Jane M Olver

UK national survey of enucleation, evisceration and orbital implant trends

Aim: To evaluate current clinical practice in the UK in the management of the anophthalmic socket; choice of enucleation, evisceration, type of orbital implant, wrap, motility pegging and complications. Methods: All consultant ophthalmologists in the UK were surveyed by postal questionnaire. Questions included their practice subspecialty and number of enucleations and eviscerations performed in 2003. Specific questions addressed choice of implant, wrap, motility pegging and complications. Results: 456/896 (51%) consultants responded, of which 162 (35%) had a specific interest in oculoplastics, lacrimal, orbits or oncology. Only 243/456 (53%) did enucleations or eviscerations. 92% inserted an orbital implant after primary enucleation, 69% after non-endophthalmitis evisceration, whereas only 43% did so after evisceration for endophthalmitis (50% as a delayed procedure). 55% used porous orbital implants (porous polyethylene, hydroxyapatite or alumina) as their first choice and 42% used acrylic. Most implants inserted were spherical, sized 18–20 mm in diameter. 57% wrapped the implant after enucleation, using salvaged autogenous sclera (20%), donor sclera (28%) and synthetic Vicryl or Mersilene mesh (42%). A minority (7%) placed motility pegs in selected cases, usually as a secondary procedure. 14% of respondents reported implant exposure for each type of procedure and extrusion was reported by 4% after enucleation and 3% after evisceration. Conclusions: This survey highlights contemporary anophthalmic socket practice in the UK. Most surgeons use porous orbital implants with a synthetic wrap after enucleation and only few perform motility pegging.

British Oculoplastic Surgery Society (BOPSS) National Ptosis Survey

Aim: To assess the results of primary aponeurotic ptosis surgery among UK ophthalmic oculoplastic surgeons, from both the surgeon’s and patient’s perspective; also to inform and encourage good clinical practice by generating outcomes for individual surgeons, units and for benchmarking purposes. Methods: A prospective, web-based, non-comparative, interventional study was conducted over a period of 1 year commencing January 2005 and ending December 2005. The data-entry sheet for the preoperative, operative and postoperative data was completed and submitted online via the British Oculoplastic Surgery Society website. Surgical results were assessed objectively (by the surgeon) by measuring the upper lid margin reflex distance (uMRD) and the interlid difference in: MRD, lid show, skin crease and lid contour with the outcome graded as: success, partial success or failed. Surgical results were also assessed subjectively (by the patient) with the outcome graded as: completely satisfied, significantly improved, no change or worse than before the operation. Results: Three hundred and sixty-five patients undergoing primary aponeurotic ptosis repair, from 40 different consultant-led teams with a declared oculoplastic interest and expertise, originating from 27 units across the UK were entered into the study. Using objective criteria, success was achieved in 128/223 (57%) cases, with significantly greater degrees of success seen in patients with mild ptosis and for surgeons who performed ptosis surgery more frequently. Using subjective criteria, 184/282 (65%) of patients were completely satisfied, with a further 89/282 (32%) judging themselves significantly improved. The patients’ assessment of the surgery was less critical than that of the surgeons: 46/138 (33%) of patients who were completely satisfied and 37/72 (51%) of those who were significantly improved did not meet the criteria for a successful surgical outcome. The re-operation rate was 8/313 (2.6%). Conclusions: The authors have generated a valid series of surgical outcomes both for individuals, units and the UK as a whole, expressed in both objective and subjective terms for what we regard as the signature procedure for an oculoplastic surgeon: aponeurotic ptosis surgery. Individual results have been communicated to our members, which will allow them to compare their results with true peer-group-generated figures and will aid appraisal and ultimately revalidation.

Botulinum toxin A treatment of overactive corrugator supercilii in thyroid eye disease.

