Deep lamellar keratoplasty for acanthamoeba keratitis

PURPOSE: To describe deep lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) as a surgical alternative to penetrating keratoplasty in the management of unresponsive Acanthamoeba keratitis. METHODS: Interventional case report. We performed DALK in a patient with Acanthamoeba keratitis unresponsive to intensive antimicrobial therapy. A modified form of the Anwar big-bubble technique, with total corneal stromal removal down to Descemet membrane, was successfully performed without entry into the anterior chamber. Subsequent delay in graft epithelialization relating to ocular surface toxicity from prolonged antiacanthamoebal topical therapy required a secondary amniotic membrane patch graft. RESULTS: No recurrence of Acanthamoeba infection occurred after surgery. Reepithelialization after the amniotic membrane patch graft was successful, and full visual recovery occurred, resulting in a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/20. CONCLUSIONS: DALK with total removal of infected stromal tissue may be performed in medically unresponsive cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis, which ordinarily may require penetrating keratoplasty. Advantages of DALK in infectious keratitis include less risk of intraocular entry of infectious organisms at the time of surgery and the potential for improved graft survival rates caused by less endothelial rejection and failure.     

Candida interface keratitis after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty: clinical, microbiologic, histopathologic, and confocal microscopic reports

PURPOSE: To report the clinical, histopathologic, microbiologic, and confocal microscopic features of Candida keratitis after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). METHODS: We performed clinical, confocal scan, microbiologic and histopathologic examinations on two corneas from 2 young patients who underwent DALK for keratoconus. RESULTS: The first patient presented with asymptomatic white to cream-colored interface deposits 2 months after DALK. The confocal scan disclosed clusters of hyperreflective, fine granular deposits at the region of interface, with no evidence of inflammation or hyphaelike structures. The clinical presumption of possible "epithelial downgrowth" was suggested, and because of the progression of these lesions, irrigation of the interface was considered. Finally, penetrating keratoplasty was performed because of a rupture in the Descemet membrane. Histopathologic examination of the cornea disclosed yeastlike structures within the interface area. The microbiologic results of the irrigation fluid showed Candida glabrata. The second patient presented with a symptomatic infiltration of the inferior interface close to the suture site 2.5 months after DALK. The confocal scan showed foci of inflammation with clusters of hyperreflective round-shaped structures that resembled epithelial cells. Clinically, there was a suggestion of epithelial downgrowth, and subsequently, penetrating keratoplasty was performed because of the progression of the lesion. Histopathologic examination of the cornea disclosed an acute and chronic granulomatous keratitis caused by yeastlike structures. The microbiologic results revealed infection with Candida albicans. CONCLUSIONS: These are the first reported occurrences of interface Candida keratitis after DALK and with different confocal features. The clinical and the confocal features of interface Candida keratitis may be similar to those seen in epithelial downgrowth, which may postpone correct diagnosis and treatment. Candida keratitis should be considered in cases of interface deposits after any form of lamellar keratoplasty.     

Candida interface keratitis following deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty

The purpose is to report a case of Candida interface infection after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). A 23-year-old female patient underwent DALK surgery in the left eye for keratoconus. Four weeks after the surgery, she presented with asymptomatic white-cream colored deposits at the graft-host interface. Epithelial ingrowth was our first possible diagnosis because there were no symptoms or signs of inflammation. However, progression of the lesion under steroid treatment and the appearance of inflammation signs after tapering the steroid treatment raised suspicion of fungal keratitis. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT), ultrasound biomicroscopy, confocal microscopy and microbiologic examinations of the cornea were performed to evaluate the lesion. Anterior segment OCT and ultrasound biomicroscopy confirmed the lesion to be at the interface. The confocal scan disclosed hyper-reflective deposits and surrounding inflammatory cells but there were no hyphae-like structures. While taking a specimen from the lesion, the Descemet's membrane ruptured so a penetrating keratoplasty was performed. The microbiologic examination revealed Candida infection. Candida interface keratitis is a rare infection seen after DALK. The asymptomatic clinical picture and the similarity to epithelial ingrowth may postpone the diagnosis and consequently the treatment. Therefore, in cases of interface deposits seen after lamellar surgery, one should consider Candida interface keratitis.     

Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty Using Irradiated Acellular Cornea with Amniotic Membrane Transplantation for Intractable Ocular Surface Diseases

Purpose

To report the clinical outcomes of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) when sterile gamma-irradiated acellular corneal tissues (VisionGraft) are used in combination with amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) for intractable ocular surface diseases.

Methods

The medical records of fifteen patients who had DALK with AMT were retrospectively reviewed. Indications for surgery included ocular burn, bacterial keratitis, herpes simplex virus keratitis, corneal opacity with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Mooren''s ulcer, idiopathic myxoid degeneration of corneal stroma, and recurrent band keratopathy. DALK was performed using partial-thickness acellular corneal tissue and a temporary amniotic membrane patch was added at the end of the operation.

Results

All cases that underwent DALK with AMT became epithelialized within 2 postoperative weeks. Twelve patients showed favorable outcomes without graft rejection, corneal opacification, or neovascularization. The other three grafts developed corneal opacification and neovascularization, and required additional penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Unlike the results of previous PKs, there were no graft rejections and the graft clarity was well-maintained in these three cases for at least 8 months after PK.

Conclusions

DALK using sterile acellular corneal tissues in combination with AMT may be a good therapeutic strategy for treating intractable ocular surface diseases because of lowered immune rejection, fibroblast activation, and facilitation of epithelialization. Furthermore, DALK can help stabilize the ocular surface, prolong graft survival, and may allow better outcomes when combined with subsequent PK.     

Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty by big-bubble technique for treatment corneal stromal opacities

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of using the big-bubble technique of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) for newer indications. DESIGN: Prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. METHODS: Ten eyes of eight patients with pathologies involving the corneal stroma and sparing the Descemet membrane (DM) were included in this study conducted at a tertiary care hospital. The indications for DALK included corneal clouding attributable to mucopolysaccharidoses (n = 2), macular corneal dystrophy (n = 5), lattice corneal dystrophy (n = 1), granular corneal dystrophy (n = 1), and stromal scar attributable to infectious keratitis (n = 1). DALK was performed using the big-bubble technique in order to achieve the complete separation of DM from the corneal stromal tissue in the recipient's eye. Subsequently, the corneal stromal tissue was excised completely, and a full-thickness donor corneal lenticule without its DM was secured over the bared DM of the host. The main outcome measures of the study were the ability to successfully bare DM, the gain in visual acuity, and the presence of any complications. RESULTS: Using the big-bubble technique, DM was bared, and DALK could be performed successfully in all eyes. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. All patients achieved a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/40 or better at the end of six months. CONCLUSIONS: DALK using the big-bubble technique can be useful in treating corneal stromal dystrophies, corneal clouding attributable to mucopolysaccharidoses, and stromal scar attributable to infectious keratitis.     

Intraoperative perforation of Descemet's membrane during “big bubble” deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty

To analyze the reasons for intraoperative perforation of Descemet's membrane during deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) during the learning curve. DALK was attempted in 35 eyes of 33 patients with pathologies involving the corneal stroma and sparing of Descemet's membrane (DM), including patients with keratoconus, corneal stromal dystrophies and healed keratitis. The surgical plan included complete removal of the corneal stroma using the “big bubble” technique for exposing Descemet's membrane followed by grafting of a full-thickness corneal stromal lenticule. DALK was converted into full-thickness penetrating keratoplasty in eight eyes (23%), which included patients with keratoconus (n = 6), macular corneal dystrophy (n = 1) and healed keratitis (n = 1). Main reasons for conversion were perforation of the DM due to excessive air injection (four eyes) and improper surgical maneuvers (three eyes). One case had deposits on Descemet's membrane upon exposure of the DM. A successful penetrating keratoplasty could be performed in all eight eyes. During the learning curve, excessive air injection and inappropriate surgical maneuvers may complicate a DALK resulting in conversion to penetrating keratoplasty.     

