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Polyvinyl pyrrolidone or povidone-iodine (PVP-I) is a water-soluble complex formed by the combination of iodine and a water-soluble polymer, polyvinyl pyrrolidone. This complex exerts bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal action by gradually releasing free iodine at the site of application to react with pathogens. In ophthalmology, PVP-I is used as a disinfectant and antiseptic agent for preoperative preparation of the skin and mucous membranes and for treating contaminated wounds. PVP-I has been shown to reduce effectively the risk of endophthalmitis in various ocular procedures, including cataract surgery and intravitreal injections; however, it has also been used in the treatment of conjunctivitis, keratitis, and endophthalmitis, with promising results especially in low-resource situations. PVP-I has been associated with complications such as postoperative eye pain, persistent corneal epithelial defects, ocular inflammation, and an attendant risk of keratitis. In cases of poor PVP-I tolerance, applying PVP-I at lower concentrations or using alternative antiseptics such as chlorhexidine should be considered. We provide an update on the efficacy of PVP-I in the prophylaxis and treatment of conjunctivitis, keratitis, and endophthalmitis and a comprehensive analysis of the current literature regarding the use of PVP-I in the management of these ocular conditions. Also, PVP-I-related adverse effects and toxicities and its alternatives are discussed. The goal is to present a thorough evaluation of the available evidence and to offer practical recommendations for clinicians regarding the therapeutic usage of PVP-I in ophthalmology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the frequency and risk factors for ocular pain after laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Prospective study of individuals undergoing refractive surgery at 2 different centers. One hundred nine individuals undergoing refractive surgery: 87% LASIK and 13% PRK. Participants rated ocular pain on a numerical rating scale (NRS) of 0 to 10 before surgery and 1 day, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. A clinical examination focused on ocular surface health was performed 3 and 6 months after surgery. Persistent ocular pain was defined as an NRS score of 3 or more at both 3 and 6 months after surgery (patients), and this group was compared with individuals with NRS scores of < 3 at both time points (control participants). Individuals with persistent ocular pain after refractive surgery. The 109 patients who underwent refractive surgery were followed up for 6 months after surgery. Mean age was 34 ± 8 years (range, 23–57 years); 62% self-identified as female, 81% as White, and 33% as Hispanic. Eight patients (7%) reported ocular pain (NRS score ≥ 3) before surgery, with the frequency of ocular pain increasing after surgery to 23% (n = 25) at 3 months and 24% (n = 26) at 6 months. Twelve patients (11%) reported an NRS score of 3 or more at both time points and constituted the persistent pain group. Factors that predicted persistent pain after surgery in a multivariable analysis were (1) ocular pain before surgery predicated persistent pain after surgery (odds ratio [OR], 1.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06–3.31), (2) symptom report of depression before surgery (Patient Health Questionnaire-9: OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1–1.6; P = 0.01), (3) use of an oral antiallergy medication before surgery (OR, 13.6; 95% CI, 2.1–89.3; P = 0.007), and (4) pain intensity day 1 after surgery (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2–2.2; P = 0.005). There were no significant associations between ocular surface signs of tear dysfunction and ocular pain, P > 0.05 for all ocular surface signs. Most individuals (> 90%) were completely or somewhat satisfied with their vision at 3 and 6 months. Eleven percent of individuals reported persistent ocular pain after refractive surgery, with several preoperative and perioperative factors predicting pain after surgery. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive summary of the clinical and radiological features of zygomatic intraosseous venous malformations (IVM), as well as its treatment strategies. The aim is to establish preoperative diagnostic bases that will aid in the identification of zygomatic IVM and facilitate the implementation of effective treatment. Four cases of pathologically diagnosed zygomatic IVM with typical clinical and radiological features were reported. They exhibited comparable clinical and radiological features, and the En bloc excision and reconstruction yielded satisfactory outcome. Pooled data analysis was performed with additional 74 cases collected from 63 previous studies. The results revealed a higher incidence of zygomatic IVMs in middle-aged females, with swelling, pain and ocular dysfunction being the typical clinical manifestations. The characteristic radiological features of these lesions were well-defined, round bony structures with specific internal trabecular patterns. A diagnostic flow-chart assisting the differential diagnosis of IVM was established. En bloc excision was deemed the most advantageous treatment option, as it presented minimal risk of haemorrhaging and no instances of recurrence. The decision to pursue reconstruction was contingent upon the extent of the defect. Alloplastic material has emerged as the most frequently employed reconstruction material in recent reports. The summarized characteristics of zygomatic IVM and the proposed diagnostic and treatment strategies, derived from the pooled analysis of reported cases, may help to improve diagnosis and management in further clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocriplasmin is used to treat vitreomacular traction (VMT), with or without full-thickness macular hole (MH). We systematically reviewed the evidence on ocriplasmin's effect on vitreomacular adhesion resolution (VMAR), MH closure, vitrectomy, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and investigated the effect of baseline covariates on outcome. We applied individual participant data meta-analyses to the entire population and to subgroups defined by MH or epiretinal membrane (ERM) presence. Safety data were pooled and tabulated. Five randomized controlled trials (1,067 participants) were included. Six months after treatment, ocriplasmin achieved higher rates of VMAR and MH closure versus control, lowered vitrectomy odds, and increased the likelihood of a ≥10-letter BCVA increase. VMAR rates were lower when ERM, broad VMA (> 1500 µm), diabetic retinopathy, or pseudophakia were present and higher in younger participants, women, and eyes with MHs. Ocriplasmin-treated participants experienced more short-term visual impairment that was not predictive of final BCVA, as well as vitreous floaters, photopsia, photophobia, eye pain, blurred vision, and dyschromatopsia. The most common serious adverse events for ocriplasmin and control, respectively, were MH progression (22.5%, 17.3%), new MH (1.5%, 3.4%) and retinal detachment (0.8%, 1.2%). Ocriplasmin promotes VMAR and MH closure. Transient visual phenomena are not uncommon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nerve conduction studies do not evaluate function of small afferent fibers. • Different techniques have been developed for evaluation of these fibers, but none of them alone is sufficient for a complete evaluation. • Each clinical laboratory should develop its own set of tests for evaluation of small afferent fibers. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) are an essential aspect of the assessment of patients with peripheral neuropathies. However, conventional NCS do not reflect activation of small afferent fibers, including Aδ and C fibers. A definitive gold standard for laboratory evaluation of these fibers is still needed and therefore, clinical evaluation remains fundamental in patients with small fiber neuropathies (SFN). Several clinical and research techniques have been developed for the assessment of small fiber function, such as (i) microneurography, (ii) laser evoked potentials, (iii) contact heat evoked potentials, (iv) pain-related electrically evoked potentials, (v) quantitative thermal sensory testing, (vi) skin biopsy-intraepidermal nerve fiber density and (vii) corneal confocal microscopy. The first five are physiological techniques, while the last two are morphological. They all have advantages and limitations, but the combined use of an appropriate selection of each of them would lead to gathering invaluable information for the diagnosis of SFN. In this review, we present an update on techniques available for the study of small afferent fibers and their clinical applicability. A summary of the anatomy and important physiological aspects of these pathways, and the clinical manifestations of their dysfunction is also included, in order to have a minimal common background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) represents a clinical spectrum of a relatively common and usually underdiagnosed phenomenon produced by spontaneous pigment dispersion from the iris into the anterior segment. PDS is often bilateral, has no gender predisposition, and presents at a young age, particularly in myopes. Although most patients experiencing an episode of pigment dispersion are asymptomatic, extreme photophobia, ocular pain, redness, and blurred vision may occur. Other characteristic signs are iridolenticular contact, concave iris configuration, 360° peripheral iris transillumination, and pigment deposition on the anterior chamber angle or the corneal endothelium (Krukenberg spindle). Early PDS diagnosis is crucial to detect patients with pigment-related ocular hypertension (POHT) that can eventually lead to pigmentary glaucoma (PG). The latter represents a sight-threatening condition in which mechanical, environmental, and genetic factors contribute to optic nerve damage. In this review, we update the pathogenic mechanisms involved in the clinical spectrum of the disease. We describe its clinical presentation, ophthalmologic manifestations, and complications, including the factors influencing the development of POHT and PG. Because PDS has variable clinical presentations that lead to misdiagnoses, we emphasize the differential diagnosis and the actual therapeutic strategies according to disease status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses the refinement and revalidation of a composite pain scale that focuses on equine facial expressions and behavioural indicators as exhibitions of ophthalmic pain. This scale included only Behavioural and Facial and Ocular expression indicators and, compared to the first version of Equine Ophthalmic Pain Scale (EOPS), item descriptors and related ratings were changed. Thirteen horses with ocular diseases that required medical or surgical treatment were enroled (group P). In each animal, the refined EOPS (R-EOPS) was applied prior to any treatment (T0) and one week later (T7). The R-EOPS was applied twice, 7 days apart, to 16 healthy control horses (group C). Two 30-second videos were recorded each time to allow the retrospective analysis by eight observers. Inter-observer reliability of items was moderate or substantial (Krippendorff's alpha, Kα>0.40) while their intra-observer reliability was substantial or almost perfect for most items (Kα ≥0.61). Both inter- and intra-observer reliability of Total Score (TS) were however excellent (Intraclass Correlation Coefficients, ICC>0.75). The TS also showed good reproducibility (Kendall coefficient=0.786, ICC=0.684) and high consistency of its items (Cronbach's α=0.847). The comparison between groups as well as the sensitivity and specificity values supported the validity of the R-EOPS. In particular, for each extra point added to the TS, the risk of the horse having pain increased by more than two times (Odds Ratio=2.079, 95%CI=1.542–2.804; P <0.001). The Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis identified 6 as the threshold value of R-EOPS for discriminating horses with ocular pathology (sensitivity=83%, specificity=100%). This scale may be an effective tool for reliably assessing the pain level in horses with ophthalmic diseases and potentially guiding pain management although it still requires large-scale application and external validation. • Refined EOPS (R-EOPS) included Behavioural, Facial and Ocular expression indicators. • The total score of R-EOPS showed excellent inter-observer agreement. • The R-EOPS had good internal consistency and criterion validity. • A threshold of 6 discriminated horses with ophthalmic diseases. • Inadequate training and animal-related factors reduce the reliability of some items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 70-year-old woman presented with new onset of left eye and facial pain. Ophthalmic and neurological examinations, magnetic resonance imaging brain, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein were unrevealing. A few days later, she developed vision loss in her left eye. Examination revealed decreased visual acuity with a relative afferent pupillary defect in the left eye and a diffuse mild swelling of the left optic nerve head. Repeat magnetic resonance imaging showed T2 hyperintensity and enhancement of the intraorbital optic nerve and surrounding tissues with no other intracranial abnormalities. Serum studies showed elevated myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein IgG titer. She was treated with IV methylprednisolone 1000 mg daily for 3 days and was discharged on prolonged prednisone taper with return of vision to baseline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyze the therapeutic benefits of limbal-supported contact lens (CL) wear in patients with ocular sequelae due to Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).Methods: This interventional study enrolled 10 chronic SJS/TEN eyes with a spectacle best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of between 0.01 and 0.7 that were fitted with a limbal-supported CL. At baseline and at after 3-months CL use, CL-wear BCVA and the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) scores were measured, and then compared. Incidence rates and severities of adverse events were also analyzed.Results: At after 3-months CL use, BCVA with the fitted CL significantly improved compared to that with spectacle correction at baseline (LogMAR: 0.76-0.15) (P = 0.0039), all NEI VFQ-25 scores improved, however, only in ocular pain and mental health showed statistically significant improvement (P = 0.0078 and 0.0039). No serious adverse events were observed during the follow-up.Conclusion: Wearing of the limbal-supported CL improved vision compared to spectacles and reduced ocular pain in patients with ocular sequelae due to SJS/TEN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• First autochthonous DENV cases were detected by the surveillance system in 2019. • Sustained and strengthened surveillance is required for early detection of DENV. • Afghanistan needs to develop preparedness and a response plan for DENV. • The cross-border spread of DENV has been reported between Afghanistan and Pakistan. • Enhanced cross-border collaboration is needed for active response and preventing the spread. This paper aims to describe the epidemiological characteristics and clinical manifestations of the first 15 dengue fever cases reported in