BACKGROUND/AIM Patients with thyroid eye disease with upper eyelid retraction often develop overaction of the accessory muscles of eyelid closure, the glabellar muscles corrugator supercilii and procerus. The resultant glabellar furrowing (frown lines) contributes to the typical thyroid facies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of botulinum toxin A reversible chemodenervation of the glabellar muscles as adjunctive treatment in the rehabilitation of patients with thyroid eye disease. METHODS 14 patients (13 females) ages 39–76 years (mean 52) with inactive thyroid eye disease and associated medial eyebrow ptosis and prominent glabellar frown lines were recruited. All patients had a history of upper eyelid retraction. Each patient was treated with a single botulinum toxin injection (Dysport 0.2 ml, 40 units) into each corrugator supercilii and sometimes procerus muscles as an outpatient procedure. The effectiveness and acceptability of the treatment was assessed clinically and from a patient questionnaire. RESULTS The injections were tolerated by 13/14 (93%) patients. There was resultant flattening of the glabellar region and improvement of medial eyebrow contour in all patients, with onset of paralysis within 1 week. All patients reported a subjective improvement in appearance. Side effects included one patient (7%) with reversible partial ptosis. The beneficial effect lasted 4–6 months, with a gradual return of function. Repeat treatment was indicated where there was persistent upper eyelid retraction and protractor overaction. CONCLUSION Botulinum toxin A chemodenervation of the glabellar muscles in these patients was effective and acceptable. Chemodenervation should be considered in the rehabilitation of patients with thyroid eye disease where there is upper eyelid retraction and overacting protractors resulting in a thyroid frown. Once the eyelid retraction has been successfully treated by surgery, the need for further glabella muscle chemodenervation is considerably reduced.

Correction of lower eyelid retraction in thyroid eye disease: a randomised controlled trial of retractor tenotomy with adjuvant antimetabolite versus scleral graft

BACKGROUND/AIMS Lower eyelid retraction in thyroid eye disease contributes to ocular discomfort and an unsightly appearance, especially if asymmetrical. The use of donor scleral grafts is effective in lengthening the lower eyelids but carries a risk of virus transmission. Other techniques, including those which do not use grafts, need to be compared with scleral grafts. Recurrent retraction is a recognised complication of thyroid eyelid surgery; therefore, the authors investigated the use of antimetabolites to reduce postoperative fibrosis. METHODS In this prospective randomised controlled trial of 25 patients (35 eyelids), the use of donor sclera in 20 lower eyelids (13 patients) was compared with partial tenotomy of the anterior part of the lower eyelid retractors (ALER) with adjuvant peroperative antimetabolite in 15 lower eyelids (12 patients). A 5 minute peroperative application of either 5-fluorouracil (25 mg/ml) in nine lower eyelids (eight patients) or mitomycin C (0.2 mg/ml) in six lower eyelids (four patients) was used to focally inhibit fibroblasts. Follow up ranged from 3 to 18 months (mean 7.8). RESULTS One month after surgery the results of both groups were similar. However, at 3 months after surgery the results of scleral grafting were better than tenotomy with antimetabolites: 3/12 patients (25%) treated with tenotomy and adjuvant antimetabolite required subsequent surgery using grafts for correction of recurrent retraction. There were no significant complications associated with the use of antimetabolites in the eyelid in the doses used in this study. CONCLUSIONS This randomised prospective trial shows that donor scleral grafts were more effective in the long term than partial tenotomy with adjuvant antimetabolite in the correction of lower eyelid retraction associated with thyroid eye disease. The use of peroperative antimetabolites in the lower eyelid was safe.

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma masquerading as a chalazion

Editor,—Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) is a locally aggressive cutaneous tumour first described by Goldstein et al in 1982.1 This tumour has a predilection for the face2 3 with only a few cases reported involving the periocular region.4-6 It is a low grade tumour of eccrine sweat gland derivation which behaves aggressively in its growth pattern and recurrence rate. It has also been known as a sclerosing sweat duct carcinoma (SSDC). We report a case of MAC initially masquerading as a benign chalazion.nn### CASE REPORTnnA 66 year old white woman attended the accident and emergency department at the Western Eye Hospital with a 2 week history of red sore eyes. Bilateral blepharitis was diagnosed and a chalazion noted at the medial end of the left lower eyelid, adjacent to the punctum. The only unusual comment made was that the chalazion had “granulation tissue” on its conjunctival surface.nnThe blepharitis was treated with topical antibiotic and eyelid hygiene and she was listed for minor surgery. However, she had incision of her chalazion elsewhere and did not attend the accident and emergency department for another 18 months when she returned with recurrent symptoms of blepharitis.nnOn examination, a distorted reddened lower eyelid lump was observed in the exact location of her previous “chalazion” which had apparently remained despite incision. There was some puckering of …

