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Leber Congenital Amaurosis 2 is an early onset retinal dystrophy that occurs due to mutation in RPE65 gene. Here, we report the generation of two patient specific induced pluripotent stem cell lines harboring nonsense mutations in exon 7 (c.646A > T) and exon 9 (c.992G > A) of RPE65 gene, respectively, which leads to premature translational termination and formation of defective protein. These lines were generated by the reprogramming of human dermal fibroblast cells using integration-free, episomal constructs expressing stemness genes. The stable lines maintained a normal karyotype, expressed the key stemness factors, underwent trilineage differentiation, and maintained their genetic identity and genomic integrity.

Purpose: To study cases of hardware-associated secondary acquired lacrimal duct obstructions (SALDO) and the role of computed tomography dacryocystography (CT-DCG) scans in its diagnosis and management. Observations: Retrospective, interventional case review of four patients diagnosed as Hardware-associated SALDO, with primary maxillofacial repair performed elsewhere, were analyzed. The mean age was 36.5 years (range: 22–74 years), three of them being males. Left and right lacrimal systems were equally involved. Epiphora, swelling and discharge were the main presenting features. Three lacrimal sacs and nasolacrimal ducts on CT-DCG showed the screws of the orbital fracture plate directly piercing their walls, whereas a single case showed the sac displaced and pierced by the medial side of the orbital floor implant. Two cases underwent dacryocystorhinostomy with intubation, and the remaining two had to undergo dacryocystectomy due to extensive damage. Post-operatively all four cases were doing well at a mean follow-up of 2 months. Conclusions: The present series highlights the role of CT-DCG in delineating spatial relationship of lacrimal drainage system with the surrounding structures, facilitating planning as well as choice of surgery, and anticipating the intraoperative challenges. It also signifies importance of interdisciplinary coordination between oculoplastic and maxillofacial surgeons to avoid iatrogenic trauma to the lacrimal drainage system.

Purpose: To study the emerging trend of development of secondary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (SALDO) in the cases treated for rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). Observations: Prospective, interventional case series of five patients who developed SALDO post-surgical and medical management of ROCM. The mean age was 45.4 years (range: 40–62 years), all five being males. Right lacrimal drainage pathways was involved slightly more than the left (right:left = 3:2). Epiphora and discharge were the main presenting features. All five patients were treated with extensive debridement of the nose, sinuses, orbit and cerebral involvement as needed followed by medical management for ROCM. CT- Dacryocystography for all 5 patients showed obstruction at the lower end of the nasolacrimal duct. The patients underwent external dacryocystorhinostomy with mitomycin-C with or without intubation with good anatomical and functional outcomes at 6 months follow-up. Conclusions and importance: The present series highlights the possible etiology of development of SALDO in cases treated for ROCM, its management and discusses the role of Computed Tomography Dacryocystography (CT-DCG) in understanding the pathophysiology of the development of SALDO along with delineating the spatial relationship of the lacrimal drainage system with the surrounding structures.

Mucopeptide concretions, previously called dacryoliths, are macroscopic stones that commonly obstruct the lacrimal sac. The mechanism behind dacryolithiasis remains unclear; however, the involvement of various immune cells, including neutrophils, has been confirmed. These findings remain limited, and no information on neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), essentially involved in the pathogenesis of other lithiases, is available yet. Here, we employ microcomputed tomography, magnetic resonance tomography, histochemistry, mass spectrometry, and enzyme activity analyses to investigate the role of neutrophils and NETs in dacryolithiasis. We classify mucopeptide concretions into three types, with respect to the quantity of cellular and acellular material, polysaccharides, and mucosubstances. We propose the role of neutrophils and NETs within the existing model of gradual formation and growth of mucopeptide concretions, with neutrophils contributing to the initial stages of dacryolithiasis, as they localized on the inner (older) parts of the tissue. As NETs localized on the outer (newer) parts of the tissue, we link their role to the late stages of dacryolithiasis, presumably maintaining the proinflammatory environment and preventing efficient clearance. An abundance of IgG on the surface indicates the involvement of the adaptive immune system later as well. These findings bring new perspectives on dacryolithiasis, in which the innate and adaptive immune system are essentially involved.

