1: Eye. 2009 Apr 3; [Epub ahead of print] 

Response to Dr Engelbert et al.

Forte R, Cennamo G, Finelli ML, de Crecchio G.

1Department of Ophthalmology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy.

PMID: 19343056 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

2: Eye. 2009 Apr 3; [Epub ahead of print] 

Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy following influenza
vaccination.

Mendrinos E, Baglivo E.

1Department of Ophthalmology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.

PMID: 19343055 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

3: Eye. 2009 Apr 3; [Epub ahead of print] 

Reply to Squirrell et al.

Oishi A.

1Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.

PMID: 19343054 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

4: Eye. 2009 Apr 3; [Epub ahead of print] 

Long-term visual outcomes of laser-treated threshold retinopathy of prematurity:
a study of refractive status at 7 years.

Yang CS, Wang AG, Sung CS, Hsu WM, Lee FL, Lee SM.

[1] 1Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei,
Taiwan, Republic of China [2] 2Department of Ophthalmology, National Yang-Ming
University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China [3] 3Department
of Ophthalmology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.

PurposeTo assess the long-term visual outcomes and refractive status in patients
with diode laser-treated threshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and to
investigate the causes of impaired visual function.MethodA total of 60 eyes of
30 consecutive patients with diode laser-treated threshold ROP were recalled for
assessment at the age of 7 years or more.ResultsThere were 38 eyes (65.5%)
achieving 6/12 or better vision, however, an unfavourable visual outcome (6/60
or worse) occurred in four eyes (6.9%). One eye (1.7%) had unfavourable
structural outcome. Of these 60 laser-treated eyes, 46 eyes (77.0%) were myopic,
the overall mean spherical equivalent was -3.87 D. Anisometropia (>/=1.5 D) was
also noted in 14 patients (46.7%). Strabismus was present in nine patients
(30.0%). Perinatal neurological events of intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH)
were identified in eight children (26.7%), periventricular leucomalacia (PVL) in
eight children (26.7%), and cerebral palsy (CP) in four children (13.3%). There
was a statistically significant association of the presence of strabismus with
PVL (P=0.002). The presence of anisometropia was a significant risk factor
associated with poor visual outcome of 6/15 or worse in laser-treated ROP
(P=0.002).ConclusionThe majority of patients with diode laser-treated threshold
ROP had favourable anatomical and visual outcomes. However, anisometropia,
advanced refractive error, strabismus, and perinatal neurological events remain
important causes of impaired visual function. Long-term follow-up is very
important for early detection and timely treatment of these ocular
morbidities.Eye advance online publication, 3 April 2009;
doi:10.1038/eye.2009.63.

PMID: 19343053 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

5: Eye. 2009 Mar 27; [Epub ahead of print] 

Cytomegalovirus endotheliitis following fluocinolone acetonide (Retisert)
implant.

Sims JL, Chee SP.

1Department of Ocular, Inflammation and Immunology, Singapore National Eye
Centre, Singapore.

PMID: 19325574 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

6: Eye. 2009 Mar 27; [Epub ahead of print] 

Clinical complications of Densiron 68 intraocular tamponade for complicated
retinal detachment.

Li W, Zheng J, Zheng Q, Wu R, Wang X, Xu M.

1State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, China National Optometry Center, Eye
Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China.

PurposeTo report and disscuss the postoperative complications in patients after
Densiron 68 intraocular tamponade in the management of complicated retinal
detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).MethodsWe presented a
prospective interventional non-comparative case series of 27 eyes of 27
consecutive patients. Inclusion criteria were PVR, posterior or inferior retinal
breaks, and the patient\'s inability to posture. Vitreoretinal surgery with
Densiron 68 intraocular tamponade was performed in all patients. Complications
were recorded at 1 week and 1, 2, and 3 months after Densiron 68 intraocular
tamponade and after removal of Densiron 68 endotamponade at same
periods.ResultsThe most common complication was posterior capsule opacification
and cataract development in seven eyes (25.9%) and in two eyes (25%, 2/8),
respectively, the second complication was intraocular inflammation in six eyes
(22.2%), the third complication was emulsification and dispersion and raised
intraocular pressure in five eyes (18.5%), respectively. The success rate with
one operation using Densiron 68 was 85.2% and with further surgery 92.5%. Visual
acuity improved from mean logMAR of 2.12 (SD= 0.68) to 1.16 (SD=0.84),
P=0.0001.ConclusionsAccording to the results of this study, postoperative
complications did not increase significantly in the vitreoretinal surgery with
temporary Densiron 68 intraocular tamponade. Densiron 68 intraocular tamponade
is safe and effective in treating complicated retinal detachment.Eye advance
online publication, 27 March 2009; doi:10.1038/eye.2009.57.

