Current Issue
Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) is a severe manifestation of mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) characterised by a chronic, relapsing-remitting, typically bilateral and progressive conjunctivitis associated with scarring. The final consequence of the underlying autoimmune process is subepithelial conjunctival fibrosis and shrinkage, which, if left untreated, may lead to symblepharon formation, forniceal foreshortening, severe ocular surface disease, and ultimately irreversible visual loss. Ocular involvement is reported in approximately 60-70% of MMP cases and is considered a high-risk presentation with significant prognostic implications. The pathogenesis of OCP is based on an autoimmune type II hypersensitivity reaction. In genetically predisposed individuals, environmental triggers may initiate autoantibody binding to antigens within the conjunctival basement membrane zone, resulting in complement activation, release of inflammatory mediators, chronic inflammation, and progressive cicatrisation. Diagnosis relies on clinical suspicion supported by conjunctival biopsy with direct immunofluorescence (DIF). A positive DIF typically demonstrates linear deposition of immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgA (occasionally IgM), and complement component C3 along the epithelial basement membrane zone. However, biopsy results may be falsely negative in a substantial proportion of cases, therefore the diagnosis should not be excluded solely on the basis of negative immunopathology, and careful clinical evaluation remains essential. OCP is a chronic, lifelong disease requiring long-term follow-up. Early recognition and prompt initiation of systemic immunomodulatory therapy are crucial, as they may halt or slow disease progression and improve visual prognosis. Delayed diagnosis can result in severe, irreversible ocular complications, highlighting the pivotal role of ophthalmologists in early detection and the need for multidisciplinary management.
Advances in premium intraocular lenses have significantly expanded the possibilities of refractive cataract surgery, but have also led to a heterogeneous nomenclature. A working group of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) has developed an evidence-based classification system grounded in clinical performance. The system evaluates functional vision based on the defocus curve and depth of focus. Accordingly, intraocular lenses can be classified into uniform categories independent of optical design. The aim of the classification is to enable reproducible comparisons and to systematise realistic clinical expectations. The purpose of this review is to present the development, necessity, and details of the functional classification of intraocular lenses.
X-linked lymphoproliferative XLP) is a rare condition associated Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection is widespread in the adult population, typically causing mild symptoms in children and presenting as mononucleosis in adolescents and adults. In XLP, EBV infection triggers a fulminant immune response. The clinical manifestations and course of the disease can vary significantly. There is very limited literature available regarding ophthalmic complications associated with XLP. The purpose of this case report is to highlight potential ophthalmic consequences and present treatment options. The authors describe the case of a 5-year-old boy in whom genetic testing confirmed haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, which in this case, led to secondary glaucoma and bilateral retinal necrosis. The patient's ophthalmic symptoms showed regression following local and systemic steroid and antiviral therapy.
Choroidal melanoma is the most common primary malignant tumor of the eye. One of the most significant breakthroughs in its treatment was the introduction of brachytherapy, which made eye preservation possible. Previously, the diagnosis almost always meant the removal of the eye; however, with the advent of plaque radiotherapy, targeted treatment of the tumor became feasible. The history of ophthalmic brachytherapy dates back to the early 20th century, but a major advancement came with the use of the ruthenium-106 isotope. This beta-emitting isotope has limited tissue penetration, allowing effective destruction of the tumor while sparing the surrounding healthy tissues. Today, brachytherapy is one of the most commonly used treatments for uveal melanoma, especially for small and medium-sized tumors. In Hungary, ruthenium-106 brachytherapy was introduced in 1986 and has since become a widely used eye-preserving procedure. Although brachytherapy is effective for small and medium-sized tumours, its role remains limited in larger cases. The goal for the future is to expand eye-preserving options through new combined treatment approaches, allowing more patients to avoid eye removal.
