Artificial Eye Research Articles

A custom-made conformer wrapped in lower oral mucosa for the correction of severely contracted socket.

To investigate the clinical effects of a custom-made conformer wrapped in lower oral mucosa for the correction of severely contracted socket. Clinical data and photographs of 32 patients with severely contracted socket were retrospectively analyzed. Among the 32 cases, 21 were males and 11 were females. Their ages ranged from 20 to 71 years (mean, 45 years). Each patient underwent conjunctival sac plasty using a custom-made conformer wrapped by oral mucosa, then compression bandage for 1 month. All patients received tarsorrhaphy 6 months postoperatively, and an artificial eye was worn 1 week later. All the grafts were fully vascularized. The conjunctival sacs had enough space to fit the desirable artificial eyes, and adequate aesthetic outcomes were reached postoperatively. The mean depth of the upper fornix was 4.28 ± 0.66 mm preoperatively and 18.84 ± 0.65 mm postoperatively (p < 0.01), and lower fornix depth was 2.69 ± 0.42 and 8.78 ± 0.82 mm, respectively (p < 0.01). Lower lip deformity occurred in one case. A custom-made conformer wrapped in lower oral mucosa was a safe and effective grafting material. The grafts can be effectively used in the reconstruction of severely contracted socket and lead to good cosmetic outcomes.

Custom-made artificial eyes using 3D printing for dogs: A preliminary study.

Various incurable eye diseases in companion animals often result in phthisis bulbi and eye removal surgery. Currently, the evisceration method using silicone balls is useful in animals; however, it is not available to those with impaired cornea or severe ocular atrophy. Moreover, ocular implant and prostheses are not widely used because of the diversity in animal size and eye shape, and high manufacturing cost. Here, we produced low-cost and customized artificial eyes, including implant and prosthesis, using computer-aided design and three-dimensional (3D) printing technique. For 3D modeling, the size of the artificial eyes was optimized using B-mode ultrasonography. The design was exported to STL files, and then printed using polycaprolactone (PCL) for prosthesis and mixture of PCL and hydroxyapatite (HA) for ocular implant. The 3D printed artificial eyes could be produced in less than one and half hour. The prosthesis was painted using oil colors and biocompatible resin. Two types of eye removal surgery, including evisceration and enucleation, were performed using two beagle dogs, as a preliminary study. After the surgery, the dogs were clinically evaluated for 6 months and then histopathological evaluation of the implant was done. Ocular implant was biocompatible and host tissue ingrowth was induced after in vivo application. The custom-made prosthesis was cosmetically excellent. Although long-term clinical follow-up might be required, the use of 3D printed-customized artificial eyes may be beneficial for animals that need personalized artificial eye surgery.

Approaches to the treatment of Sjogren’s syndrome: recommendations and review of the literature

Еру primary Sjogren’s Syndrome (PSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology with the specific predisposition to the occurrence of exocrine gland inflammation. This disease is characterized by the presence of the sicca syndrome and systemic manifestations, including inflammatory arthritis, skin lesions, hematological disorders, neuropathies, interstitial lung disease. Systemic manifestations occur in 70 % of patients with PSS. In addition, such patients are characterized by a high risk of developing B-cell lymphoma, comprising 5 — 10 %. Over the past decade, a series of practical guidelines for managing patients with PSS have been published, based on the systematic reviews involving both experts and patients. This literature review on the treatment of PSS is based on an analysis of current recommendations, systematic reviews, and clinical studies. Treatment stratification aims to alleviate symptoms, stimulate secretion, prevent damage, and suppress the activity of a systemic disease. The first-line therapy for treating dry eye syndrome should be volume replacement and lubrication using artificial tear preparations and eye gels, the main components of which should be lubricants with a polymer base or agents. With systemic involvement, glucocorticoids (GC) should be used in the minimum dose and for the period of time necessary to control an active systemic disease, pulse therapy with methylprednisolone followed by 0.5 mg/kg per day or less can be considered as induction therapy for severe manifestations, and doses &lt; 0.5 mg/kg per day for moderate/less severe manifestations. Methotrexate is considered the drug of choice for patients with significant inflammatory arthritis. A systemic organ-specific therapeutic approach for PSS consists in the sequential (or combined) use of GC, immunosuppressants, and biologicals.Sjogren’s syndrome; treatment; sicca; systemic manifestations; guidelines.