PMID: 19325573 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

7: Eye. 2009 Mar 27; [Epub ahead of print] 

The utility of visual function questionnaire in the assessment of the impact of
diabetic retinopathy on vision-related quality of life.

Gabrielian A, Hariprasad SM, Jager RD, Green JL, Mieler WF.

1Department of Surgery, Section of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University
of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.

AimsTo determine whether the Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (VFQ) is a more
accurate instrument for assessing vision related quality of life (VRQOL) than
visual acuity (VA) in patients with diabetic retinopathy. To compare VRQOL
between patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and
proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).MethodsWe administered the VFQ and
Vision Preference Value Scale (VPVS) to 104 patients. With VPVS as the gold
standard in our study, we used Pearson\'s correlation and multiple linear
regression analysis to assess whether VFQ is a more accurate measure of VRQOL
than VA. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to assess which VFQ
subscales correlated strongly with VPVS. Patients with NPDR and PDR were
compared using VFQ.ResultsThe Pearson\'s correlation coefficient between VPVS and
VFQ was 0.49 (P<0.01) and between VPVS and VA was 0.33 (P<0.01). In
multivariable linear models, VFQ explained a higher proportion of the variance
in VPVS than VA. The VFQ subscales with the strongest Spearman coefficients to
VPVS scores were role differences, near activities, distance activities, mental
function and dependence. In these subscales, patients with PDR vsNPDR suffered a
25-30 point loss (100-point scale).ConclusionsVFQ is a superior measure of VRQOL
for patients with diabetic retinopathy because it better captures mental and
emotional aspects of the disease as well as visual function. Subjects with PDR
vsNPDR suffer significant loss of VRQOL.Eye advance online publication, 27 March
2009; doi:10.1038/eye.2009.56.

PMID: 19325572 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

8: Eye. 2009 Mar 27; [Epub ahead of print] 

Pneumocystis choroiditis.

Gupta A, Hustler A, Herieka E, Matthews BN.

1Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth, Dorset,
UK.

PMID: 19325571 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

9: Eye. 2009 Mar 20; [Epub ahead of print] 

Severe allergic blepharoconjunctivitis after eyelash colouring.

Awan MA, Lockington D, Ramaesh K.

1Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow,
Scotland.

PMID: 19300467 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

10: Eye. 2009 Mar 20; [Epub ahead of print] 

Unilateral ptosis correction with mersilene mesh frontalis sling in infants:
thirteen-year follow-up report.

Chong KK, Fan DS, Lai CH, Rao SK, Lam PT, Lam DS.

[1] 1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital,
Shatin, Hong Kong, PRC [2] 3Orbital and Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery Division,
Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles,
CA, USA.

PurposeTo assess surgical, visual, refractive, and aesthetic outcomes 13 years
after mersilene mesh frontalis sling (MMFS) operation for severe unilateral
congenital ptosis performed in 10 infants before 1 year of
age.MethodsLongitudinal follow-up of an interventional case series by structured
ocular examinations, external photographs, and questionnaire-based
interviews.ResultsMean age at surgery was 6.9+/-2.7 months. After a mean
follow-up of 13.0+/-0.6 years, one patient (10%) had recurrent ptosis with the
upper lid 2 mm below the superior limbus at 3 months postoperatively.
Best-corrected visual acuities were within two Snellen lines between the two
eyes in all patients. Astigmatic errors were 1.20+/-1.00 D and 1.10+/-1.70 D
between operated and unoperated eyes. Four patients had 2 mm lid lag on
down-gaze and one of them had 2 mm lagophthalmos. Mean satisfaction scores
(scale of 1 to 100) for lid position, cosmesis, function, and to the procedure
were 83.3+/-11.8, 77.0+/-22.9, 89.4+/-5.5, and 86.8+/-6.3, respectively. No case
of overcorrection, sling extrusion, stitch granuloma, or exposure keratopathy
was noted.ConclusionsIn view of the low recurrence rate (10%) and absence of
serious complication or need for revision after 13 years, the use of MMFS seems
effective and feasible in infants less than 1 year old. Achieving compatible
long-term stability, satisfactory aesthetic, and visual outcomes, MMFS may offer
an alternative to delaying operations for autogenous fascia lata harvesting in
infants requiring early ptosis correction.Eye advance online publication, 20
March 2009; doi:10.1038/eye.2009.48.

PMID: 19300466 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

11: Eye. 2009 Mar 20; [Epub ahead of print] 

Red reflex mimicking lens subluxation in a child undergoing orthokeratology.

Wiwatwongwana A, Connolly MB, Lyons CJ.

1Department of Ophthalmology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

PMID: 19300465 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

12: Eye. 2009 Mar 20; [Epub ahead of print] 

Corticosteroid-induced intraocular pressure elevation in keratoconus is common
following uncomplicated penetrating keratoplasty.

