Clinical Research Directory

THE ROLE OF HEXAMIDINE DIISETHIONATE (ZAMIDINE®) 1MG/ML 0.6ML EYE DROPS IN THE PROPHYLAXIS OF SURGERY OFTALMIC

Data will be gathered from patients who report having any kind of recurrent conjunctivitis and who, in accordance with clinical practice, are scheduled to have intravitreal injections, glaucoma surgery, cataract surgery, vitrectomy, combined cataract and vitrectomy, or corneal transplantation. The data will be obtained using pseudonyms from the patients' medical records and will include the outcomes of swabs and surgeries performed in accordance with clinical practice for the patient's condition. The following swabs will be taken into consideration for data analysis: Four days before to surgery, a conjunctival swab is used to check for the presence and load of species that do not make up the typical conjunctival flora (Baseline-T0). On the day of operation, a conjunctival swab is taken before to entering the recovery room (T1). Following three minutes of 5% iodopovidone instillation in the eye to be operated on, a conjunctival swab (T2) was used. Additionally, we will gather follow-up data from the medical record 24 and 30 hours after surgery (at day 34 +/- 7 days).

Investigating Epstein-Barr Virus Associated Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis means inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin transparent layer over the white of the eye and under the eyelids. Acute conjunctivitis caused by infection is the most common condition seen in ophthalmic emergency departments, accounting for up to 10% of cases. It is responsible for 41% of eye-related general practice consultations. A diagnosis is usually made on the patient's symptoms and signs, despite this being less reliable than laboratory testing. When a cause is found, it is usually a common cold virus called adenovirus, that gets better with time and does not require treatment. Through investigating cases of conjunctivitis at Moorfields, it has been discovered that in addition to adenovirus, Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is sometimes detected in conjunctival swabs from individuals with conjunctivitis. EBV is a very common viral infection that 95% of adults have experienced. EBV infection mostly passes unnoticed but when symptoms do occur, they include a sore throat, high temperature, swollen glands and tiredness, often called glandular fever or infectious mononucleosis. Conjunctivitis can also occur. EBV remains in the body after infection and rarely causes further problems. The virus can become active again occasionally, which is known as reactivation. Reactivation usually passes unnoticed but sometimes is associated with recurrence of symptoms. It is possible that reactivation may cause conjunctivitis. It is not certain, which is will be observed as a part of this study, as it might be the cause of some of the conjunctivitis seen. Through a collaboration with University College London (UCL), the aim is to gain further insight into infectious conjunctivitis, particularly in relation to EBV. This will be done by taking a swab of the conjunctiva, a single blood test and a tiny (1-2mm) tissue sample from the inner eyelid. Improved knowledge will allow the research team to develop better guidance and treatment for patients with conjunctivitis.