Tova Lifshitz

Overexpression of p53 tumor suppressor gene in pterygia.

Purpose To assess p53 gene expression in pterygia with and without recurrence. The pathogenesis of pterygium has not yet been determined. The most widely recognized etiologic factor is ultraviolet radiation, which leads to degeneration of the conjunctiva. However, pterygium was recently found to have several tumor-like characteristics. The p53 gene is a common marker for neoplasia, and is known to control cell cycle, cell differentiation and apoptosis. In this study we examined the expression of the p53 gene in primary pterygia with and without recurrence, searching for the pathogenesis of this very common lesion and for a prognostic factor for recurrence.Methods Immunohistochemical staining using a monoclonal antibody to human p53 (DO-7) was performed on 13 consecutive patients with primary pterygia, four pterygia without recurrence and nine pterygia which recurred during a 12-month follow-up. As a control we used two specimens of normal conjunctiva.Results Seven of the 13 pterygia specimens (54%) were positive for abnormal p53 expression. There was no difference between the groups with and without recurrence. Two out of four pterygia (50%) without recurrence and five out of nine (55.5%) pterygia with recurrence were positive. No pathological staining was observed in the control specimens.Conclusions In this study, abnormal p53 expression was found in pterygial epithelium, suggesting that pterygium could be a result of uncontrolled cell proliferation, and not as a degenerative lesion. There seems to be no connection between abnormal p53 expression and recurrence.

A review of anti-VEGF agents for proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Previous research has implicated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Although many studies reviewed the use of anti-VEGF for diabetic macular oedema, little has been written about the use of anti-VEGF for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). This study is a review of relevant publications dealing with the use of anti-VEGF for the treatment of PDR. The articles were identified through systematic searches of PUBMED and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. At the end of each section, we summarized the level of evidence of the scientific literature. Off-label use of anti-VEGF agents was found to be beneficial in PDR, especially in cases with neovascular glaucoma, persistent vitreous haemorrhage, and before vitrectomy. The disadvantages of the use of anti-VEGF are its short-effect duration, causing tractional retinal detachment in cases with pre-existing pre-retinal fibrosis and endophthalmitis in rare cases. There is no conclusive evidence from large randomized trials regarding the efficacy of anti-VEGF treatment in PDR. However, numerous case series, sound biochemical mechanism of action, and increasing experience with using anti-VEGF drugs can be used to support the ongoing use of this treatment modality in selected patients.

High Myopia Caused by a Mutation in LEPREL1, Encoding Prolyl 3-Hydroxylase 2

Autosomal-recessive high-grade axial myopia was diagnosed in Bedouin Israeli consanguineous kindred. Some affected individuals also had variable expressivity of early-onset cataracts, peripheral vitreo-retinal degeneration, and secondary sight loss due to severe retinal detachments. Through genome-wide linkage analysis, the disease-associated gene was mapped to ∼1.7 Mb on chromosome 3q28 (the maximum LOD score was 11.5 at θ = 0 for marker D3S1314). Sequencing of the entire coding regions and intron-exon boundaries of the six genes within the defined locus identified a single mutation (c.1523G>T) in exon 10 of LEPREL1, encoding prolyl 3-hydroxylase 2 (P3H2), a 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase that hydroxylates collagens. The mutation affects a glycine that is conserved within P3H isozymes. Analysis of wild-type and p.Gly508Val (c.1523G>T) mutant recombinant P3H2 polypeptides expressed in insect cells showed that the mutation led to complete inactivation of P3H2.

Late bilateral keratectasia after LASIK in a low myopic patient.

PURPOSE To report a rare case of late bilateral ectasia developing after LASIK for low myopia without preoperative risk factors. METHODS A 21-year-old man underwent bilateral uneventful LASIK for low myopia of -2.75 diopters in both eyes. Preoperative corneal pachymetry was 531 microm in the right eye and 526 microm in the left eye. The total ablation depth was 46.8 microm in the right eye and 42.2 microm in the left eye. Preoperative corneal topography was normal and did not reveal forme fruste keratoconus. RESULTS Twenty-four months postoperatively, the patient developed bilateral inferior keratectasia of +0.50 -3.00 x 72 degrees in the right eye and +1.00 -2.75 x 99 degrees in the left eye. CONCLUSIONS Late keratectasia may follow LASIK for low myopia despite a thorough preoperative work-up.