Afghanistan. A retrospective descriptive analysis of the data on confirmed dengue cases detected by the national disease surveillance system was conducted. Epidemiological, socio-demographic, clinical, laboratory and outcome data from the cases were analyzed. Between May and December 2019, 62 samples were tested for DENV, among which 15 (24.2%) were positive. Seven of the cases were probable autochthonous with no travel history, the other seven cases had a travel history to dengue-endemic countries (five Pakistan, two India) and the travel history for one of the cases was not known. The 15 confirmed cases were reported from six provinces, seven cases (46.7%) were reported from Nangarhar Province, two (13%) from Paktya, and one (6.7%) from Paktika province, bordering with Pakistan, three (20%) were reported from Kabul, and one each (each 6.7%) from Faryab and Laghman provinces. All of the cases manifested fever, headache, myalgia, and arthralgia. Other clinical features were low platelet count (50%), pain behind eyes (36%), rash, and nausea/vomiting (each 21%). For the first time, the surveillance system detected and reported locally acquired DENV cases in Afghanistan, mostly in provinces bordering with Pakistan. Population movements between Afghanistan and Pakistan facilitate the cross-border spread of DENV between two countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 67-year-old woman presented with a left hypotropia and eye pain after a traumatic fall. She had multiple left orbital wall fractures and an acquired limitation to elevation in all gazes, worse in adduction, suggestive of Brown syndrome. During strabismus surgery, a white nodule on the superior oblique tendon was identified and excised. Histopathology of the nodule revealed densely aggregated inflamed fibrovascular and fibrocollagenous scar tissue. Superior oblique rupture with spontaneous reparative reapproximation resulting in nodular formation is uncommon. We speculate that resulting tendon shortening may have contributed to the apparent Brown syndrome in this patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative epithelial healing time and ocular discomfort score in patients wearing two types of silicon hydrogel bandage contact lenses (BCLs) following bilateral photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).Methods: For the study's contralateral eye comparison, 43 patients who underwent bilateral PRK were randomized to be fitted for a senofilcon a lens in one eye and a lotrafilcon B lens in the other. The patients were masked to the specific BCL in each eye. On the first 3 days after PRK, the epithelial defect size was calculated, and patients reported their level of ocular discomfort, including pain, epiphora, and photophobia, on a visual analog scale (0 = no pain or discomfort, 10 = highest level of pain and discomfort).Results: Epithelial defect size (mm2) did not differ significantly between the BCLs on Day 1 (senofilcon A vs. lotrafilcon B: 14.15 ± 5.59 vs. 14.93 ± 5.72, p = .327), Day 2 (senofilcon A vs. lotrafilcon B: 7.43 ± 4.67 vs. 7.04 ± 3.82, p = .586), or Day 3 (senofilcon A vs. lotrafilcon B: 0.59 ± 1.44 vs. 0.38 ± 1.08, p = .348) postoperation. By Day 3, re-epithelialization was complete in 35 eyes (81.3%) with senofilcon A lenses and 36 eyes (83.7%) with lotrafilcon B lenses. Patients reported less pain in eyes with senofilcon A lenses during the first 3 days postoperation (for all, p < .001) and less epiphora during the first 2 days postoperation (Day 1: p =  .008, Day 2: p <  .001, Day 3: p = .267) than in eyes with lotrafilcon B lenses. No significant difference in photophobia emerged between the BCLs postoperatively (for all, p > .05).Conclusions: Although duration of corneal re-epithelialization after PRK between the two BCLs did not differ significantly, senofilcon A lenses caused significantly less pain and epiphora after PRK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MIRAgel (hydrogel) scleral buckle, introduced in the 1980s, was a novel material to repair retinal detachments. It was later discontinued due to the frequency of long-term complications related to buckle hydrolysis and expansion. These complications included pain, limited extraocular motility, and more serious complications such as infection or scleral perforation, which ultimately necessitated surgical extraction as late as 20–30 years after placement. Prompt and proper diagnosis and treatment is often delayed as these buckle-associated complications frequently mimic other orbital pathologies such as tumors or infections. The hydrolyzed MIRAgel buckle exhibits distinct radiographic features that are helpful in arriving at the correct diagnosis, particularly in cases of ambiguous clinical presentation or history. Here, we expand on the previously described radiographic features of hydrolyzed MIRAgel and compare them to features of common, mimicking orbital pathology. • Hydrolyzed scleral buckles may mimic other orbital pathology such as tumor or infection, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment • Hydrolyzed scleral buckles exhibit distinct radiographic features that can help arrive at a prompt, correct diagnosis • We expand on previously described radiographic features of hydrolyzed scleral buckles and compare them to those of mimicking orbital pathology [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transparent cornea is the most densely innervated tissue in the body, primarily by sensory nerves originating from the trigeminal ganglia (TG). Damage to corneal nerves reduces sensitivity and tear secretion and results in dry eye. Consequently, ocular pain, for which no satisfactory therapies exist, arises in many cases. Treatment of injured corneas with pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) combined with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) stimulates nerve regeneration in models of refractive surgery, which damages nerves. The mechanism involves the synthesis of a stereoisomer of resolvin D6 (R,R-RvD6) formed after incorporating DHA into membrane lipids. Activation of a PEDF receptor (PEDF-R) with phospholipase activity releases DHA to synthesize the new resolvin isomer, which is secreted via tears. Topical treatment of mice corneas with R,R-RvD6 shows higher bioactivity in regenerating nerves and increasing sensitivity compared to PEDF+DHA. It also stimulates a transcriptome in the TG that modulates genes involved in ocular pain. Our studies suggest an important therapeutic role for R,R-RvD6 in regenerating corneal nerves and decreasing pain resulting from dry eye. • Corneal nerves are important to maintain tissue homeostasis. • Discovery of a stereoisomer of resolvin D6 (R,R-RvD6) released in tears. • R,R-RvD6 increases corneal sensitivity and nerve regeneration after damage. • R,R-RvD6 stimulates genes in the trigeminal ganglia that modulate ocular pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Visual loss, ocular pain, and red eye are common presentations to front-line physicians in the emergency department, urgent care centers, or the primary care office. In recent decades, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has been used by clinicians at the bedside in the evaluation and management of a vast array of patients, including those with ocular complaints.Case Report: A 33-year-old man presented to the emergency department with left eye pain for 4 weeks' duration. The physical examination revealed visual acuity of 20/400 in the affected eye and diffuse conjunctival injection with perilimbal sparing and scleral edema. Using POCUS, he was noted to have diffuse thickening of the globe wall in the symptomatic eye with a thin layer of fluid posterior to the globe in Tenon's space and mild enlargement of the optic nerve sheath diameter. He was ultimately diagnosed with posterior scleritis. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Posterior scleritis carries the potential for significant visual impairment when the diagnosis is missed or delayed. POCUS findings can aid the front-line physician in making the diagnosis of posterior scleritis allowing earlier initiation of appropriate therapy and follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nepafenac is a highly effective NSAID used for treating postoperative ocular inflammation and pain after cataract surgery and its advantage over conventional topical NSAIDs has been proved many times. However, Nevanac® is a suspension eye drop, which clearly lacks patient compliance causing irritation, blurred vision, foreign body sensation along with problematic dosage due to its sticky, inhomogeneous consistence. In this study, nepafenac containing eye drops were prepared using hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin to ensure complete dissolution of nepafenac, sodium hyaluronate to provide mucoadhesion and adequate viscosity and a preservative-free officinal formula, Oculogutta Carbomerae containing carbomer (just like Nevanac®), therefore providing a similar base for the new formulations. According to an experimental design, 11 formulations were tested in vitro including two reference formulations by measuring their viscosity, mucoadhesion, drug release and corneal permeability. Finally, two formulations were found promising and investigated further on porcine eyes ex vivo and corneal distribution of nepafenac was determined by RAMAN mapping. The results showed that one formulation possessed better bioavailability ex vivo than Nevanac® 0.1 % suspension, while the other formulation containing only 60 % of the original dose were ex vivo equivalent with Nevanac® opening the way to nepafenac-containing eye drops with better patient compliance in the future. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among children with myopia who used orthokeratology (OK), peripheral lenslet designed (PLD), and single-vision (SV) spectacles. This cross-sectional study was conducted between February of 2021 and August of 2022. It involved 211, 231, and 206 respondents with OK, PLD, and SV spectacle lenses, respectively. The HRQoL was presented as utility values using a general preference-based Child Health Utility-nine Dimensions (CHU9D) questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis and nonparametric hypothesis testing were used to compare the HRQoL in the OK, PLD, and SV groups. Of the 648 respondents, the average utility scores was 0.936 (95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.929–0.943). Children who wore the PLD spectacles had a significantly higher utility scores (0.955, 95 % CI: 0.946–0.963) than those who wore the SV spectacles (0.926, 95 % CI: 0.913–0.939) and the OK lenses (0.925, 95 % CI: 0.913–0.937) (p < 0.01). The PLD spectacle wearers were less likely to be worried, sad, tired, or annoyed than those who wore OK and SV spectacles (P < 0.05). Self-reported improved eyesight and lessened eye pain and discomfort from myopia correction using PLD spectacles had higher utility values (P < 0.05). The PLD spectacles had a significantly higher HRQoL than the OK and SV spectacles among children. Having better eyesight and less eye pain/discomfort from myopia correction could improve the HRQoL of children. This data indicates that PLD spectacles may be considered for myopia management in children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop and to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of a drug delivery system containing (-)-α-bisabolol (BISA). Nanocapsules containing BISA (BISA-NC) were prepared using acetylated galatomannan. Particle size distribution was determined by atomic force microscopy, zeta potential measurement and photon correlation spectroscopy. Corneal nociception was induced by topical application of 5 M NaCl and the nociceptive behavior was characterized by eye wiping in mice. Molecular docking was conducted on the TRPV1 channel. Nanocapsules showed mean particle sizes between 94.44 and 105.44 nm and the zeta potential of was −1.34 mV. Animals pretreated with BISA-NC (200 mg/mL) had a significant reduction (**p < 0.01) in the number of nociceptive behaviors. Docking study indicated an interaction between BISA and TRPV1. This study indicates that BISA-NC may be useful for producing eye drops for the treatment of ocular pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate early visual rehabilitation, post-operative pain, epithelial healing and haze after transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TransPRK) using the SmartPulseTechnology (SPT) of Schwind Amaris (Schwind eye-tech-solutions GmbH, Kleinostheim, Germany).Methods: This was a retrospective comparative evaluation of a cohort of myopic patients undergoing TransPRK with SPT (group 1), with one matched control group that underwent conventional TransPRK (group 2). All cases had a 6-month post-operative follow-up including visual acuity and slit-lamp examination. Subjective evaluation of pain was recorded post-operatively.Results: 49 eyes of 25 patients in group 1 and 40 eyes of 20 patients in group 2 were enrolled. The patients' visual rehabilitation was significantly faster in group 1, one day and one week post-operatively (P<0.05). From one month onward there was no significant difference between the groups. The epithelial defect size was significantly smaller on post-operative days 1 and 2 for group 1 (P<0.05 in both cases). The pain score was also significantly less in group 1 (P<0.05). The haze level had no significant difference between the groups at any post-operative point (P>0.05).Discussion: TransPRK using SPT provides promising results in the early post-operative period. Visual rehabilitation, re-epithelialization and pain were faster in the early post-operative period in group 1 in comparison with group 2. Haze formation was not significantly different between the two groups; however, it was consistently less in group 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on endophthalmitis, which is an inflammation involving the entire eye, both anterior and posterior segments, usually resulting from an infection. The difference of endogenous endophthalmitis and exogenous endophthalmitis is mentioned. Initial evaluation which includes patient history which emphasizes on ophthalmic intervention and ocular trauma such as surgery or an injection is cited.

[Display omitted] • Polymeric films for simultaneous ocular delivery of lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs. • Modified release platform for the reduction of administration frequency. • Film swelling behavior modulation by varying polyvinyl alcohol degree of hydrolysis. • Possible use of the film for both corneal application and transscleral delivery. Ocular drug delivery is challenging due to the poor drug penetration across ocular barriers and short retention time of the formulation at the application site. Films, applied as inserts or implants, can be used to increase residence time while controlling drug release. In this work, hydrophilic films made of hyaluronic acid and two kinds of PVA were loaded with dexamethasone (included as hydroxypropylcyclodextrin complex) and levofloxacin. This association represents one of the main treatments for the post cataract surgery management, and it is also promising for eye infections with pain and inflammation. Films were characterized in terms of swelling and drug release and were then applied to porcine eye bulbs and isolated ocular tissues. Film swelling leads to the formation of either a gel (3D swelling) or a larger film (2D swelling) depending