Minimal Haze Research Articles

High Refractive Index, Low Birefringence Holographic Materials via the Homopolymerization of 1,2-Dithiolanes.

High refractive index, low birefringence photopolymers were created via the radical-mediated, ring opening homopolymerization of 1,2-dithiolane functionalized monomers and were subsequently evaluated as holographic recording media. This investigation systematically characterized the reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and volume shrinkage of the 1,2-dithiolane homopolymerization as well as the optical transparency, refractive index, birefringence, and holographic performance of multifunctional 1,2-dithiolane functionalized monomers and their resultant polymers. Real-time kinetic and thermodynamic analyses of a monofunctional 1,2-dithiolane monomer, lipoic acid methyl ester (LipOMe), indicated rapid monomer conversion, exceeding 90% in 60 s, with an overall enthalpy of reaction of 18 ± 1 kJ/mol. The ring-opening polymerization resulted in low shrinkage (10.6 ± 0.3 cm3/mol dithiolane) and a significant bulk refractive index increase (0.030 ± 0.003). The resulting photopolymers exhibited high optical transparency, minimal haze, and negligible birefringence, suggesting the potential of 1,2-homopolymers as optical materials. To further explore the specific capabilities for use as high-performance holographic recording applications, several multifunctional monomers were synthesized with the ethanedithiol lipoic acid monomer (EDT-Lip2) selected for experimentation. Holographic diffraction gratings written using this monomer achieved a peak-to-mean refractive index modulation of 0.008 with minimal haze and birefringence.

Technique for the Management of Extensive Ocular Surface Lipodermoid Involving the Cornea of Children.

Ocular surface lipodermoids with corneal involvement may require surgical intervention; if deep, ocular surface reconstruction with lamellar corneal tissue or amniotic membrane may be needed. We describe a staged technique using autologous ipsilateral simple limbal epithelial transplantation. After verifying sparing of Descemet membrane, the conjunctival portion of the lipodermoid was debulked in the first stage. Six weeks later, the corneal portion was excised, followed by autologous ipsilateral simple limbal epithelial transplantation to promote rapid reepithelialization of the residual stromal bed. Temporary tarsorrhaphy was used for patient comfort and to expedite ocular surface healing. Three eyes of 3 children with grade III large ocular surface lipodermoids that encroached the visual axis and hindered proper eyelid closure underwent surgery without complications. In all cases, the visual axis was cleared and eyelid closure was improved. At the last follow-up (mean 35.7 months, median 36.0 months), the bed of the original dermoid showed minimal haze in 1 case, while 2 eyes developed small pseudopterygium; best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved from 20/200 to 20/70 in the first case, from fix and follow to 20/50 in the second case, and remained fix and follow in the last case, but this child had congenital hydrocephalus with severe developmental delay. This surgical technique is a promising option for children with grade III large ocular surface lipodermoids given its effectiveness in clearing the visual axis and in improving eyelid closure. Moreover, it does not require lamellar corneal transplantation or intervention to the fellow eye.

Visual rehabilitation by using corneal wavefront-guided transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy for corneal opacities after epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.

To evaluate long-term visual and refractive outcomes of corneal wavefront-guided transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (t-PRK) with mitomycin C for the treatment of corneal opacities secondary to adenoviral epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. Records of patients who underwent corneal wavefront-guided t-PRK with excimer laser from January 2012 to December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative uncorrected visual acuity, best-spectacle corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp biomicroscopic examination findings, manifest refraction, and corneal aberrations and fundus examination findings were evaluated. Twenty-two eyes of 22 patients comprising 12 male (55%) and 10 female (45%) were treated. The mean age was 34.5 ± 10.8years (range 19-55). The mean follow-up time was 34.4 ± 17.50months (range 13-61months). There was a statistically significant improvement in UCVA and BSCVA (p < 0.001 and p = 0.02), and there was a significant decrease in total higher-order aberrations, spherical, coma and trefoil aberration at postoperative first year (p < 0.001 in each). In two eyes of two patients, minimal haze formation was observed after the procedure, and both eyes were treated with topical steroid. No recurrence was observed in subepithelial infiltrates in any patient during long-term follow-up. In long-term clinical follow-up, corneal wavefront-guided t-PRK treatment is an effective and reliable treatment method for rehabilitation of visual impairment due to corneal scars following adenoviral infections, in properly selected patients.

