2%) was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than that of the vitamin B12 normal group (44.9%). There was no effect of age on vitamin B12 levels in both vitamin B12 normal and vitamin B12 deficient groups. Mean vitamin B12 levels in males (289.1 ± 22.2 pg/ml) was significantly lower (P < 0.0001) than that of females (338.7 ± 30.0 pg/ml). Conclusion: This is the first such study on eyecare professionals. One-fourth of the eyecare professionals were vitamin B12 deficient. The proportion of males was higher in the vitamin B12 deficiency group. Males had lower vitamin B12 levels than females. Annual blood tests for vitamin B12 are recommended for timely diagnosis and management of vitamin B12 deficiency, particularly in males.

Purpose: To describe the clinical profile and demographic distribution of band-shaped keratopathy (BSK) in patients presenting to a multitier ophthalmology hospital network in India. Methods: This cross-sectional hospital-based study included 2,664,906 new patients presenting between January 2011 and January 2021 (10-year period). Patients with a clinical diagnosis of BSK in at least one eye were included as cases. The data were collected using an electronic medical record system. Results: Overall, 8801 (0.33%) patients were diagnosed with BSK. The prevalence rates were 0.47% in children (age:

Purpose: To report the clinical outcomes and histopathological and immunohistochemistry (IHC) features in eyes with the sequelae stage of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). Methods: Investigative study of corneal samples obtained following surgical intervention for vision restoration in four eyes of three patients with VKC. Patient 1 (an 11-year-old boy) had deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in both eyes, Patient 2 (a 24-year-old male) underwent superficial keratectomy followed by penetrating keratoplasty, and Patient 3 (a 22-year-old male) underwent penetrating keratoplasty. The corneal samples retrieved after surgical intervention were assessed for histology features and immunohistochemistry (IHC) studies. Results: The grafts were clear till the follow-up of 2–18 months. Histopathology of all four corneal samples showed epithelial hyperplasia, absent Bowman layer, thick hyalinized stromal lamellae, vascularization, and chronic inflammatory cells such as lymphocytes and plasma cells. IHC showed strong expression of CK 3 in both eyes of Patient 1 and no expression in Patients 2 and 3. The marker for limbal stem cells, ABCG2, was absent in all four samples; however, p63α was expressed strongly in Patients 2 and 3, moderately in the right eye of Patient 1, and marginally expressed in the left eye of Patient 1. Conclusion: The eyes in the sequelae stage of VKC (having corneal scarring and 360° hypertrophied limbus) can be managed favorably with keratoplasty and amniotic membrane transplantation without allogenic/cadaveric stem cell transplantation. The expression of transient progenitor cells in the scarred corneas of VKC patients in the sequelae stage suggests that the limbal stem cell dysfunction is more likely partial and self-renewal of limbal stem cells is a plausibility in these eyes.

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of trabeculectomy, graft survival, and risk factors for failure in post penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) eyes. Methods: We reviewed charts of eyes that underwent trabeculectomy for post keratoplasty glaucoma PK [25 eyes] and DSEK [14 eyes] between 1993 and 2019. The demographics, clinical features, and surgical outcomes were evaluated. Success of trabeculectomy was defined as complete when the intraocular pressure (IOP) was >5 and ≤21 mmHg without antiglaucoma medications (AGM) and qualified with AGM. Clear and compact graft was considered for graft success. Results: Median (interquartile range [IQR] preoperative IOP in post-PK eyes and post-DSEK eyes was comparable, 32 (28–38) vs. 31.5 (25–36) mmHg, P = 0.38). Median number of preoperative AGMs was comparable (P = 0.78). Median postoperative follow-up was longer in post-PK, compared with post-DSEK, 2.5 (1.3–3.3) vs. 1 (0.3–2.9) years (P = 0.05). Kaplan–Meier survival estimates for complete and qualified success of trabeculectomy at 3 years were 23.7% and 73.3%, respectively, for PK and 45.8% and 71.6%, respectively, for DSEK. Kaplan–Meier survival estimates for graft survival were 91.8% up to 3 years for PK and 100% until 2 years and 77.8% at 3 years for DSEK. Higher IOP prior to trabeculectomy was a risk factor for failure of trabeculectomy (P = 0.03) and older age was a risk factor for graft failure (P = 0.05) in PK eyes. Number of prior corneal surgeries (P = 0.05) was associated with failure of trabeculectomy and graft failure in post-DSEK eyes. Conclusion: Trabeculectomy had moderate qualified success in post-PK and DSEK eyes at 3 years. Higher pretrabeculectomy IOP and higher number of prior corneal surgeries were significantly associated with failure of trabeculectomy in PK and DSEK eyes, respectively.

