Traumatic displacement of laser in situ keratomileusis flaps: an integrated clinical case presentation

Background Traumatic dislocation of laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) corneal flaps is an uncommon postoperative complication that could occur any time after LASIK, and could be visually devastating. We evaluated the visual outcomes, corneal sensation, tear function, and dry eye questionnaire results of patients with traumatic dislocation of LASIK flaps, including one LASIK flap amputation. Methods This is a retrospective case series. Seven patients who were diagnosed with traumatic displacement of the LASIK flap and underwent flap replacement surgery between August 2014 and January 2019 were included.Patient’s visual acuity, refraction, corneal sensitivity, non-invasive tear breakup time (NIBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) results were evaluated. Results The patients’ mean age was 35.86 ± 5.84 years, and 42.9 % (3/7) were male. The mean duration from LASIK to trauma was 8.86 ± 2.48 years.The mean preoperative and postoperative six-month corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were 0.55 ± 0.34 and 0.02 ± 0.03, respectively. The mean spherical equivalent and astigmatism at six months postoperatively was − 1.0 ± 0.95 D and − 0.5 ± 0.25 D, respectively. The corneal flap was clear and well-positioned at the final follow-up (mean: 28.57 ± 6.9 months). 85.71 % (6/7) of the patients showed worse corneal sensation in the injured eye. Interocular OSDI discrepancy was less in those whose last visit was more than 30 months after the trauma. Conclusions Postoperative CDVAat six months was improved, and the refractive data also showed some improvement. The corneal nerve and tear function recovery peaked before 30 months, while the OSDI continued to show a strong trend of improvement beyond 30 months.

Evaluation of Clinical and Histological Outcomes of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Rabbit Corneal Alkali Burn Model

To assess effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) in corneal alkali injuries in an experimental animal model. Twenty white New Zealand rabbits were included in the study. The animal models were randomly divided into 2 groups. Rabbits in the AMSC group ( n = 10 ) received an intrastromal, a subconjunctival injection, and topical instillation of 0.5 ml totally of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing 2 × 10 6 AMSCs. In the control group ( n = 10 ), rabbits received only 0.5 ml of PBS using the same methods. A masked investigator measured the corneal sensation, anterior chamber Inflammation (ACI), and conjunctival congestion. Additionally, a blind histological and immunohistochemical evaluation was made. In the AMSC group, the central corneal sensation was increased whereas ACI and conjunctival congestion were reduced compared to the control group in the 28 days of follow-up ( p < 0.05 ). A statistically significant difference ( p < 0.05 ) was noted between the two groups as recorded in the above parameters. Histological analysis showed that pathological vascularization was markedly reduced in the AMSC group which was consistent with the absence of factor VIII in the immunohistochemistry sections. There is a trend towards improved clinical outcomes including corneal sensation as well as acceleration in the restoration of normal corneal architecture in corneal alkali burns treated with AMSCs, results that support the need for further research in the field.

Herpes simplex virus-1 KOS-63 strain is virulent and causes titer-dependent corneal nerve damage and keratitis