Plastics are synthetic materials made from organic polymers that are ubiquitous in daily living and are especially important in the healthcare setting. However, recent advances have revealed the pervasive nature of microplastics, which are formed by degradation of existing plastic products. Although the impact on human health has yet to be fully characterised, there is increasing evidence that microplastics can trigger inflammatory damage, microbial dysbiosis, and oxidative stress in humans. Although there are limited studies investigating their effect on the ocular surface, studies of microplastics on other organs provide some insights. The prevalence of plastic waste has also triggered public outcry, culminating in the development of legislation aimed at reducing microplastics in commercial products. We present a review outlining the possible sources of microplastics leading to ocular exposure, and analyse the possible mechanisms of ocular surface damage. Finally, we examine the utility and consequences of current legislation surrounding microplastic regulation.

Authorship is the currency of an academic career. Scientific publications have significant academic and financial implications. Several standard authorship guidelines exist, and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) is the most popular amongst them. There are increasing concerns about the ethics of publications with the rise of inappropriate authorship. The most important reason appears to be a lack of knowledge and awareness of the authorship guidelines and what actions constitute unethical behaviors. There is a need to incorporate standard guidelines in medical curricula and conduct structured training and education programs for researchers across the board. The current perspective describes the significant concepts of appropriate and inappropriate authorship, and the possible measures being formulated to shape the future of authorship.

Purpose: To describe a series of sight-threatening ocular and adnexal involvement associated with dengue hemorrhagic fever and their treatment options. Methods: Retrospective, interventional, non-comparative case series. Medical records of patients who presented with ocular symptoms attributed to dengue hemorrhagic fever were reviewed. Demography, presenting features, and treatment outcomes were recorded. Outcome measures assessed included globe salvage, vision salvage, and visual improvement. The outcome was deemed as favorable if vision salvage was possible and unfavorable if the vision was lost. Results: Twenty-nine eyes of 23 patients were included. Bilateral ocular involvement was seen in 6 (26%) patients. The mean age was 37.62 ± 18.68 years (range: 14 to 81 years). Coexistent diabetes mellitus and enteric fever were present in three patients. History of blood transfusion was present in nine (40%) and thrombocytopenia in eight (35%) patients at the time of presentation with ocular complaints. Presenting features included endophthalmitis in 11 (38%), panophthalmitis in 10 (35%), orbital cellulitis with panophthalmitis in four (14%), isolated corneal or scleral melt in three (10%), and orbital hemorrhage with panophthalmitis in one (3%) patient. Globe salvage was achieved in 21/29 eyes (72.4%), vision salvage in 6/29 eyes (20.68%), and improvement in visual acuity was noted in 5/29 eyes (17.24%). Logistic regression analysis revealed no significant effect of any clinical-microbiological factors on globe salvage, vision salvage, and visual improvement. However, visual improvement and globe salvage were possible in eyes that underwent early endoscopic vitrectomy. Conclusion: Dengue fever can present with sight-threatening ocular and adnexal inflammation resulting in endophthalmitis and panophthalmitis, orbital cellulitis, corneal and scleral melt, and orbital hemorrhage. Early vitrectomy may improve vision and globe salvage in cases with significant vitritis.

Our purpose was assess the long-term efficacy of 4-mm coronary balloon catheter dacryoplasty in revision endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (RevEnDCR). This retrospective interventional case-series was performed for patients who underwent RevEnDCR aided by a 4-mm coronary balloon catheter (CBC) dacryoplasty. The indications for the surgery were previously failed DCRs by external or endoscopic approach where the ostium showed near total cicatrization with or without the presence of organized granuloma threatening the internal common opening (ICO). The coronary balloon (4 × 10 mm, SPALNO, Cardiomac, Haryana, India) with the guidewire was used and a minimum of >12 months of follow-up was considered for analysis. Ten lacrimal systems of eight patients with mean age of 48.8 years underwent CBC-assisted revision endoscopic DCR. Of the 10 failed DCRs, 6 had a previous external approach DCR and 4 were endoscopic DCRs. Grossly stenosed ostium with near total cicatricial closure were noted in half of the patients (50%, 5/10) while the remaining half, in addition, showed organized granulomas threatening the ICO. The surgical technique using CBC was found to be minimally invasive, easy to perform with multiple advantages like uniform clearance of the area in front of ICO and more predictable lacrimal sac flaps. At a mean follow-up of 20 months, anatomical and functional success were achieved in 90% (9/10) of the eyes. We conclude that coronary balloon catheter-assisted revision endoscopic DCR is a minimally invasive and viable alternative in select group of patients of failed DCR with near total cicatrisation or organized granulomas threatening ICO.