Purpose: To describe the demographics and clinical profile of Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) in patients presenting to a multi-tiered ophthalmology hospital network in India. Methods: This cross-sectional hospital-based study included 3,082,727 new patients presenting between August 2010 and December 2021. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of FECD in at least one eye were included as cases. The data were collected using an electronic medical record system. Results: Overall, 2570 (0.08%) patients were diagnosed with FECD. The majority of the patients were female (65.53%) and were predominantly adults (99.92%). The most common age group at presentation was during the seventh decade of life with 867 patients (33.74%). The overall prevalence was higher in patients from a higher socioeconomic status (0.1%) presenting from the urban geography (0.09%) and in retired individuals (0.4%). About half of the 5,140 eyes had mild or no visual impairment (< 20/70) in 2643 eyes (51.42%) followed by moderate visual impairment (>20/70 to 20/200) in 708 eyes (13.77%). The average logMAR was 0.61 ± 0.81 at presentation. The most documented corneal signs were guttae (76.63%), corneal scar (23%) and stromal edema (21.73%). The most associated ocular comorbidity was cataract (47.32%) followed by glaucoma (5.39%). More than a tenth of the affected eyes required a surgical intervention of endothelial keratoplasty (15.58%). Conclusion: FECD more commonly affects females presenting during the seventh decade of life. Majority of the eyes had mild or no visual impairment and endothelial keratoplasty is warranted in a tenth of the affected eyes.

Corneal endothelial dystrophies are a heterogeneous group of diseases with different modes of inheritance and genetic basis for each dystrophy. The genes associated with these diseases encode transcription factors, structural components of the stroma and Descemet membrane, cell transport proteins, and others. Congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED) is associated with mutations in two genes, OVOL2 and SLC4A11, for dominant and recessive forms of CHED, respectively. Mutations in three genes are known to cause posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD). They are OVOL2 (PPCD1), ZEB1 (PPCD3), and GRHL1 (PPCD4). The PPCD2 locus involving the collagen gene COL8A2 on chromosome 1 is disputed due to insufficient evidence. Mutations in the COL8A2 gene are associated with early-onset Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). Several genes have been associated with the more common, late-onset FECD. Alterations in each of these genes occur in a fraction of patients, and the most prevalent genetic alteration in FECD patients across the world is a triplet repeat expansion in the TCF4 gene. Knowledge of the genetics of corneal endothelial dystrophies has considerably advanced within the last decade and has contributed to better diagnosis of these dystrophies as well as opened up the possibility of novel therapeutic approaches based on the molecular mechanisms involved. The functions of genes identified to date provide insights into the pathogenic mechanisms involved in each disorder.

Purpose: To describe the clinical spectrum and management of glaucoma in congenital aphakia. Methods: The demographics and clinical spectrum of eyes with congenital aphakia with and without glaucoma were compared, and management outcomes of congenital aphakia cases with glaucoma were studied retrospectively between April 2000 and June 2020. Results: There were a total of 168 eyes (84 subjects) with a diagnosis of congenital aphakia, of which 29 eyes of 18 subjects were diagnosed with glaucoma. Corneal opacity was the presenting complaint in 26/29 eyes with glaucoma and 139/139 eyes without glaucoma. The (interquartile range (IQR)) horizontal corneal diameter was 10.5mm (IQR, 9.0-12.5) and 8mm (IQR, 5-10) in eyes with and without glaucoma (P = 0.01), respectively. The median (IQR) axial length was 17.5mm (IQR, 13.5-19.5) and 15mm (IQR, 14-16) mm in eyes with and without glaucoma (P = 0.03), respectively. Nineteen eyes with glaucoma had adequate intraocular pressure (IOP) control with one medication. Three eyes underwent transscleral diode cyclophotocoagulation and maintained IOP without medications. Three eyes underwent trabeculectomy and trabeculotomy, trabeculectomy followed by penetrating keratoplasty, and trabeculectomy, respectively, of which two eyes became phthisical. At the last follow-up, the median (IQR) IOP was 14 mm Hg (IQR, 14-17) Hg. The median (IQR) follow-up duration was 4.53 months (IQR, 2.03- 48.06). Conclusion: One-fifth of the eyes with congenital aphakia had secondary developmental glaucoma. The corneal diameter and axial lengths were higher in the eyes with glaucoma compared to eyes without glaucoma. Medical management is the preferred short-term mode of IOP control. Transscleral cyclophotocoagulation may be preferred over surgical intervention.

