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The KAMRA small-aperture corneal inlay can compensate for presbyopia. A small number of complications have been reported, including glare, halos, decentration, iron deposition, compromised distance and night vision, infectious keratitis and reversal corneal haze. We describe a case of corneal fibrosis after small-aperture corneal inlay implantation and its persistence after late explantation. The postoperative period was uneventful, with good uncorrected near and distance visual acuities. Six years after implantation, the patient reported vision loss in the left eye. A slitlamp evaluation and optical coherence tomography showed stromal opacity and a stromal hyperreflective signal at the level of the small-aperture corneal inlay. The corneal inlay was removed, but persistent decreased visual acuity and fibrosis were observed even 8 months after explantation and did not respond to steroids. Long-term monitoring with multimodal imaging methods is important to detect late adverse events after small-aperture corneal inlay implantation.

Purpose To define the optical coherence tomography (OCT) corneal changes predisposing to acute corneal hydrops among patients with advanced keratoconus. Design Retrospective cohort study. Participants A total of 191 advanced keratoconic eyes from 191 patients with advanced keratoconus cases were studied. Methods Data collected from patients with advanced keratoconus cases were studied during a minimum period of 24 months of follow-up. High-resolution Fourier-domain corneal OCT (5 μm of axial resolution) and corneal topography were performed every 4 months during the follow-up. Several anatomic features at the keratoconus cone were analyzed with OCT, including epithelial and stromal thicknesses, the aspect of Bowman's layer, the presence of Vogt's striae, and stromal opacities. A comparative analysis between anatomic corneal features in eyes that developed corneal hydrops and those that did not develop this complication during the follow-up was performed. Main Outcome Measures Evaluation of anatomic corneal changes at risk of developing a corneal hydrops on the basis of OCT findings. Results Eleven cases of corneal hydrops (5.8%) occurred in our series during a mean follow-up of 30 months (24–36 months). All of these patients were male and younger (23.7±5.9 years) than patients with no acute keratoconus (32.7±11.3 years). Increased epithelial thickening with stromal thinning at the conus and the presence of anterior hyperreflectives at the Bowman's layer level were significantly associated with corneal hydrops, whereas the presence of corneal scarring was a preventive factor. At the healing stage, a pan-stromal scar occurs, with a significant stromal thickening and cornea flattening. Conclusions Increased epithelial thickening, stromal thinning at the keratoconus cone, anterior hyperreflectives at the Bowman's layer level, and the absence of stromal scarring are associated with a high risk of developing corneal hydrops. These aspects should be taken into account by the clinician in the evaluation of keratoconus eyes and in the planning of corneal keratoplasty.

To compare the efficacy, safety, and microstructural corneal changes during 2 years after conventional corneal collagen cross-linking (C-CXL) and transepithelial corneal CXL by iontophoresis (I-CXL) for keratoconus.Eighty eyes of 80 patients with progressive keratoconus were treated by C-CXL (n = 40) or I-CXL (n = 40). Patients were investigated before surgery and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment. We measured central corneal thickness and maximal simulated keratometry values (Kmax) and performed specular microscopy and in vivo confocal microscopy at each time point. The demarcation line was assessed 1 month after treatment.Kmax remained stable after I-CXL during the entire study period (P = 0.56), whereas the average keratometry increased by 0.2 diopter (50.9 ± 5.6-51.1 ± 5.2). Kmax significantly decreased 1 (P = 0.02) to 2 years (P0.01) after C-CXL, with an average decrease of 1.1 diopters (49.9 ± 4.5-48.8 ± 4.2). The failure rate of I-CXL was 20% and that of C-CXL 7.5%. The demarcation line was superficially visible in 35% of cases after I-CXL compared with 95% of cases after C-CXL. Endothelial cell density and central corneal thickness remained stable during the entire study period. The change in Kmax 2 years after C-CXL and I-CXL and the preoperative Kmax were negatively correlated (r = 0.14, P = 0.013, and r = 0.17, P = 0.007, respectively).I-CXL halted progression of keratoconus less efficiently than did C-CXL after 2 years of follow-up. Longer prospective studies are still needed to ensure I-CXL efficacy.

