Number Of Corneal Endothelial Cells Research Articles

A comparative study of divide and conquer, stop and chop and direct chop techniques of nucleotomy in topical phacoemulsification: an interventional study

Based on population research, it has been found that more than 74% of elderly individuals in India have either undergone cataract surgery or have cataracts, and women are more likely than males to acquire cataracts. A cataract is one of the primary causes of blindness in India and around the world, but it's also the leading cause of avoidable blindness. There have been many advances in cataract surgery including advancements in surgical techniques and the availability of various intra-ocular lenses for better visual rehabilitation of the patient. Phacoemulsification is now one of the most commonly used surgical techniques for cataract extraction, it is done under local anesthesia or under topical anesthesia. As with all cataract surgeries, there is corneal decompensation even with phacoemulsification. Our study aims to compare three different nucleotomy approaches used for topical phacoemulsification: Divide & Conquer, Stop & Chop, and Direct Chop. We will assess which technique yields the best visual prognosis postoperatively, causes less corneal decompensation and has fewer complications. Specular microscopy will be used in patients who are to be operated for cataract extraction. Before the operation, we can use specular microscopy to determine the number of Corneal Endothelial cells and Central Corneal Thickness of the patient. Then, after the surgery, we can conduct another specular microscopy test to compare the techniques used for nucleotomy. This will help us determine which technique results in less loss of corneal endothelial cells and less reduction in central corneal thickness. Thus, we will use specular microscopy as a diagnostic tool and also a prognostic indicator in our study. Visual acuity of the patient will be measured preoperatively and again post operatively to compare which surgical technique achieves best visual rehabilitation for the patient.

Effect of Anterior Chamber Depth and Axial Length on Corneal Endothelial Cell Density After Phacoemulsificatio

Objective: To assess the average amount of corneal endothelial cell density reduction in patients with various anterior chamber depths and axial lengths after phacoemulsification.
 Study Design: Quasi-experimental study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jul 2022 to Dec 2022.
 Methodology: Ninety-four patients with cataract who underwent uneventful phacoemulsification surgery with IOL Implantation were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of anterior chamber depth and axial length values. All patients underwent surgery, and corneal endothelial cell density was measured and compared pre and post-operatively at pre-specified time points.
 Results: A significant decrease in the number of corneal endothelial cells was found between both the groups at pre and postop measurements. The mean CED decreased to 2420.04±296.73 post-operatively from 2608.44±237.22 (p<0.001) among patients belonging to group 1, while for group 2 the mean CED decreased to 2484.02±254.89 from 2646.19±205.52 (p<0.001), post and pre-operatively respectively. There was no significant difference found between postoperative reduction in mean CED value between group 1 and 2.
 Conclusion: In current study we conclude that there is a reduction in endothelial cell density after phacoemulsification surgery for cataract, but we failed to support the fact that anterior chamber depth or axial length can be used as potential predictors to predict the loss of endothelial cells post-operatively.

A novel technique of penetrating keratoplasty to prevent intraocular contents extrusion for infectious keratitis

PurposeTo evaluate the safety and the effectiveness of our novel penetrating keratoplasty for infectious keratitis.MethodsRetrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series of patients with infectious keratitis who received the novel penetrating keratoplasty technique were analyzed. A prepared plastic sheet was located between the diseased cornea and iris-lens diaphragm. After the diseased lesions were removed, the graft was positioned on the plastic sheet and sutured to the recipient bed. The plastic sheet was pulled out from the anterior chamber before the all interrupted sutures were placed. The intra- and post-operative complications, the outcome of the graft and the number of corneal endothelial cells were analyzed.ResultsA total of 82 eyes of 82 patients was included. The mean follow-up period was 29 ± 16 months (range from 13 to 45 months). No intraocular content extrusion, simultaneous cataract extraction and suprachoroidal hemorrhage occurred. Direct contact between the infectious cornea and the graft was successfully avoided. Greater than expected endothelial cell reduction or complications were not found.ConclusionsThis modified technique effectively prevents the extrusion of intraocular contents while avoiding the direct contact with donor endothelium during the procedure. The occurrence rate of complications such as endothelial cell loss is not higher than the conventional methods.

