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Retinal injury from a laser skin resurfacing device during medical tourism: a public health concern.BMC Ophthalmology Mar 2024Laser skin resurfacing is a popular cosmetic procedure for noninvasive skin rejuvenation. Since health insurance plans often do not cover these types of procedures,...
BACKGROUND
Laser skin resurfacing is a popular cosmetic procedure for noninvasive skin rejuvenation. Since health insurance plans often do not cover these types of procedures, patients often pay out of pocket. Consequently, there is an incentive to go abroad, where prices are more affordable. However, practitioners in destination countries may lack rigorous training on laser safety, regulatory oversight, or licensing, especially on devices used for "cosmetic" procedures. In certain cases, this can lead to tragic outcomes, especially when underqualified practitioners operate medical-grade laser devices.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 29-year-old woman suffered a retinal burn from a handheld Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser pulse device used to perform skin resurfacing treatment at a medical spa in Vietnam. The patient was not adequately informed about the potential risk to her vision and was not provided with any eye protection. A momentary, unintended laser exposure to the patient's right eye led to irreversible vision loss due to a macular burn. This incident caused immediate pain, followed by the sudden appearance of floaters, along with a retinal and vitreous hemorrhage. Despite treatment with off-label bevacizumab for the development of a choroidal neovascular membrane, vision remained at the level of counting fingers because of the presence of the macular scar.
CONCLUSION
When utilizing laser-based devices, it is crucial to employ safety measures, such as the wearing of safety goggles or the use of eye shields to protect ocular tissues from potential damage. The growing availability of cosmetic laser devices presents a substantial public health risk, because numerous operators lack adequate training in essential safety standards, or they neglect to follow them. Furthermore, patients seeking services abroad are subject to the regulatory practices of the destination country, which may not always enforce the requisite safety standards. Further research is needed to determine regional and global incidence of laser-related injuries to help direct educational and regulatory efforts.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Medical Tourism; Public Health; Eye Injuries; Lasers, Solid-State; Laser Therapy
PubMed: 38532396
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-024-03383-z -
Ophthalmic Surgery, Lasers & Imaging... Jun 2024Epiretinal membrane (ERM) formation, a common complication following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair, is... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Epiretinal membrane (ERM) formation, a common complication following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair, is associated with vision loss and metamorphopsias. Although laser retinopexy is generally associated with ERM formation, the correlation between the extent of laser treatment and ERM formation during PPV is not well established. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with ERM formation including extend of endolaser retinopexy after PPV for primary RRD.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A retrospective, observational case series of 181 consecutive patients (185 eyes) who underwent PPV for primary RRD repair by a single surgeon was performed. Charts were reviewed by two independent reviewers, and de-identified data including patient characteristics and intraoperative findings such as number of laser spots placed were recorded.
RESULTS
Postoperative ERM formation occurred in 75 eyes (40.5%) of which 68 (90.6%) were Stage 1, two (2.6%) were Stage 2, three (4%) were Stage 3, and two (2.6%) were Stage 4. Only one patient required secondary PPV for visually significant ERM. Patients with ERM had significantly more laser spots compared with patients with no ERM, with a mean of 807 and 519 laser spots respectively (95% CI: 387.6 to -187.3; < 0.0001). Univariable analysis identified ≥750 endolaser spots (odds ratio [OR] = 4.0, 95% CI: 2.0 to 8.4; < 0.0001), ≥4 retinal tears (OR = 2.8, 95%: CI 1.4 to 6.4; = 0.005), and female sex (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1 to 3.7; = 0.02) as significantly associated factors. After adjusting for potential confounding factors (ie, age, sex, macula status, lattice degeneration, length of symptoms, vitreous hemorrhage, number of endolaser spots, number of retinal tears) in multivariable logistic regression, ≥ 750 endolaser spots (OR = 2.4; = 0.04) and female sex (OR = 2.4; = 0.03) persisted as significant independent factors.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study identified ≥ 750 laser spots and female sex as independent risk factors for ERM formation following PPV for RRD with an OR of 2.4 each. Although the incidence of ERM formation was generally high (40.5%), only one case required secondary PPV with ERM peeling, and visual outcomes were comparable between patients with and without ERM at final follow up. While endolaser photocoagulation is critical for successful RRD repair, consideration of the risk of ERM formation with extensive laser exposure is warranted. .