Objective To study corneal morphologic changes in a large keratoconic population and to establish a structural optical coherence tomography (OCT) classification. Design Cross-sectional, observational study. Participants A total of 218 keratoconic eyes from 218 patients and 34 eyes from 34 normal subjects. Methods A Fourier-domain OCT system with 5-μm axial resolution was used. For each patient, 3 high-resolution scans were made across the keratoconus cone. All scans were analyzed by keratoconus specialists who were not given access to patients' clinical and topographic data, and who established an OCT classification. The reproducibility of the classification and its correlation with clinical and paraclinical characteristics of patients with keratoconus were evaluated. The OCT examinations were performed every 4 months to follow up structural corneal changes. Main Outcome Measures Evaluation of the structural corneal changes occurring in keratoconus cases with various stages of severity based on OCT findings. Results Fourier-domain OCT classification containing 5 distinct keratoconus stages is proposed. Stage 1 demonstrates thinning of apparently normal epithelial and stromal layers at the conus. Stage 2 demonstrates hyperreflective anomalies occurring at the Bowman's layer level with epithelial thickening at the conus. Stage 3 demonstrates posterior displacement of the hyperreflective structures occurring at the Bowman's layer level with increased epithelial thickening and stromal thinning. Stage 4 demonstrates pan-stromal scar. Stage 5 demonstrates hydrops; 5a, acute onset: Descemet's membrane rupture and dilaceration of collagen lamellae with large fluid-filled intrastromal cysts; 5b, healing stage: pan-stromal scarring with a remaining aspect of Descemet's membrane rupture. The reproducibility of the classification was very high between the corneal specialist observers. Clinical and paraclinical characteristics of keratoconus, including visual acuity, corneal epithelium and stromal thickness changes, corneal topography, biomechanical corneal characteristics, and microstructural changes observed on confocal microscopy, were concordant with our OCT grading. Conclusions Optical coherence tomography provides an accurate assessment of structural changes occurring in keratoconus eyes. These changes were correlated with clinical and paraclinical characteristics of patients. The established classification not only allows structural follow-up of patients with keratoconus but also provides insight into the pathogenesis of keratoconus and treatment strategies for future research. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Background To evaluate the incidence, evolution, clinical characteristics, possible risk factors or preventive factors, and visual outcomes of epiretinal membrane (ERM) recurrence. Methods Retrospective study of 440 consecutive patients (440 eyes) who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for ERM. The internal limiting membrane (ILM) was peeled in 266 cases, with the help of indocyanine green in 27 cases and brilliant blue in 45 cases. Cases of symptomatic ERM recurrence were reoperated. Results The incidence of ERM recurrence was 5% (22/440), and 2% of the patients were reoperated (9/440). Epiretinal membrane recurrence was symptomatic in 9 cases (41%) and asymptomatic in 13 cases (59%). ILM peeling was the only factor preventing ERM recurrence (adjusted odds ratio = 0.33, P = 0.026). The use of staining dyes did not prevent recurrence (adjusted odds ratio = 0.35, P = 0.338). In the case of ERM reproliferation, the absence of ILM peeling, the existence of ERM on the fellow eye, and poor visual acuity before surgery seemed to be associated with a high risk of symptomatic recurrence and reoperation. The mean duration for follow-up was 3.5 ± 1.7 years. Conclusion ILM peeling not only reduces the likelihood of reproliferation of ERM but also seems to improve the visual prognosis of recurrent ERMs. The use of dyes did not reduce the rate of recurrence compared with when ILM was peeled without dyes.

A 48-year-old woman with no significant past history underwent bilateral simultaneous laser in situ keratomileusis for correction of her myopia. On the tenth postoperative day, the patient complained of visual decrease and photophobia. Slit lamp exam showed corneal epithelial irregularities. Confocal microscopy was performed and revealed a characteristic appearance of epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (EBMD). The patient was successfully treated with artificial tears and autologous serum eyedrops. EBMD may be missed before LASIK surgery, even after a careful pre-operative examination. Exacerbation of EBMD after LASIK surgery is rare. It should be considered when unexplained corneal epithelial defects or irregularities occur following LASIK. Confocal microscopy is very useful to confirm the diagnosis.