Microfabrication of bioinspired curved artificial compound eyes: a review

Eyes are one of the most important organs for natural creatures to perceive external information. The curved compound eyes of insects endowing with merits of a wide field of view (FOV), high sensitivity and detecting quick moving targets have aroused extensive concern. There are mainly two categories of compound eyes in nature. One is apposition eyes which can avoid light crosstalk and the other is superposition ones with higher sensitivity. With the rapid development of micron and nano machining technologies, the fabrication techniques of compound eyes have experienced changes from waveguide self-writing initially to advanced femtosecond laser method through thermal reflow and other processes. The diameters of compound eyes varies from the original several hundreds micrometers to the smallest 5 µm currently, which is much closer to the natural ones. Therefore, a critical review is presented to systematically summary and compare the micromachining processes of curved artificial compound eyes in recent years from the perspective of microfabrication technology. Finally, we describe a broad applications including navigation and location, digital camera and rapid detection of moving objects as well as existing challenges and future perspective of curved artificial compound eyes. It is hoped that this review can help researchers to gain a better overall understanding of microfabrication in this field and push forward it to a new stage.

The Complex Treatment Algorithm for Dry Eye Syndrome with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. Combination of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) with Eyelid Hygiene and Artificial Tears

Nowadays, Meibomian gland dysfunction is considered as the leading cause of dry eye syndrome. Standard methods of the treatment rather often give us only shirt term remission, that’s why so actually to find new alternative treatment options with increasing of patients’ life quality and possibility for long-time remission. This study was directed to evaluate the effectiveness of complex dry eye treatment, included transdermal Intensive Pulse Light method, combined with preservative-free forms of eyelid hygiene and artificial tears eye drops. The study involved 30 patients (60 eyes) with dry eye syndrome and meibomian gland dysfunction. There were included patients with severe conjunctival hyperemia, follicular reaction, meibomeitis with changed, heavy Meibomian glands secret, rough eyelid margin, telangiectasias, tear break-up time (Norn test) not more than 5 seconds, necessity of very frequent instillations of artificial tear eye drops. All patients in anamnesis had already received courses of antiinflammation, artificial tears therapy and had courses of eyelid hygiene (eyelid margin massage with glass stick) with short-term positive dynamic and returning of symptoms during one month. As a result of studied algorithm, with a help of Intensive Pulse Light it was possible to decrease the period of positive dynamic receiving. From the other side, preservative-free forms of artificial tears eye drops (Hylaback) and eyelid hygiene (Blephaclean TheaGel Steri-Free) gave the prolongation of positive effect.

A multi-focusing curved artificial compound eye compatible with planar image sensors

Curved artificial compound eyes (CACEs) have great potential applications in wide field-of-view (FOV) imaging and fast-moving detection. However, there is a mismatch focal plane between the uniform CACEs and planar commercially available image sensors (CCD or CMOS). To solve this problem, we designed a multi-focusing CACE with a radius of curvature of 4 mm and fabricated it via thermal reflow and multiple replication processes in this letter. The clear subimages of edge region captured by camera system with a multi-focusing CACE indicate that this design can effectively solve the incompatibility between the uniform compound eyes and the planar commercially available image sensors.

Designable Ultratransparent and Superhydrophobic Surface of Embedded Artificial Compound Eye with Extremely Low Adhesion

