Merle Fernandes

The epidemiological features and laboratory results of fungal keratitis: a 10-year review at a referral eye care center in South India.

Purpose. To report the epidemiological features and laboratory results of 1,352 cases of fungal keratitis diagnosed at the L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) in south India. Methods. The medical and microbiology records of 1,352 culture proven cases (1,354 eyes) of fungal keratitis diagnosed at the LVPEI between January 1991 to December 2000 was retrospectively reviewed for demographic features, risk factors, seasonal variation, and laboratory findings. Results. Males (962) were affected significantly more (p < 0.0001) than females (390). Of 1,352 patients, 853 (64.4%) were in the younger age group (16–49 years). Ocular trauma predisposed to infection in 736 (54.4%) of 1,354 eyes. There was a higher incidence of fungal keratitis during the monsoon and winter than summer. A fungal cause was established by smears of corneal scrapings in 1,277 (95.4%) eyes. The potassium hydroxide preparation (KOH), Calcofluor white (CFW), Gram-, and Giemsa-stained smears revealed fungus in 1,219 (91.0%), 1,224 (91.4%), 1,181 (88.2%), and 1,139 (85.1%) eyes, respectively. Fusarium (506, 37.2%) and Aspergillus species (417, 30.7%) predominated the hyaline fungal spectrum (1,133) and Curvularia species (39, 2.8%) were the highest among the dematiaceous isolates (218). Conclusions. To the best of our knowledge, this review presents the epidemiological features and laboratory results of the largest series of fungal keratitis ever reported in the literature. Keratomycosis is predominant in young adults with trauma as the major predisposing factor. With fungal keratitis being a major ophthalmologic problem in the tropical regions of the world, data available on the epidemiological features of a large series would greatly help medical practitioners at primary and secondary health care centers in the management of the disease. A simple KOH preparation of corneal scraping alone is highly beneficial in confirming the diagnosis.

Amniotic membrane transplantation for ocular surface reconstruction

The amniotic membrane, composed of 3 layers, the epithelium, basement membrane, and the stroma, was first used along with the chorion as a biologic membrane to promote healing of skin burns in 1910. In ophthalmology, it was used in 1940 in the management of conjunctival defects. Its revival in the 1990s was due to its ability to reduce ocular surface inflammation and scarring, promote rapid epithelialization due to the presence of growth factors, and antimicrobial properties. This has resulted in its application in several ocular disorders. A review of the literature shows that amniotic membrane is definitely beneficial in some but not all pathology. The future of amniotic membrane transplantation is very exciting, especially in the field of limbal stem cell research. However, further work is needed to elucidate whether it functions merely as a biologic contact lens or whether it has additional benefits.

Outcome of pterygium surgery: analysis over 14 years

AimTo report the outcome of pterygium surgery performed at a tertiary eye care centre in South India.MethodsRetrospective analysis of medical records of 920 patients (989 eyes) with primary and recurrent pterygia operated between January 1988 and December 2001. The demographic variables, surgical technique (bare sclera, primary closure, amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT), conjunctival autograft (CAG), conjunctival–limbal autograft (CLAG), or surgical adjuvants), recurrences and postoperative complications were analysed.ResultsA total of 496 (53.9%) were male and 69 (7.5%) had bilateral pterygia. Bare sclera technique was performed in 267 (27.0%) eyes, primary conjunctival closure in 32 (3.2%), AMG in 123 (12.4%), CAG in 429 (43.4%), and CLAG in 70 (7.1%). Adjuvant mitomycin C was used in 44 (4.4%) cases. The mean duration of follow-up was 8.9±17.0 and 5.9±8.8 months for unilateral primary and recurrent pterygia, respectively. The overall recurrence rate was 178 (18.0%). Following primary and recurrent unilateral pterygium excision respectively, recurrences were noted in 46 (19.4%) and 1 (33.3%) eyes after bare sclera technique, five (16.7%) and 0 after primary closure, 28 (26.7%) and 0 with AMG, 42 (12.2%) and five (31.3%) with CAG, and nine (17.3%) and two (40%) with CLAG. Recurrences were significantly more in males with primary (23.3 vs10.7%, P<0.0001) and recurrent (26.7 vs0%, P=0.034) pterygia, and in those below 40 years (25.2 vs14.8%, P=0.003).ConclusionCAG appears to be an effective modality for primary and recurrent pterygia. Males and patients below 40 years face greater risk of recurrence. Bare sclera technique has an unacceptably high recurrence. Prospective studies comparing CAG, CLAG, and AMG for primary and recurrent pterygia are needed.