The aim of this review was to propose multi-pronged resumption strategies for lacrimal practice in an effort to plan a sustainable recommencement of elective surgeries after we emerge from the peak of COVID-19 pandemic. The strategies for lacrimal practice were classified into 7 subtypes, and each of the blueprints were reassessed based on existing information on resumption strategies of elective surgeries from other specialties in COVID-19 era. The specific needs of lacrimal practice were then added to construct algorithms summarizing the resumption strategies. The basic principle of 'primum non nocere' needs to be followed. The overall proposed plan advocates the transition to a more sustainable health care reality in a world where we would still co-exist with COVID-19. A comprehensive effort involving screening, laboratory testing, appropriate triage, effective personal protection and specific precautionary measures for lacrimal clinics and operating room are needed to be able to safely resume elective surgery when the pandemic peak declines. To predict the timing of the resumption of elective surgeries is quite complex and influenced by several geographic, political and economic factors. It is equally important to remember that COVID-19 crisis is a dynamic situation and constantly evolving, hence the strategies provided are subject to change. Strict adherence to standard COVID-19 guidelines combined with effective testing and personal protection strategies can ensure slow yet smooth and safe return to full lacrimal practice after the COVID-19 pandemic calms down. The local government directives, individual and institutional discretion are advised.

Oculoplastic surgeries encompass both emergency surgeries for traumatic conditions and infectious disorders as well as elective aesthetic procedures. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a drastic change in this practice. Given the highly infectious nature of the disease as well as the global scarcity of medical resources; it is only prudent to treat only emergent conditions during the pandemic as we incorporate evidence-based screening and protective measures into our practices. This manuscript is a compilation of evidence-based guidelines for surgical procedures that oculoplastic surgeons can employ during the COVID-19 pandemic. These guidelines also serve as the basic framework upon which further recommendations may be based on in the future, as elective surgeries start being performed on a regular basis.

This study offers a novel description of the sinonasal microbiome, through an unsupervised machine learning approach combining dimensionality reduction and clustering. We apply our method to the International Sinonasal Microbiome Study (ISMS) dataset of 410 sinus swab samples. We propose three main sinonasal “microbiotypes” or “states”: the first is Corynebacterium-dominated, the second is Staphylococcus-dominated, and the third dominated by the other core genera of the sinonasal microbiome (Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Moraxella, and Pseudomonas). The prevalence of the three microbiotypes studied did not differ between healthy and diseased sinuses, but differences in their distribution were evident based on geography. We also describe a potential reciprocal relationship between Corynebacterium species and Staphylococcus aureus, suggesting that a certain microbial equilibrium between various players is reached in the sinuses. We validate our approach by applying it to a separate 16S rRNA gene sequence dataset of 97 sinus swabs from a different patient cohort. Sinonasal microbiotyping may prove useful in reducing the complexity of describing sinonasal microbiota. It may drive future studies aimed at modeling microbial interactions in the sinuses and in doing so may facilitate the development of a tailored patient-specific approach to the treatment of sinus disease in the future.