Real-world implementation of artificial compound eye (ACE) has been limited by its poor transparency and high requirement for the stable Cassie state. In general, the improvement of surface dewetting performance sacrifices the transparency of ACE. Herein, ACE was obtained by an integrated manufacturing technology that combined photolithography, microprinting, and chemical growth. Through skillful manipulation of the fabrication process, dewetting hairs were fabricated on the top of micropillars and around the microlens. The combination of nanohairs and micropillars resulted in outstanding superhydrophobicity (∼170°), pristine lotus effect with low sliding angle (∼1°), and contact angle hysteresis (∼2°). Moreover, the surface showed almost no adhesion under a preload of 4 mN, exhibiting excellent stable Cassie state and antiadhesion performance. Furthermore, dynamic impact showed that the impacting droplet was quickly detached from the surface (contact time ∼14.1 ms) without sticking for We = 60. The designed transparency resulted in high performance of optical unit (∼99%, bare glass for comparison). Moreover, ACE exhibited better focusing and imaging capability under larger aperture diameter than microlens without nanohairs. We envision that this research presents a significant advancement in imparting superhydrophobicity and transparency to a so-far inapplicable family of optical devices for many practical outdoor applications.

Двумерная модель фасеточного зрения

One of the modern promising areas of research in the field of machine vision is visualization systems based on artificial compound eyes, which are based on the principles of organizing insect vision. Such eyes have a complex structure, the main elements of which are visual elements called ommatidium. In this paper, we construct a mathematical model of binocular facet vision in two-dimensional space. This model allows you to describe the tasks of navigating a robotic device and detecting objects on a plane. In the proposed model, the faceted eye is a regular polygon with a 360° view. The main parameters of the model are the number of facets (ommatidia) in one eye, the radius of the circle described around the eye, and the distance between the eyes. The model assumes that the ommatidia fields of view of one eye do not intersect. Circles of various diameters appear as observed objects. We derive the formula for determining the number of ommatidium in which the point with the specified coordinates falls. We prove a theorem on the necessary and sufficient condition for a given circle to fall into the field of view of an ommatidium with a given number. An algorithm for constructing a training sample for an artificial neural network based on a two-dimensional facet vision model is proposed.

The UK National Artificial Eye Questionnaire study: predictors of artificial eye wearers' experience part 1-comfort and satisfaction.

To report associations with comfort and with appearance satisfaction in artificial eye wearers. Multicentre, observational, cross-sectional study, nationwide within the National Health Service England. The National Artificial Eye Questionnaire (NAEQ) was completed by 951 respondents. Multiple regressions assessed associations between the experiences of artificial eye wearers, routine management, changes over time, baseline and demographic parameters and their reported comfort, satisfaction with appearance and prosthesis motility. Better comfort levels were associated with needing less lubrication (β = 0.24, p < 0.001), older age (β = 0.17, p = 0.014), less discharge (β = 0.16, p < 0.001), less frequent cleaning (β = 0.16, p = 0.043), and male gender (β = 0.06, p = 0.047). Greater satisfaction with the appearance of the artificial eye was associated with better perceived motility (β = 0.57, p < 0.001). Black ethnic origin predicted a lower satisfaction with the appearance (β = -0.17, p = 0.001). Greater satisfaction with the motility was associated with a better appearance rating (β = 0.51, p < 0.001), longer time of having an artificial eye (β = 0.13, p < 0.001), older age (β = 0.11, p = 0.042), and a shorter adjustment time (β = -0.07, p = 0.016). Of the testimonials concerning appearance aspects, the majority (21/45, 46.7%) were related to the effect on social interactions. The results suggest that more attention should be given to the "dry anophthalmic socket syndrome" as a key cause of discomfort. Young patients are concerned particularly about the motility of the artificial eye. Over time satisfaction with the artificial eye movement is likely to improve.

Issues of rehabilitation of the patients with symblepharon using oral mucosal autografts.