Protocol for the combined immunosuppression & radiotherapy in thyroid eye disease (CIRTED) trial: A multi-centre, double-masked, factorial randomised controlled trial

BackgroundMedical management of thyroid eye disease remains controversial due to a paucity of high quality evidence on long-term treatment outcomes. Glucocorticoids are known to be effective initially but have significant side-effects with long-term use and recrudescence can occur on cessation. Current evidence is conflicting on the efficacy of radiotherapy and non-steroid systemic immunosuppression, and the majority of previous studies have been retrospective, uncontrolled, small or poorly designed.The Combined Immunosuppression and Radiotherapy in Thyroid Eye Disease (CIRTED) trial was designed to investigate the efficacy of radiotherapy and azathioprine in combination with a standard course of oral prednisolone in patients with active thyroid eye disease.Methods/designPatients with active thyroid eye disease will be randomised to receive (i) azathioprine or oral placebo and (ii) radiotherapy or sham-radiotherapy in this multi-centre, factorial randomised control trial. The primary outcome is improvement in disease severity (assessed using a composite binary measure) at 12 months and secondary end-points include quality of life scores and health economic measures.DiscussionThe CIRTED trial is the first study to evaluate the role of radiotherapy and azathioprine as part of a long-term, combination immunosuppressive treatment regime for Thyroid Eye Disease. It will provide evidence for the role of radiotherapy and prolonged immunosuppression in the management of this condition, as well as pilot data on their use in combination. We have paid particular attention in the trial design to establishing (a) robust placebo controls and masking protocols which are effective and safe for both radiotherapy and the systemic administration of an antiproliferative drug; (b) constructing effective inclusion and exclusion criteria to select for active disease; and (c) selecting pragmatic outcome measures.Trial registrationCurrent controlled trials ISRCTN22471573

Keratomalacia on a'healthy diet'

The case is described of a 39-year-old man with previously undiagnosed chronic schizophrenia and with bilateral keratomalacia secondary to his bizarre diet. He presented with a perforation of the right cornea which required an emergency penetrating keratoplasty. The difficulties of clinical management of a patient with an overt psychosis and the use of serum retinol levels to monitor treatment are described. Causes of vitamin A deficiency seen in Great Britain are discussed.

The lateral tarsal strip in ectropion surgery: is it effective when performed in isolation?

PurposeThe lateral tarsal strip (LTS) for involutional ectropion is often performed with a medial spindle (tarsoconjunctival diamond excision). We aimed to evaluate how well the LTS alone can achieve symptomatic relief.MethodsA retrospective, comparative case series was performed on consecutive patients undergoing LTS alone or with medial spindle for involutional ectropion. Outcomes for LTS alone were clinically derived functional success (improvement in symptoms and aesthetic appearance) and anatomical success (judged by punctal position in the tear lake, punctal movement during blinking and absence of ectropion). We verified if these outcomes compared favourably with those of the patients who had undergone an LTS with medial spindle. Procedure selection was based on pre-operative clinical examination, especially the lateral pinch and twist test (this is described). Complications were also recorded.ResultsOf 67 eyes, 23 had LTS alone and 44 had LTS with a medial spindle. Of those having LTS alone the functional success rate was 87% (95% CI (66.4, 97.2%)). This did not differ significantly from a success rate of 89% (75.4, 96.2%) in LTS with a medial spindle (P=0.99). A total of 78% (56.9, 92.5%) of patients undergoing LTS had a good anatomical result compared with 82% (67.3, 91.8%) of those who had an additional medial spindle (P=0.75). Complication rates were similar between the groups.ConclusionWhere the lateral pinch and twist test returns the eyelid to a good position, the LTS alone can suffice for the management of involutional ectropion.