PURPOSE To assess the influence of donor characteristics on the outcome of anterior lamellar keratoplasty (ALK) and to evaluate whether corneal donor tissue considered unsuitable for penetrating or posterior lamellar keratoplasty due to poor endothelial condition may be safely used for ALK. METHODS Institutional setting. One hundred sixty-six consecutive ALK (166 patients) performed for optical indication in eyes with corneal diseases not involving the corneal endothelium. The main outcome measures were graft survival, early (0-12 months postoperatively) and late (after 12 months) annual endothelial cell loss, and postoperative logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity. RESULTS The average and extreme values of donor tissue characteristics were: donor age, 70.6 years (range, 28-88 years); organ culture time, 20.9 days (range, 12-35 days); graft endothelial cell density before transplantation, 2047 cells per millimeters (range, 100-3300 cells/mm2); and deswelling time, 2.0 days (range, 1-4 days). The average follow-up time of patients was 48.1 ± 24.8 months (mean ± SD). None of the donor characteristics significantly influenced graft survival or postoperative endothelial cell loss (early and late phase). Donor age >80 years was associated with lower postoperative visual acuity at all postoperative points in time (P < 0.05). At 3 years, the mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity was 0.44 (20/55) for grafts from donors older than 80 years and 0.25 (20/35) for younger donors. This result was shown to be significant both in univariate and in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS Grafts from elderly donors should be discarded before ALK. Conversely, donor tissue with poor endothelial cell density (

To describe the incidence, clinical features, and evolution of paracentral retinal holes occurring after macular surgery.A retrospective non-randomized study of 909 patients operated on for either a macular hole (MH, n = 400 patients) or an epiretinal membrane (ERM, n = 509 patients) between 2004 and 2009. Six patients (0.6%) developed a paracentral macular hole after surgery. Their clinical, auto-fluorescence, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) characteristics as well as their visual outcomes were studied.The mean age of patients was 70 years. Paracentral holes occurred approximately 5 weeks after surgery (with a range of 2-12 weeks). All patients were asymptomatic. Five patients underwent ILM peeling during initial surgery. Paracentral retinal holes were located superiorly to the fovea in three cases and temporally in the other three cases. Mean pre-operative BCVA was 20/200 and mean post-operative BCVA was 20/40. The eye where the eccentric MHs were closest to the fovea (inferior to 1 optic disc area) had the poorest final visual acuity. Autofluorescence imaging showed a bright fluorescence in paramacular holes. On OCT images, they were shown to be flat full-thickness holes. No treatment was attempted. No rhegmatogenous complications or choroidal neovascularization occurred in any of the patients. Mean follow-up was 2 years.In summary, paracentral MHs are uncommon complications which can occur at the site where ILM peeling has been initiated or completed. Except for the closest holes to fovea, they have good visual prognosis and do not require any treatment underlining the importance of initiating the ILM peeling as far as possible from the fovea.

To compare the safety and functional outcomes of 25-gauge and 23-gauge (G) micro-incision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) instrumentation with the standard 20-G vitrectomy system in the treatment of epiretinal membranes (ERM). A retrospective comparative study of 553 consecutive cases with epiretinal membrane who underwent pars plana vitrectomy. Twenty-gauge, 25-gauge and 23-gauge vitrectomy was performed respectively in 347, 91, and 115 eyes. Surgery duration, visual acuity improvement, intraocular pressure variation, intraoperative and postoperative complications were analyzed. The mean surgical time in the 23-G group and in the 25-G group was shorter than in the 20-G group (P

Resume But Evaluer la cinetique de la croissance des cellules epitheliales limbiques in vitro a partir d’explants limbiques preleves sur des greffons conserves en organoculture. Patients et methodes Vingt et un explants limbiques preleves sur les collerettes corneosclerales de greffons corneens humains conserves en organoculture pendant 18 a 24 jours ont ete cultivees a 37 °C pendant dix, 13 ou 18 jours. La surface du voile cellulaire a ete mesuree pendant la culture a l’aide d’un logiciel. En fin de culture, les cellules dissociees ont ete comptees et analysees en immunoperoxydase. Resultats La courbe de la surface du voile cellulaire ( S ) en fonction de la duree de culture ( t ) est decrite au mieux par un modele polynomial d’equation S = 0,024 t 3 − 0,038 t 2 − 0,044 t + 0,092. La duree moyenne du cycle cellulaire est de 24 heures. La croissance cellulaire est d’autant plus grande que le delai post-mortem de prelevement du donneur est court. La plupart des cellules expriment la cytokeratine-3 (expression variable d’une cellule a l’autre). Plus de 50 % des cellules expriment la vimentine. Conclusion Le limbe preleve sur un greffon corneen humain conserve en organoculture pendant trois semaines conserve un potentiel de proliferation cellulaire compatible avec une utilisation therapeutique pour une allogreffe de limbe ou une therapie cellulaire epitheliale corneenne allogenique. Le potentiel de croissance des cellules epitheliales limbiques est cependant altere par l’ischemie froide post-mortem du donneur et le delai post-mortem de prelevement des cornees doit donc etre aussi court que possible.