The detailed mechanisms underlying oxidative stress that leads to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in retinal vascular conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity etc., remain largely unexplored mainly due to a lack of suitable disease models that can simulate the inherent neuron–glia interactions in human retina. Specifically, establishment of a mixed retinal culture (MRC) containing both neuron and glial cell types remains a challenge due to different conditions required for their optimal growth and differentiation. Here, we establish a novel primary MRC model system containing neurons, astrocytes, Müller glia, and microglia from human donor retina that can be used to study the neuromodulatory effects of glial cells under the stress. The cell characterization based on immunostaining with individual cell type–specific markers and their presence in close vicinity to each other further underscores their utility for studying their cross talk. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first instance of an in vitro model obtained from human donor retina containing four major cell types. Next, we induce hypoxic stress to MRC to investigate if hypoxia activated neuroglia modulates altered gene expression for inflammatory, apoptotic, and angiogenic markers and Ca2+ transients by live cell imaging. Further, we performed k-means clustering of the Ca2+ responses to identify the modification of clustering pattern in stressed condition. Finally, we provide the evidence that the altered Ca2+ transient correlates to differential expression of genes shown to be involved in neuroinflammation, angiogenesis, and neurodegeneration under the hypoxic conditions as seen earlier in human cell lines and animal models of diabetic retinopathy. The major features of the hypoxic conditions in the proposed human MRC model included: increase in microglia activity, chemokine and cytokine expression, and percentage of cells having higher amplitude and frequency of Ca2+ transients. Thus, the proposed experimental system can potentially serve as an ideal in vitro model for studying the neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative changes in the retina and identifying newer drug targets.

Purpose: To investigate the presence and patterns of lysosomal enzymes and mannose 6-phosophate receptor (MPRs) in human lacrimal drainage system. Methods: The study was performed on healthy lacrimal sacs and nasolacrimal ducts obtained from exenteration samples immediately after surgery and frozen at −80°C for subsequent analysis. Soluble proteins' extract was used for enzyme assays, sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), native PAGE, activity staining, and western blot analysis. Membrane proteins were separately assessed for detection of mannose 6-phosphate receptors, MPR 46. Sepharose gels, 4-methylumbelliferyl substrates, and antibodies against common lysosomal enzymes and MPRs were used. Enzyme assays were carried out in triplicate to ascertain the results. Results: Differential lysosomal enzyme activities were documented, and among them acid phosphatase and β-hexosaminidase were found to be high. Western blot analysis using enzyme antibodies and subsequent activity staining confirmed strong signals for moderately expressed enzymes such as fucosidase, glucuronidase, and mannosidase. Membrane extracts demonstrated the presence of MPR 46, which indicates the possible roles of cation-dependent MPRs in lysosomal targeting in human lacrimal drainage system. Conclusion: This study provides a proof of principle for the presence of differential lysosomal activity and mannose 6-phosphate ligand transport receptors in human lacrimal drainage system and hypothesizes the potential implications of their dysfunctions.

Purpose: To describe the outcomes of a patient-specific implant (PSI), fabricated using a three-dimensional (3D) printed orbital template and placed in the basin of the inferior orbital fissure to correct inferotemporally migrated spherical orbital implant. Methods: This is a single-center, prospective, consecutive, interventional, case series of six patients, with non-porous, spherical, orbital implant migration that underwent implant recentration surgically with a novel technique. Migration was subclassified either as decentration that did not affect the prosthetic retention or as displacement that affected the prosthetic retention in the eye socket. Only implant displacements were treated. The primary outcome measure was centration of the implant clinically and radiologically, with ability to retain the prosthesis. Results: At a mean follow-up of 21 months, all six orbital spherical implants remained centered. There were no cases of extrusion, exposure, or migration of either implants. There were no cases of PSI displacement. Additional procedures to optimize the aesthetic outcome of the customized ocular prosthesis (COP) required were simultaneous fornix formation suture in three patients, subsequent fornix formation with mucus membrane graft in two patients, and levator resection and sulcus hyaluronic acid gel injection in one patient each. The mean PSI implant weight was 2.66 ± 0.53 g. The mean COP weight was 2.2 ± 0.88 g postoperatively. The median patient satisfaction with the procedure was 9 on 10. Conclusion: A 3D printing-assisted PSI placed in the basin of the inferior orbital fissure allows recentration of the migrated implant over a follow-up of 21 months without complications.