完全钝性基质层间分离的深板层角膜移植术

目的 介绍一种虹膜恢复器辅助的完全钝性基质层间分离的深板层角膜移植术,并评估应用该术式治疗各种角膜病的有效性和安全性.方法 通过激光共聚焦显微镜检查,选择角膜病变深度未达后弹力层,内皮功能正常的各类角膜病患者35例35只眼.通过虹膜恢复器辅助的完全钝性基质层间逐层分离的方式行深板层角膜移植,并对其疗效进行观察、分析.结果 35只眼中,2只眼(5.71%)有小的钝性撕裂,在保留少量深基质后均能继续完成手术;术后2只眼(5.71%)出现双前房,3d内均自行吸收;细菌和真菌性角膜溃疡术后均未复发.其中18只眼拆线后两周视力高于0.5(约占51.4%),25只眼高于0.3(约占71.4%).术后角膜地形图散光呈现递减的趋势,角膜内皮细胞密度无明显下降.术后6个月角膜植片均透明愈合,无明显层间混浊.结论 通过虹膜恢复器辅助的基质层间钝性分离的深板层角膜移植术是一种安全有效的手术方式.激光共焦显微镜检查可活体检查角膜各层组织结构,可为深板层角膜移植术提供良好的客观依据.     

Quality of vision and graft thickness in deep anterior lamellar and penetrating corneal allografts

PURPOSE: To compare visual function after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) with visual function after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for keratoconus and correlate this with corneal thickness. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Twenty-three patients (32 eyes) with unilateral or bilateral DALK or PK for keratoconus were analyzed for visual quality after suture removal. Evaluation included measurement of visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and higher order aberrations (HOAs) (WaveScan; Visx, Santa Clara, California, USA). Readings were performed with both spectacle and rigid contact lens correction of refractive error. Total and residual stromal thickness after DALK was measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and correlated to visual quality. RESULTS: Eyes after PK had better visual acuity than eyes after DALK (P = .018). Subgroup analysis of DALK eyes revealed that the level of visual acuity was related to the thickness of residual recipient corneal stroma. Eyes with a recipient corneal bed thickness of <20 microm had visual acuities similar to eyes with a PK, whereas those with a recipient thickness of >80 microm had a significantly reduced visual acuity (P = .0009). Contrast sensitivity was similar in DALK and PK eyes. There was no significant difference in HOAs between eyes with DALK or PK. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the main parameter for good visual function after DALK for keratoconus is the thickness of residual recipient stromal bed. An eye with a DALK with a residual bed of <20 microm can achieve a similar visual result as a PK.     

“Double bubble” deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for management of corneal stromal pathologies

‘Big Bubble’ deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) is becoming an accepted corneal transplantation technique for keratoconus and other anterior stromal corneal pathologies that spare the Descemet’s membrane (DM) and endothelium. However, it is not always possible to conclusively recognise formation and identification of the ‘Big Bubble’. We describe the surgical technique of DALK called ‘Double Bubble’ technique that allows the surgeon to definitely and immediately identify the formation of an adequate big bubble. DALK was performed using the ‘Double Bubble’ technique in twelve eyes of twelve patients with corneal stromal pathologies (keratoconus, 9 eyes; macular corneal dystrophy, 2 eyes; postinfectious keratitis corneal stromal scar, 1 eye) at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne. Big bubble was successfully formed in 10 eyes. Maximum-depth deep lamellar keratoplasty was performed in two eyes. There were no instances of intraoperative perforation of the DM. All grafts were clear at last follow-up. Best-corrected visual acuity of ≥20/40 was achieved in all the cases at last follow-up (6–12 months). ‘Double Bubble’ DALK helps in identification of the big bubble and has the potential to increase the success of standard ‘Big Bubble’ DALK in patients with corneal stromal pathologies sparing the DM and endothelium.     

Penetrating keratoplasty versus deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for the treatment of keratoconus

Purpose To compare the outcome of penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) in the surgical management of keratoconus (KC). Patient and methods A retrospective review was conducted of the medical records of all patients treated with PKP or DALK for KC at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2006. The main outcome measures were visual outcome, graft survival, and complications. Cases with a minimum follow-up of 6 months were included in the statistical analysis. Results Of 41 eyes that met the inclusion criteria, 30 eyes were treated with PKP and 11 eyes were treated with DALK. The mean follow-up was almost identical for eyes treated with PKP or DALK (21.9 vs. 22.5 months, respectively). At the most recent examination, the mean best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) was 20/28 for the PKP group and 20/29 for the DALK group (P = 0.77). The percentage of eyes that achieved BSCVA of 20/25 or better was higher in the PKP group than in the DALK group (77.3 vs. 45.5%, respectively), but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.72). Endothelial rejection occurred in 4 (13.3%) eyes after PKP. Visually significant interface haze occurred in the early postoperative course in 2 (18.2%) eyes after DALK. No cases of late-onset endothelial failure were found in either group. Conclusion Treatment of KC with PKP or DALK is associated with similar visual outcomes, graft survival, and prevalence of sight-threatening complications.     