Topiramate-induced bilateral angle-closure glaucoma

CASE REPORT We present an interventional case report of a rare occurrence of acute angle-closure glaucoma in a 35-year-old woman presenting 1 week after start of oral topiramate therapy for depression. Intraocular pressure measured 57 mm Hg OD and 56 mm Hg OS, and bilateral shallow anterior chamber and closed angles were observed. Ultrasound disclosed ciliochoroidal detachment, a closed angle with a forward shift of the lens, and swollen ciliary processes. Topiramate treatment was stopped. Antiglaucoma treatment was started and quickly tapered. After 5 days, examination showed deep anterior chambers and normal intraocular pressures with no medication. COMMENTS Topiramate use can result in acute bilateral angle-closure glaucoma, which is usually reversible if the drug is discontinued. Patients starting topiramate therapy need to be informed of this potential risk.

Artisan aphakic intraocular lens in children with subluxated crystalline lenses

Purpose: To evaluate the results of Artisan® (Ophtec) aphakic intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in children with idiopathic subluxated lenses. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer‐Sheva, Israel. Methods: This retrospective small case series comprised 4 eyes (3 children) with idiopathic essential subluxated lenses that had lens washout, lens capsule removal, Artisan IOL implantation, and peripheral iridectomy. The indications for surgery were reduced visual acuity and monocular diplopia. The main outcome measures were postoperative refraction and change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Results: The postoperative follow‐up ranged from 8 to 10 months. After surgery, the BCVA was 6/12 or better in the 3 cases that could be recorded. Visual acuity improved by 2 or more Snellen lines in all 4 eyes. The postoperative spherical equivalent was within ±1.00 diopter in all cases. No significant postoperative complications were observed. Conclusions: In 4 eyes with a subluxated crystalline lens, implantation of an Artisan aphakic IOL improved visual acuity. Studies with a larger number of patients and longer follow‐up are necessary to confirm these results.

A pilot study of tele-ophthalmology outreach services to primary care

We have begun a randomized study of tele-ophthalmology. General practitioners in two participating health centres in the Negev region of Israel, serving a local population of 40,000, were invited to participate. The study group consisted of 50 consecutive patients attending the general eye outpatient clinic and 50 consecutive patients suffering from various retinal diseases attending a hospital outpatient clinic. The initial assessment was carried out via the tele-ophthalmology system. There was then a face-to-face re-examination of the same patients, in randomized order, by the same ophthalmologist on the same day, at an outpatient ophthalmology clinic.

Comparison between clinical and ultrasound findings in patients with vitreous hemorrhage

AbstractPurpose To ascertain the causes of vitreous hemorrhage and to determine the accuracy of ultrasound (U/S) in these cases, based on the degree of agreement between ultrasound and clinical findings.Methods A chart review of 96 consecutive patients (106 eyes) with dense vitreous hemorrhage who underwent A- and B-scan U/S by one examiner between June 1996 and June 1999. U/S records were evaluated to determine the presence and exact distribution of areas of retinal detachment and the presence of posterior vitreous detachment, retinal tear, intraocular foreign body, or choroidal detachment. Clinical information was obtained from the medical records after the vitreous hemorrhage was reabsorbed or following vitreous surgery. Clinical and U/S findings were compared. False-positive and False-negative rates for U/S were calculated based on clinical findings.Results In 37 eyes (35%) the vitreous hemorrhage was because of proliferative diabetic retinopathy and in 33 eyes (31%) because of ocular trauma. The false-positive rate for retinal detachment (retinal detachment by U/S without clinical confirmation) was 18.9% (seven of 37 eyes). Retinal tears were diagnosed and localized accurately in only four of nine eyes (44%).Conclusions The most common cause of vitreous hemorrhage was proliferative diabetic retinopathy, followed by ocular trauma. U/S correctly diagnosed all cases of retinal detachment, but less than 50% of retinal tears. A total of 18.9% of the eyes were falsely diagnosed as having retinal detachment. U/S is an effective diagnostic tool in patients with vitreous hemorrhage.

Prognostic factors in posterior open globe injuries (zone-III injuries)

Purpose:  The aim of this study is to describe and identify clinical characteristics, prognostic factors and visual outcome in a group of patients with posterior open globe injuries (zone III injury).

Herpes simplex virus keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE To report two cases of herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS Interventional small case series. Two patients underwent uneventful LASIK. History of herpes labialis in one patient and herpetic eye disease > 10 years prior to intervention in the other patient was reported. Both patients developed stromal herpetic keratitis 6 weeks and 2 years after the procedure, respectively. RESULTS Treatment consisting of topical steroid drops and topical and systemic antiviral therapy was administered. Recurrences of the herpetic keratitis were seen after tapering of the topical steroids; four and three recurrences were observed, respectively. Final visual acuity was > 6/9 in both cases. CONCLUSIONS Herpetic keratitis after LASIK is an uncommon, possibly under-reported, entity. Even patients without history of herpetic eye disease can present with this complication. Oral antiviral prophylaxis may be appropriate when performing LASIK on patients with a history of ocular or systemic HSV infection.