To define the optical coherence tomography (OCT) corneal changes predisposing to acute corneal hydrops among patients with advanced keratoconus.Retrospective cohort study.A total of 191 advanced keratoconic eyes from 191 patients with advanced keratoconus cases were studied.Data collected from patients with advanced keratoconus cases were studied during a minimum period of 24 months of follow-up. High-resolution Fourier-domain corneal OCT (5 μm of axial resolution) and corneal topography were performed every 4 months during the follow-up. Several anatomic features at the keratoconus cone were analyzed with OCT, including epithelial and stromal thicknesses, the aspect of Bowman's layer, the presence of Vogt's striae, and stromal opacities. A comparative analysis between anatomic corneal features in eyes that developed corneal hydrops and those that did not develop this complication during the follow-up was performed.Evaluation of anatomic corneal changes at risk of developing a corneal hydrops on the basis of OCT findings.Eleven cases of corneal hydrops (5.8%) occurred in our series during a mean follow-up of 30 months (24-36 months). All of these patients were male and younger (23.7±5.9 years) than patients with no acute keratoconus (32.7±11.3 years). Increased epithelial thickening with stromal thinning at the conus and the presence of anterior hyperreflectives at the Bowman's layer level were significantly associated with corneal hydrops, whereas the presence of corneal scarring was a preventive factor. At the healing stage, a pan-stromal scar occurs, with a significant stromal thickening and cornea flattening.Increased epithelial thickening, stromal thinning at the keratoconus cone, anterior hyperreflectives at the Bowman's layer level, and the absence of stromal scarring are associated with a high risk of developing corneal hydrops. These aspects should be taken into account by the clinician in the evaluation of keratoconus eyes and in the planning of corneal keratoplasty.

To determine whether optical coherence tomography (OCT) epithelial mapping can improve the detection of form fruste keratoconus.French National Eye Hospital, Paris 6 PierreMarie Curie University, Paris, France.Retrospective comparative study.Eyes with normal corneas, form fruste keratoconus, moderate keratoconus, or severe keratoconus were assessed using Fourier-domain OCT (RTVue 5.5), scanning-slit corneal topography (Orbscan IIz), and rotating Scheimpflug camera (Pentacam Comprehensive Eye Scanner). Several parameters provided by the software or derived from elevation maps, OCT pachymetric maps, and OCT epithelium parameters were evaluated and compared between the 4 groups.The study involved 145 eyes. There were no significant differences in the keratometry (K) value, inferior-superior value, keratoconus index, central K index, and topographic keratoconus classification indices between the form fruste keratoconus group and the control group (P .05). Form fruste keratoconic corneas had less epithelial thickness in the thinnest corneal zone than normal corneas, and greater epithelial thickness in the thinnest corneal zone than keratoconic corneas (P .005). The epithelial thickness in the thinnest corneal zone in form fruste corneas was located inferiorly (P .005) and corresponded with the zone of minimum epithelial thickness and maximum posterior elevation (P .005). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed good overall predictive accuracy of the epithelial thickness in the thinnest corneal zone, with a 52 μm threshold value for discriminating form fruste keratoconic corneas from normal corneas.The epithelial thickness in the thinnest corneal zone and its location provided by the OCT epithelial mapping might be useful for the early diagnosis of form fruste keratoconus.No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