To systematize clinical variants of symblepharon and to analyze rehabilitation availability boundaries in patients with different forms of symblepharons. Retrospective analysis of clinical cases included 26 patients with local, subtotal, and total symblepharon (ankyloblepharon) with a normal or anophthalmic orbit. In all patients, symblepharon was operated using split- or full-thickness oral mucosal autografts and their fixation with U-shaped stitches and compression plates. Preoperatively and postoperatively, best-corrected visual acuity, IOP, extraocular motility, results of Schirmer I test, and tear break-up time with slit-lamp biomicroscopy were analyzed, as well as additional ultrasound and electrophysiological studies were performed in some cases. Follow-up period lasted from 1.5 to 6 years. The proposed surgical technique using mucosal autografts in all patients allowed complete anatomical restoration of conjunctival fornices and cavity. It resulted in improvement of visual function in patients with local symblepharon, full restoration of ocular motility in patients with a presence of the eye and provided an opportunity to wear artificial eye in patients with anophthalmia. Nonetheless, loss of conjunctival Krause's and Wolfring lacrimal glands, goblet cells, meibomian glands, and limbal stem cells prevents from further optic keratoplasty in patients with total or subtotal symblepharon on potentially sighted eye. The most difficult patients for visual rehabilitation were the ones with subtotal or total symblepharon (ankyloblepharon) on potentially sighted eye due to the loss of conjunctival goblet cells, meibomian glands, and limbal stem cells.

Novel artificial eye service evaluation using patient reported outcome measures.

This service evaluation explores patient reported outcomes from patients provided with high definition ocular prostheses (artificial eyes). Validated patient questionnaires (FACE-Q, DAS24 and HADS) were utilised to evaluate patient experiences of their new ocular prosthesis. 10 patients were included in the service evaluation, which was conducted between December 2018 and September 2019. Descriptive analysis of the mean and 95% CI was undertaken for all questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21 Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for FACE-Q questionnaires. Correlations were significant when factor loading is at α > 0.4. A questionnaire response rate of 80% was achieved (n = 8). PCA analysis showed the number of variables tested could be reduced. Two principal components (PC1 and PC2) had very good to excellent internal consistency between variables with factor loading (α = 0.7-0.9). PC1 contained questionnaires 1-7, all of which were highly correlated. PC2 contained question number 8 with a factor loading of α = 0.8. This indicates good reliability, validity and responsiveness. We hope to demonstrate the importance of service evaluations with respect to rapidly evolving technological advances in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and imaging modalities. Further feasibility and full clinical studies are required to confirm the positive results of the novel artificial eye service we have evaluated with respect to the traditional approach.

Mini-Review on Bioinspired Superwetting Microlens Array and Compound Eye.

Microlens arrays (MLAs) and MLA-based artificial compound eyes (ACEs) are the important miniaturized optical components in modern micro-optical systems. However, their optical performance will seriously decline once they are wetted by water droplets (such as fog, dew, and rain droplets) or are polluted by contaminations in a humid environment. In this mini-review, we summarize the research works related to the fabrication of superwetting MLAs and ACEs and show how to integrate superhydrophobic and superoleophobic microstructures with an MLA. The fabrication strategy can be split into two categories. One is the hybrid pattern composed of the MLA domain and the superwetting domain. Another is the direct formation of superwetting nanostructures on the surface of the microlenses. The superhydrophobicity or superoleophobicity endows the MLAs and ACEs with liquid repellence and self-cleaning function besides excellent optical performance. We believe that the superwetting MLAs and ACEs will have significant applications in various optical systems that are often used in the humid or liquid environment.

Environment-Adaptable Photonic-Electronic-Coupled Neuromorphic Angular Visual System.

Environment-adaptable photonic-electronic-coupled devices can help overcome major challenges related to the extraction of highly specific angular information, such as human visual perception. However, a true implementation of such a device has rarely been investigated thus far. Herein, we provide an approach and demonstrate a proof-of-concept solid-state semiconductor-based highly transparent, optical-electrical-coupled, self-adaptive angular visual perception system that can fulfill the versatile criteria of the human vision system. Specifically, all of the primitive functions of visual perception, such as broad angular sensing, processing, and manifold memory storage, are demonstrated and comodulated using optical and electric pulses. This development represents an essential step forward in the fabrication of an environment-adaptable artificial angular perception framework with deep implications in the fields of optoelectronics, artificial eyes, and memory storage applications.