Outcome of penetrating keratoplasty for Peters anomaly.

Purpose: To determine the results of corneal graft survival after penetrating keratoplasty for Peters anomaly. Methods: Retrospective review of records of children 12 years of age or younger who underwent penetrating keratoplasty for Peters anomaly between March 1988 and December 2003. The data were analyzed regarding graft survival. The survival probabilities were estimated by using the Kaplan-Meier method. The main outcome measure was graft clarity. Results: Forty corneal transplants were performed in 32 children with Peters anomaly whose mean age at keratoplasty was 8.6 ± 3.9 months (range, 2.5-22 months). The mean follow-up period was 1.9 ± 2.9 years (range, 1 month to 15 years). Seventeen (42.5%) of the 40 grafts retained full clarity. Survival analysis showed a 52% probability of the graft remaining clear at the end of 6 months, which dropped to 22% at 2 years. The predicted mean survival time of grafts was 20.1 months (95% confidence interval, 4.9-36.3). Allograft rejection was the most frequently identified cause of graft failure, accounting for 15 (65%) of the 23 failed grafts, with 93.3% of episodes occurring in the first year. Poor graft survival correlated with age younger than 6 months (P = 0.04). Conclusions: The overall probability of maintaining a clear corneal transplant in Peters anomaly is 22% at 2 years and may be adversely affected by younger age at surgery. Because most episodes of rejection occurred in the first year, follow-up is recommended during this period.

Re-appraisal of topical 1% voriconazole and 5% natamycin in the treatment of fungal keratitis in a randomised trial

Purpose To compare the efficacy of topical 1% voriconazole vs 5% natamycin for the treatment of fungal keratitis. Methods In a prospective, double-masked, randomised, controlled, registered clinical trial, 118 patients with fungal keratitis were treated using identical dosage schedule with either voriconazole (58) or natamycin (60) as inpatients for 7 days and followed up weekly. The outcome measures were percentage of patients with healed or resolving ulcer and final visual acuity at last follow-up (primary) and on day 7 (secondary) in each group. Results More patients (p=0.005) on natamycin (50/56, 89.2%) had healed or resolving ulcer compared with voriconazole (34/51, 66.6%) at last follow-up. The improvement in vision was marginally greater in patients in the natamycin group compared with the voriconazole group at day 7 (p=0.04) and significantly greater at final visit (p=0.01). In univariate analysis, drug, age and mean size of corneal infiltrate and epithelial defect had a significant effect on the final visual outcome. In multivariate analysis, the effect of drug (voriconazole vs natamycin, adjusted coefficient 0.27 (−0.04 to 0.57), p=0.09) was marginal while the effect of age and epithelial defect was significant (p<0.001 for both). In the group treated with natamycin, the final visual acuity was significantly better (p=0.005, Wilcoxon signed-rank test) in patients with Fusarium keratitis but not with Aspergillus keratitis (p=0.714, paired t test). Conclusions When compared with voriconazole, natamycin was more effective in the treatment of fungal keratitis, especially Fusarium keratitis. Trial registration number: Clinical Trial Registry India (2010/091/003041).

Polymicrobial and microsporidial keratitis in a patient using Boston scleral contact lens for Sjogren's syndrome and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid

AIM To report a rare case of microsporidial and polymicrobial keratitis in a patient with Sjogrens syndrome and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid. METHOD This is a descriptive case report. A 66-year-old lady diagnosed with Sjogrens syndrome (SS) and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) presented to us with microbial keratitis after using a Boston sclera contact lens for a painful epithelial defect. After 9 days of medical treatment, she underwent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. RESULTS 10% potassium hydroxide and calcofluor white wet mount revealed microsporidial spores. Gram positive cocci and Gram variable bacilli on Gram stain were identified as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Corynebacterium accolens in culture. Histopathological examination of the corneal tissue confirmed the presence of microsporidial spores. CONCLUSION Microsporidal keratitis can occur in patients with severe ocular surface disease due to SS and OCP. Predisposing factors include dry eye, local and systemic immunosuppression and Boston scleral contact lens. Early surgical intervention may be needed to eradicate the infection.

