Corneal Changes Research Articles

Regional Summed Corneal Refractive Power Changes in Myopic Orthokeratology and Their Relationships With Axial Elongation.

To determine the relationship between regional summed corneal refractive power changes (CRPCs) in myopic orthokeratology and axial elongation. This retrospective study included 70 eyes of 70 patients aged 8 years to 13 years who underwent orthokeratology lens (OK lens) treatment, and all patients underwent regular follow-ups at 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center between January 2019 and May 2021. Axial length (AL) was measured at baseline and 12 months by an IOLmaster 5.0. Refractive error power was measured using cycloplegia. Regional summed CRPCs were calculated by MATLAB software using difference tangential power maps at the sixth month acquired by corneal topography measurements (Medmont E300 Corneal Topographer; Medmont Pty, Victoria, Australia) and defined as changes in corneal refractive power at the sixth month from baseline. The regional summed CRPCs were then subdivided into 4-mm diameter circles, 4- to 5-mm diameter chords, and 5- to 6-mm diameter chords according to the distance from the central of the pupil and into negative, positive, and total according to the values. Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression analysis, and stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were performed to analyze the relationships among these parameters. Axial elongation had a negative relationship with positive regional summed corneal refractive power in the central 4-mm diameter circle and age (r=-0.282, P =0.018; r=-0.473, P <0.001, respectively) and a positive relationship with negative regional summed corneal refractive power in the 5- to 6-mm diameter chord (r=0.361, P =0.002). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis identified age (standardized β =-0.434, P <0.001) and negative regional summed corneal refractive power in the 5- to 6-mm diameter chord (standardized β =0.305, P =0.004) as factors influencing AL elongation. Negative regional summed corneal refractive power in a 5- to 6-mm diameter chord after OK lens treatment may be an important index for evaluating the control effects of axial elongation.

Docosahexaenoic acid eliminates endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammatory pathways in diabetic rat keratopathy

Diabetic keratopathy, characterized by corneal structural changes, is a common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, has shown potential therapeutic benefits in various diabetic complications. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of DHA on corneal tissue in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 DM in rats. Forty male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 10 per group): Control, DHA, DM, and DM + DHA. The DHA group received DHA by oral gavage at a dose of 100 mg/kg daily for 10 days. In the DM group, diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ at 50 mg/kg. Confirmation of diabetes induction was based on monitoring fasting blood glucose levels on the third day post-injection. The DM + DHA group underwent the same diabetes induction protocol with STZ and received DHA at 100 mg/kg daily via oral gavage for 10 consecutive days. Corneal tissue samples were collected at the end of the study period for histopathological, immunohistochemical, qRT-PCR, and ELISA analyses. Histopathological analysis showed significant edema, angiogenesis, and degeneration in the DM group compared to the control (p < 0.001). DHA treatment significantly mitigated these changes, approaching control levels (p < 0.01). Immunohistochemistry showed increased VEGFR2 and iNOS expression in the DM group, which was significantly reduced in the DM + DHA group (p < 0.01). qRT-PCR results indicated a significant decrease in Bcl-2 expression (p < 0.001) and an increase in ATF-6, IRE1, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, NLRP3, Bax, and Caspase-3 expressions in the DM group (p < 0.001). ELISA analyses revealed significantly elevated levels of inflammatory markers NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the DM group compared to the control (p < 0.001). DHA treatment significantly upregulated Bcl-2 and downregulated apoptotic and inflammatory markers (p < 0.01). DHA demonstrated significant protective effects against STZ-induced corneal damage in diabetic rats by modulating apoptotic and inflammatory pathways. These findings suggest that DHA may be a promising therapeutic agent for preventing diabetic keratopathy.

Comparing Corneal Biomechanic Changes between Solo Cataract Surgery and Microhook Ab Interno Trabeculotomy.