Face and content validity of an artificial eye model for Ab-Interno Goniotomy

To determine the face and content validity of an artificial eye model for ab-interno goniotomy (SimulEYE KDB model, InsEYEt, Westlake Village, CA) by surveying ophthalmologists with varying experience using a Kahook Dual Blade (KDB; New World Medical, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA) following a 90-min wet-lab course using the model. Overall 13 ophthalmologists participated following a surgical simulation session on goniotomy using the goniotomy blade at the 2019 Canadian Ophthalmological Society annual meeting. A 17-question survey to assess the face and content validity of the model was given immediately following the surgical simulation session on goniotomy using the goniotomy blade. Responses to each survey question were recorded on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from (1) strongly agree to (5) strongly disagree. Respondents rated statements regarding the model with a median response of 1 (Strongly Agree) to 3 (Neither agree or disagree). Mann-Whitney U nonparametric analysis revealed no significant difference in responses between instructor vs. non-instructor or between prior experience vs. no prior experience for any of the survey statements. The model received highest survey ratings for utility in training residents, acquisition of surgical skills, accessibility, and higher likelihood of success with the procedure than theory and observation alone. Lowest ratings were for realism of the model compared to a human cadaveric eye. Our results suggest the SimulEYE KDB model is a reasonably cost-effective solution for simulating angle-based surgeries. Additionally, our project shows that experienced ophthalmologists found the artificial eye models useful and helpful for angle-based surgery training.

Optical and Visual Quality With Physical and Visually Simulated Presbyopic Multifocal Contact Lenses.

PurposeAs multifocal contact lenses (MCLs) expand as a solution for presbyopia correction, a better understanding of their optical and visual performance becomes essential. Also, providing subjects with the experience of multifocal vision before contact lens fitting becomes critical, both to systematically test different multifocal designs and to optimize selection in the clinic. In this study, we evaluated the ability of a simultaneous vision visual simulator (SimVis) to represent MCLs.MethodsThrough focus (TF) optical and visual quality with a center-near aspheric MCL (low, medium and high near adds) were measured using a multichannel polychromatic Adaptive Optics visual simulator equipped with double-pass, SimVis (temporal multiplexing), and psychophysical channels to allow measurements on-bench and in vivo. On bench TF optical quality of SimVis-simulated MCLs was obtained from double-pass (DP) images and images of an E-stimulus using artificial eyes. Ten presbyopic subjects were fitted with the MCL. Visual acuity (VA) and DP retinal images were measured TF in a 4.00 D range with the MCL on eye, and through SimVis simulations of the same MCLs on the same subjects.ResultsTF optical (on bench and in vivo) and visual (in vivo) quality measurements captured the expected broadening of the curves with increasing add. Root mean square difference between real and SimVis-simulated lens was 0.031/0.025 (low add), 0.025/0.015 (medium add), 0.019/0.011 (high add), for TF DP and TF LogMAR VA, respectively. A shape similarity metric shows high statistical values (lag κ = 0), rho = 0.811/0.895 (low add), 0.792/0.944 (medium add), and 0.861/0.915 (high add) for TF DP/LogMAR VA, respectively.ConclusionsMCLs theoretically and effectively expand the depth of focus. A novel simulator, SimVis, captured the through-focus optical and visual performance of the MCL in most of the subjects. Visual simulators allow subjects to experience vision with multifocal lenses prior to testing them on-eye.Translational RelevanceSimultaneous visual simulators allow subjects to experience multifocal vision non-invasively. We demonstrated equivalency between real multifocal contact lenses and SimVis-simulated lenses. The results suggest that SimVis is a suitable technique to aid selection of presbyopic corrections in the contactology practice.

Development of a new scleral contact lens with encapsulated photodetectors for eye tracking.

Most eye trackers nowadays are video-based, which allows for a relatively simple and non-invasive approach but also imposes several constraints in terms of necessary computing power and conditions of use (e.g., lighting, spectacles, etc.). We introduce a new eye tracker using a scleral lens equipped with photodiodes and an eyewear with active illumination. The direction of gaze is obtained from the weighted average of photocurrents (centroid) and communicated through an optical link. After discussing the optimum photodiodes configuration (number, layout) and associated lighting (collimated, Lambertian), we present prototypes demonstrating the high performances possibilities (0.11° accuracy when placed on an artificial eye) and wireless optical communication.