Comparison of acrylic and polymethyl methacrylate lenses in a pediatric population

PURPOSE To compare the intra-patient incidence of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) and their post operative course, in children with bilateral cataract, following implantation of acrylic (Group 1) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) (Group 2) intraocular lenses (IOLs). MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a prospective, interventional intra-patient case series. Twenty-five children with bilateral cataract, 5 years and older, underwent cataract surgery and implantation of an acrylic (AcrySof MA30BA, Alcon, Fortworth, TX) in one eye and PMMA (Indo Am IAB 203, Ocular Vision, Inc.) IOL in the other eye of each patient. They were followed up for an average of 11.1 +/- 9.5 months to assess the incidence of clinically significant PCO and occurrence of postoperative complications. RESULTS Twenty-three children (46 eyes), were included in this study. Post-operatively, 22(95.6%) patients with acrylic IOLs and 20 (86.9%) patients with PMMA IOLs, either maintained or improved their vision. In the acrylic and PMMA IOL groups respectively, the incidence of clinically significant PCO was 21% (4) and 75% (12) ( P =0.002), with a median onset at 2.9 months and 0.7 months. Other complications included pupillary capture in 2 (8.7%) eyes and uveal prolapse in 1 (4.3%) eye in the acrylic group and increased uveal inflammation in 6 (26.1%) eyes and presumed noninfectious endophthalmitis in 2 (8.7%) eyes in the PMMA group. CONCLUSION Incidence of PCO and post operative uveal inflammation is significantly less with acrylic lenses and were safe to use in pediatric eyes.

Early Results of Penetrating Keratoplasty following Limbal Stem Cell Transplantation

PURPOSE To describe the early results of penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) in patients who had earlier received limbal transplantation (LT). METHODS Prospective, non-comparative interventional case series comprising of four patients with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) due to chemical injury (Cases 1, 2, 4) and xeroderma pigmentosum (Case 3). Cadaveric kerato-limbal allografts or living-related conjunctival-limbal allografts were done in four eyes followed by PKP for visual rehabilitation 3-4.5 months later. The following details were noted: demographics, primary aetiology, type of limbal transplant (cadaveric or living-related), immunosuppression, vision and ocular surface stability before and after LT and PKP, surgical complications and outcome of PKP. RESULTS Three eyes received living-related conjunctival-limbal allotransplantation and one received cadaveric kerato-limbal allograft. Duration of follow up after PKP ranged from 4 to 11 months. Visual acuity improved in the early postoperative period in all patients but reduced in 2 due to endothelial rejection and after trans-scleral cyclophotocoagulation for medically uncontrolled glaucoma. The ocular surface remained stable in all patients. All patients were started on immunosuppression on the first postoperative day. This was continued till the last follow-up visit. Post-PKP complications were punctate epithelial keratopathy, corneal allograft rejection and secondary glaucoma (one patient each). CONCLUSION Satisfactory visual rehabilitation is possible after PKP following LT without compromising ocular surface stability. However, a prolonged and close follow-up is warranted to avert complications.

Bilateral periocular psoriasis: an initial manifestation of acute generalized pustular psoriasis with coexistent Sjögren's syndrome

A 21‐year‐old febrile lady presented to the emergency service with severe lid oedema, conjunctivitis, dry mouth and abdominal skin rash. Over 5 days, she developed silvery scales and pustules on the lids, and generalized pustules on an erythematous base. Multiple focal sterile corneal infiltrates were seen. Haematological investigations and a skin biopsy were done as the consulting dermatologist suspected acute generalized pustular psoriasis. In addition, secondary Sjögrens syndrome was diagnosed since she had keratoconjunctivitis sicca, xerostomia, raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate and positive antinuclear antibodies. The presence of microabscesses in the epidermis on skin biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of pustular psoriasis. With oral methotrexate 7.5 mg weekly and topical corticosteroids, the acute condition gradually resolved; however, the keratoconjunctivitis sicca is persisting. Secondary Sjögrens syndrome associated with acute generalized pustular psoriasis and ocular psoriasis is extremely rare. Awareness of the ocular and dermatological features of these two conditions would result in earlier diagnosis and institution of appropriate treatment.

Patch graft for corneal perforation following trivial trauma in bilateral terrien's marginal degeneration

A young female presented with blurred vision in the left eye after she rubbed her eye. On examination of both eyes, she had 360° thinning adjacent to the limbus, lipid deposition and superficial vascularization with a perforation in the left eye. The patient was diagnosed with bilateral Terrien′s marginal degeneration (TMD) with perforation. Corneal topography of the right eye revealed high oblique astigmatism confirming the diagnosis. A peripheral patch graft was performed for the left eye. At 18 months postoperatively, the best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes. The graft was clear. Topography of right eye was stable, and the left eye had oblique astigmatism. Bilateral advanced TMD in a young patient presenting with corneal perforation following trivial trauma is extremely uncommon. Patch graft may be an option for restoring the globe integrity in such cases. Regular follow-up is necessary as the condition progresses slowly.