To study corneal morphologic changes in a large keratoconic population and to establish a structural optical coherence tomography (OCT) classification.Cross-sectional, observational study.A total of 218 keratoconic eyes from 218 patients and 34 eyes from 34 normal subjects.A Fourier-domain OCT system with 5-μm axial resolution was used. For each patient, 3 high-resolution scans were made across the keratoconus cone. All scans were analyzed by keratoconus specialists who were not given access to patients' clinical and topographic data, and who established an OCT classification. The reproducibility of the classification and its correlation with clinical and paraclinical characteristics of patients with keratoconus were evaluated. The OCT examinations were performed every 4 months to follow up structural corneal changes.Evaluation of the structural corneal changes occurring in keratoconus cases with various stages of severity based on OCT findings.Fourier-domain OCT classification containing 5 distinct keratoconus stages is proposed. Stage 1 demonstrates thinning of apparently normal epithelial and stromal layers at the conus. Stage 2 demonstrates hyperreflective anomalies occurring at the Bowman's layer level with epithelial thickening at the conus. Stage 3 demonstrates posterior displacement of the hyperreflective structures occurring at the Bowman's layer level with increased epithelial thickening and stromal thinning. Stage 4 demonstrates pan-stromal scar. Stage 5 demonstrates hydrops; 5a, acute onset: Descemet's membrane rupture and dilaceration of collagen lamellae with large fluid-filled intrastromal cysts; 5b, healing stage: pan-stromal scarring with a remaining aspect of Descemet's membrane rupture. The reproducibility of the classification was very high between the corneal specialist observers. Clinical and paraclinical characteristics of keratoconus, including visual acuity, corneal epithelium and stromal thickness changes, corneal topography, biomechanical corneal characteristics, and microstructural changes observed on confocal microscopy, were concordant with our OCT grading.Optical coherence tomography provides an accurate assessment of structural changes occurring in keratoconus eyes. These changes were correlated with clinical and paraclinical characteristics of patients. The established classification not only allows structural follow-up of patients with keratoconus but also provides insight into the pathogenesis of keratoconus and treatment strategies for future research.

Purpose The aim of the study is to report and to predict long-term endothelial cell outcomes after iris fixated phakic intraocular lens implantation for the correction of high refractive errors. Methods Retrospective, non randomized study of patient who underwent surgery between January,2000 and December,2009 in the same department in the Centre Hospitalier National d’Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts. To predict long-term endothelial cell density, 2 joint regression models were fitted on ECD to individuals with at least 2 ECD measurement in time. Model-predicted parameters for endothelial cell density and survival were obtained for each patient and were used in a Kaplan-Meier method plot for predicted percentage of eyes . Results This study consisted of 78 phakic eyes including 70 myopic eyes and 8 hyperopic eyes. 73 Verisyse/Artisan and 5 foldable Artiflex were implanted. Three eyes underwent further keratorefractive surgery (Bioptic). Two eyes were lost of follow-up.The mean follow-up was 68 months. Recent studies reported an endothelial cell loss 5 years after surgery ranged from -9 to -14%, but we found a decrease of 25% for 18 eyes. Surgery trauma is partially involved but we also found a higher endothelial cell loss one year after surgery ( range from -3.5 to -9%). Conclusion Potential complications such as progressive endothelial cell loss and risk of dislocation are major concerns in operative decision. Close follow-up with regular monitoring is necessary in patients with phakic intraocular lens.

Purpose To analyze risk factors for endothelial cell loss after corneal transplantation. Methods Cohort study including 1438 consecutive eyes of 1438 patients who underwent Penetrating Keratoplasty, Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty, or Descemet Stripping with Endothelial Keratoplasty between 1992 and 2010. To describe post-operative endothelial cell loss, the biphasic linear model was fitted to grafts with at least 2 (early phase) or 3 (late phase) endothelial cell density (ECD) measurements in time: ECD = ECD0 – (t * E), for t 1 year (late phase). The least squares estimates were used to calculate the coefficients of the various equations for each eye. Results The average follow-up time was 45.9+39.3 months (mean+SD). The early-phase and late-phase annual endothelial cell loss (ECL) were, respectively, -24.7+18.8% (n=921) and -10.8+10.3% (n=664). Overall, the model-predicted cell loss was lower than the observed cell loss in the early phase and higher in the late phase. In multivariate analysis, 5 variables significantly influenced the early-phase endothelial cell loss: graft storage time, recipient rejection risk, preoperative hypertony, surgical group, and rejection episodes. Three variables significantly influenced the late-phase endothelial cell loss: recipient rejection risk, surgical group, and rejection episodes. Conclusion Extending the graft organ culture time beyond 3 weeks results in higher early cell loss. High-risk recipient and rejection episodes are important risk factors for cell loss. ALK induces minimal cell loss whereas keratoplasty in eyes with impaired recipient endothelium is associated with high cell loss.