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to examine the postoperative changes in the corneal biomechanical properties between solo cataract surgery and solo microhook ab interno trabeculotomy (LOT). Methods: This retrospective case-control study included 37 eyes belonging to 26 patients who underwent solo cataract surgery and 37 eyes belonging to 31 patients who underwent solo µLOT. These two groups were matched according to their preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), axial length (AL), and age. Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology (Corvis ST) was used to obtain four biomechanical parameters representing the corneal stiffness or corneal deformation at the highest concavity, including stiffness parameter A1 (SP-A1), stress-strain index (SSI), peak distance (PD), and deflection amplitude max (DefAmpMax). These parameters were compared preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively, and between the two surgical groups. Results: Preoperatively, the patients' IOP, age, and AL, as well as their results in four Corvis ST parameters, were similar between the two groups (p > 0.05). No significant difference was observed in SP-A1; however, PD and DefAmpMax were significantly larger, and SSI was significantly smaller postoperatively in the LOT group than in the cataract group. Conclusions: Corneal stiffness was reduced, and the cornea was more deformed with LOT than cataract surgery.

Development and Resolution of Subfoveal Lucency and Hyperreflective Deposits Following Silicone Oil Insertion and Removal.

Silicone oil (SO) is commonly used as a retinal tamponade during pars plana vitrectomy for complicated retinal detachments. Although fairly inert, complications such as cataract formation, intraocular pressure elevation, corneal changes, inner retinal thinning, and optic neuropathy have been noted. We report two cases of postoperative subfoveal outer retinal lucency and hyperreflective deposits following SO insertion and resolution following removal. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:XX-XX.].

Evaluation of the effect of atorvastatin on corneal endothelial cells during the initial 12-month period after acute coronary syndrome.

It was aimed to compare corneal endothelial changes during the initial 12-month period in which patients started using atorvastatin after a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Forty-six participants (group 1) who underwent cardiac angioplasty and stenting for ACS and started using 80 mg atorvastatin in the early period were included in the study. In the study, a control group comprising 71 healthy adults (group 2) was included. These individuals did not use medication for any known systemic disease, had never taken statins, had no history of ocular surgery, and did not have any cornea-related eye diseases. Baseline and 12th month endothelial evaluations of group 1 and 2 participants were compared using specular microscopy. There were 28 female and 18 male participants in group 1 and 48 female and 23 male participants in group 2 (P = 0.455). The mean baseline corneal endothelial cell density (CECD) was not significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 (2471.4 ± 200 cells/mm2 vs 2428.2 ± 539.8 cells/mm2, P = 0.230). When the change between baseline and 12th month CECD was examined, the decrease in group 2 was significantly different from that in group 1 (-15,2 ± 31,9 and -44,8 ± 49,6, P = 0,002). Although the percentage of hexagonal cells decreased significantly in group 2 participants, no significant change was observed in group 1 (respectively; P < 0.001, P = 0.073). The endothelial cell coefficient of variation did not differ significantly in group 1 participants over a 1-year period (P = 0.192), and a significant increase was observed in group 2 (P < 0.001). This study revealed that atorvastatin may have a positive effect on corneal endothelium cell density and morphology.

Impacts and Correlations on Corneal Biomechanics, Corneal Optical Density and Intraocular Pressure after Cataract Surgery.

The study aimed to investigate the extended effects and interrelations of corneal biomechanics, corneal optical density (COD), corneal thickness (CT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) following cataract surgery. Sixteen eyes were analyzed prospectively. The Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology (Corvis ST) device assessed corneal biomechanics, while the Pentacam AxL® (Pentacam) measured COD and CT. Postoperative data were collected around six months after surgery, with a subgroup analysis of data at nine months. The Pearson correlation was used to examine the relationship between surgical-induced changes in corneal biomechanics and COD. At six months, significant postoperative differences were observed in various biomechanical indices, including uncorrected IOP (IOPuct) and biomechanics-corrected IOP (bIOP). However, many indices lost statistical significance by the nine-month mark, suggesting the reversibility of postoperative corneal changes. Postoperative COD increased at the anterior layer of the 2-6 mm annulus and incision site. The changes in COD correlated with certain biomechanical indices, including maximal (Max) deformative amplitude (DA) and stiffness parameter (SP). In conclusion, despite significant immediate postoperative changes, corneal biomechanics, COD, and IOP experienced a gradual recovery process following cataract surgery. Clinicians should maintain vigilance for any unusual changes during the short-term observation period to detect abnormalities early.