Fan JC, Chow K, Patel DV, McGhee CN.

1Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Department of Ophthalmology, University
of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.

AimsTo determine the incidence of postkeratoplasty intraocular pressure (IOP)
elevation in the eyes of subjects with keratoconus and establish the
relationship between IOP and corticosteroid administrations in this
population.MethodsFollowing strict inclusion/exclusion criteria, a retrospective
analysis was performed on a consecutive series of penetrating keratoplasties
performed for keratoconus observing a standardised surgical and postoperative
regimen in Auckland, New Zealand. Patient demographics, ocular, medical, and
family history, and pre- and postoperative data were recorded until 12 months
postkeratoplasty.ResultsIn all, 57 eyes of 48 patients were included-31% New
Zealand Europeans, 42% Pacific people, 15% Maori, and 12% other. Eighteen eyes
(32%) of 17 patients (35%) exhibited elevated IOP and 12 (21%) eyes exhibited
moderate-to-severe elevation of IOP. IOP elevation occurred 3-6 months
postkeratoplasty in 78% of eyes. Elevated IOP was significantly less common in
Maori and Pacific peoples (P=0.02). All eyes except one required
reduction/cessation of corticosteroids to normalise IOP.ConclusionsThe incidence
of presumed steroid-related postkeratoplasty IOP elevation, in 35% of subjects
with keratoconus, is markedly higher in this New Zealand study than previously
reported in the US and UK studies. Further clinical and genetic analysis of
associations between keratoconus and steroid-induced IOP elevation and glaucoma
might improve our current understanding of this condition.Eye advance online
publication, 20 March 2009; doi:10.1038/eye.2008.413.

PMID: 19300464 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

13: Eye. 2009 Mar 20; [Epub ahead of print] 

The value of an immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in patients with
chronic posterior uveitides revisited: utility of the new IGRAs.

Cordero-Coma M, Calleja S, Torres HE, Barrio ID, Franco M, Yilmaz T, Vivas S,
Ruiz de Morales JG.

[1] 1Uveitis Unit, Hospital de Leon SACYL, Leon, Spain [2] 2Department of
Ophthalmology, Hospital de Leon SACYL, Leon, Spain.

PurposeTo explore the utility of a specific immune response to Mycobacterium
tuberculosisin a population of immunosuppressed idiopathic chronic posterior
uveitis patients, by means of a tuberculosis-specific interferon-gammarelease
assay.DesignProspective, interventional case series.MethodsA total of 31
referred patients with severe idiopathic chronic uveitis or panuveitis and 52
controls were screened for a specific immune response to tuberculosis. After
ruling-out specific uveitis entities, presumed tuberculosis-related uveitis was
initially considered when ophthalmologic findings were consistent with
tubercular uveitis, and a specific immune response to M. tuberculosisconfirmed
by QuantiFERON, despite inability to detect M. tuberculosis. Clinical responses
to antitubercular treatment were recorded.Results:The prevalence of an immune
response to M. tuberculosiswas 15.38% in controls and 32.25% in uveitis patients
(OR=2.619, P=0.07). Two patients were QuantiFERON indeterminate (6.4%). After
excluding seven specific uveitis entities (OR=3.66, P=0.03), eight
QuantiFERON-positive and one QuanTIFERON-negative uveitis patients were
initially treated for presumed tuberculosis-related uveitis. All but one had no
evidence of active systemic involvement. None had been previously diagnosed with
tuberculosis, but unsuccessfully treated with immunosuppressors. After a 9-month
tuberculostatic treatment, seven QuantiFERON -positive and one
QuantiFERON-negative patients exhibited decreased intraocular inflammation,
visual acuity improvement, and no relapses. Estimated QuantiFERON sensitivity
and specificity were 82 and 100%, respectively, with a PPV=100% and an
NPV=86%.Conclusions:QuantiFERON was useful for antituberculous treatment
decision-making in chronic posterior uveitis immunosuppressed patients from
areas with an intermediate-high prevalence of tuberculosis.Eye advance online
publication, 20 March 2009; doi:10.1038/eye.2009.51.

PMID: 19300463 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

14: Eye. 2009 Mar 20; [Epub ahead of print] 

In vivo lamellar keratoplasty using platelet-rich plasma as a bioadhesive.

Gimeno FL, Gatto SC, Croxatto JO, Ferro JI, Gallo JE.

1Ophthalmology Department, Facultad de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidad Austral,
Pilar, Argentina.