Purpose: Congenital corneal anesthesia (CCA) is a rare clinical entity that poses a diagnostic dilemma, particularly in the pediatric age group with very little literature on this. Accurate initial diagnosis, evaluation, early identification of risk factors, aggressive systemic workup, and appropriate therapy are paramount to prevent visual loss due to long-term complications of corneal anesthesia. The purpose of the study was to estimate and compare the corneal neural architecture using real time, in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) in patients with CCA as against a control population. Methods: This was a retrospective nonconsecutive, comparative clinical case series in a tertiary hospital in South India from June 2015 to December 2018. Methods: IVCM was accomplished in cooperative children in whom central cornea was relatively clear. The clearest three to five images from each eye were selected, and the nerves were analyzed for length, thickness, density, dichotomous pattern, and beading. Statistical analysis was done using Origin v7.0 (Origin Lab Corporation, Northampton, MA, USA). Results: In total, 15 eyes of 11 cases and 20 eyes of 10 controls were imaged. Measurements on corneal nerve density showed a significant difference (P = 0.0005), cases having a lower mean (3.85 ± 1.38 mm per mm2) compared to the controls (6.74 ± 1.75 mm per mm2). Measurements on corneal nerve length (P = 0.28), thickness (P = 0.45), and presence of beading (P = 0.97) and dichotomous pattern (P = 0.07) did not reveal a significant difference between cases and controls. Conclusion: There is a strong relationship between the functional loss (absent corneal sensation) and anatomical decrease (reduced subbasal nerve density) of corneal nerves in congenital corneal anaesthesia.

Specular microscopy is a noninvasive diagnostic tool that allows for in vivo evaluation of corneal endothelium in health and various diseased states. Endothelial imaging helps in the diagnosis and management of several endothelial disorders. The review focuses on the principles of specular microscopy, limitations of endothelial imaging, and its interpretation in common conditions seen in the clinical practice. A thorough PubMed search was done using the keywords specular microscopy, corneal endothelium, and endothelial imaging.

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of keratoplasty for xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) performed at a tertiary eye care center. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records of those patients who were clinically diagnosed to have XP (54 eyes of 36 patients) and underwent keratoplasty; either deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK, four eyes), endothelial keratoplasty (EK, eight eyes), or penetrating keratoplasty (PK, 42 eyes) from 1994 to 2018. Results: The median age at surgery was 20.6 years (interquartile range [IQR], 14.6–27.6 years) and 20 (55.6%) were males. Graft failure occurred in 15 eyes (35.7%) in the PK group and two eyes (50%) in the DALK group; none failed in the EK group. The probability of graft survival in the PK group was 97.2% ± 2.7% at 1 year, 74.0% ± 8.0% at 2 years, and 54.8% ± 11.7% at 5 years. In the PK group, 13 eyes needed antiglaucoma medications, 11 eyes developed graft infiltrate, and 13 eyes needed secondary interventions (cataract surgery, excision biopsy, and tarsorrhaphy). In the EK group, three eyes needed secondary interventions (excision biopsy). Median postoperative endothelial cell density at the last follow-up in the PK group was 1214 cells/mm2 (IQR, 623–2277 cells/mm2). Conclusion: Despite the complexities of the ocular surface and adnexal issues in XP, keratoplasty had reasonably good outcomes. More than half of the PK grafts survived 5 years with no failures in the EK group. Regular follow-up and timely management of suture-related infections raised intraocular pressure, and suspicious ocular surface lesions, in addition to solar protection, are important for the success of keratoplasty in these eyes.