Topics: Humans; Retinal Detachment; Vitrectomy; Retrospective Studies; Female; Epiretinal Membrane; Male; Middle Aged; Aged; Risk Factors; Visual Acuity; Postoperative Complications; Adult; Laser Therapy; Aged, 80 and over; Tomography, Optical Coherence
PubMed: 38531000
DOI: 10.3928/23258160-20240131-02 -
Ceska a Slovenska Oftalmologie :... 2024To study the relationship between the severity of COVID-induced metabolic changes and the structure and frequency of retinal changes, according to funduscopy data in...
AIMS
To study the relationship between the severity of COVID-induced metabolic changes and the structure and frequency of retinal changes, according to funduscopy data in patients with different clinical courses of COVID-19.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
117 patients with COVID-19 were examined. While examining patients, severity of the course of COVID-19, the expressiveness of changes in the metabolic status were determined; fundus image registration was performed with portable fundus cameras Pictor Plus Fundus Camera and VistaView (Volk Optical).
RESULTS
As a result of the research, retinal changes were found in 49 (41.9 %) patients with COVID-19. In 8 (16.3 %) cases, clinically significant (vitreous hemorrhage, prethrombosis of the central retinal vein or branches of the central retinal vein, thrombosis of the central retinal vein or branches of the central retinal vein) COVID-induced retinal and ophthalmological changes were observed, which caused a decrease in visual acuity. In 41 (83.7 %) cases, clinically insignificant changes (cotton wool spots, narrowed retinal vessels, intraretinal and petechial hemorrhages, tortuosity and dilatation of retinal venules) COVID-induced retinal changes were observed. Clinically significant retinal changes occur in patients with a statistically significantly higher level of D-dimer and a greater percentage of lung parenchyma lesion than in the group of patients with clinically insignificant retinal changes (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The structure of retinal changes in patients with COVID-19 correlates with the severity of the clinical course of the disease and changes in the metabolic status of patients. Metabolic changes are correlated with retinal changes and can be predictive for preventing general vascular complications in COVID-19.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Retina; Retinal Vessels; Fundus Oculi; Fluorescein Angiography
PubMed: 38527912
DOI: 10.31348/2024/12 -
International Ophthalmology Clinics Apr 2024
Review
Topics: Humans; Vitreous Hemorrhage; Vitrectomy
PubMed: 38525984
DOI: 10.1097/IIO.0000000000000502 -
Oman Journal of Ophthalmology 2024Inadvertent globe perforation following peribulbar anesthesia can lead to unpleasant experiences if not identified early and managed appropriately. We present the case...
Inadvertent globe perforation following peribulbar anesthesia can lead to unpleasant experiences if not identified early and managed appropriately. We present the case of a 75-year-old female who came with decreased vision in the left eye (LE) following cataract surgery under peribulbar block. Her visual acuity in the right eye (RE) was 6/24 and LE was 6/75. Fundus examination of LE showed vitreous hemorrhage with localized subretinal hemorrhage along the inferotemporal arcade suggestive of globe perforation. Optical coherence tomography (OCT, Spectralis. Heidelberg imaging, Germany) scan across the perforation site showed subretinal hemorrhage and full-thickness retinal tear. On follow-up, two more focal points of retinal whitening were noted in the inferotemporal equatorial region. The patient was kept under close monitoring, and 4 weeks later, vision improved to 6/9 and barrage laser was done around the perforation sites. Serial OCT scans and close follow-up in iatrogenic globe perforation can result in good visual outcomes.
PubMed: 38524350
DOI: 10.4103/ojo.ojo_38_22 -
Eye (London, England) Mar 2024While dyslipidaemia has been suggested as a potential risk factor for diabetic retinopathy (DR), previous studies have reported conflicting findings. This study aimed to...
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES
While dyslipidaemia has been suggested as a potential risk factor for diabetic retinopathy (DR), previous studies have reported conflicting findings. This study aimed to better characterize the relationship between abnormal serum levels of various lipid markers and the risk of the development and progression of DR.