Therapeutic effect of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for active or quiescent herpetic stromal keratitis

Purpose

To evaluate the therapeutic effect of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) in patients with herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK).

Methods

Forty-three eyes belonging to 42 patients with HSK, including 22 eyes in the active phase and 21 eyes in the quiescent phase, underwent DALK at the Shandong Eye Institute from January 2006 to December 2009. All patients with active disease had received intravenous acyclovir and amniotic membrane implants prior to DALK. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) antigens from excised corneal buttons were detected by immunohistochemistry.

Results

The follow-up ranged from 1 to 4?years (mean, 29.1?months). Graft rejection occurred in one eye (2.3%) and was reversed. Among the other 42 survived grafts (97.7%), 37 remained clear at the last visit. The best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was 20/200 or better in 95.2% of eyes and 20/40 or better in 38.1% of eyes. Six eyes (14.0%) developed recurrent HSK, one of which received a second keratoplasty due to ineffective antiviral medication. There were no significant differences in endothelial cell density between 6?months and 12?months after the surgery. By immunohistochemistry, HSV-1 antigens were observed in the stroma of 18 of 32 corneal buttons.

Conclusions

DALK can not only remove the corneal lesions of HSK but also reduce latent or persistent viral loads in the cornea. In eyes with active or quiescent HSK but otherwise healthy endothelia, DALK seems to be safe and promising for its favorable visual outcome, graft survival rate, and low endothelial cell loss.     

新鲜与甘油冷冻保存角膜供体应用于深板层角膜移植治疗化脓性角膜炎

目的对比新鲜与甘油冷冻保存角膜供体对深板层角膜移植治疗化脓性角膜炎术后临床恢复的影响。方法回顾性病例研究。2011年1月至2012年8月,在山东省眼科医院成功施行深板层角膜移植术（DALK）的化脓性角膜炎患者32例（32眼）。根据供体保存方式,分为新鲜供体组（FCT）13例与甘油供体组（GCCT）19例。采集供体资料,记录术后并发症、植片情况及屈光状态等。采用独立样本t检验对数据进行分析。结果术后角膜上皮愈合完整时间,新鲜供体组为（3.8±2.1）d,甘油供体组为（7.3±2.7）d,差异有统计学意义（t=-3.764,P<0.05）。植片水肿消退时间,新鲜供体组为（5.7±2.6）d,甘油供体组为（10.4±3.0）d,差异有统计学意义（t=-4.348,P<0.01）。随访期内甘油供体组有3例发生植片上皮缺损,对症治疗后植片上皮缺损愈合。23例（23眼,除外白内障及先天性弱视）术后最佳矫正视力均恢复至20/63～20/25,新鲜供体组和甘油供体组的平均视力分别为（0.25±0.12）logMAR、（0.28±0.17）logMAR,2组差异无统计学意义（t=-1.428,P>0.05）。结论甘油保存供体用于DALK术治疗化脓性角膜炎,角膜上皮愈合及角膜水肿消退时间较新鲜供体慢。及时合理处理并发症,可以获得与新鲜供体相似的屈光愈后。     

Management of descemetocele: Our experience and a simplified treatment algorithm

Purpose:To formulate a treatment algorithm for the management of descemetocele.Methods:This was a prospective interventional study that was conducted at a tertiary eye-care center. All consecutive cases of descemetocele during the study period (April 1, 2017–March 31, 2018) were evaluated for the following parameters: age, sex, previous medical or surgical therapy, risk factors, preexisting ocular diseases, location, site and size of descemetocele, interventions undertaken, visual acuity, and the fellow eye status. The surgical modalities and fellow eye status were correlated individually with therapeutic and functional outcomes, based on which a treatment algorithm was formulated.Results:The study included 24 eyes of 24 patients (19M, 5F) with a median age of presentation of 45 years. The mean follow-up duration was 6.79 ± 3.97 months (3–12 months). The most common cause of descemetocele was microbial keratitis (66.66%), and most cases were central (50%), small (58.33%), and non-perforated (79.16%). The surgical interventions undertaken were cyanoacrylate glue (CG, 37.5%), penetrating keratoplasty (PKP, 33.33%), patch graft (16.66%), and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK, 12.5%). Therapeutic success was noted in 13/24 eyes (54.16%). Final visual acuity > 3/60 was seen in 25% cases. Suboptimal therapeutic (P = 0.07) and visual (P = 0.34) outcomes were noted in subjects with non-functional fellow eye.Conclusion:PKP was preferred for descemetoceles with active microbial keratitis and extensive infiltrates, while CG and DALK were undertaken for healed microbial keratitis, neurotrophic keratitis, and ocular surface disorders with partial limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). For total LSCD, amniotic membrane graft was preferred.     