UK National Artificial Eye Questionnaire study: comparisons between cosmetic shell and artificial eye users. Part 1: demographics, comfort and satisfaction

AimsTo compare the unique experiences related to artificial eye (AE) versus cosmetic shell (CS) wear.MethodsIn this observational, cross-sectional study, the National Artificial Eye Questionnaire (NAEQ) was employed nationwide within the...

A Cross-Sectional Study of Ocular Injuries in an Industrial Hospital of Chhattisgarh

No doubt ‘sight’ is the best gift of life from God. Although scientific advancement of 21st. Century has developed many artificial organs for human body but an artificial eye that can see is not developed yet. The ocular injury doesn’t lead to death but the consequence in terms of visual impairment or blindness, snatches the zeal to live life. Bhilai, being the industrial area, the load of ocular injuryis quite high. Keeping in view, this study was planned to assess the ocular injury cases of this region. This cross-sectional study was conducted in department of Ophthalmology of Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital and research centre, Bhilai. Total 250 cases of ocular injury came to hospital during 1st August 2016 to July 2017 were assessed for age, sex as well as industrial and non-industrial distribution of ocular injuries. Ocular injuries were commonest in the age group 20-29 years (29.2%) and majority of patients were males 75.2% whereas females were 24.8%. Industrial ocular injuries were 18% among that iron chip is the commonest cause 7.6%. However, majority of ocular cases were non industrial 82% and the main mode were domestic injuries and casual accidents 43.6% The first three decades of life are more vulnerable to ocular trauma especially in males because of more exposure to outdoor life. Better compliance with Factories Act, 1948 is the reason of lower incidence of industrial associated ocular injuries in the study denoting safe working environment of this region.

Lens-induced myopization and intraocular pressure in young guinea pigs

BackgroundIntraocular pressure (IOP) is an important physiological measure of the eye and is associated with some ocular disorders. We aimed to assess the influence of topical beta blocker-induced IOP reduction on lens-induced axial elongation in young guinea pigs.MethodsThe experimental study included 20 pigmented guinea pigs (age: 2–3 weeks). Myopia was induced in the right eyes for 5 weeks with − 10 diopter lenses. The right eyes additionally received either one drop of carteolol 2% (study group, n = 10) or one drop of artificial tears daily (control group, n = 10), while the contralateral eyes of all animals remained untouched. The outcome parameter was axial elongation during the follow-up period. The mean of all IOP measurements taken during the study was referred to as mean IOP.ResultsGreater axial elongation was associated with a shorter axial length at baseline (P < 0.001; standardized regression coefficient beta: − 0.54) and lens-induced myopization (P < 0.001; beta: 0.55). In the multivariable model, axial elongation was not significantly correlated with the IOP at study end (P = 0.59), the mean IOP during the study period (P = 0.12), the mean of all IOP measurements (P = 0.17), the difference between the IOP at study end and baseline IOP (P = 0.38), the difference between the mean IOP during the study period and the baseline IOP (P = 0.11), or the application of carteolol eye drops versus artificial tears eye drops (P = 0.07). The univariate analysis of the relationships between axial elongation and the IOP parameters yielded similar results. The inter-eye difference between the right eye and the left eye in axial elongation was significantly associated with the inter-eye difference in baseline axial length (P = 0.001; beta:-0.67) but not significantly correlated with the inter-eye difference in any of the IOP-related parameters (all P > 0.25).ConclusionsIn young guinea pigs with or without lens-induced axial elongation, neither the physiological IOP nor the IOP reduced by carteolol, a topical beta-blocker, was associated with the magnitude of axial elongation. These results suggest that IOP, regardless of whether it is influenced by carteolol, does not play a major role in axial elongation in young guinea pigs.

Fabrication of Waterproof Artificial Compound Eyes with Variable Field of View Based on the Bioinspiration from Natural Hierarchical Micro\u2013Nanostructures

HighlightsBioinspired by natural superhydrophobic surface with hierarchical micro–nanostructures, waterproof artificial compound eyes with variable field of view (FOV) were fabricated by a simple and effective manufacturing method.The fabricated artificial compound eyes exhibited excellent waterproof property, tunability of the FOV and optical performance.