SUBJECTS/METHODS
This retrospective cohort study utilized a United States national database of electronic medical records. Adults with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus without type 1 diabetes mellitus were divided into cohorts based on the presence of abnormal serum levels of various lipid markers. Propensity score matching was performed to match cohorts with abnormal lipid levels to those with normal lipid levels on covariates. The cohorts were then compared to evaluate the hazard ratios (HR) of receiving a new DR diagnosis, pars plana vitrectomy, panretinal photocoagulation, vitreous haemorrhage, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular oedema (DMO), and traction retinal detachment.
RESULTS
The database contained 1,126,231 eligible patients (mean age: 60.8 [14.2] years; 46.0% female). Among patients without prior DR, low HDL (HR = 0.94, CI = 0.90-0.98), total cholesterol (HR = 0.88, CI = 0.85-0.91), and high triglyceride (HR = 0.91, CI = 0.86-0.97) levels were associated with a decreased risk of receiving a DR diagnosis. Among patients with preexisting DR, high LDL levels was associated with an increased risk of DMO (HR = 1.42, CI = 1.15-1.75), whereas low HDL levels was associated with a marginally decreased risk (HR = 0.92, CI = 0.85-0.99).
CONCLUSIONS
Elevated levels of markers of dyslipidaemia are inversely associated with the risk of receiving a DR diagnosis, but this relationship is blunted after the onset of DR.
PubMed: 38521836
DOI: 10.1038/s41433-024-03022-3 -
Archivos de La Sociedad Espanola de... Jun 2024A 54-year-old man presented to the ophthalmic emergency department of our center with eye pain and blurred vision in his right eye following a workplace accident....
A 54-year-old man presented to the ophthalmic emergency department of our center with eye pain and blurred vision in his right eye following a workplace accident. Examination revealed a penetrating corneal injury with the presence of an intraocular foreign body (IOFB) involving the corneoscleral limbus, perforating the cornea, iris, anterior lens capsule, and lens. Immediate surgical intervention was carried out with the extraction of the IOFB, identified as an 8mm mussel shell fragment, and the removal of the resulting traumatic cataract. Both preoperative and postoperative examinations showed an attached retina with no signs of retinal tears or vitreous hemorrhage. Appropriate management in this case, along with the timely identification of the agent, led to favorable outcomes despite the size of the intraocular foreign body.
Topics: Eye Foreign Bodies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Accidents, Occupational; Eye Injuries, Penetrating
PubMed: 38521347
DOI: 10.1016/j.oftale.2024.03.002 -
Central Bouquet Hemorrhages in Pathologic Myopia: Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Relevance.Ophthalmology. Retina Mar 2024To compare the clinical implications of central bouquet hemorrhages (CBHs) to primarily subretinal hemorrhages, both occurring in the setting of pathologic myopia with...
PURPOSE
To compare the clinical implications of central bouquet hemorrhages (CBHs) to primarily subretinal hemorrhages, both occurring in the setting of pathologic myopia with lacquer crack formation.
DESIGN
Multicenter retrospective cohort study.
PARTICIPANTS
Twenty-five eyes (11 primarily subretinal hemorrhages and 14 CBH) were monitored over a median of 35 (interquartile range [IQR], 9.50-54) months.
MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES
Comprehensive ophthalmic examinations and OCT were reviewed. The study employed linear mixed-effects models to compare the impact of CBH versus primarily subretinal hemorrhages on baseline visual acuity (VA), rate of VA improvement, and final VA, adjusting for the follow-up period. Times of hemorrhages reabsorbtion and rate of ellipsoid zone (EZ) layer disruption on OCT were recorded.
RESULTS
Eyes with CBH exhibited significantly worse baseline VA (0.93 ± 0.45 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]; 20/160 Snellen vs. 0.36 ± 0.26 logMAR [20/50 Snellen], P < 0.001), a slower rate of VA improvement (P = 0.04), and a trend toward worse final VA (0.48 ± 0.47 logMAR [20/60 Snellen] vs. 0.16 ± 0.16 logMAR [20/30 Snellen], P = 0.06) compared with eyes with primarily subretinal hemorrhages. The CBH group experienced longer median reabsorption times (10 [IQR, 4.6-23.3] months vs. 2.3 [IQR, 2-3.2] months), and a higher prevalence of EZ layer disruption (86% vs. 0%), than the group with primarily subretinal hemorrhages. Central bouquet hemorrhage reabsorption was followed by the appearance of vertical hyperreflective lines in the central fovea in 67% of eyes, persisting for up to 6 years of follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
Central bouquet hemorrhage signifies a distinct condition in pathologic myopia, characterized by worse visual outcomes, prolonged structural impact, and possible irreversible damage, compared with primarily subretinal hemorrhages. Central bouquet hemorrhage regression should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of vertical hyperreflective lesions in the central fovea on OCT in eyes with pathologic myopia.