Refractive outcomes after V4c Toric collamer lens implantation over 1y of follow-up.

To evaluate refractive outcomes and corneal astigmatism changes after Toric implantable collamer lens with a central port (V4c T-ICL) implantation over 1y of follow-up. A retrospective study was performed including 50 eyes of 50 patients that underwent V4c T-ICL implantation. Uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, refraction, refractive and corneal astigmatism changes and corneal coupling correction were evaluated preoperatively, 1 and 12mo postoperatively. Vector analysis was used for astigmatism changes. Coefficient of adjustment (CAdj) was calculated for corneal coupling analysis. The mean UDVA achieved was 0.03 logMAR at 1mo and remained unchanged throughout the whole follow-up (P=0.193). At the last visit, 84% of the eyes achieved a CDVA of 0.00 logMAR or better. Regarding spherical equivalent refraction (SEQ), 96% of eyes were ranges of ±1.00 D and 84% of them within ±0.50 D. Also, 94% of eyes had a remaining refractive cylinder within ±1.00 D and 78% of them within ±0.50 D. Both, SEQ and refractive cylinder, remain stable over the postoperative follow-up (P=1.000 and P=0.660, respectively). In terms of surgically induced astigmatism (SIA), no statistically significant differences were found over the follow-up (P=0.102) and under correction was found with a correction index lower than the unit at each visit. A keratometric astigmatism induced of 0.59±0.53 (vector mean: 0.26×73°) D was reached at the last visit. No significant changes in terms of corneal astigmatism orientation were reported over post-surgery visits (P=0.129 and P=0.097 at 1 and 12mo respectively). No clinical significance was found for CAdj on with-the-rule astigmatism. No postoperative complications resulting from the surgery were found. Refractive outcomes suggest that the V4c T-ICL implantation for correction of myopic astigmatism was satisfactory in terms of effectiveness, safety, and stability during 1y of follow-up. Corneal astigmatism induced by the incision around 0.5 D is achieved according to the remaining refractive cylinder found at one-year post-surgery. Corneal coupling analysis results in no unexpected spherical change.

Posterior corneal stability after small incision lenticule extraction with different optical zones.

To assess the changes in the posterior corneal surface following small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) with different optical zones. In this retrospective study, 106 eyes of 106 patients who underwent SMILE were recruited 3 years after the procedure. Eyes were divided into two groups according to the size of the surgical optical zone: group A (52 eyes, ≤6.2 mm) and group B (54 eyes, ≥6.5 mm). Posterior central elevation (PCE) and 12 other points at 45°, 135°, 225° and 315° with distances of 1 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm from the centre were recorded from Pentacam. No iatrogenic keratectasia was identified, and eyes in the two groups showed comparable visual results. The overall trend in posterior corneal elevation changes was consistent for both groups. PCE decreased significantly from 1.33 ± 2.32 to 0.75 ± 2.41 in group A (P = 0.024) and from 0.87 ± 2.61 to 0.06 ± 2.74 in group B (P = 0.003). All points in the central 2 mm region in both groups were reduced postoperatively. In the 4 mm and 6 mm corneal annulus, almost all points at 225°and 315° showed backward displacement, with the most prominent change occurring at 315° in the 6 mm annulus (P < 0.001), indicating no forward protrusion in the inferior area. No forward protrusion in the posterior corneal surface was observed 3 years after SMILE with different optical zones. Comprehensive preoperative measurements are essential for ensuring corneal stability and avoiding iatrogenic keratectasia.