on the type of PVA used. Films, prepared in an easy and scalable method, demonstrated high loading capacity, controlled drug release and the capability to deliver dexamethasone and levofloxacin to the cornea and across the sclera, to potentially target also the posterior eye segment. Overall, this device can be considered a multipurpose delivery platform intended for the concomitant release of lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Diquafosol sodium, P2Y2 receptor agonist, increased tear volume in chronic dry eye. • Diquafosol sodium attenuates ocular pain in chronic dry eye. • Diquafosol sodium suppresses phosphorylation of ERK in the Vc of chronic dry eye. • Diquafosol sodium attenuates neuronal activity in the Vc of chronic dry eye. Patients with persistent and severe dry eye disease (DED) have corneal hypersensitivity, resulting in ocular pain, and diquafosol sodium, a potent P2Y 2 receptor agonist, is commonly used to improve the resultant tear film stability. This study determined the effects of diquafosol instillation on the suppression of trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc) neuronal activity and ocular pain by enhancing tear film stability in the model for chronic DED. The effects of diquafosol on the ocular surface were assessed by the topical application for 28 days, starting from the 14th day since unilateral exorbital gland removal (chronic DED). Loss of tear volume secretion in chronic DED rats was significantly reversed by diquafosol instillation after 28 days, compared with saline treatment. The number of eyeblinks and pERK-IR neurons in the superficial laminae of Vc following hypertonic saline administration to the ocular surface was lower in diquafosol-treated chronic DED rats than in saline-treated rats. The neuronal activity evoked by hypertonic saline and mechanical stimulation along with the spontaneous neuronal activity in the superficial laminae of the Vc were suppressed in diquafosol-treated chronic DED rats. These findings suggest that ocular surface instillation of diquafosol for 28 days attenuates the neuronal hyperactivity in the Vc and the ocular pain that often occurs in chronic DED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To validate the Ocular Pain Assessment Survey (OPAS), specifically designed to measure ocular pain and quality of life for use by eye care practitioners and researchers. Design A single-center cohort study was conducted among patients with and without corneal and ocular surface pain at initial and follow-up visits over a 6-month period. The content of the OPAS was guided by literature review, a body of experts, and incorporating conceptual frameworks from existing pain questionnaires. The Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale served as the gold standard for measuring the intensity of ocular pain. Participants A total of 102 patients aged 18 to 80 years completed the OPAS at the initial visit. A total of 21 patients were followed up after treatment. Methods Indices of validity and internal consistency (Spearman's rank-order, r s , or Pearson's correlation coefficients, r p ), and coefficient of reliability (Cronbach's α) were determined in addition to equivalence testing, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and diagnostic analysis. Main Outcome Measures Eye pain intensity was the primary outcome measure, and interference with quality of life (QoL), aggravating factors, associated factors, associated non–eye pain intensity, and self-reported symptomatic relief were the secondary outcome measures. Results The OPAS had criterion validity at both initial (r s = 0.71; n = 102; P < 0.01) and follow-up visits (r s = 0.97; n = 21; P < 0.01). Equivalence tests yielded OPAS and gold standard equivalence for both the initial and follow-up visits. The EFA supported 6 subscales (eye pain intensity at 24 hours and 2 weeks, non–eye pain intensity, QoL, aggravating factors, and associated factors) confirming multidimensionality. Cronbach's α >0.83 for all subscales established strong internal consistency, which correlated with the gold standard, including 24-hour eye pain intensity and QoL interference scores (r p = 0.81, 0.64, respectively P < 0.001). At follow-up, reduction in pain scores was accompanied by improvement in all dimensions of the OPAS. Percentage change in QoL correlated to percentage change in the gold standard (r p = 0.53; P < 0.05). The OPAS was sensitive (94%), specific (81%), and accurate (91%), with a diagnostic odds ratio >50. Conclusions The OPAS is a valid, reliable, and responsive tool with strong psychometric and diagnostic properties in the multidimensional quantification of corneal and ocular surface pain intensity, and QoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine whether variations in multipurpose disinfecting solution (MPDS) storage osmolarity from inappropriate contact lens (CL) case cleaning affect ocular surface integrity and wearer comfort.Methods: There were twenty contact lens cases (study CLCs) in the study group. Ten were filled with ReNu Multiplus(®) and 10 with SoloCare Aqua™ (MPDS-1 and -2, respectively) and kept closed for 8h; the cases were then emptied and kept open for air-drying for 16h. This procedure was carried out every day for two months. Storage solution osmolarity was measured on days 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60. Ten subjects were then fitted with both month-old lenses stored in the study CLCs and with new lenses stored in new cases with fresh solution for 24h (control CLCs). Symptoms, tear osmolarity and percentage of subjects whose conjunctival hyperaemia and ocular surface staining scores changed were determined after 1h of wear.Results: Study CLC osmolarity increased in both solutions after two months (p<0.05). For MPDS-1 there were differences in stinging between study CLCs and control CLCs after 10min of CL wear (p=0.04), and in comfort after 10 (p=0.035) and 60min wear (p=0.042). Significant (p<0.05) differences between study CLC and control CLC groups were also found for MPDS-2 in limbal hyperaemia (study: 50% change; control: 0% change) and bulbar and corneal staining (study: 80% change; control: 20% change).Conclusion: The stored-MPDS osmolarity increase caused by air-drying the CLCs could affect the ocular surface. This increase might reduce lens wear comfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dry eye disease is a disorder of the ocular surface that causes pain and low vision in a significant portion of the adult population. A common cause is obstructive Meibomian gland dysfunction, whereby the Meibomian glands secrete abnormal meibum with a melting point elevated by 3°C-4°C; hence, hyperthermia is the typical treatment. A design is proposed for an ultrasound hyperthermia device made of a transducer contained inside a contact lens with an internal air gap. The transducer heats the posterior of the tarsus, and the air gap provides an air backing to the transducer, preventing direct heating of the cornea. A prototype device was built, and hyperthermia experiments were performed on a porcine subject in vivo. A therapeutic temperature rise of 5°C-7°C was achievable in 10-15 min. The temperature of the cornea did not rise more than 2°C during any of the experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Topical anesthetics are used in the emergency department (ED) to relieve eye pain and allow eye examinations in patients with corneal abrasions. There is concern for delayed corneal healing, which is associated with the long-term use of topical anesthetics, so outpatient use is not recommended.Objectives: We sought to systematically study the effectiveness and complications associated with the short-term use of topical anesthetics (≤72 