To investigate the acute clinical, immunological, and corneal nerve changes following corneal HSV-1 KOS-63 strain inoculation. Corneas of C57BL/6 mice were inoculated with either low dose (Ld) or high dose (Hd) HSV-1 KOS-63 or culture medium. Clinical evaluation was conducted up to 7 days post inoculation (dpi). Viral titers were assessed by standard plaque assay. Excised corneas were stained for CD45 and beta-III tubulin. Corneal flow cytometry was performed to assess changes in leukocyte subpopulations. Corneal sensation was measured using a Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer. Naïve, sham-infected (post scarification), and McKrae-infected C57BL/6 corneas served as two negative and positive controls, respectively. Compared to Ld infected mice, Hd HSV-1 KOS-63 demonstrated higher incidence of corneal opacity (1.5 ×) and neovascularization (2.6 × ; p < 0.05). At 7 dpi Hd infected mice showed more severe corneal opacity (2.23 vs. 0.87; p = 0.0003), neovascularization (6.00 vs. 0.75; p < 0.0001), and blepharitis (3.11 vs. 2.06; p = 0.001) compared to the Ld group. At 3 dpi epitheliopathy was significantly larger in the Hd group (23.59% vs. 3.44%; p = 0.001). Similarly, corneal opacity was significantly higher in Hd McKrae-infected corneas as compared with Ld McKrae-infected corneas at 3 and 5 dpi. No significant corneal opacity, neovascularization, blepharitis, and epitheliopathy were observed in naïve or sham-infected mice. Higher viral titers were detected in corneas (1 and 3 dpi) and trigeminal ganglia (TG) (3 and 5 dpi) in Hd versus Ld KOS-63 groups (p < 0.05). Leukocyte density showed a gradual increase over time from 1 to 7 dpi in both KOS-63 and McKrae-infected corneas. Corneal flow cytometric analysis (3 dpi) demonstrated a higher percentage of Gr-1 + (71.6 vs. 26.3) and CD11b + (90.6 vs. 41.1) cells in Hd versus Ld KOS-63 groups. Corneal nerve density significantly decreased in both Hd KOS-63 and Hd McKrae infected corneas in comparison with naïve and sham-infected corneas. At 3 dpi corneal nerve density was lower in the Hd versus Ld KOS-63 groups (16.79 vs. 57.41 mm/mm2; p = 0.004). Corneal sensation decreased accordingly at 5 and 7 dpi in both Ld and Hd KOS-63-infected mice. Corneal inoculation with HSV-1 KOS-63 strain shows acute keratitis and nerve degeneration in a dose-dependent fashion, demonstrating virulence of this strain.

Traumatic displacement of laser in situ keratomileusis flaps: an integrated clinical case presentation and literature review

Background Traumatic dislocation of laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) corneal flaps is an uncommon postoperative complication that could occur any time after LASIK, and could be visually devastating. We evaluated the visual outcomes, corneal sensation, tear function, and dry eye questionnaire results of patients with traumatic dislocation of LASIK flaps, including one LASIK flap amputation. Methods This is a retrospective case series. Twelve patients were diagnosed with traumatic displacement of the LASIK flap between August 2014 and January 2019. Of these, seven who underwent flap replacement surgery were included. Patient’s visual acuity, refraction, corneal sensitivity, non-invasive tear breakup time (NIBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) results were evaluated. Results The patients’ mean age was 35.86 ± 5.84 years, and 42.9% (3/7) were male. The mean duration from LASIK to trauma was 8.86 ± 2.48 years.The mean preoperative and postoperative six-month best-corrected visual acuity were 0.55 ± 0.34 and 0.02 ± 0.03, respectively. Vision improvement was significant (P = 0.018). The mean spherical equivalent and astigmatism at six months postoperatively was − 1.0 ± 0.95 D and − 0.5 ± 0.25 D, respectively. The corneal flap was clear and well-positioned at the final follow-up (mean: 28.57 ± 6.9 months). 85.71% (6/7) of the patients showed worse corneal sensation in the injured eye. Interocular OSDI discrepancy was significantly less (P = 0.048) in those whose last visit was more than 30 months after the trauma. Conclusions Postoperative vision at six months was significantly improved, and the refractive data also showed some improvement. The corneal nerve and tear function recovery peaked before 30 months, while the OSDI continued to improve beyond 30 months.

Predicting Factors Influencing Visual Function of the Eye in Patients with Unresolved Facial Nerve Palsy after Upper Eyelid Gold Weight Loading

Implantation of gold weights into the upper eyelid is a proven method of treating lagophthalmos and exposure keratopathy in patients with unresolved facial nerve palsy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors affecting visual acuity and corneal complications in patients after upper eyelid gold weight lid loading. Material and methods: This prospective consecutive clinical study was conducted in years 2012–2018. In total, 59 people (40 women, 19 men aged 55.5 ± 17.4 years) meeting the inclusion criteria were treated with gold weights. The ordered multinomial logit model was used to analyze the factors affecting best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and degree of exposure keratopathy after surgery. The influence of the following variables was analyzed: patient age, etiology and duration of the facial nerve palsy, history of the previous eyelid surgery, degree of lagophthalmos in mm, presence of Bell’s phenomenon, and corneal sensation, Schirmer test results. Results: Implantation of gold weights into the upper eyelid effectively reduced lagophthalmos and exposure keratopathy in the study group (p < 0.001). BCVA was maintained or better in 95% of patients after surgery. Patient age, presence of the Bell’s phenomenon, and corneal sensation significantly affected the final BCVA (p < 0.1). The presence of Bell’s phenomenon and corneal sensation had a positive effect on the degree of keratopathy after surgery (p < 0.1). In turn, patient age and history of tarsorrhaphy were significant negative prognostic factors of exposure keratopathy and BCVA after surgery (p < 0.05). Etiology and duration of facial nerve palsy, degree of corneal exposure in mm, and results of the Schirmer test did not have a significant impact on the outcome after surgery (p > 0.1). Conclusions: The results of our study may help to answer the question of how to direct ophthalmologists and other specialists who refer to ophthalmologists for management advice in patients with facial nerve palsy. Elderly patients with a history of tarsorrhaphy who present with poor Bell’s phenomenon and/or a lack of corneal sensation should be the first candidates for immediate correction of lagophthalmos.