Tear Fluid Progranulin as a Noninvasive Biomarker for the Monitoring of Corneal Innervation Changes in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

This study aimed to investigate the expression levels of progranulin (PGRN) in the tears of patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) versus healthy controls. Additionally, we sought to explore the correlation between PGRN levels and the severity of ocular surface complications in patients with diabetes. In this prospective, single-visit, cross-sectional study, patients with DR (n = 48) and age-matched healthy controls (n = 22) were included and underwent dry eye examinations. Tear fluid was collected, and its components were analyzed using the Luminex assay. The subbasal nerve plexus of all participants was evaluated by in vivo confocal microscopy. Patients with DR exhibited more severe dry eye symptoms, along with a reduction in nerve fiber density, length, and branch density within the subbasal nerve plexus, accompanied by an increase in the number of dendritic cells. Tear PGRN levels were also significantly lower in patients with diabetes than in normal controls, and the levels of some inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, and MMP-9) were higher in patients with DR. Remarkably, the PGRN level significantly correlated with nerve fiber density (R = 0.48, P < 0.001), nerve fiber length (R = 0.65, P < 0.001), and nerve branch density (R = 0.69, P < 0.001). Tear PGRN levels might reflect morphological changes in the corneal nerve plexus under diabetic conditions, suggesting that PGRN itself is a reliable indicator for predicting the advancement of neurotrophic keratopathy in patients with diabetes. PGRN insufficiency on the ocular surface under diabetic conditions was found to be closely associated with nerve impairment, providing a novel perspective to discover the pathogenesis of diabetic complications, which could help in developing innovative therapeutic strategies.

A Comparison of Functional Endothelial Changes between Phacoemulsification with PCIOL and Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery with PCIOL

Intraocular surgery e.g., cataract surgery with PCIOL implantation is one of the leading causes of corneal endothelial injury and change in the functionality of the cornea. This observational study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology of Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka Cantonment, Dhaka, Bangladesh, between January and July of 2016, to assess and compare functional changes in cornea (i.e., endothelial thickness) after phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) implantation and manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) with PCIOL implantation. A total of 80 patients of age-related cataract were randomly selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. All patients underwent complete ophthalmic evaluation pre- and post-operatively (at day 1, after 1 week and 3 months) specifically for observation of the endothelial changes in cornea. Specular microscopy was done to assess corneal endothelial change. The mean central corneal thickness was increased at day 1 (564.71±22.45μ vs. 555.10±40.57μ), after 1 week (539.43±22.16μ vs. 535.08±38.87μ) and 3 months (523.49±21.29μ vs. 520.05±33.68μ) after phacoemulsification and MSICS from their preoperative value (508.72±23.96μ vs. 503.62±32.06μ) respectively. However, the differences were not statistically significant between two groups (P&gt;0.05). The mean percentage of central corneal thickness change at day1, after 1 week and after 3 months following cataract surgery were found 11.01±6.30% and 10.22±26.54% at day 1, 6.04±7.52% and 6.25±21.24% after 1 week, 2.90±11.14% and 3.26±5.05% after 3 months in phacoemulsification and MSICS cases respectively. However, no statistically significant difference was observed in percentage of central corneal thickness change of both groups (P&gt;0.05). To summarize, an increased central corneal thickness was observed after phacoemulsification and SICS from their preoperative values. Mugda Med Coll J. 2024; 7(1): 14-18

Changes in the Objective Vision Quality of Adolescents in a Mesopic Visual Environment After Wearing Orthokeratology Lenses: A Prospective Study.