hours) in the management of patients presenting to EDs with corneal abrasions.Methods: Four electronic databases were searched from inception of the database until April 2014. We included studies of patients >16 years of age who were using topical anesthetics for <72 hours. Postoperative cases were not included.Results: A total of 140 patients (68 in the intervention group and 72 in the control group) from 2 randomized trials were included in the analysis. Comparing control patients who did not use topical anesthetics to study patients who did use topical anesthetics, this meta-analysis found no significant difference in pain scores (standardized mean difference -1.01 [95% confidence interval {CI} -2.39 to 0.38), corneal healing (OR 1.31 [95% CI 0.53-3.27), or persistent symptoms (OR 0.98 [95% CI 0.06-16.69). The 2 trials reported no adverse effects.Conclusion: There were no differences regarding pain, persistent symptoms, or corneal healing when comparing short-term use of topical anesthetics to placebo in the treatment of corneal abrasion. Data on safety are sparse, and the use of this treatment is currently not supported by evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the fact that topical anesthetics provide superb analgesia to the painful eye, they are not prescribed routinely to patients when they are discharged from the emergency department because of concerns for delayed healing and corneal erosion.Objective: To summarize the evidence for the safety of topical proparacaine and tetracaine for pain relief in patients with corneal abrasions.Methods: This is a systematic review looking at the use of topical anesthetic agents in the treatment of corneal abrasions in the emergency department.Results: Our literature search produced two emergency department-based, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled studies on human patients with corneal abrasions. Additionally, we found four studies that investigated the application of topical anesthetics in patients who underwent photorefractive keratectomy. All six studies demonstrated that a short course of dilute topical anesthetic provided efficacious analgesia without adverse effects or delayed epithelial healing.Conclusion: Limited available data suggests that the use of dilute topical ophthalmologic proparacaine or tetracaine for a short duration of time is effective, though their safety for outpatient use is inconclusive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corneal injury can produce photophobia, an aversive sensitivity to light. Using topical application of lidocaine, a local anesthetic, and tetrodotoxin (TTX), a selective voltage-sensitive sodium channel blocker, we assessed whether enhanced aversiveness to light induced by corneal injury in rats was caused by enhanced activity in corneal afferents. Eye closure induced by 30 seconds of exposure to bright light (460–485 nm) was increased 24 hours after corneal injury induced by de-epithelialization. Although the topical application of lidocaine did not affect the baseline eye closure response to bright light in control rats, it eliminated the enhancement of the response to the light stimulus after corneal injury (photophobia). Similarly, topical application of TTX had no effect on the eye closure response to bright light in rats with intact corneas, but it markedly attenuated photophobia in rats with corneal injury. Given the well-established corneal toxicity of local anesthetics, we suggest TTX as a therapeutic option to treat photophobia and possibly other symptoms that occur in clinical diseases that involve corneal nociceptor sensitization. Perspective We show that lidocaine and TTX attenuate photophobia induced by corneal injury. Although corneal toxicity limits use of local anesthetics, TTX may be a safer therapeutic option to reduce the symptom of photophobia associated with corneal injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A 38-year-old woman presented with chronic left retro-orbital pain and photophobia. Palpation of the left occipital prominence revealed tenderness in the area of the greater occipital nerve and reproduced the eye pain. The diagnosis of cervicogenic headache was confirmed by symptom resolution following left greater occipital nerve blockade. The functional association between the greater occipital nerve and the trigeminal nerve provides a potential mechanism for this case of cervicogenic eye pain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of 2% rebamipide ophthalmic suspension administered 4 times daily for 52 weeks in patients with dry eye. • DESIGN: Multicenter (17 sites), open-label, single-arm study. • METHODS: A total of 154 patients with dry eye were enrolled in this study. After a 2-week screening period, patients received 2% rebamipide, instilled as 1 drop in each eye, 4 times daily for 52 weeks. The signs and symptoms measures were assessed at baseline, at weeks 2 and 4, and at every 4 weeks thereafter. The objective signs were fluorescein corneal staining score, lissamine green conjunctival staining score, and tear film break-up time, while subjective symptoms were dry eye-related ocular symptoms (foreign body sensation, dryness, photophobia, eye pain, and blurred vision). The safety variable was the occurrence of adverse events. • RESULTS: For all objective signs and subjective symptoms, the scores significantly improved at week 2 compared with baseline (P<.001, paired t test). Interestingly, further improvements of those scores were observed at every visit up to week 52. No deaths were reported, yet serious adverse events that were not thought to be drug related were observed in 6 patients. The incidence of any of the adverse events did not markedly increase throughout the 52-week treatment period. • CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that 2% rebamipide is effective in improving both the objective signs and subjective symptoms of dry eye patients for at least 52weeks. In addition, 2%rebamipide treatment was generally well tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Purpose: To investigate the clinical features and visual outcomes of acute optic neuritis in adult patients. Methods: We prospectively collected ninety-nine adult patients, who were found to have acute optic neuritis between 2005 and 2007 at National Taiwan University Hospital. A total of 30 cases, aged ranging from 21 to 55 years old (average 36.4 ± 9.9), that followed up at least 6 months were enrolled in our study. Baseline clinical features and visual function results were analyzed. Results: The mean follow-up period was 15.6 months. Twenty three (76.7%) cases were female. Twenty-seven cases were unilateral involved, one was simultaneously bilateral involved and two was sequentially bilateral involved. In total 33 affected eyes, ocular or periocular pain was noted in 14 eyes (69.7%). Optic disc swelling was noted in 5 eyes (15.2%). A total of 6 cases had recurrent episodes, and two of them were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis thereafter. At 6-month follow up, 24 eyes (72.7%) had good visual recovery (better than 20/40). Only 2 eyes (6%) had severe visual loss (<20/1000). Optic disc pale was detected in 72.7% of the eyes during follow up. Conclusion: Visual recovery was observed in most eyes with acute optic neuritis, although disc pale detectable. Patients with recurrent optic neuritis had worse visual outcome. There was a low association of optic neuritis with multiple sclerosis in our patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background and purpose: The salt-and-pepper pain is a characteristic sensory disturbance confined to the eyes and regional facial structures. Although a poor prognosis has been mentioned in previously reported patients, the precise pathomechanism and clinical significance are still unknown. Patients and methods: We report four patients with ocular salt-and-pepper pain, and review the clinical course, neuroimaging and prognosis in another eight patients reported in the literature. Results: In our series, they were three men and one woman, and their underlying cause was pontine hemorrhage; hypertensive hemorrhage in three and cavernous hemangioma in one patient, respectively. In these 12 salt-and-pepper patients, the identifiable etiology was exclusively brainstem stroke. Life-threatening or disable neurological deterioration ensued within 24h after pain onset in all patients. Their ocular pain subsided rapidly after neurological deterioration occurred. A dual excitation of nociceptive quinothalamic pain fiber and disinhibition of trigeminosensory system from pontine reticular formation and cerulotrigeminospinal circuit may be responsible for this pain. Conclusion: In clinical practice, ocular salt-and-pepper pain in quiet eyes should be alerted for intracranial pathology and neurological deterioration until underlying cause is identified. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Stick insects are commonly known for their fascinating and functional shape, which allows them to blend with their surroundings. However, many may not be aware of another, more threatening protective feature, a toxic spray. Anisomorpha buprestoides, one of two stick insect types in the United States to use this defense, targets the eyes and can cause ocular injury, with cases ranging from conjunctivitis to corneal ulceration. We present the case of an older woman exposed to the walkingstick's painful venom while in her home. The patient presented to an Orlando emergency department with conjunctival injection and tearing that improved with water irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos o manejo da dor em olhos cegos dolorosos ainda é um desafio. Corticosteroides e hipotensores, bem como evisceração e enucleação, são algumas das estratégias até então empregadas, nem sempre eficazes e que, a depender da estratégia, causam um profundo abalo emocional no paciente. Dadas essas questões, o objetivo deste relato de caso é demonstrar uma nova e viável opção para o manejo desse tipo de dor por meio do tratamento do olho cego doloroso com bloqueios de gânglio cervicotorácico, técnica nunca descrita na literatura para esse fim. Relato de caso foram tratados seis pacientes portadores de olho cego doloroso, todos por glaucoma, nos quais a EVA (escala visual analógica para avaliação da dor em que 0 é ausência de dor e 10 é a maior dor já experimentada) variava de 7 a 10. Optou‐se por sessões semanais de bloqueio de gânglio cervicotorácico com 4 mL de bupivacaína (0,5%) sem vasoconstritor e clonidina 1 mcg/Kg. Quatro pacientes apresentaram excelente resultado EVA, com variação entre 0 e 3, e dois permaneceram assintomáticos (EVA = 0), sem necessidade de medicação suplementar. Os outros dois usaram gabapentina 300 mg de 12 em 12 horas. Conclusão atualmente, várias são as opções terapêuticas para o tratamento do olho cego doloroso, entre as quais se destacam os bloqueios retrobulbares com clorpromazina, álcool e fenol. No entanto, uma estratégia eficaz, com pequeno índice de complicações graves, não mutilante e que melhore a qualidade de vida do paciente é imprescindível. O bloqueio do gânglio cervicotorácico surge, pois, como uma opção comprovadamente viável e promissora para atender a essa demanda. Background and objectives Management of pain in painful blind eyes is still a challenge. Corticosteroids and hypotensive agents, as well as evisceration and enucleation, are some of the strategies employed so far, not always effective and that, depending on the strategy, cause a deep emotional shock to the patient. Given these issues, the aim of this case report is to demonstrate a new and viable option for the management of such pain by treating the painful blind eye with the stellate ganglion block technique, a procedure that has been never described in the literature for this purpose. Case report Six patients with painful blind eye, all caused by glaucoma, were treated; in these patients, VAS (visual analogue scale for pain assessment, in which 0 is absence of pain and 10 is the worst pain ever experienced) ranged from 7 to 10. We opted for weekly sessions of stellate ganglion block with 4 mL of bupivacaine (0.5%) without vasoconstrictor and clonidine 1 mcg/kg. Four patients had excellent results at EVA, ranging between 0 and 3, and two remained asymptomatic (VAS = 0), without the need for additional medication. The other two used gabapentin 300 mg every 12 hours. Conclusion Currently, there are several therapeutic options for the treatment of painful blind eye, among which stand out the retrobulbar blocks with chlorpromazine, alcohol and phenol. However, an effective strategy with low rate of serious complications, non‐mutilating and that improves the quality of life of the patient, is essential. Then, stellate ganglion block arises as a demonstrably viable and promising option to meet this demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of the present systematic review is to investigate preclinical evidence in favor of the working hypothesis of efficacy of cannabinoids in ocular pain treatment. Literature search includes the most relevant repositories for medical scientific literature from inception until November, 24 2021. Data collection and selection of retrieved records adhere to PRISMA criteria. In agreement with a priori established protocol the search retrieved 2471 records leaving 479 results after duplicates removal. Eleven records result from title and abstract screening to meet the inclusion criteria; only 4 results are eligible for inclusion in the qualitative synthesis impeding meta-analysis. The qualitative analysis highlights the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory efficacy of Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and its derivative HU-308 and of new racemic CB1 allosteric ligand GAT211 and its enantiomers GAT228 and GAT229. Moreover, CB2R agonists RO6871304 and RO6871085 and CB2R ligand HU910 provide evidence of anti-inflammatory efficacy. CB2 agonist HU308 reduces of 241% uveitis-induced leukocyte adhesion and changes lipidome profile. Methodological and design issues raise concern of risk of bias and the amount of studies is too small for generalization. Furthermore, the ocular pain model used can resemble only inflammatory but not neuropathic pain. The role of the endocannabinoid system in ocular pain is underinvestigated, since only two studies assessing the effects of cannabinoid receptors modulators on pain behavior and other two on pain-related inflammatory processes are found. Preclinical studies investigating the efficacy of cannabinoids in ocular inflammatory and neuropathic pain models are needed to pave the way for clinical translation. [Display omitted] • Ocular pain is an under evaluated disease in need for therapeutic innovation. • A great deal of research production on the endocannabinoid system seems to offer a new venue for drug research and development. • The systematic review highlights limited preclinical evidence for cannabinoid translational research in ocular pain. • An effort should be made, starting from devising new preclinical models, to develop cannabinoid therapeutics for ocular pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Equine Ophthalmic Pain Scale (EOPS) showed excellent inter–intra-observer reliability. • EOPS demonstrated differences between healthy horses and horses with ophthalmic diseases. • The optimal cut-off to identify ophthalmic disease was a Total Score ≥ 7. • Changes in EOPS after surgical/medical