Effect of herpes simplex keratitis scar location on bilateral corneal nerve alterations: an in vivo confocal microscopy study

AimsTo evaluate the impact of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-induced scar location on bilateral corneal nerve alterations using laser in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM).MethodsCentral and peripheral corneal subbasal nerve density (CSND) were assessed bilaterally in 39 patients with unilateral HSV-induced corneal scars (21 central scars (CS), 18 peripheral scars (PS)) using IVCM. Results were compared between patients and 24 age-matched controls. CSND was correlated to corneal sensation for all locations.ResultsOverall patients revealed significant decrease of CSND in the central and peripheral cornea (9.13±0.98 and 6.26±0.53 mm/mm2, p<0.001), compared with controls (22.60±0.77 and 9.88±0.49 mm/mm2). CS group showed a decrease in central (8.09±1.30 mm/mm2) and total peripheral nerves (5.15±0.62 mm/mm2) of the affected eyes, whereas PS group demonstrated a decrease in central (10.34±1.48 mm/mm2) and localised peripheral nerves only in the scar area (4.22±0.77 mm/mm2) (all p<0.001). In contralateral eyes, CSND decreased in the central cornea of the CS group (16.88±1.27, p=0.004), and in the peripheral area, mirroring the scar area in the affected eyes of the PS group (7.20±0.87, p=0.032). Corneal sensation significantly decreased in the whole cornea of the affected, but not in contralateral eyes (p<0.001). A positive correlation between CSND and corneal sensation was found in all locations (p<0.001).ConclusionsPatients with HSV scar demonstrate bilateral CSND decrease as shown by IVCM. CSND and corneal sensation decrease in both central and peripheral cornea in affected eyes, although only in the scar area in PS group. Interestingly, diminishment of CSND was found locally in the contralateral eyes, corresponding and mirroring the scar location in the affected eyes.

Outcomes of corneal neurotisation using processed nerve allografts: a multicentre case series

BackgroundCorneal neurotisation is a rapidly evolving procedure treating neurotrophic keratopathy. The variety of surgical techniques used and corresponding outcomes after corneal neurotisation are not well understood. This study describes the techniques and outcomes in the largest case series of corneal neurotisation using processed nerve allografts to date.MethodsThis is a retrospective case series of patients who underwent corneal neurotisation with human cadaveric processed nerve allografts. All patients had preoperative and postoperative description of best corrected visual acuity and measurement of corneal sensation. Comparative studies after stratification of techniques were performed.ResultsA total of 17 patients were identified. The cause of corneal anaesthesia was prior infection in eight cases, trigeminal nerve palsy in eight cases and ocular trauma in one case. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Following neurotisation surgery, the time to first gain of corneal sensation and maximal gain of sensation occurred at a mean of 3.7 months (range 1–8 months) and 6.6 months (range 3–15 months), respectively. The mean preoperative and postoperative corneal sensation as measured by Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometry was 0.36 cm (range 0–3.2 cm) and 4.42 cm (range 0–6 cm), respectively (p<0.01). Visual acuity was unchanged after neurotisation. There were no statistical differences in outcomes based on end-to-end versus end-to-side coaptations, donor nerve selection or laterality of donor nerve.ConclusionCorneal neurotisation with processed nerve allografts is a safe and effective procedure. This study provides further evidence for the use of processed nerve allografts for corneal neurotisation.