Purpose To analyze the variation of the objective refraction induced by pharmacological pupillary dilation in a normal population. Methods The objective refraction obtained by an auto-kerato-refractometer was analyzed before and after maximum pupillary dilation obtained by 0.5% Tropicamide and 10% Phenylephrine. 200 phakic eyes of 100 patients aged from 15 to 76 years were prospectively included. The refractive data were expressed in a dioptric space by 3 Cartesian coordinates (X, Y, Z). Results After pupil dilation, the mean refraction ranges from -0.08(+0.11)×90.2° to +0.41(+0.10)×90.3° this equal to an astigmatic vectorial variation of (+0.03)×89.6°. The spherical equivalent increases significantly (hyperopization of +0.49D: +0.24D vs +0.74D p

Purpose To compare the corneal thickness of eyes with high myopia with that of emmetropic eyes. Methods One hundred corneas of 50 myopic patients (axial length >26 mm) and 100 corneas of 50 emmetropic patients (spherical equivalent between –1D and +1D) were prospectively analysed by means of Orbscan and ultrasonic pachymetry. The location of related points to apex, which were quantified using the rectangular coordinates (x, y) of the thinnest point, were used to determinate the location of the quadrant and the distance between this thinnest point and the centre (Pythagoras theorem). Results In the myopic group, the axial length was 27.2+/-1.6mm (26.1 to 33.1mm) and the subjective spherical equivalent was –8.17+/-1.72D (-19.2 to –5.6D). As compared with emmetropic eyes the corneal thickness was significantly lower (p

Purpose To investigate the relationship between refractive astigmatism and corneal (anterior and posterior) astigmatism in normal eyes. Methods We prospectively recorded refractive astigmatism and corneal astigmatism (Orbscan) of 500 healthy eyes (including ametropia) of 250 patients. Astigmatism data was analyzed using polar values (cylinder, axis) and rectangular coordinates (x,y) which respectively represent WTR/ATR component (Jackson 0°/90°) and oblique component (Jackson 45°/135°). Internal astigmatism and enantiomorphism (mirror-image symmetry between both eyes) were calculated. Results Anterior corneal cylinder showed higher correlation with subjective cylinder (r: 0.84 to 0.89 p 0.05). The relative proportion of the anterior corneal astigmatism in the subjective astigmatism increased with the subjective cylinder (r=0.54 p

Diagnosis of bacterial endophthalmitis (BE) often fails due to: (1) insufficient volumes of vitreous fluid (VF) and aqueous humour (AH); (2) lack of sensitivity of culture; (3) antibiotic treatments; (4) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cross-contamination; and (5) limitations on the interpretation of the real-time PCR melting curve. We developed a fast real-time (f-real-t) PCR to improve the performance of the laboratory diagnosis of BE.The following samples were processed after adding an internal control: phosphate buffered saline (PBS); VF, AH and cell suspensions spiked with Bacteria (Bac); VF and AH from patients with endophthalmitis; and VF and AH from non-infective patients. DNA was extracted (MagNA Pure) and added to four tubes containing selected primers and probes for the identification and quantification of all Bac and eight genera by f-real-t PCR. Diagnostic performances based on direct microscopic examination, culture and f-real-t PCR were compared.The f-real-t PCR detected at least 0.01 colony-forming units (CFU) of Bac/microl with no cross-reactivity with fungi. Correlation with culture-positive results was 100%. Sixty per cent of BE samples tested culture-positive, but f-real-t PCR tested positive for 90%. Samples from non-infective cases were negative.The f-real-t PCR detected and quantified Bac, Staphylococci, Streptococci, Haemophilus, Pseudomonas, Enterobacteria, Acinetobacter, Propionibacteriacae and Corynebacteria in one run. Cultures required several hours to days (with a non-negligible number of false-negative results) and the f-real-t PCR was completed in 90 min. The f-real-t PCR is presented as a new tool for the diagnosis of BE: its usefulness requires validation with larger series of samples.

Purpose To investigate the features of corneal epithelial basement membrane dystrophy using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT) and to examine the reliability of SD OCT in distinguishing epithelial basement membrane dystrophy from the normal cornea. Design Diagnostic test study. Methods Forty-five individuals with epithelial basement membrane dystrophy and 45 age- and sex-matched controls with normal corneas were examined, and SD OCT scans of their corneas were performed. In vivo confocal microscopy was performed to confirm or rule out the diagnosis of epithelial basement membrane dystrophy. The structural corneal changes occurring in eyes with epithelial basement membrane dystrophy based on SD OCT findings were described. Results Epithelial abnormalities were observed in 86 of 87 eyes with epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (45 patients) on SD OCT scans. The 2 main features were the presence of an irregular and thickened epithelial basement membrane duplicating or insinuating into the corneal epithelium layer, or both, and the presence of hyperreflective dots. In some cases, we detected hyporeflective spaces between the corneal epithelial layer and the Bowman layer similar to a corneal epithelial detachment. This corneal epithelial detachment sometimes was associated with a cleavage with a stair-step appearance within the corneal epithelial layer. We found a perfect correlation between in vivo confocal microscopy and SD OCT findings in the diagnosis of epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (κ = 0.98). Conclusions SD OCT provides an accurate assessment of the structural changes occurring in eyes with epithelial basement membrane dystrophy. These changes, visible on SD OCT scans, are easily detectable and permit an accurate diagnosis, especially in patients with no biomicroscopically visible corneal changes.