Purpose: To assess the reliability and repeatability of periorbital biometric measurements using ImageJ software and to assess if the horizontal visible iris diameter (HVID) serves as a reliable scale for facial measurements. Methods: This study was a prospective, single-blind, comparative study. Two clinicians performed 12 periorbital measurements on 100 standardised face photographs. Each individual’s HVID was determined by Orbscan IIz and used as a scale for measurements using ImageJ software. All measurements were repeated using the ‘average’ HVID of the study population as a measurement scale. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Pearson product-moment coefficient were used as statistical tests to analyse the data. Results: The range of ICC for intra- and interobserver variability was 0.79–0.99 and 0.86–0.99, respectively. Test-retest reliability ranged from 0.66–1.0 to 0.77–0.98, respectively. When average HVID of the study population was used as scale, ICC ranged from 0.83 to 0.99, and the test-retest reliability ranged from 0.83 to 0.96 and the measurements correlated well with recordings done with individual Orbscan HVID measurements. Conclusion: Periorbital biometric measurements using ImageJ software are reproducible and repeatable. Average HVID of the population as measured by Orbscan is a reliable scale for facial measurements.

Calcinosis cutis is a rare metabolic disorder characterized by cutaneous and subcutaneous deposition of insoluble calcium salts. Ocular adnexal involvement is uncommon but mostly seen in males and in the upper eyelid. Solitary lesions are more common than multiple. The treatment of choice is excision biopsy. Histopathological examination provides a definitive diagnosis. Directed systemic investigations help to rule out underlying pathologies and aids further management. The present case reports the punctal and peripunctal involvement in a case of ocular adnexal calcinosis cutis.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess the quality of outcomes of mini-Monoka stent dilatation for punctal stenosis using the lacrimal symptom (Lac-Q) questionnaire. Methods: Prospective interventional case series of 45 eyes of 25 consecutive patients who underwent mini-Monoka stent dilatation for primary punctal stenosis were included in the study. The stents were extubated at 4 weeks. The Lac-Q questionnaire was administered preoperatively and at 12 weeks and 24 weeks following the intervention. Outcomes assessed were anatomical success, functional success, and changes in the questionnaire scores including total, social impact, and lacrimal symptom scores. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and the probability of obtaining a certain score was calculated using the multinomial log-linear model. P < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Monoka stents were performed for 45 eyes. A total of 75 questionnaire responses were analyzed. At the last follow-up of 24 weeks, the anatomical and functional success rates were 93.3% (42/45). The changes in the mean total score (7.68 preoperatively to 0.82 at 24-week follow-up) were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.001). The mean social impact scores showed significant improvement postoperatively from 4.06 to 0.53 (P ≤ 0.001). The mean lacrimal symptom score changed from a preoperative value of 3.62 to 0.28 (P ≤ 0.001) at the last follow-up. Postoperative scoring correlated well with the anatomical and functional success rates. The symptom scores corroborated with changes in the clinical outcomes. Conclusion: Mini-Monoka stent dilatation is a very effective intervention for the management of primary punctal stenosis, and Lac-Q questionnaire is a simple and useful tool to evaluate the quality of outcomes in such cases.

Purpose: The aims of this study were to determine the acceptability levels of different styles of the doctors′ dress and the expectations from the initial phases of physician-patient encounter. Methods: The study design was a cross-sectional descriptive type using the survey methodology. A survey based on a five-point questionnaire was performed on all consecutive patients or their caregivers, aged ≥15, visiting the ophthalmic plastics outpatient clinics at a tertiary eye care institute. The participants were shown three sets of photographs and were required to answer a questionnaire which consisted of five questions. Data collected include participant demographics and their preferences with regards to the physician′s attire and initial communications. Results: A total of 300 consecutive responses were analyzed. The mean age of the participants was 37.2 years. Among the participants, 87.6% (263/300) and 90.3% (271/300) preferred a white coat for the male and female physicians, respectively (P < 0.001). The most common second preference was scrubs for both the males and female physicians. 92.3% (277/300) preferred the attire to have an identification display. The overwhelming majority of respondents (95.6%, 287/300) preferred the physicians to address them by their name and 98.6% (296/300) liked if their physicians smiled while addressing them. Conclusions: White coat was the main preferred attire among respondents. Increased awareness of the patient′s expectations plays a crucial role in enhancing their satisfaction.