Purpose: To report the intermediate outcomes of therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (TPK) performed for severe microbial keratitis using glycerol-preserved corneas during the Corona virus diseases of 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: Retrospective non-comparative case series from April to August 2020 in a network of tertiary eye care centers. Glycerol-preserved tissues were used for therapeutic keratoplasty (TPK). We reviewed the demographics, microbiology, surgical outcomes such as wound integrity, recurrence, graft melt, epithelialization, and complications. Results: A total of 49 eyes that underwent TPK with glycerol-preserved corneal tissues were analyzed. The primary indication was severe microbial keratitis in 47 eyes. The majority was a fungal infection in 33 eyes (67.3%). The mean age was 53.8 ± 12.2 years, with male predominance (3:1). The corneas were stored for an average of 85.5 ± 53 days prior to transplant. The median donor age was 65 years. The grafts were tectonically stable in 32/36 eyes (88.9%) at 1 month and 20/24 eyes (83.3%) at 3 months. The graft melt was noted in three eyes at 1 and 3 months. The recurrence of the infection was noted in four eyes and all were of fungal etiology. The graft epithelialization was delayed with a mean duration of 48.9 ± 25 days after surgery. Post-TPK, raised intra-ocular pressure (>21 mm Hg) was noted in 51.2% at 1 week, 17.4% at 1 month, and 11.8% at 3 months. Conclusion: Glycerol preservation is a reliable alternative with good therapeutic outcomes in the short and interim postoperative period. Delayed epithelialization and secondary glaucoma were the commonest postoperative complications.

Purpose: To describe the clinical profile and demographic distribution of Terrien's marginal degeneration (TMD) in patients presenting to a multitier ophthalmology hospital network in India. Methods: This cross-sectional hospital-based study included 2,470,793 new patients presenting between September 2012 and September 2020 (~8 years period). Patients with a clinical diagnosis of TMD in at least one eye were included as cases. The data were collected using an electronic medical record system. Results: Overall, 184 (0.007%) new patients were diagnosed. Over half of patients were males (56.52%) with bilateral affliction (54.89%). The mean age of the patients was 38.63 ± 16.75 years. Majority (28.26%) of the patients were between 21 and 30 years of age bracket. The number of patients were from rural and urban districts were comparable (41.85% vs. 48.37%). The most common clinical signs were ectasia/thinning (50.53%), corneal scar (44.21%), and prominent nerves (5.26%). Associated ocular comorbidities included vernal keratoconjunctivitis in 6 (2.11%) eyes, meibomitis in 6 (9.7%) eyes, squamous blepharitis in 2 (3.2%) eyes, dry eye in 2 (3.2%) eyes, cataract in 46 (74.2%) eyes, and glaucoma in 6 (9.7%) eyes. Most of the eyes had mild or no visual impairment (43.86%). Two (0.7%) eyes had spontaneous perforation patients. None of patients had hydrops in the years of follow-up. Keratoplasty was performed in 3.86%. Conclusion: TMD is a rare disease affecting patients seeking eye care at the ophthalmology network. It commonly affects adult males and is predominantly bilateral. The disease progression is slow, and risk of spontaneous perforation was low. At initial presentation, visual impairment was mild to moderate in majority and the most common surgical intervention was cataract surgery during the study period.

Purpose: To describe the impact of lockdown and unlock phases of the COVID-19 pandemic on keratoplasty trends at a tertiary eye care center in India. Methods: This cross-sectional hospital-based study included 6,277 patients presenting between March 25, 2017 and March 31, 2021. The data of the patients who underwent keratoplasty during the lockdown and unlock phases were compared with the respective periods in the previous three years before COVID-19. Results: During the year one of pandemic, there was a 29.46% decline in the total number of keratoplasty performed at the institute compared to previous year's annual numbers. The patients undergoing keratoplasty decreased by 90.28% (28/288) of pre-COVID-19 volumes during the lockdown phase. This was mainly because of a 40.6% reduction in the proportion of patients requiring interstate travel. There was complete recovery in the number of patients undergoing keratoplasty to 129.27% (184/142) of pre-COVID-19 volumes by March 2021. This gradual incremental trend was seen across all types of keratoplasty in Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (135.29%), penetrating keratoplasty (117.6%), therapeutic keratoplasty (122.22%), anterior lamellar keratoplasty (150%), and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (141.18%) by March 2021 with the gradual ease of lockdown regulations. The eye bank affiliated to the institute saw a 55.44% decline in donor cornea collection and an increase in utilization rate from 58.12% in previous years to 83.78% in year one of the pandemic. The overall eye bank donor cornea collection recovered to 86.96% (627/721) and tissue utilization increased by 109.99% (455/414) by March 2021. Conclusion: The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic saw an overall reduction of 29.46% of the patients undergoing keratoplasty at the institute. There was a gradual and incremental increase in all types of keratoplasty in the unlock phase, which surpassed the preceding years' monthly numbers in February and March.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the clinical profile and demographic distribution of pellucid marginal corneal degeneration (PMD) in patients presenting to a multitier ophthalmology hospital network in India. Methods: This cross-sectional hospital-based study included 2,470,793 new patients presenting between September 2012 and September 2020 (~8 years period). Patients with a clinical diagnosis of PMD in at least one eye were included as cases. The data were collected using an electronic medical record system. Results: Overall, 559 (0.02%) new patients were diagnosed with PMD. The prevalence rates were 0.004% in children (age