Combined immunosuppression and radiotherapy in thyroid eye disease (CIRTED): a multicentre, 2 × 2 factorial, double-blind, randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUNDnStandard treatment for thyroid eye disease is with systemic corticosteroids. We aimed to establish whether orbital radiotherapy or antiproliferative immunosuppression would confer any additional benefit.nnnMETHODSnCIRTED was a multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled trial with a 2u2008×u20082 factorial design done at six centres in the UK. Adults with active moderate-to-severe thyroid eye disease associated with proptosis or ocular motility restriction were recruited to the trial. Patients all received a 24 week course of oral prednisolone (80 mg per day, reduced to 20 mg per day by 6 weeks, 10 mg per day by 15 weeks, and 5 mg per day by 21 weeks) and were randomly assigned via remote computerised randomisation to receive either radiotherapy or sham radiotherapy and azathioprine or placebo in a 2u2008×u20082 factorial design. Randomisation included minimisation to reduce baseline disparities in potential confounding variables between trial interventions. Patients and data analysts were masked to assignment, whereas trial coordinators (who monitored blood results), pharmacists, and radiographers were not. The radiotherapy dose was 20 Gy administered to the retrobulbar orbit in ten to 12 fractions over 2 to 3 weeks. Azathioprine treatment was provided for 48 weeks at 100-200 mg per day (dispensed as 50 mg tablets), depending on bodyweight (100 mg for <50 kg, 150 mg 50-79 kg, 200 mg for ≥80 kg). The primary outcomes were a binary composite clinical outcome score and an ophthalmopathy index at 48 weeks, and a clinical activity score at 12 weeks. The primary analysis was based on the intention-to-treat allocation and safety was assessed in all participants. This study is registered with ISRCTN, number 22471573.nnnFINDINGSnBetween Feb 15, 2006, and Oct 3, 2013, 126 patients were recruited and randomly assigned to groups: 31 patients to radiotherapy plus azathioprine, 31 to sham radiotherapy and azathioprine, 32 to radiotherapy and placebo, and 32 to sham radiotherapy and placebo. Outcome data were available for 103 patients (54 for sham radiotherapy vs 49 for radiotherapy and 53 for placebo vs 50 for azathioprine), of whom 84 completed their allocated treatment of radiotherapy or sham radiotherapy and 57 continued to take azathioprine or placebo up to 48 weeks. There was no interaction betweeen azathioprine and radiotherapy (pinteraction=0·86). The adjusted odds ratio (ORadj) for improvement in the binary clinical composite outcome measure was 2·56 (95% CI 0·98-6·66, p=0·054) for azathioprine and 0·89 (0·36-2·23, p=0·80) for radiotherapy. In a post-hoc analysis of patients who completed their allocated therapy the ORadj for improvement was 6·83 (1·66-28·1, p=0·008) for azathioprine and 1·32 (0·30-4·84, p=0·67) for radiotherapy. The ophthalmopathy index, clinical activity score, and numbers of adverse events (161 with azathioprine and 156 with radiotherapy) did not differ between treatment groups. In both groups, the most common adverse events were mild infections. No patients died during the study.nnnINTERPRETATIONnIn patients receiving oral prednisolone for 24 weeks, radiotherapy did not have added benefit. We also did not find added benefit for addition of azathioprine in the primary analysis; however, our conclusions are limited by the high number of patients who withdrew from treatment. Results of post-hoc analysis of those who completed the assigned treatment suggest improved clinical outcome at 48 weeks with azathioprine treatment.nnnFUNDINGnNational Eye Research Centre, Above and Beyond, and Moorfields Eye Charity.

Massive basal cell carcinoma in a schizophrenic patient: treatment options and constraints.

Editor,—Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant tumour of the eyelids and face. Factors which increase the chance of orbital invasion include a medial canthal location, slow indolent growth, morpheaform growth pattern, surgical recurrence, advanced presentation, and neglect. Orbital invasion predisposes to intracranial involvement by direct or perineural spread. Management of orbital invasion is difficult and requires a multidisciplinary team approach for radical surgery and/or radiotherapy. nnWe present a 76 year old Ukranian man with a neglected tumour on his forehead which had spread over several years to involve the upper eyelids, anterior orbits, and ethmoid sinuses.nn### CASE REPORTnnA 76 year old man with a long history of untreated forehead BCC complained of deteriorating vision in his right eye and ocular discharge. He had been admitted by the care of the elderly unit, for social reasons. He was a known paranoid schizophrenic treated with psychotropic drugs. Four years previously his physician had measured the lesion as being 2 cm × …