Particulate Coatings with Optimized Haze Properties

AbstractThe haze factor, which describes the fraction of light that is scattered when passing through a transparent material, is of general importance for any optical device, from milk glass shielding visibility while providing ambient lighting to solar cells that are optimized by sophisticated light management layers. Often, such active layers are fabricated from particulate materials that are deposited as thin films on a substrate. Here, the effect of structural arrangement, position, and orientation of particles on the resulting haze factor is investigated. A mathematical optimization model that iteratively alters the particle layer structure to maximize or minimize the haze factor for a range of optimization scenarios is designed. Colloidal self‐assembly techniques are then used to replicate typical particle structures found in the optimized designs and correlate the macroscopically measured haze values to the predictions of the optimization. The results indicate general design rules that control the haze value in particle layers. Non close‐packed structures with distributed scatterers and high degrees of order provide minimal haze values while chain‐like arrangements and small clusters maximize the haze of a particle layer. Finally, the findings are transferred to metal nanohole films as model transparent electrodes with controlled haze values.

Halide Perovskites for Selective Ultraviolet-Harvesting Transparent Photovoltaics

Summary Halide perovskite materials have emerged as a potential Si replacement with excellent photovoltaic properties. There has been growing interest in applying halide perovskites to semitransparent and spatially segmented transparent photovoltaics (TPVs) to enable a greater range of deployment routes. However, the continuous-band absorption of these semiconductors prevents near-infrared selective harvesting typically targeted for TPVs with the highest efficiency and transparency needed to meet the aesthetic demands of many potential applications. In this work, we demonstrate TPVs based on perovskite semiconductors where the band gap is sensitively tuned with a range of compositions to selectively harvest only ultraviolet photons with band gaps between 410 and 440 nm. This approach offers theoretical efficiencies up to 7% with >99% visible transparency when precisely targeting band gaps around 435 nm. Practical optimization of these perovskite cells could quickly yield TPVs with power conversion efficiencies rivaling state-of-the-art near-infrared harvesting TPVs today while also providing a route to higher-efficiency multi-junction TPVs.

Optical discrepancy in the mosaic texture of NOA65 photopolymer transfer printed using phase-separated PS/PMMA surface structures treated with cyclohexane

In this paper, we studied the physical and optical properties of the mosaic-textured surface of NOA65 photopolymer transfer printed indirectly using thin layers of phase-separated PS/PMMA blend. The immiscible, phase-separated PS/PMMA blend was spin-coated onto a glass surface and treated with cyclohexane to form the mosaic texture, then the texture was used to transfer print onto UV-curable NOA65 photopolymer with PDMS used as an indirect transfer bridge. The PS/PMMA membrane had three phase-separated sub-thin layer structures: the top PS-rich layer, the interlayer PS/PMMA blend, and the underlying PMMA-rich layer. Using a selective solvent (cyclohexane), the PS phase of the membrane surface was dissolved to form the mosaic structure. By transfer printing the mosaic structures of different textures indirectly onto NOA65, three varieties of surface structure were formed: Non-continuous mosaic textures, smooth surfaces with many interior indentations, and more obvious mosaic structures. The NOA65 photopolymer not only has favorable elasticity, rendering it rollable and malleable, but our experimental observations also revealed that as there are samples with 60% PS and samples with 40% PMMA, transfer printing onto the more evenly distributed mosaic texture on the NOA65 surface enabled it to have self-cleaning effects, such as hydrophobicity and not easily attracting dust (the so-called lotus effect) as well as possessing high optical transmittance, and low reflectance with minimal HAZE value (HAZE value often is expressed as clarity). These features can be applied to many common optical components such as screens or glass display cabinets.

Relative usefulness of the Bayer ratio as an indicator of the hardness of different coatings

Purpose: To show that with better performance of scratch-resistant coatings on plastic lenses, the use of the Bayer ratio does not appropriately discriminate between recently introduced products.&#x0D; Methods: Nine groups of 5 to 10 CR-39 lenses were ordered with various scratch-resistant treatments. All the lenses underwent the Bayer test on the same apparatus. Haze was measured using a Cary5000 spectrophotometer equipped with an integrating sphere.&#x0D; Results: The lens groups with the latest generation of anti-scratch treatments show a significant decrease in diffusion. The variability of the Bayer ratio increases depending on whether the quotient is obtained by calculating the ratio using the minimal haze values or the maximum haze values. When the Bayer ratio is greater than 10, it no longer discriminates between the products satisfactorily.&#x0D; Conclusions: This test, or others, will inevitably have to be refined to increase precision and give a better perspective of the quality of the next generation of scratch-resistant coatings.