The growth of eye banking in India was showing positive trends until the nation was hit by unprecedented times as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of this has led to a downward spiraling in eye banking activities globally. Several measures had to be implemented to tide over the crisis and strategies planned for future to prepare for the needs of corneal transplantation. While eye banks in India have been practicing short- term and intermediate storage preservation media, there is a definite need to evolve other methods of very long-term preservation. This review discusses various methods of long term corneal preservation, their relevance and applications in the present times. We reviewed relevant medical literature in English from PUBMED with the key words “Corneal preservation”, “Cryopreservation”, “Glycerol preservation”, Gamma Irradiation”, “Eye Banking” ,”COVID-19”.

Purpose: To report the clinicopathological features of corneal buttons in patients with congenital primary aphakia. Methods: Five corneal specimens of five patients with congenital primary aphakia who underwent penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) were studied by light microscopy, and immunohistochemistry with anti-smooth muscle (SMA) antibody. Results: All patients were born from consanguineous parents. Of the five, two patients were identical twins. All eyes were microphthalmic. In four patients, congenital primary aphakia was bilateral and in one patient (Patient 3), it was unilateral. PKP failed in all eyes due to hypotony. Histologically, Bowman's layer was absent in all specimens. The corneal stroma was thin; however, the stromal collagen showed thick and irregularly arranged fibers with neovascularization in all eyes. Descemet's membrane and the corneal endothelium were absent in all specimens. In three specimens, atrophic iris tissue without dilator muscle was adherent to the posterior corneal surface. In addition, anteriorly displaced hypoplastic ciliary body and/or pigmented and non-pigmented ciliary epithelium were attached to the posterior corneal surface in three of the five specimens. SMA staining demonstrated disorganized ciliary muscle in one case. SMA-positive stromal keratocytes demonstrated their myofibroblast nature. Conclusion: The corneal findings in congenital primary aphakia are similar to that seen in other causes of congenital corneal opacification. The anteriorly displaced hypoplastic ciliary body that was partially excised during keratoplasty explains the ocular hypotony in these eyes.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinico-microbiological profile, donor cornea risk factors, and outcomes of postkeratoplasty endophthalmitis at a tertiary care center. Methods: Retrospective analysis of charts of 28 consecutive patients (28 eyes) of acute endophthalmitis following either an endothelial keratoplasty (EK) or an optical penetrating keratoplasty (PK) surgery, performed between 2006 and 2018 (13-year period). Positive microbiology, identification and classification of predisposing factors, surveillance of utilized paired donors, treatment outcomes, and differences in the rate and severity of the event between optical penetrating and endothelial keratoplasty. Results: The estimated incidence of endophthalmitis was 0.23% in the entire cohort; it was 0.34% and 0.15%, after EK and PK, respectively (P = 0.049). The median time of endophthalmitis was 4.5 days postsurgery. Donor-related endophthalmitis was recognized in 7/28 (25%) eyes. Culture positivity was 68% (n = 19 of 28). Bacteria was isolated in 84% (n = 16 of 19) instances; Gram-negative bacilli were more common (87.5%; 14 of 16), and Pseudomonas species (50%; 7 of 14) was the most common Gram-negative bacterium. Majority (>75%) of the Gram-negative bacteria were resistant to all fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, 3rd generation cephalosporins, and meropenam; 1/3rd were resistant to imipenem; and 90% were sensitive to colistin. Treatment included intraocular antibiotic injections (96.4%), vitrectomy (42.9%), and therapeutic keratoplasty (50%). In 85.7% (24 of 28), globe was salvaged. The final vision was 20/200 or better in 39.1% (9 of 23) eyes. Conclusion: EK carried a higher risk of endophthalmitis than PK in this cohort. Bacterial infection was more common in this series, with Gram negative bacilli being the commonest organisms. Multidrug resistance was common (~75%) in Gram negative isolates.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to discuss the guidelines and modification of practices with respect to corneal transplantation and eye banking during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period and beyond, at a network of tertiary care centers in India. Methods: Descriptive study of the challenges faced in eye banking during the lockdown, and practices adopted to overcome the critical aspects in the clinical care of patients who presented with emergency corneal diseases requiring keratoplasty. Results: Complete lockdown orders from the Indian government, as a strategy to control the Coronavirus pandemic, resulted in drastic reduction of all types of elective corneal transplants and eye banking activities from March 24, 2020 to May 31, 2020. The sudden cessation of eye banking resulted in an acute demand and supply imbalance of fresh donor corneas for transplants during this time. Our network of eye banks addressed this issue by adopting glycerol preservation of donor corneas, which were subsequently utilized for tectonic penetrating keratoplasty. The donor cornea retrieval was resumed in a strategized manner 3 weeks prior to the date of exit of the lockdown, with modified guidelines on donor suitability, screening, retrieval, processing, and harvesting from various sources. A triage of keratoplasty priority was formulated to tide over the post lockdown shortage of corneas. We performed 31 therapeutic keratoplasties during the nationwide lockdown among our network of tertiary eye care centers. Conclusion: The study highlights the approach and strategies to manage and tide over an unprecedented crisis situation faced by corneal surgeons in general and, specifically, the eye banking community.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on keratoplasty and Eye Banking in India. Methods: An e-mail survey was conducted among cornea surgeons and eye bankers of India. Participants were asked to report their practice patterns for the management of corneal perforation during lockdown, different preservative media used during and before lockdown, and waiting time and waiting time before COVID-19 lockdown. Results: Eight of 20 eye banks did not collect corneal tissue during April–June 2020; in contrast, 9 eye banks used to collect around 100 corneas per month during pre-COVID-19 time. Two-third of the surgeons (66.1%, n = 41/62) did not perform any corneal tissue transplant between April and June 2020. Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive application was the most commonly, performed procedure (79%, n = 49/62) for tectonic purpose during this period. Glycerol was the most preferred alternative preservation method considered by both the groups. More than half of the surgeons (64.5%, n = 40/62) had an average waiting time of

