Jitendra Singh

Abstract

Ocular toxocariasis is an uncommon worldwide parasitic infection that affects mostly children and is found in both rural and metropolitan areas. In many parts of the world, parasitic infections of the eye are a major cause of blindness. The diagnosis of toxocariasis is essentially clinical, based on the lesion morphology and supportive laboratory data such as serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) titers and ELISA Toxocara titers on aqueous humor; other diagnostic methods are imaging studies including optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, computed tomography, and ocular ultrasound. Treatment is directed at complications arising from intraocular inflammation and vitreous membrane traction. Early vitrectomy may be of value both diagnostically and therapeutically.   Keywords: Toxocariasis, Humans, Ocular larva migrans, Public health

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Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to report the surgical outcomes of autologous Simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) performed for unilateral limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) following chemical injury. Materials and Methods: This was single centre prospective case series of patients who developed unilateral LSCD after chemical injury and underwent SLET between December 2018 and September 2019 with follow up of 3-6 months. Primary outcome was restoration of completely epithelized avascular corneal surface. The secondary outcome was percentage of eyes which gained vision. Results: This study included 5 eyes of 5 patients with follow up of 3-6 months. Stable corneal surface was obtained clinically in 4 cases out of 5 and visual acuity gain seen in 3 patients. The factors associated with failure of vision improvement were time of chemical injury (during childhood), duration of injury to SLET procedure and previous history of surgical procedure. Complications seen are haemorrhage under hAM, focal recurrence, symblepharon, keratitis and loss of explants post operatively. Conclusion: Autologous SLET is an effective and safe modality for the treatment of unilateral LSCD. It causes stabilization of ocular surface and also facilitates visual improvement. In a developing country like India, with limited facilities in the healthcare system, auto-SLET is a boon for patients with unilateral LSCD. Keywords: Chemical injury, Simple limbal epithelial, transplantation, Limbal stem cell deficiency.

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