PurposeThe use of standard sutures has been replaced by platelet-rich plasma
(PRP), a bioadhesive agent, in several surgical procedures. This prompted us to
test PRP efficacy in experimental lamellar keratoplasty.MethodsAfter lamellar
anterior keratoplasty, PRP with a mean concentration of 807 564 platelets/mm(3)
was used to attach the corneal flap to the stromal surface in 12 New Zealand
white rabbits. 10-0 nylon sutures were used in one control group of 12 animals
and no suture was used in a second control group of six rabbits. Animals were
killed at days 2, 7, 30, and 90 for histological and smooth muscle actin (SMA)
immunohistochemical analysis.ResultsThe PRP group showed a tight corneal graft
from the first postoperative hours until they were killed. A transparent cornea
was seen at 30 days and remained clear until the end of the protocol.
Histological specimens showed no signs of ocular inflammation in any animal
within the PRP group. Electron microscopy showed normal morphological features
on the flap and stromal bed, and a clear interface zone without cells or debris.
The number of stromal myofibroblasts was lower than that seen in the suture
group at 3 months postsurgery. The sutured group showed an attached cornea with
signs of inflammation around the knots. All flaps without PRP or sutures were
completely detached in the immediate postoperative period.ConclusionsPRP was
useful for attaching the corneal flap and it was well tolerated by the rabbit
corneal tissue. Corneal healing was satisfactory. Further studies on PRP
adhesiveness in grafts with donor corneas should be performed before considering
its use in patients.Eye advance online publication, 20 March 2009;
doi:10.1038/eye.2009.49.

PMID: 19300462 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

15: Eye. 2009 Mar 20; [Epub ahead of print] 

\'The Microhand\': a new concept of micro-forceps for ocular robotic surgery.

Hubschman JP, Bourges JL, Choi W, Mozayan A, Tsirbas A, Kim CJ, Schwartz SD.

[1] 1Retina Division, Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of
Medicine, Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA [2] 2Paris
Descartes University, Hotel-Dieu hospital, department of ophthalmology,
Assistance Publique, Assistance Publique des Hopitaux de Paris, Paris, France.

PurposeTo test the feasibility of retinal manipulations using a new
micromanipulator (Microhand) for ocular robotic
microsurgery.MethodsPneumatically actuated four-finger microhands were developed
at UCLA with micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology to mimic a human
hand for small object manipulation. Microhands with four 4 mm finger lengths
were used for this study to lift caliper weights and fresh retinal tissue of
porcine cadaver eyes to find the maximum force at a given pressure and
feasibility of the microhands for retinal manipulation in real surgery.ResultsA
full closure of the microhand used for caliper weight lifting was achieved under
65 psi (448 kPa) of air pressure. The four-fingered microhand was able to
develop about 20 mN of total lifting force and 5 mN per finger at 80 psi (551
kPa), and was strong enough to displace and lift the retina of pig
eyes.ConclusionsThe microhand is able to apply calibrated forces to ocular
tissues and is suitable for ocular microsurgical procedures. This new tool would
be useful in the development of robotic microsurgery.Eye advance online
publication, 20 March 2009; doi:10.1038/eye.2009.47.

PMID: 19300461 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

16: Eye. 2009 Mar;23 Suppl 1:S1-7. 

New paradigms in the treatment of wet AMD: the impact of anti-VEGF therapy.

Menon G, Walters G.

Frimley Eye Unit, Frimley Park Hospital, Frimley, UK.

The incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the United Kingdom is
increasing with the ageing population. The wet form of this progressive and
potentially blinding disease can develop very rapidly and lead to severe loss of
central vision and reduction in quality of life, sometimes in just a matter of
weeks. Recent advances in the treatment of wet AMD with the licensing of
anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapies, coupled with current guidance
from the Scottish Medicines Consortium and the National Institute of Health and
Clinical Excellence have led to a subsequent increase in workload at AMD clinics
due to the increased number of patients now eligible for treatment. In addition,
the Royal College of Ophthalmologists recommend a 2-week diagnosis to treatment
schedule due to the aggressive nature of the disease. The role of the retinal
specialist is thus changing, and business management skills are becoming
increasingly necessary to obtain the necessary resources to implement the
guidance. Through prior experience and formal external evaluation of services at
Frimley Park and Harrogate District Hospitals, a number of critical success
factors have been developed for optimising treatment pathways in efficient wet
AMD clinics.

Publication Types:
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov\'t

PMID: 19287467 [PubMed - in process]

17: Eye. 2009 Mar 6; [Epub ahead of print] 

Visual impairment from age-related cataract among an indigenous African
population.

Komolafe OO, Ashaye AO, Ajayi BG, Bekibele CO.

1Department of Ophthalmology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Aim To determine the magnitude of visual impairment (VI) resulting from lens
opacity/cataract among a rural population in southwestern Nigeria.Method A
population-based cross-sectional survey using a multistage sampling method to
select subjects >/=50 years. Participants with pinhole visual acuity of