To identify risk factors for corneal graft rejection and rejection irreversibility.Retrospective cohort study.setting: Institutional. patients: A total of 1438 consecutive eyes of 1438 patients who underwent corneal transplantation for optical indication at the Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des XV-XX, Paris, France, between December 1992 and December 2010 were studied. Surgical technique was penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in 1209 cases, anterior lamellar keratoplasty (ALK) in 165 cases, and Descemet stripping with endothelial keratoplasty in 64 cases. main outcome measures: Cumulative incidence of rejection episodes and rejection irreversibility rate.A total of 299 cases of rejection episodes were identified, of which 145 (48.5%) were irreversible after treatment. In multivariate analysis, the cumulative incidence of rejection episodes was influenced by recipient age (P = .00002), recipient rejection risk (P = .0003), lens status (P = .00003), and surgical group (P = .035). A higher incidence of rejection episodes was observed in young patients (20 years) and patients aged from 41 to 50, high-risk recipients, aphakic eyes and eyes with anterior chamber intraocular lens, and eyes with PK (compared with eyes with ALK). Rejection episodes were more likely to be irreversible for high-risk recipients (P = .02), for eyes with preoperative hypertony (P = .009), and for eyes with poor visual acuity at presentation (P = .002).Recipient rejection risk and surgical group are the main risk factors for rejection as they both influence the incidence of rejection and the reversibility rate. Recipient age and lens status are predictive factors for the occurrence of rejection. Preoperative hypertony is a predictive factor for rejection irreversibility.

Resume Les membranes epiretiniennes (MER) dites « vasocentriques » sont des MER centrees sur des vaisseaux retiniens. Elles ont ete decrites essentiellement chez le sujet jeune. Nous rapportons le cas d’un patient de 70 ans qui a consulte pour une baisse d’acuite visuelle (BAV) en rapport avec une membrane epiretinienne « vasocentrique » idiopathique. Apres vitrectomie et ablation de la MER, il a presente, quatre ans apres la chirurgie, une recidive de MER contractile centree sur le vaisseau temporal superieur associee a des distorsions retiniennes importantes au niveau du pole posterieur. La reprise chirurgicale a associe une dissection elargie de la MER au niveau du vaisseau temporal, et un pelage de la membrane limitante interne (MLI) maculaire. Malgre l’amelioration de son acuite visuelle, le patient garde toujours des metamorphopsies deux ans apres la chirurgie. Les MER « vasocentriques » ont un pronostic visuel plus reserve ainsi qu’un risque plus eleve de recidive par rapport aux autres MER. Nous discuterons a travers ce cas clinique les principales particularites cliniques et chirurgicales de ce type de membrane.

Objectif Analyser les relations de symetrie de la cornee par rapport a l’œil controlateral dans une population « normale ». Objectifs et methodes Les 2 cornees de 325 patients ont ete prospectivement analysees avec la topographie d’elevation Orbscan et la pachymetrie ultrasonique. L’enantiomorphisme (symetrie en miroir) des donnees directionnelles (axe de l’astigmatisme, localisation du point le plus fin) a ete quantifie par des indices specifiques calcules a partir des coordonnees cartesiennes (x,y). Resultats Les cornees droites et gauches ne sont pas differentes (p > 0,05) et presentent une forte correlation (r ≥ 0,90 p p = 0,001). Les donnees de la face posterieure de la cornee presentent une correlation moins elevee par rapport a l’œil controlateral (r = 0,72 p Discussion La moins forte symetrie par rapport a l’œil controlateral des donnees de la face posterieure de la cornee est liee a une qualite inferieure des mesures. L’origine de l’enantiomorphisme presente par la cornee (epaisseur, toricite) est encore mal connue : simple consequence du plan sagittal de symetrie de l’embryogenese ou reel avantage phylogenique ? Conclusion La cornee presente par rapport a l’œil controlateral un degre eleve de symetrie et d’enantiomorphisme pour les principales caracteristiques geometriques et optiques. Toutefois, la relation de symetrie entre les 2 yeux tend a diminuer avec l’âge.