Purpose: To assess the corneal endothelium in patients with Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis (FHI) and compare it with the normal fellow eye. Methods: Retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study of 31 patients seen between Jan 2016 to Dec 2018, with clinical diagnosis of Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis, was performed. Specular microscopic examination was documented in both eyes. The affected eyes formed the study group and the fellow healthy eyes served as controls. Results: The mean age of the patients was 29.9 ± 8.2 years. The endothelial cell density (P = 0.0001) was significantly lower, whereas average cell size (P = 0.0001), coefficient of variation (P = 0.004), and maximum cell area (P = 0.01) were significantly higher in the affected eye compared to the control eye. In three patients, the affected eye showed guttae, while the healthy fellow eye revealed a normal specular mosaic. Conclusion: Specular microscopic analysis shows endothelial alterations in the affected eyes in FHI.

An 18-year-old male presented with complaints of gradually decreasing vision in both eyes for 6 years. He was a diagnosed with juvenile scleroderma at the age of 11 years by a pediatric rheumatologist. Clinical slit lamp examination showed features of ectasia, thinning, Vogt's striae, and apical scarring in both eyes. Bulbar and tarsal conjunctiva was quiet and normal. Corneal tomography revealed mean keratometry 65.8 and 65.4 diopters, thinnest pachymetry of 351 and 224 microns in the right and left eye, respectively. There was no history of itching and eye rubbing in the past. Patients of juvenile scleroderma may have associated keratoconus. The management of advanced keratoconus presents challenges related to handling and insertion of contact lenses in this condition. Keratoplasty is an option in those patients when contact lenses are not acceptable.

Purpose: To report the outcomes of corneal transplantation utilizing corneas retrieved from donors with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: Outcomes of corneal transplantation (optical PK and EK) performed from Jan 2018 to Dec 2018 utilizing donor corneas retrieved from CKD patients was performed retrospectively. Results: Of the total of 233 donor corneas retrieved from CKD, 135 (57.9%) were utilized for transplantation after the routine screening protocol of the eye bank. Mean age of the donors was 56.2 ± 13.5 years. The mean endothelial cell density on specular microscopy of the donor corneas used for optical PK was 2685.7 ± 377.6 cells/mm2 (range, 2028–3448 cells/mm2) and for EK was 2731.7 ± 189.1 cells/mm2 (range, 2380–3194 cells/mm2). The overall primary graft failure rate was 5.1%. All grafts except 1, cleared in the PK group. In the EK group (6 DMEK and 16 DSAEK), 1 patient had a complete graft detachment and another 1 had a primary graft failure after DMEK. Conclusion: The donor corneas retrieved from chronic kidney disease patients are safe and suitable for optical keratoplasty provided they meet the criteria for transplantation.