Bilateral bacterial keratitis in three patients following photorefractive keratectomy

PURPOSE: To report clinical manifestations and the bacteriologic profiles of three patients with bilateral bacterial keratitis following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). METHODS: Photorefractive keratectomy was performed for mild to moderate myopia or compound myopic astigmatism. Bandage contact lenses were fitted at the conclusion of each surgery. Bilateral infectious keratitis was diagnosed within 3 days after surgery. Smear and culture were obtained in all three cases. Patients were treated with topical fortified antibiotics (cefazolin and gentamicin). RESULTS: All patients presented with severe bilateral ocular pain, photophobia, purulent discharge, and dense corneal infiltration. Causative organisms were Staphylococcus aureus (n = 2) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 1). Ulcers were controlled with aggressive medical therapy in five eyes; however, tectonic penetrating keratoplasty was required in one eye. CONCLUSIONS: Uncontrolled blepharitis and bandage contact lens use appears to play a role in the development of bacterial keratitis after PRK. Avoidance of simultaneous bilateral surgery in patients with risk factors for bacterial keratitis, preoperative control of blepharitis, and good contact lens hygiene is suggested.     

Candida albicans interface infection after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty

The clinical features of interface Candida keratitis after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), may imitate rejection or crystalline keratopathy. We report here an 18-year-old woman presented with red eye, 4 months after undergoing DALK. Slit lamp examination revealed keratic precipitates (KPs) and conjunctival injection. She was prescribed corticosteroid treatment for endothelial rejection by another ophthalmologist because of misdiagnosis, but suffered a recurrence of symptoms after reduction of the corticosteroid treatment. At that time, she was referred to our office. The recurrence persisted despite antibiotic and antifungal therapies. Ten days after treatment with interface irrigation with amphotericin, the infiltration and hypopyon were resolved. Topical steroid was added after 3 months of antifungal monotherapy. Irrigant cultures confirmed the presence of Candida albicans. The corneal graft appeared semi-clear with no signs of infection at 17-month follow-up. We recommend a close follow-up and a timely intervention to prevent the need for more invasive treatment such as penetrating keratoplasty.     

A case of atypical Cogan's syndrome with uncommon corneal findings.

PURPOSE: We report a case of atypical bilateral interstitial keratitis associated with Cogan's syndrome. METHODS: A 28-year-old man presented with a 2-year history of recurrent bilateral keratitis. Bilateral hearing loss preceded the ocular symptoms by 2 years. The patient also complained of skin nodules, headache, back pain, and arthritis. Corneal finding were consistent with superior stromal keratitis with stromal neovascularization and lipid deposition in the stroma. The patient's audiogram revealed cochlear pathology compatible with Cogan's syndrome (sensorineural deafness). RESULTS: The patient was treated with topical steroids but eventually required corneal transplantation in the right eye as a consequence of progressive loss of vision secondary to progressive lipid keratopathy. Visual acuity at the patient's most recent follow-up evaluation was 20/40. CONCLUSION: This case represents an unusual type of interstitial keratitis associated with Cogan's disease. The absence of ocular symptoms at the time of initial ear involvement and the atypical presentation of the keratitis were responsible for the delay in diagnosis in this patient, resulting in hearing impairment.     