Introduction Analyser l’influence de l’âge sur l’epaisseur corneenne dans une population « normale ». Materiels et Methodes L’epaisseur corneenne de 500 yeux « normaux » de 250 patients âges de 9 a 97 ans a ete prospectivement analysee a l’aide de la topographie Orbscan et de la pachymetrie ultrasonique. Les differents parametres de la pachymetrie (incluant la mesure du centre, de 8 zones de la moyenne peripherie et du point le plus fin) ont ete compares dans 3 groupes d’âge different et correles a l’âge. Resultats Il existe une correlation significative entre l’epaisseur centrale et l’âge que la mesure soit ultrasonique ou optique (r = + 0,28 p 60 ans : 572 μm ; p 60 ans : 3,1% ; p r = 0,36 p 60 ans : 1,08 mm ; p Discussion Les modifications de l’epaisseur corneenne en fonction de l’âge n’ont pas encore d’explications claires sur le plan histologique : modifications des cellules endotheliales ou du collagene ? Conclusion La plupart des parametres de l’epaisseur corneenne sont statistiquement influences par l’âge. Les modifications de l’epaisseur avec l’âge ne sont pas homogenes et varient en fonction de la localisation.

Objectif La culture de cellules epitheliales limbiques est actuellement utilisee pour traiter les insuffisances limbiques. Neanmoins les techniques de cultures utilisees sont variees et la nature exacte des cellules greffees n’est pas connue avec precision. Notre but est d’analyser le type des cellules et d’evaluer l’expression de divers marqueurs par ces cellules en culture. Materiels et Methodes Des cultures de keratocytes ainsi que des cultures primaires de cellules epitheliales limbiques sont realisees a partir d’explants limbiques. Les explants sont preleves sur un greffon corneen juste apres prelevement post-mortem ou apres conservation en organo-culture. Des cornees ayant un endothelium non conforme sont utilisees. Des explants de stroma sont cultives afin d’obtenir des cultures de keratocytes. Des explants limbiques sont utilises pour obtenir des cultures primaires de cellules epitheliales. En fin de culture, les cellules dissociees sont caracterisees a l’aide d’anticorps monoclonaux anti-vimentine pour identifier les keratocytes et anti-cytokeratine 3 pour identifier les cellules epitheliales corneennes differenciees. Resultats Les cultures obtenues a partir des explants limbiques et celles obtenues a partir des explants stromaux comportent des populations cellulaires mixtes. La presence simultanee des deux populations cellulaires ameliore la croissance cellulaire. Discussion Un effet feeder de cellules fibroblastiques humaines sur la croissance epitheliale semble probable. La nature precise de ces cellules et leur interaction avec les cellules epitheliales corneennes restent a determiner. Conclusion Il semble difficile d’obtenir de cultures pures de keratocytes et/ou de cellules epitheliales a partir d’explants limbiques.

Objectif Rapporter une keratite lamellaire diffuse tardive (SOS syndrome), secondaire a une atteinte epitheliale infectieuse. Materiels et Methodes Un patient de 35 ans a ete opere d’un LASIK de l’œil droit en 1996, sous corrige et donc depuis, porteur d’une lentille souple mensuelle. Plus de 10 ans plus tard survient une ulceration de la cornee avec infiltrat et reaction inflammatoire de la chambre anterieure (tyndall +2). Ce tableau d’abces de la cornee s’accompagne d’un infiltrat de l’interface atteignant l’axe visuel (SOS syndrome stade 3). Des prelevements de surface, de la lentille et de l’etui, un examen en HRT (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph Cornea Module) et un OCT Visante (Visante Optical Coherence Tomographie) ont ete effectues. Resultats La guerison complete de l’abces a ete obtenue sous traitement antibacterien (collyres fortifies) puis la guerison du SOS syndrome par l’instillation agressive de corticoides. Discussion Une keratite lamellaire diffuse habituellement survient entre J1-J3, mais peut survenir plus tard a la suite d’une atteinte epitheliale traumatique ou inflammatoire. Conclusion La prise en charge des atteintes epitheliales chez les patients operes de LASIK presente des particularites, meme a long terme.