This study aimed to investigate changes in objective vision quality in mesopic environments in teenagers with myopia after wearing orthokeratology (OK) lenses. This prospective clinical study included 45 patients (80 eyes) who received OK lenses at the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University from March 2021 to September 2021. An Optical Path Difference-Scan III refractive power/corneal analyzer was used to determine the corneal topographic parameters (corneal e, corneal Q, surface asymmetry index (SAI), and surface regularity index (SRI)), higher-order aberrations (HOAs), axial length (AL) change, lens decentration, induced astigmatism, target power, and Strehl ratio (SR) in a mesopic visual environment after wearing OK lenses for 6 months. In addition, corneal morphological parameters, HOAs, and SR were analyzed in a mesopic visual environment. Finally, we investigated the correlations among corneal morphology, HOAs, AL change, lens decentration, induced astigmatism, and SR. The SAI value was significantly higher ( P <0.01), and the corneal e was significantly lower ( P <0.01), in a mesopic visual environment after wearing OK lenses for 1 week than baseline. A significant increase was observed in total HOAs and spherical aberrations, compared with before the OK lenses were worn ( P <0.01). In addition, SR in the mesopic visual environment decreased significantly after wearing the lenses ( P <0.01). No significant differences were observed ( P >0.05) among the 1-week, 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month follow-up findings. After 6 months, AL and lens decentration did not differ significantly compared with before ( P >0.05), whereas induced astigmatism significantly increased ( P <0.05). Negative correlations were observed between corneal Q, SAI, SRI, HOAs, induced astigmatism, and SR, and positive correlations were found between corneal e, AL change, lens decentration, and SR, after wearing OK lenses. • Wearing orthokeratology lenses significantly altered corneal morphology and HOAs in myopic teenagers within 1 week. • The changes that we observed in the eyes of adolescents with myopia after wearing orthokeratology lenses decreased vision quality in mesopic environments. • Strehl ratio is significantly correlated with multiple parameters, including HOAs, AL change, and lens decentration. In teenagers with myopia wearing OK lenses, significant changes in vision quality and corneal morphology were observed, leading to increased aberrations and affecting optical imaging quality. Furthermore, SR is significantly correlated with multiple parameters, including HOAs, AL change, and lens decentration. This study is registered with the United States Clinical Trials Registry under registration number NCT04929119.

Refractive and topographic corneal changes associated with increased inflammatory mediators in tears after COVID-19

This is a rare case report of a sudden shift to myopic astigmatism and topography alterations in a patient who experienced mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms. A complete ophthalmologic evaluation, slit-lamp examination, corneal topography, and tear sampling for biochemical analysis were performed. Elevated corneal K-values were found, indicating abnormal anterior corneal curvature, based on the asymmetric corneal steepening index (cone location and magnitude index) in a Galilei G6 study. Tear analysis demonstrated elevated levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IP-10, IL-8, interferon-β, and prometalloproteinase-9. Ophthalmologists should maintain a high level of suspicion when symptoms suggestive of corneal involvement arise in patients recently infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Corneal topography findings among patients with thyroid dysfunction

Background Hormonal dysregulation impacts the metabolism of the cornea and could be linked to keratoconus. Previous research has suggested an association between keratoconus and autoimmune thyroid disorders. Aim The aim of this study was to compare the topographic corneal changes in patients with thyroid dysfunction. Patients and methods This is a cross-sectional study of 200 patients with thyroid dysfunction attending the Endocrinology Clinic at the Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University. The corneal topography of patients was examined with TMS. Serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, and free triiodothyronine were measured. Results Two hundred patients with thyroid dysfunction were enrolled in the study. Of them, 129 were hypothyroid patients and 71 were hyperthyroid patients. The study included 137 females and 63 males with a mean age of 32.4 ± 8.2 years. Corneal keratometry readings, including K1, K2, and K max readings, were measured. The mean value of K1 was 45.86 ± 4.69 D, mean K2 was 47.89 ± 5.08 D and the mean corneal thickness was 475 ± 0.36 µm, no relation was found between any of these parameters and serum thyroid-stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine, or free thyroxine levels. Conclusion In our study, more topographic changes in favor of a thin cornea and steep cornea rather than a true keratoconus were detected in patients with thyroid dysfunction, making cautious analysis of corneal topography important, especially before refractive surgery.