Purpose: To study the outcomes of therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty in fungal keratitis. Methods: This retrospective, observational, interventional case series involved an audit of 198 consecutive eyes that underwent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (ThPK) for fungal keratitis at L V Prasad Eye Institute between January 2008 and December 2010 was performed. The data on demographics, clinical characteristics, intraoperative, and late postoperative complications were noted. The primary outcome measure was eradication of infection and postoperative anatomical success. Secondary outcome measures were graft survival, risk factors, clinical features, and management of recurrent fungal keratitis post ThPK. Results: Mean follow-up after ThPK was 24 ± 17 months. A total of 178 (89.9%) eyes had complete eradication of fungal infection, whereas 20 (10.1%) eyes developed recurrence. Anatomical restoration was achieved in majority of cases (192 eyes; 97%). Larger infiltrate size was associated with a higher risk of recurrence of infection. The median graft survival rate was 5.9 months. The graft survival was better for grafts 8 mm (P = 0.026) and not found significantly related to the species of fungus. Twenty-seven eyes underwent re-grafting: penetrating keratoplasty in 14 eyes, and Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty in 13 eyes. Conclusion: As larger infiltrate prior to therapeutic keratoplasty had much higher risk of recurrences; timely surgical intervention should be considered in cases not responding to medical therapy. Alternative strategies of management of postoperative inflammation need to be considered to prevent graft failures.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of keratoplasty for lattice corneal dystrophy (LCD) performed at a tertiary eye care center. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records of those patients who were clinically diagnosed to have LCD (72 eyes of 57 patients) and underwent either penetrating keratoplasty (PK, 58 eyes of 46 patients) or deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK, 14 eyes of 13 patients) between the years 1987 and 2014 was performed. The main outcome measures included demographics, clinical features, and outcomes of keratoplasty. Results: The median follow-up after keratoplasty was 3.1 years (interquartile range [IQR], 9 months to 9 years). The median best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.18 (IQR, 0.10–0.48) (Snellen equivalent 20/30 [IQR, 20/25–20/60]) at 4 years postoperatively and 0.65 (IQR, 0.18-0.95) (Snellen equivalent 20/89 [IQR, 20/30–20/178]) at 10 years following surgery. DALK eyes had a significantly better BCVA than PK eyes at 2 years following keratoplasty. The median overall survival of grafts was 15.8 years. Late complications included recurrence of LCD (14 eyes), graft infiltrate (23 eyes), graft rejection (15 eyes), graft failure (16 eyes), and glaucoma (14 eyes). Conclusion: The outcomes of graft are similar following PK and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty; however, the latter appears to provide slightly better visual outcome. Recurrence of dystrophy in the graft and graft infiltrates limit the overall graft survival in both the groups.

Ligneous conjunctivitis (LC) is a rare form of pseudomembranous conjunctivitis seen in children, perhaps due to plasminogen deficiency, which manifest as a chronic refractory pseudomembranous conjunctivitis. LC cases are incapable in maintaining their fibrinolytic activity due to plasminogen deficiency; consequently, transudates of plasma assume as a thick, gelatinous, woody membranes over the mucosal surfaces. This is a short case report on a child with a LC, who presented with recurrent pseudomembranous conjunctivitis in conjunction with progressive congenital hydrocephalus due to aqueductal stenosis (Dandy–Walker syndrome). This rare association was clinically confirmed and prompt corrective surgical measures were instituted.