Biosynthetic Corneal Substitute Implantation in Dogs

To assess integration of a biosynthetic corneal implant in dogs. Three normal adult laboratory Beagles underwent ophthalmic examinations, including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, applanation tonometry, and Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometry. Biosynthetic corneas fabricated from glutaraldehyde crosslinked collagen and copolymers of collagen and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid-co-acryloxysuccinimide, denoted as TERP) were implanted into dogs by a modified epikeratoplasty technique. Ophthalmic examinations and aesthesiometry were performed daily for 5 days and then weekly thereafter for 16 weeks. Corneal samples underwent histopathological and transmission electron microscopy examination at 16 weeks. Implants were epithelialized by 7 days. Intraocular pressure was within normal range throughout the study. Aesthesiometry values dropped from an average of 3.67 cm preoperatively to less than 1 mm for all dogs for the first postoperative weeks. By week 16, the average Cochet-Bonnet value was 1.67 cm, demonstrating partial recovery of functional innervation of the implant. No inflammation or rejection of the implant occurred, and minimal haze formation was noted. Light microscopy revealed thickened but normal epithelium over the implant with fibroblast migration into the scaffold. On transmission electron microscopy, the basement membrane was irregular but present and adhesion complexes were noted. Biosynthetic corneal implantation is well tolerated in dogs, and the collagen-polymer hybrid construct holds promise for clinical application in animals and humans.

EpiLASIK with Mitomycin C

Mitomycin C after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is used to reduce the development of haze and regression in higher intended corrections. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety, stability, and efficacy of EpiLASIK with mitomycin C. Fifty eyes of 29 patients underwent EpiLASIK with the Gebauer EpiLift microkeratome. The mean preoperative spherical equivalent was -6.89 D (SD +/-0.63, range -6.0 to -8.0 D). After the laser ablation, mitomycin C 0.02% was applied for 30 seconds on a sterile filter paper. Preoperatively and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, a full ophthalmic examination was performed. In 42 of 50 eyes, the bandage contact lens was removed at day 3. Twelve months after surgery, 96% of all eyes were within +/-1.0 D and 82% were within +/-0.5 D of intended correction. Five percent of all patients lost 1 line of best-corrected Snellen visual acuity, 42% were stable, and 56% gained 1 or more lines. In most patients, the cornea was clear during the whole follow-up, and in 10% only trace haze was visible. The uncorrected visual acuity was at least 1.0 in 86% of all patients, and all patients reached 0.5. EpiLASIK with mitomycin C with higher intended corrections seems to be an effective and safe procedure. With the application of mitomycin C, only minimal haze appears.

Pediatric Refractive Surgery

Refractive surgery in children is controversial; it is mainly performed when conventional treatment has failed. The primary indications are anisometropic amblyopia and bilateral high myopia. The major areas of concern are unstable refraction due to ongoing growth of the eye, and long-term implications. The most popular procedures are photorefractive keratectomy or laser-assisted subepithelial keratomileusis followed by laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. There are technical difficulties involved in performing these procedures because of smaller palpebral apertures and the need for general anesthesia in younger children. Reports of minimal haze and regression in children who have undergone photorefractive keratectomy for high myopia are of interest, as this is contrary to what occurs in adults. Additional study may result in better long-term data and further indications for refractive surgery in children.

Mitomycin-C assisted photorefractive keratectomy in the treatment of buttonholed laser in situ keratomileusis flaps associated with epithelial ingrowth

The prophylactic intraoperative use of mitomycin-C (MMC) to prevent haze and scarring after excimer laser surface ablation (phototherapeutic/photorefractive keratectomy [PTK/PRK]) in an eye with a previous laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap buttonhole with epithelial ingrowth is described. A well-centered buttonhole measuring 2.0 mm in diameter was cut within a thin LASIK flap in an amblyopic eye. Over the next 8 weeks, corneal haze and progressive epithelial ingrowth formed centrally. An early transepithelial PTK/PRK approach was chosen to manage the buttonhole together with the epithelial ingrowth and to treat ametropia before the onset of scarring. The approach included epithelial removal with PTK, application of MMC 0.02% for 1 minute, irrigation, a short waiting period to allow for diffusion, PRK correction of -4.0 diopters without nomogram adjustment, and bandage contact lens. A regimen of prednisolone acetate 1% and ofloxacin 0.03% 5 times a day for 1 week (steroid tapered) was prescribed. Epithelial ingrowth was removed successfully. Minimal haze formation was visible 2 weeks after the retreatment but did not reduce best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) and resolved within the next few weeks. After 6 weeks, uncorrected visual acuity was equal to BSCVA preoperatively (20/50). There was no evidence of recurrent epithelial ingrowth or central scarring after 24 months. Transepithelial PTK/PRK was effective in managing central epithelial ingrowth in a buttonholed LASIK flap. Prophylactic intraoperative use of MMC may reduce haze formation and corneal scarring in early treatments and may also prevent recurrent epithelial ingrowth. This approach may offer faster visual recovery and no risk for a repeated buttonhole creation compared with the widespread recutting a new flap after a couple of months. The optimal application time and concentration of MMC need to be established.