The latest IC3D classification of corneal dystrophies-Overview and changes of the 3rd edition

The International Committee on Classification of Corneal Dystrophies (IC3D) was founded in 2005 to address difficulties arising from the outdated nomenclature for corneal dystrophies (CD) and to correct misconceptions in the literature. For each of the 22CDs, aseparate template was created to represent the current clinical, pathological and genetic knowledge of the disease. In addition, each template contains representative clinical photographs as well as light and electron microscopic images and, if available, confocal microscopic and coherence tomographic images of the respective CD. After the first edition was published in 2008, the revised version followed in 2015. The third edition of the IC3D was published as open access in February 2024. The latest edition is intended to serve as areference work in everyday clinical practice and facilitate the diagnosis of CD, which might sometimes be difficult. This article provides an overview of the diagnostic and treatment principles of CD and presents the IC3D and its changes over time.

Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Subbasal Nerve Density in Eyes With Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency: A Pilot Study.

Corneal subbasal nerve parameters have been previously reported using 2-dimensional scans of in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy (IVCM) in eyes with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). This study aims to develop and validate a method to better quantify corneal subbasal nerve parameters and changes from reconstructed 3-dimensional (3D) images. IVCM volume scans from 73 eyes with various degrees of LSCD (mild/moderate/severe) confirmed by multimodal anterior segment imaging including IVCM and 20 control subjects were included. Using ImageJ, the scans were manually aligned and compiled to generate a 3D reconstruction. Using filament-tracing semiautomated software (Imaris), subbasal nerve density (SND), corneal nerve fiber length, long nerves (>200 μm), and branch points were quantified and correlated with other biomarkers of LSCD. 3D SND decreased in eyes with LSCD when compared with control subjects. The decrease was significant for moderate and severe LSCD ( P < 0.01). 3D SND was reduced by 3.7% in mild LSCD, 32.4% in moderate LSCD, and 96.5% in severe LSCD. The number of long nerves and points of branching correlated with the severity of LSCD ( P < 0.0001) and with declining SND (R 2 = 0.66 and 0.67, respectively). When compared with 2-dimensional scans, 3D reconstructions yielded significant increases of SND and branch points in all conditions except severe LSCD. 3D analysis showed a 46% increase in long nerves only in mild LSCD ( P < 0.01). This proof-of-concept study validates the use of 3D reconstruction to better characterize the corneal subbasal nerve in eyes with LSCD. In the future, this concept could be used with machine learning to automate the measurements.

Particularities of Cataract Surgery in Elderly Patients: Corneal Structure and Endothelial Morphological Changes after Phacoemulsification.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of ultrasounds used in phacoemulsification during cataract surgery on the corneal structure and morphology in patients over 65 years. We compared the outcomes of phacoemulsification techniques in terms of corneal cell morphology in 77 patients over 65 years old and 43 patients under 65 years old. Corneal cell density, central corneal thickness and hexagonality were measured preoperatively and post-surgery (at 1 and 4 weeks) by specular microscopy. The effect of gender, axial length and anterior chamber depth on the parameters of corneal endothelium were evaluated. In both groups, a progressive decrease in endothelial cells was observed, starting from the first week post-surgery until the fourth postoperative week. The central corneal thickness increased in both groups with maximum values at the first week postoperatively, while their initial values were restored in the fourth week post-surgery, with no statistical difference between groups. Statistically significant differences were noticed in terms of cell hexagonality in the group over 65, showing smaller hexagonality at all preoperative and postoperative time points compared to group under 65. Our result highlights the importance of routine specular microscopy performed before surgery, regardless the age of the patients, with caution and careful attention to the phaco power intensity, ultrasound energy consumption and intraoperative manipulation of instruments, as well as proper use of viscoelastic substances to reduce corneal endothelium damage, especially in elderly patients.

Corneal thickness and endothelial change after use of ocular hypotensive agents.