Aim: The study aims to report a single trainee's experience of learning and performing endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (En-DCR). Settings and Design: This study was a retrospective, interventional case series. Subjects and Methods: Fifty-four eyes of fifty patients presenting at a tertiary eye care center over 1 year were included in the study. All cases underwent endoscopic DCR with mitomycin-C and silicone intubation. The parameters studied included demographics, clinical features, intraoperative details, and postoperative ostium evaluation. Stent removal and nasal endoscopy were performed at 6 weeks and a further ostium evaluation at 3 and 6 months following surgery. Anatomical success rate was defined as patent irrigation, and functional success rate was defined as positive functional endoscopic dye test and absence of epiphora. Results: Fifty-four eyes of fifty patients were operated, and three cases were lost to follow-up after surgery. The mean age at presentation was 34 (4–75) years. Clinical diagnosis included primary acquired nasolacrimal duct (NLD) obstruction in 72% (39/54), acute dacryocystitis in 15% (8/54), failed DCR in 7% (4/54), and persistent congenital NLD obstruction in 5% (3/54). The first five cases needed intervention by the mentor for superior osteotomy. Common variations in anatomical landmarks were posterior location of sac, large ethmoidal bulla, high internal common opening, and thick maxillary bone. Surgical time taken in the last 27 eyes was significantly lesser compared to the surgical duration taken in the initial 27 cases (P < 0.05). Anatomical and functional success rate was 94% (48/51) at 6 months follow-up period. Conclusions: Endoscopic En-DCR has a good success rate when performed by oculoplastic surgery trainees. Nasal anatomical variations, instrument handling, and adaptation to monocular view of endoscope are few of the challenges for beginners. Structured skill transfer can help trainees to learn and perform En-DCR with acceptable success rates.

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the procedure of choice in patients with epiphora due to primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The evolution of surgical tools, fiber-optic endoscopes, effective anesthesia techniques, and the adjunct use of antimetabolites intraoperatively; namely mitomycin-C (MMC) have significantly contributed to the advancement of DCR surgery. MMC is a systemic chemotherapeutic agent derived from Streptomyces caespitosus that inhibits the synthesis of DNA, cellular RNA, and protein by inhibiting the synthesis of collagen by fibroblasts. Even the cellular changes in the human nasal mucosal fibroblasts induced by MMC at an ultrastructural level have been documented. There, however, seems to be a lack of consensus regarding MMC: The dosage, the route of delivery/application, the time of exposure and subsequently what role each of these variables plays in the final outcome of the surgery. In this review, an attempt is made to objectively examine all the evidence regarding the role of MMC in DCR. MMC appears to improve the success rate of DCR.

Dacryocystorhinostomy or DCR is one of the most common oculoplastics surgery performed. It is a bypass procedure that creates an anastomosis between the lacrimal sac and the nasal mucosa via a bony ostium. It may be performed through an external skin incision or intranasally with or without endoscopic visualization. This article will discuss the indications, goals, and simple techniques for a successful outcome of an external DCR.

Cardiobacterium hominis is a member of the HACEK (Haemophilus sp., Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, C. hominis, Eikenella corrodens, and Kingella kingae) group commonly associated with endocarditits and is normally present in the respiratory tract. We describe the first case of acute dacryocystitis with lacrimal abscess caused by C. hominis along with a brief review of the literature. The patient responded to oral and topical ciprofloxacin after incision and drainage and awaits dacryocystorhinostomy.

Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular malignancy in children, with a reported incidence ranging from 1 in 15,000 to 1 in 18,000 live births. Metastatic retinoblastoma is rare in developed countries, with a reported range from 4.8% in the United States to 5.8% in the United Kingdom. However, the frequency reported from developing countries varies from 9 to 11% at presentation. The mortality is very high owing to late presentations, delayed diagnosis compounded by socio-economic factors. The management of metastatic retinoblastoma is evolving, but it is still a challenge in pediatric oncology. We present a case of an extensive skeletal metastasis that initially presented as a massive orbital retinoblastoma.