Abstract Corneal endothelial dystrophy is a progressive disease with gradual loss of vision and characterized by degeneration and dysfunction of corneal endothelial cells. Mutations in SLC4A11, a Na+ dependent OH− transporter, cause congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED) and Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), the two most common forms of endothelial degeneration. Along with genetic factors, oxidative stress plays a role in pathogenesis of several corneal diseases. In this study we looked into the role of SLC4A11 in antioxidant stress response in human corneal endothelial cells (HCEnC). We found increased expression of SLC4A11 in presence of oxidative stress. Depletion of SLC4A11 using targeted siRNA, caused an increase in reactive oxygen species, cytochrome c, lowered mitochondrial membrane potential, and reduced cell viability during oxidative stress. Moreover, SLC4A11 was found to be necessary for NRF2 mediated antioxidant gene expression in HCEnC. On the other hand, over expression of SLC4A11 reduces reactive oxygen species levels and increases cell viability. Lastly, CHED tissue specimens show evidence of oxidative stress and reduced expression of NRF2. In conclusion, our data suggests a possible role of SLC4A11 in regulating oxidative stress, and might be responsible for both the etiology and treatment of corneal endothelial dystrophy.

We describe a case of 55-year-old male farmer presented with recurrent corneal abrasions with a spastic entropion in the left eye. Superior cornea showed typical nummular opacities suggestive resolved herpetic eye diseases. On further enquiry, he had similar episodes in the past. Contralateral eye was essentially normal. Following the botulinum toxin injection for the management of spastic entropion, subject developed reactivation of herpetic necrotizing stromal keratitis. Diagnostic corneal scrapings were negative for herpes simplex virus-1 antigen by immunofluorescence assay and for DNA by molecular techniques. The case was successfully managed with topical steroids and antiviral medications.

Amniotic membrane transplantation is a useful in the management of corneal melts and descemetocele. We describe high-resolution anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) (Optovue) in a patient with descemetocele who was managed surgically with amniotic membrane transplantation. A 60-year-old female presented with a corneal melt in the right eye. She was a case of rheumatoid arthritis and was on systemic treatment with immunomodulators. Slit lamp examination revealed a severe thinning paracentrally. High-resolution OCT was performed at the site of descemetocele. She underwent amniotic membrane transplantation using fibrin glue and bandage contact lens application. At 6 weeks postoperative, the bandage contact lens was removed. The area of thinning healed with scarring. OCT at the healed site revealed stable surface and an increase in stromal thickness to 281 μ this case describes the utility of amniotic membrane in the healing of sterile corneal melts by providing tectonic support and its integration in the stroma. The stromal healing and increased thickness at the site of descemetocele could be delineated on high-resolution OCT imaging.

A 33-year-old male underwent an optical keratoplasty elsewhere in the right eye following which he developed endophthalmitis and subsequently underwent a pars plana vitrectomy and lensectomy. At presentation, he had a deep stromal crystalline infiltration along the graft–host junction. A large therapeutic keratoplasty was performed, and the excised corneal button was evaluated. Histopathology revealed gram-positive round-to-oval budding structures and microbiology identified the organism as Candida glabrata. He was treated with antifungals in the postoperative period. At 4 months after therapeutic keratoplasty, the patient developed recurrent endophthalmitis, following stoppage of antifungals. The treatment was reinstituted for another year, and the patient did well with a clear graft at 18-month-follow-up period after the recurrence episode. Management of infectious crystalline keratopathy with endophthalmitis is a challenging situation and requires long-term treatment.

Purpose: In tropical countries, physicians are skeptic in using corneas with death-to-preservation time (DTPT) >6 h, concerns being endothelial cell viability and microbial contamination on prolonged DTPT. The objective of the study was to investigate these concerns by analyzing the outcomes of corneal transplants performed using donor corneas with DTPT >6 h. Materials and Methods: The study was a retrospective case series of 65 transplants performed in 2013 with donor corneas that had DTPT >6 h (range, 6.1–9.8 h). The information on donor cornea tissues and the recipient details were collected from the eye bank and the medical records department of our tertiary eye care center. The main outcome measures were slit lamp assessment of the donor corneas, primary graft failure, graft survival, and postoperative adverse reactions, especially infections, if any. Results: Median DTPT was 7 h. Forty-four (67.7%) corneas were evaluated as optical grade and 21 (32.3%) were deemed as therapeutic grade; 36 (55.4%) were used for optical indications. There was no relationship between DTPT and the tissue grading of corneas or endothelial cell density. Of the 23 keratoplasties for purely optical indications with a minimum follow-up of 3 months, 15 (65.2%) remained clear whereas 7 (30.4%) failed (mean follow-up 15.1 ± 6.7 months). The causes of failure were primary graft failure (n = 1) and secondary graft failure (n = 6). Conclusion: The donor corneas with DTPT 6 h to 10 h can be utilized for optical indications provided that they meet the criteria of tissue acceptance for optical use.