treatment confirmed its responsiveness. • The elimination of some items could improve internal consistency. The purpose of this study was to describe the development and preliminary validation of a composite pain scale, called the Equine Ophthalmic Pain Scale (EOPS), to assess ocular pain in horses. Indicators associated with ocular pain were selected and classified as behavioural, physiological or ocular expressions. Eight horses diagnosed with ocular or adnexa diseases that required medical or surgical treatment were enrolled in the study (group P). The developed EOPS was applied at the baseline (T0) and 1 week later (T7). Moreover, the EOPS was applied twice, 1 week apart, to 15 healthy control horses (group C). Videos of 60−80 s duration of all assessments were retrospectively analysed by seven masked observers, who scored items included in the behavioural and ocular expression categories of the EOPS. The inter- and intra-observer reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficients ≥0.75) for most of the scored items. Cronbach's alpha (0.76) indicated that the EOPS had good internal consistency. The total score (TS), calculated as the sum of all scores, differed between groups C and P at T0 (P < 0.001) and reduced after medical/surgical treatment in group P (P = 0.017), indicating the responsiveness of the EOPS. Moreover, the area under the curve (AUC=0.918, 95% confidence interval = 0.815–1.000; P < 0.001) indicated that the EOPS was very accurate for distinguishing healthy from pathological animals. Sensitivity and specificity of EOPS to identify horses with ocular pathology (at the optimal cut-off, i.e. TS ≥ 7) were 81.3% and 100.0%, respectively. However, 'overall behaviour', 'position inside the box', 'ear movements' and 'head position' items as well as physiological parameters, showed sub-optimal reliability, consistency and/or item-total correlation, suggesting that there is still room to improve this composite scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To present a rare case of sebaceous cyst masking skin squamous carcinoma. The delayed diagnosis made necessary a two-step (demolition and reconstruction) surgery to save patient's life.Material and Methods: A 77-year-old male, suffering from persistent right hemicrania and eye pain referred to different specialists, who misinterpreted his symptoms. The man presented on the right zygomatic area a big sebaceous cyst which masked a squamous cells carcinoma (SCC) infiltrating the surrounding structures including the orbito zygomatic complex and the orbital content that was the cause of the symptoms. Patient underwent biopsy, CT thorax and MRI of the head and neck as pre-operative examinations. A two-step surgery was performed to remove the tumor.Results: The skin biopsy showed the presence of sun damaged skin contains moderately differentiated invasive SCC within the context of sebaceous cyst. While the CT chest was negative, the head and neck MRI showed a huge tumor invading the orbit and periorbital tissue, the zygomatic bone and the soft tissues up to the posterior orbital area, without presence of neck lymph nodes. Le lesion has been classified as cT4 N0 M0 (TNM 8) and a two-step surgery approach (demolition and reconstruction) was performed with successful results at 1 year-follow up.Conclusions: The delayed diagnosis of SCC was due to the misdiagnosis of the signs of the tumor invasion. Demolitive and reconstructive surgeries allowed to preserve patient's life. The careful attention to patient's skin characteristic, the analysis of general and local clinical signs (irradiated pain, cyst and skin type) and the evaluation of the complex differential diagnosis could be the key to avoid delayed treatment in head and neck cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dioscorea deltoidea (Dioscoreaceae) is a popular tuber crop commonly found in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. It is used in traditional medicines for a range of ailments. D. deltoidea is a source of nutraceuticals and the Himalayan communities use it as a vegetable and a staple. This review looks at traditional uses, bioactive compounds and bioactivities of D. deltoidea. D. deltoidea is a potential source of promising bioactive compounds, such as diosgenin and is being used against different ailments, such as gastrointestinal and urogenital disorders, diarrhea, irritability, abdominal pain, wounds, intestinal worms, anemia, and with ophthalmic conditions. The valuable bioactive compounds present in D. deltoidea have been reported to be responsible for their biological effects, and a spectrum of bioactivities (e.g., antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective and cytotoxic effects). Further, studies to authenticate the ethnomedicinal uses, secondary metabolites composition and pharmacological properties of D. deltoidea should be carried out using advanced techniques. Preclinical and clinical studies, efficacy assessment and toxicological investigations should also be done. • Dioscorea deltoidea is used in folk medicine for multiple ailments. • High-value bioactive compounds contributes to its nutritional and therapeutic significance. • Diosgenin is the most exploited and abundant compound, with multiple health effects. • The uncontrolled collection of D. deltoidea for diosgenin extraction, have led to heavy environmental pressure in nature. • Local people's education on cultivation, preservation and sustainable use of D. deltoidea might be helpful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 10-year-old girl presented with a complaint of diplopia and mild superomedial orbital pain in the left eye of 2 weeks' duration. She had limited elevation of the left eye, especially in adduction, moderate limitation of elevation in the primary position, mild limitation of elevation in abduction, downshoot in adduction, mild hypotropia in the primary position, and normal abduction. There was mild swelling and tenderness in the superomedial aspect of her left orbit. Fundus examination revealed intorsion of the left fundus on upgaze. She was diagnosed with acquired Brown syndrome, due presumably to a local inflammatory cause, and treated with a single intramuscular depot injection of betamethasone in her deltoid muscle. One week later, her symptoms were resolving, and there was marked improvement of elevation of the left eye in adduction, with near normal elevation in the primary position and in abduction. There was no recurrence 3 months later. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tolosa-Hunt syndrome is an idiopathic chronic granulomatous inflammatory process commonly involving the cavernous sinus and the orbit [1]. Symptoms include unilateral eye pain, ophthalmoplegia, headache, and facial pain in the distribution of the upper divisions of the trigeminal nerve and are highly responsive to steroid therapy. Gradenigo syndrome describes extension of a middle ear infection to the petrous apex, with trigeminal pain and ophthalmoplegia, typically responsive to antibiotics and often surgical drainage. We report a case of a 17 year-old girl with apparent Gradenigo syndrome, presenting with unilateral eye pain, abducens palsy, headache, hearing loss and serous otitis media, who was ultimately diagnosed with Tolosa-Hunt syndrome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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The article presents a case study of a 36-year-old woman with the bilateral ocular pain along with the acute visual loss. Topics include the staining techniques for detecting the Acanthamoeba cysts, diagnosis of an inflammation in the anterior portion associated with corneal keratitis in the eyes, and application of lactophenol cotton blue staining