Corneal transplantation can restore visual function when visual impairment is caused by a corneal disease. However, this treatment is associated with the scarcity of cornea donors. The suitability of corneal donation from patients with glaucoma using ocular hypotensive agents (OHAs) is controversial. This study aimed to elucidate changes in corneal thickness, corneal endothelial cell density, and corneal endothelial cell hexagonality after OHA use in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 53 glaucoma suspect eyes without OHA use and 106 primary open-angle glaucoma eyes under OHA use. All participants underwent corneal parameter assessment using SP-3000P (Topcon Corp., Tokyo, Japan) at the time of diagnosis and the final visit. The OHA dose and timing of use were recorded. The ocular hypotensive agents score (OHAS) was determined based on the number, formula, frequency, and duration of OHA use. Baseline data showed no significant differences between the two groups with and without OHA use. At the final visit, the OHA-treated group showed significantly lower corneal thickness and corneal endothelial cell density than those of the control group. A weak positive correlation between the OHAS and changes in corneal endothelial cell hexagonality was noted. However, no correlation was observed between the OHAS and changes in corneal thickness or endothelial cell density. In conclusion, patients with glaucoma and using OHAs should undergo the corneal structural properties examinations before donation to ensure the quality of donor cornea.

Lid-wiper keratopathy and mucous membrane grafting.

A healthy lid-wiper is an important component of a healthy ocular surface. Any abnormality or irregularity of the lid wiper can potentially damage a relatively healthy ocular surface. Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid are some of the examples that can result in lid-margin keratinization during the course of the disease. These permanent changes at the lid margin mechanically abrade the corneal surface and facilitate corneal neovascularization. The corneal clarity is lost over time, and the patients have corneal blindness. This video discusses the role of a healthy lid-wiper, conditions causing lid-margin keratinization and subsequent lid-wiper keratopathy, and surgical technique in mucous membrane grafting. The video demonstrates the technique of restoration of a healthy lid margin by doing a mucous membrane graft for lid-margin keratinization and its role in the prevention of corneal blindness. Lid-margin keratinization is essentially a chronic sequela and is often ignored till irreversible corneal changes develop. Early intervention in the form of mucous membrane grafting can prevent corneal vascularization and loss of corneal clarity. https://youtu.be/NGMlqUp_qLU.

Corneal Endothelial Changes Following Anterior Chamber Intraocular Lens Implantation in Extracapsular Cataract Surgery

Aim: To determine &amp; quantify corneal endothelial changes after primary or secondary implantation of anterior chamber intraocular lenses (AC IOLs) in extracapsular cataract surgery complicated by loss of capsule support. Setting: Ibn Al- Heythem teaching eye hospital, Baghdad. Patients &amp; Methods: This prospective study comprised 125 patients underwent extracapsular cataract surgery complicated by loss of capsular support. Of them 76 patients had primary implantation of open-loop AC IOLs. The other 49 patients were kept aphakic after similar complicated cataract surgery &amp; had secondary AC IOL implantation (open-loop), this was performed 10 weeks to 2 years from initial cataract surgery. At least 2 weeks post AC IOL implantation, non-contact specular microscopy was performed at the center of the cornea for eyes with primary &amp; secondary AC IOLs implantation, their fellow eyes (phakic or pseudophakic with posterior chamber PC IOL) taken as control. Results: The mean endothelial cell density (ECD) was significantly lower in eyes with primary or secondary AC IOL implantation than in unoperated phakic eyes. Patients with primary AC IOL implantation in 1 eye &amp; PC IOL implantation in fellow eye had a difference in ECD that was not statistically significant. The ECD difference was significantly greater in eyes with secondary AC IOL implantation compared to fellow pseudophakic eyes (PC IOL). The coefficient of variation (CV) in cell size &amp; percentages of hexagonality showed no significant changes in the various groups. Conclusion: AC IOL implantation didn't appear to alter corneal endothelial function. Results indicate that endothelial cell loss was related to surgical trauma rather than the presence of AC IOL.

Corneal Endothelial Changes with Different Rheumatic Diseases and Correlation with Disease Activity

Corneal Endothelial Changes with Different Rheumatic Diseases and Correlation with Disease Activity