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)
Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
PubMed: 38508519
DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2024.03.010 -
European Journal of Ophthalmology Mar 2024We present two cases of vitreous hemorrhage after micropulse cyclophotocoagulation one of which had concurrent hyphema. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first...
INTRODUCTION
We present two cases of vitreous hemorrhage after micropulse cyclophotocoagulation one of which had concurrent hyphema. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first cases of vitreous hemorrhage due to micropulse CPC in the United States.
CASE DESCRIPTION
The first case is an 82-year-old woman with bilateral severe primary open angle glaucoma. BCVA in the right eye was 20/25, and 10-2 Humphrey visual field showed severe peripheral defects. The patient underwent MPCPC of the right eye and at one week, a settled 2 mm hyphema and vitreous hemorrhage confirmed by B-scan were noted. At three months, the patient had a BCVA of 20/80 with an IOP of 12 and retina consultation deferred a PPV. The second case is of a patient with bilateral moderate stage POAG who underwent MPCPC in both eyes. His original VA was 20/200 bilaterally. At 2 weeks, RE VA was count fingers at one foot and LE was 20/150-1. At two months, a RE B scan revealed dense vitreous opacities. Retina consultation revealed vitreous hemorrhage but a PPV was deferred.
CONCLUSION
Clinicians should be aware of the risks of bleeding and the potential need for additional surgical interventions after MPCPC.
PubMed: 38488474
DOI: 10.1177/11206721241240505 -
Medical Hypothesis, Discovery &... 2023Diabetic macular edema (DME) affects approximately 10% of patients with diabetes mellitus. This condition can cause blurred or distorted vision, which significantly...
BACKGROUND
Diabetic macular edema (DME) affects approximately 10% of patients with diabetes mellitus. This condition can cause blurred or distorted vision, which significantly affects the quality of life of these patients. We evaluated the therapeutic effects of intravitreal methotrexate (MTX) injections on persistent DME.
METHODS
This prospective interventional case series included patients with confirmed persistent DME that was unresponsive to previous standard treatments. The patients underwent comprehensive eye examinations and macular imaging with optical coherence tomography (OCT). A single intravitreal MTX injection (400 µg MTX in 0.16 mL solution) was administered, followed by patient assessments at 1, 3, and 6 months after injection. Best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), macular thickness (MT), and central subfield thickness (CST) were measured at baseline and post-injection to evaluate treatment efficacy.
RESULTS
We included 33 eyes of 30 patients with a mean (standard deviation [SD], range) age of 62.7 (8.3, 44 to 77) years, of whom 17 (56.7%) were men and 13 (43.3%) were women. All participants had type 2 diabetes mellitus, with a mean (SD, range) duration of 17.0 (6.8, 10 to 31) years. Most participants (n = 27 eyes, 81.8%) had non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and six eyes (18.2%) had regressed proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Four eyes (12.1%) had undergone prior macular laser photocoagulation. The mean (SD) number of prior intravitreal bevacizumab injections was 3.4 (0.8), and 29 eyes (87.8%) had received one intravitreal triamcinolone injection. During the study period, a statistically significant difference was observed in CST (0.05); however, no statistically significant differences were observed in BCDVA, MT, or IOP (> 0.05). Pairwise comparison revealed a significant decrease in CST at 6 months post-injection compared to the baseline value (0.05). During the investigation period, no side effects of MTX, such as macular edema, retinal tears, vitreous hemorrhage, endophthalmitis, or vision loss, were observed.
CONCLUSIONS
A single intravitreal MTX injection significantly reduced CST in patients with persistent DME, without relevant safety concerns. However, no significant improvement in functional outcomes was observed. Therefore, there is no strong evidence to recommend its use as a treatment for pDME. Further studies, preferably randomized clinical trials with long-term follow-ups, are warranted to assess the long-term efficacy, safety, and potential benefits of intravitreal MTX for the treatment of persistent DME.
PubMed: 38476576
DOI: 10.51329/mehdiophthal1480