【In Press】 Femtosecond laser-assisted deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in phototherapeutic keratectomy versus the big-bubble technique in keratoconus

AIM: To compare the functional and anatomic results of femtosecond laser (FSL)-assisted deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) associated with phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) and FSL-assisted DALK performed using the big-bubble technique in keratoconus. METHODS: During the first phase of the study, an electron microscopy histopathology pilot study was conducted that included four unsuitable donor corneas divided into two groups: in FSL group, FSL lamellar cuts were performed on two corneas and in FSL+PTK group, PTK was performed at the stromal beds of two corneas after FSL lamellar cuts were made. During the second phase of the study, a randomized clinical trial was conducted that included two treatment groups of patients with keratoconus: group 1 eyes (n=14) underwent FSL-assisted DALK associated with PTK and group 2 eyes (n=12) underwent FSL-assisted DALK associated with the big-bubble technique. The main outcome measures were the postoperative visual acuity (VA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements, confocal microscopic findings, and contrast sensitivity. RESULTS: In the pilot study, histopathology showed a more regular stromal bed in the FSL+PTK group. In the clinical trial, group 1 had significantly worse best spectacle-corrected VA and contrast sensitivity (P<0.05 for both comparisons). The residual stromal bed measured by OCT was significantly (P<0.05) thicker in group 1. Confocal microscopy detected opacities only at the donor-receptor interface in group 1. CONCLUSION: Patients with keratoconus treated with FSL-assisted DALK performed using the big-bubble technique fare better than treated with FSL-assisted DALK associated with PTK.     

Femtosecond laser-assisted deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in phototherapeutic keratectomy versus the big-bubble technique in keratoconus

AIM: To compare the functional and anatomic results of femtosecond laser (FSL)-assisted deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) associated with phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) and FSL-assisted DALK performed using the big-bubble technique in keratoconus. METHODS: During the first phase of the study, an electron microscopy histopathology pilot study was conducted that included four unsuitable donor corneas divided into two groups: in FSL group, FSL lamellar cuts were performed on two corneas and in FSL+PTK group, PTK was performed at the stromal beds of two corneas after FSL lamellar cuts were made. During the second phase of the study, a randomized clinical trial was conducted that included two treatment groups of patients with keratoconus: group 1 (n=14 eyes) underwent FSL-assisted DALK associated with PTK and group 2 (n=12 eyes) underwent FSL-assisted DALK associated with the big-bubble technique. The main outcome measures were the postoperative visual acuity (VA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements, confocal microscopic findings, and contrast sensitivity. RESULTS: In the pilot study, histopathology showed a more regular stromal bed in the FSL+PTK group. In the clinical trial, group 1 had significantly worse best spectacle-corrected VA and contrast sensitivity (P<0.05 for both comparisons). The residual stromal bed measured by OCT was significantly (P<0.05) thicker in group 1. Confocal microscopy detected opacities only at the donor-receptor interface in group 1. CONCLUSION: Patients with keratoconus treated with FSL-assisted DALK performed using the big-bubble technique fare better than treated with FSL-assisted DALK associated with PTK.     

Clinical characteristics and outcome of Candida keratitis

PURPOSE: To characterize the clinical features and therapeutic outcome of Candida keratitis. DESIGN: Retrospective, observational case series. METHODS: We reviewed 26 patients treated for Candida keratitis, including two with recurrent keratitis and one with bilateral infection. RESULTS: Of 29 keratitis episodes resulting from Candida albicans (n = 20) or Candida parapsilosis (n = 9), 16 (55%) complicated chronic ocular surface disease, and nine (31%) followed previous keratoplasty. Only two were clinically suspected to have keratomycosis at initial presentation, and 21 (72%) used antibacterial therapy before corneal scrapings. Reconstructive keratoplasty occurred more often in previously grafted eyes (P = .03). Visual outcome was 20/60 or better in six (100%) medically treated eyes with good presenting visual acuity but in only five eyes (24%) with worse initial vision (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Candida keratitis is an opportunistic infection of a compromised cornea that often is misdiagnosed initially and, despite antifungal therapy, occasionally requires corneal grafting.     

Treatment of ocular disease in eczema herpeticum

Individuals with atopic dermatitis are particularly susceptible to herpes simplex viral infection and may develop dissemination (eczema herpeticum). Additionally, they may develop severe and bilateral herpetic ocular disease. The keratitis is commonly complicated by stromal scarring and slow epithelial healing despite topical antiviral therapy. We treated three patients who had herpetic keratoconjunctivitis associated with eczema herpeticum. In all three cases the keratitis resolved promptly (48 to 72 hours) without residual scarring after treatment with systemic acyclovir and topical trifluridine. The combined use of systemic acyclovir and topical trifluridine may be of similar value in treating all cases of atopic herpetic keratitis.