Orbital solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare tumor and orbits are a very uncommon site. It is mostly noted to arise from mesenchymal structures like pleura and peritoneum. The diagnosis of orbital SFT cannot be made with certainty on clinical or radiological evaluation alone and requires immunohistochemical studies for confirmation. Orbital SFT′s usually show an indolent clinical course and a complete cure can usually be achieved with complete resection. We describe clinical presentations, radiological and operative findings, and pathological features of a patient with orbital SFT along with a brief review of literature.

Blunt ocular trauma in the elderly can result in anterior dislocation of the crystalline lens into the subconjunctival space (phacocele). Although rare, this presentation can be missed, especially if the patient presents several days after the injury and if the lid is not everted on examination. While a careful clinical examination is adequate in the diagnosis, imaging techniques can be put to use for the accurate location of the associated sclera rupture. We report three cases of post-traumatic phacocele wherein ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) was compared to the anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and B-scan ultrasonography (B-scan), in order to establish the best imaging tool for this condition. We concluded, based on image quality, that UBM could be the imaging modality of choice to aid in the diagnosis of phacocele.

Orbital solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare tumor originating from the mesenchyme. Initially described in the pleura and subsequently in other mesenchymal structures, orbit continues to be one of the uncommon extrapleural sites. The diagnosis of orbital SFT cannot be made with certainty on clinical or radiological evaluation and requires histologic studies with immunohistochemical confirmation for which CD 34 is the most specific diagnostic test. We describe clinical presentations, radiological and operative findings, and pathological features of a patient with orbital SFT along with a review of literature.

Rhinosporidiosis is a rare infection caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi, an organism classified in its own class, mesomycetozoea. It commonly affects mucus membranes namely the nasal mucosa, pharynx and the conjunctiva. We present the case of an 8-year-old female who presented with a flat, red, vascular, fleshy, pedunculated mass arising from the tarsal conjunctiva of the right upper eyelid. The mass was completely excised. On histopathological examination, multiple sporangia were seen in various stages of degeneration, consistent with rhinosporidiosis. The diagnosis of rhinosporidiosis is based solely on its microscopic features, and the treatment is surgical excision. This condition is endemic in the temperate regions of the Indian subcontinent, but it has been known to occur even in the colder regions of North America and Eastern Europe. Although a rare clinical entity, the possibility of rhinosporidiosis must be borne in mind when evaluating any polypoidal conjunctival mass.

PURPOSE: Dry eye syndrome is a multifactorial chronic disabling disease mainly caused by the functional disruptions in the lacrimal gland. The treatment involves palliation like ocular surface lubrication and rehydration. Cell therapy involving replacement of the gland is a promising alternative for providing long-term relief to patients. This study aimed to establish functionally competent lacrimal gland cultures in-vitro and explore the presence of stem cells in the native gland and the established in-vitro cultures. METHODS: Fresh human lacrimal gland from patients undergoing exenteration was harvested for cultures after IRB approval. The freshly isolated cells were evaluated by flow cytometry for expression of stem cell markers ABCG2, high ALDH1 levels and c-kit. Cultures were established on Matrigel, collagen and HAM and the cultured cells evaluated for the presence of stem cell markers and differentiating markers of epithelial (E-cadherin, EpCAM), mesenchymal (Vimentin, CD90) and myofibroblastic (α-SMA, S-100) origin by flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. The conditioned media was tested for secretory proteins (scIgA, lactoferrin, lysozyme) post carbachol (100 µM) stimulation by ELISA. RESULTS: Native human lacrimal gland expressed ABCG2 (mean±SEM: 3.1±0.61%), high ALDH1 (3.8±1.26%) and c-kit (6.7±2.0%). Lacrimal gland cultures formed a monolayer, in order of preference on Matrigel, collagen and HAM within 15-20 days, containing a heterogeneous population of stem-like and differentiated cells. The epithelial cells formed 'spherules' with duct like connections, suggestive of ductal origin. The levels of scIgA (47.43 to 61.56 ng/ml), lysozyme (24.36 to 144.74 ng/ml) and lactoferrin (32.45 to 40.31 ng/ml) in the conditioned media were significantly higher than the negative controls (p