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Background: Involutional lower eyelid ectropion is a common disorder of the elderly population. Several surgical approaches have been described in the literature to address the multifactorial nature of this condition, each targeting different factors contributing to its development. Nevertheless, no single procedure has proven to be superior to the others. This study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of a new 3-step combined technique in treating involutional ectropion. Methods: The surgical technique consists of a combination of lateral lid-shortening with removal of a base-up triangle (modified Bick procedure), lower eyelid skin release, and transposition of a laterally based myocutaneous flap from the upper eyelid. A retrospective chart review was conducted for all patients treated with this procedure at our institution between 2012 and 2023 was performed. Self-reported patient satisfaction with functional and esthetic outcomes was evaluated three months after surgery. Results: A total of thirty-six patients (forty-five eyelids) were included in the study, with a mean follow-up period of 22 months (range 3–144). Minor surgical revision was performed in one case for early wound dehiscence following premature stitches removal. The overall success rate was 93.2%, with one case of undercorrection and two cases of recurrence recorded at three years postoperatively. No additional complications or recurrences were observed during the follow-up period. Conclusions: The 3-step combined procedure demonstrated high efficacy and safety, offering excellent functional and esthetic outcomes. This approach provides a reliable solution for treating involutional ectropion, making it a valuable addition to the surgical options for this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We describe a case of intraocular inflammation and palpable purpura in a patient with Pasteurella multocida pneumonia. Methods: A 75-year-old pseudophakic woman with type-2 diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complained of lower limb palpable purpura and right vision loss of five-day duration. On admission, right visual acuity was hand motion. Slit-lamp examination disclosed severe conjunctival and ciliary injection, corneal oedema, 3-mm hypopyon with heavy fibrin accumulation and blood clots, and synechiae to the IOL. Results: Chest computed tomography revealed interstitial pneumonia. Sputum culture yielded P. multocida. Amoxicillin/clavulanic tablets (1 g × 3/daily) and topical and systemic steroids were given. Later on, fluorescein angiography showed multiple choroidal lesions bilaterally. With the above-mentioned therapy, there was full recovery of the skin, lung, and eye lesions. Conclusion: This report emphasizes that P. multocida infection should be considered in patients with intraocular inflammation, palpable purpura, and interstitial pneumonia. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for a correct diagnosis and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the role of some complete blood cell count (CBC)-derived measures in retinal vein occlusion (RVO). This was a retrospective case-control study, including 127 newly diagnosed RVO patients and 127 sex- and age-matched subjects without RVO. A blood sample was obtained and a complete blood cell count was performed. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived NLR [dNLR = neutrophils/(white blood cells‒neutrophils)], and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were calculated. We also performed a meta-analysis of the available data, ours included, on the correlation between mean platelet volume (MPV) and RVO. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were used to build forest plots and assess differences in MPV values between RVO patients and controls. Median MPV and red cell distribution width (RDW) were 8.7 fL (IQR = 7.8–9.5) and 13.2% (IQR = 12.4–14.2) in RVO patients and 7.8 fL (IQR = 7.1–8.5) and 13% (IQR = 12–14) in controls. RVO patients had significantly higher values of MPV (P <.0001) and RDW (P =.005). There were no significant differences between the values of white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, platelets, NLR, dNLR, and PLR. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed a statistically significant correlation between increased MPV and RVO (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.38–2.2, P <.0001). 519 RVO patients and 414 controls from 6 case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled results disclosed that MPV values were significantly higher in RVO patients (SMD = 0.41 fL, 95% CI = 0.04–0.79, P =.032), but extreme heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 86.1%, P <.001). Results suggest lack of association between CBC-derived inflammatory indices and RVO. Conversely, MPV and, to a lesser extent, RDW may be disease biomarkers in RVO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the role of some blood count-derived inflammation biomarkers in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: Seventy-nine men with late-stage AMD and 79 male age-matched cataract controls without AMD were recruited in March-December, 2016. A blood sample was taken. The following blood cell count-derived indexes were evaluated: neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived NLR [dNLR = neutrophils/(white blood cells ‒ neutrophils)], platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR), (neutrophils × monocytes)/lymphocyte ratio (SIRI), and (neutrophils × monocytes × platelets)/lymphocyte ratio (AISI). Results: AMD patients had significantly lower median values of white blood cells, monocytes, neutrophils, platelets, and mean platelet volume (MPV). Regarding the combined indexes, only AISI was significantly lower in AMD patients than in controls. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis revealed that the ability of AISI and MPV to predict AMD is poor. Conclusion: Results suggests that NLR, dNLR, PLR, MLR, SIRI, and AISI are unreliable disease biomarkers in men with AMD. Larger scale studies are necessary to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the in vitro antimicrobial activity of a new commercial ophthalmic solution containing povidone‐iodine 0.6% (IODIM®). Methods: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, three ocular bacterial isolates (1 S. epidermidis, 1 S. aureus, 1 P. aeruginosa) and five Candida species were used. The bacterial and fungal isolates were cultured on Columbia blood agar base plates and Sabouraud‐dextrose agar plates, respectively and incubated overnight at 37°C. Bacterial and fungal suspensions in sterile saline solution were prepared to an optical density equal to 0.5 McFarland standard (approximately 108CFU/ml). Suspensions of the isolates were made in IODIM® solution to obtain a final concentration of 106CFU/ml. The suspensions were then distributed in conical tubes in a final volume of 1 ml and incubated at 37°C. At different time‐points (1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 min and 24 hr), 10 μl of each suspension was removed, seeded on Columbia blood agar base and Sabouraud‐dextrose agar plates and then incubated for 24 hr at 37°C. Positive and negative controls were included in all experiments. Results: After 5‐min incubation, there was no bacterial growth on any plate. Conversely, IODIM® failed to kill the Candida isolates after 30 min' exposure and needed 24 hr to eradicate the organisms. Conclusion: IODIM® ophthalmic solution showed in vitro antimicrobial activity against S. epidermidis, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and Candida species. Results suggest that it may be a potential candidate for the treatment of ocular surface infections and antimicrobial prophylaxis before intravitreal injections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the in vitro antimicrobial activity of a new commercial ophthalmic solution containing povidone‐iodine 0.6% (IODIM®). Methods: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, three ocular bacterial isolates (1 S. epidermidis, 1 S. aureus, 1 P. aeruginosa) and five Candida species were used. The bacterial and fungal isolates were cultured on Columbia blood agar base plates and Sabouraud‐dextrose agar plates, respectively and incubated overnight at 37°C. Bacterial and fungal suspensions in sterile saline solution were prepared to an optical density equal to 0.5 McFarland standard (approximately 108CFU/ml). Suspensions of the isolates were made in IODIM® solution to obtain a final concentration of 106CFU/ml. The suspensions were then distributed in conical tubes in a final volume of 1 ml and incubated at 37°C. At different time‐points (1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 min and 24 hr), 10 μl of each suspension was removed, seeded on Columbia blood agar base and Sabouraud‐dextrose agar plates and then incubated for 24 hr at 37°C. Positive and negative controls were included in all experiments. Results: After 5‐min incubation, there was no bacterial growth on any plate. Conversely, IODIM® failed to kill the Candida isolates after 30 min' exposure and needed 24 hr to eradicate the organisms. Conclusion: IODIM® ophthalmic solution showed in vitro antimicrobial activity against S. epidermidis, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and Candida species. Results suggest that it may be a potential candidate for the treatment of ocular surface infections and antimicrobial prophylaxis before intravitreal injections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the in vitro antifungal activity of a new commercial ocular spray containing Biosecur ® citrus extract (Oftasecur ® ) against Candida auris and C. albicans and assessed its activity against preformed Candida biofilm on contact lenses and plastic lens cases. The C. auris isolate 12 (NCPF 8973) and the SC5314 C. albicans wild-type reference strain were used. Oftasecur ® 's effect on C. auris and C. albicans planktonic cells (1 × 10 6 cells/mL) was tested in RPMI-1640 medium. The concentrations tested were 0.39%, 1.56%, 6.25%, 12.5%, and 25%. The living planktonic cell number was obtained using time-kill experiments. Antifungal activity against preformed C. auris and C. albicans biofilm on etafilcon A and senofilcon A contact lenses and plastic lens cases was also tested. A significant decrease was found in the living cell number of C. albicans after 8-48 h in the presence of Oftasecur ® concentrations ranging from 6.25% to 25% ( p < 0.01-0.001). In the C. auris experiments, the cell number was significantly decreased after 8 h incubation in 25% Oftasecur ® ( p < 0.05-0.001). Similarly, 12.5% Oftasecur ® was effective against preformed C. auris and C. albicans biofilm on contact lenses and plastic lens cases. The results suggest that the in vitro antifungal activity of Oftasecur ® against C. albicans and C. auris planktonic cells and preformed fungal biofilm on contact lenses and plastic cases is dependent on the concentrations used. Further research is warranted to establish whether Oftasecur ® may play a role in the prevention of contact lens-related Candida keratitis and other ocular-surface Candida infections.