Multiple photorefractive keratectomy retreatments for myopia.

To examine the outcome of multiple photorefractive keratectomy retreatments by the excimer laser on eyes treated for myopia and myopic astigmatism. We present 980 of 1218 (80%) consecutive eyes treated with a VISX 20/20 excimer laser that were available for follow-up. Thirteen eyes of 13 individuals were retreated twice using the same VISX excimer laser because of refractive regression. Epithelium was mechanically removed in the initial treatment and subsequent retreatment of all the eyes. No increased difficulty was noted upon removing the epithelium on subsequent retreatments. The aim in both the initial and subsequent treatments was to correct 100% of the refractive error. Eyes with higher amounts of myopia and astigmatism were more likely to require multiple retreatments. Seven eyes (54%) attained a spectacle-corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better. Twelve eyes (92%) attained a spectacle-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or greater following the second retreatment. The amount of astigmatism corrected was improved in 10 of the 13 eyes with an average improvement of 1.90 D of cylinder. Only one patient experienced a haze score of 3 or more following retreatment. There is a subgroup of patients who require multiple PRK retreatments for myopic regression. A good visual outcome may be obtained with minimal haze.

Retreatment for significant regression after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy: A prospective, randomized, masked trial

Regression, a gradual partial or complete return to the myopic state, remains a common complication of excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and limits the predictability of refractive outcome, especially in high myopia. An estimated 10% to 20% of patients, therefore, request a repeat PRK procedure. This study was designed to provide patient selection criteria and guidelines for successful retreatment. One hundred six patients who had regressed were randomized to 1 of 4 retreatment groups comprising (1) those with minimal haze after their first PRK who received an exact retreatment; (2) those with minimal haze treated with a 50% deliberate overcorrection; (3) those with significant haze (> or = 2+ haze) given an exact retreatment; and (4) those with significant haze who received a 50% overcorrection. A Visx 20/20 laser was used in each case. Mean follow-up after retreatment was 12 months (range, 6-18 months). Deliberate overcorrection (groups 2 and 4) resulted in a statistically significantly better refractive outcome (P = 0.026 at 6 months). Analysis of variance showed that significant haze after the first PRK was the most important predictor of a poor outcome after retreatment, other factors being high original myopia, marked regression, and loss of best-corrected visual acuity. A retreatment PRK procedure for significant regression will reduce residual myopia significantly in the majority of patients, and a deliberate overcorrection (50%) reduces the chance of further regression. However, patients with high myopia who have regressed beyond approximately -3.50 diopters originally and who show significant anterior stromal haze (> 2+) should be retreated only with great caution, because of the risk of further regression, haze, and loss of visual acuity.

Laser in situ keratomileusis for hyperopia

Purpose: To examine the initial results of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for hyperopia.Setting: Arzt für Augenheilkunde, Mannheim, and Photoingenieur, Wendelstein, Germany.Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 43 eyes having hyperopic LASIK using the Automatic Corneal Shaper (Chiron Vision) and the MEL 60 excimer laser (model 94, Aesculap-Meditec). Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 20 eyes with a refraction from +1.00 to +4.00 diopters (D) and Group 2, 23 eyes from +4.25 to +8.00 D. Objective refraction and visual acuity were measured over 12 months.Results: One year after LASIK, Group 1 had a mean spherical equivalent of +0.33 D (range −0.79 to +1.45 D) and Group 2, +1.91 D (range −0.08 to +3.71 D). Best corrected visual acuity remained unchanged in 35.0% in Group 1 and 56.5% in Group 2. Five percent in Group 1 and 7.3% in Group 2 lost more than 2 lines of best corrected visual acuity.Conclusions: Laser in situ keratomileusis for hyperopia resulted in less regression, minimal haze, and better predictability and stability than surface photorefractive keratectomy. Preoperative corneal radius appeared to be an important factor in eyes with high hyperopia.

Kiwifruit Juice Clarification using a Fungal Proteolytic Enzyme

ABSTRACTA commercial fungal proteolytic enzyme from Aspergillus niger was used in kiwifruit juice as a replacement for conventional fining agents to produce a stable clarified juice. Reductions in detectable protein levels of 73% and 82% were achieved using 500 mg/kg of enzyme and incubating at 60°C for 20 and 60 min respectively. Concentrates prepared from proteolytic enzyme‐treated juice had reduced browning and haze formation compared to a control, without affecting ascorbic acid level. When stored at 20°C, proteolytic enzyme treated concentrates (60 min) remained clear up to 90 days and had minimal haze (A650 nm= 0.047) and browning (A420 nm= 0.93) after 6 mo storage. The molecular size of the protein as well as protein concentration are important factors in haze formation.