The effect of EDTA solution on corneal endothelial cells in rabbits

Corneal disease threatens vision globally. Among corneal diseases, calcific band keratopathy has severe effects on vision owing to its unique location. Currently, ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) chelation remains the most important treatment. However, only the safety of low-dose topical EDTA eye drops is well established in humans. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the safe dose range of EDTA for calcific band keratopathy surgery and its toxic effects on rabbit eyes. Rabbits were administered different doses of EDTA solutions (0.50, 0.20, 0.10, 0.05, and 0.01 M) for twenty minutes. In day seven, the rabbits were euthanized and pathological examination was performed for cornea. We found severe corneal edema in 0.50 M group, while milder edema in lower-concentration treated groups. Followed by corneal thickness measurement, the measured values increase to the peak in post-operative three day (0.20 M group) or one day (lower-concentration groups), then decreased. Groups comparison shown significant difference between BSS control group and higher concentration groups (0.20 M and 0.10 M) (P < 0.001) in observation period, but no significance was observed between low concentration and control group in the day seven after surgery (P > 0.05). Confocal microscopy examination suggested, the number of corneal endothelial cells significantly decreased from 3428.6 ± 180.3 cells/mm2 to 2808 ± 80.6 cells/mm2 in the 0.50 M group, while the lower-concentration groups showed lesser toxic effects on corneal endothelial cells. Finally, our histological examination demonstrated inflammation in each experimental group and dose-dependent, compared with control group. Our study found 0.05 M and 0.01 M EDTA solutions had no obvious toxic effect on the corneal endothelium compared with higher concentration. However, further study of EDTA side effect by clinical trials, and therapeutic effect observation with different concentration are necessary.

Three-Year Outcomes of Immediate Primary Phacoemulsification on Acute Primary Angle Closure Eyes and the Fellow Eyes.

This study investigated the long-term outcomes (> 3 years) of immediate primary phacoemulsification in eyes with acute primary angle closure (APAC) and in the fellow eyes with shallow anterior chamber to prevent APAC development. This is a retrospective study of phacoemulsification for APAC using bilateral eyes. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and number of IOP-lowering medications at the preoperative examination (Pre), postoperative month 1 (1m), year 3 (3y), and last visit were compared between 14 eyes with APAC and their 14 fellow eyes. The number of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) at Pre and at more than 2 weeks after phacoemulsification was compared. The visual field mean deviation (MD) within 1 year after phacoemulsification and at the last visit was also compared. For APAC eyes, BCVA was significantly improved at 1m, 3y, and at the last visit as compared with Pre (p < 0.05). IOP significantly decreased at 1m, 3y, and at the last visit compared with Pre (p < 0.05). IOP-lowering medication use decreased significantly from Pre to 1m (p < 0.05). The number of CECs was not significantly different between Pre and more than 2 weeks after phacoemulsification. BCVA was significantly worse in APAC eyes than in fellow eyes at Pre (p < 0.05). IOP and the number of IOP-lowering medications were significantly higher in APAC eyes than in fellow eyes at Pre (p < 0.05). Primary phacoemulsification improved visual acuity for APAC eyes and maintained good IOP control without the need for reoperation. Moreover, it preserved the number of CECs for the APAC and fellow eyes in the long term.

Safety and Efficacy of Rapid Primary Phacoemulsification on Acute Primary Angle Closure with and without Preoperative IOP-Lowering Medication.

This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of rapid primary phacoemulsification in patients with acute primary angle closure (APAC) (n = 41), with or without preoperative IOP-lowering medication. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), number of corneal endothelial cells (CECs), and number of IOP-lowering medications at the preoperative examination (Pre), postoperative day 1 (1d), week 1 (1w), and month 1 (1m) were used as indicators and compared. BCVA significantly improved at 1d, 1w, and 1m compared with Pre (p &lt; 0.05) and significantly improved at 1m compared to 1d (p &lt; 0.05) for all eyes. IOP significantly decreased at 1d, 1w, and 1m compared with Pre (p &lt; 0.05). CECs were not significantly different between Pre and 1m; the number of IOP-lowering medications decreased significantly from Pre to 1m (p &lt; 0.05). BCVA and IOP were not significantly different between the two groups for all periods. CECs were not significantly different between the two groups at Pre and 1m. Rapid primary phacoemulsification improved visual acuity due to improvement of corneal edema without central visual field defects and good IOP control without reoperation or IOP-lowering medication and maintained the number of corneal endothelial cells with or without preoperative IOP-lowering medication in patients with APAC.

Observation of Cyclosporin A: Sustained Release Intraocular Lens Implantation in Rabbit Eyes

Purpose To observe the performance of cyclosporine A (CsA)-loaded intraocular lens (IOLs) implanted into rabbit eyes. Methods To prepare a PLGA-based CsA-sustained release IOLs and study the in vitro drug release. Forty-two New Zealand white rabbits were randomly and equally divided into three groups, and all right eyes underwent phacoemulsification. In group A, a common polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) IOLs was implanted, while polylactide-glycoli acid (PLGA-loaded)-PMMA-IOLs was implanted in group B, and CsA-PLGA-PMMA-IOLs was implanted in group C. All experimental eyes were examined by slit-lamp microscopy. In addition, fundoscopy and the number of corneal endothelial cells, anterior chamber flare grading, and the number of aqueous humor cells were assessed at different time points post-surgery. The wet lens capsule was weighed and histological examination was performed 6 months post-operation. Results In the early post-operative period, the inflammatory reaction of anterior chamber in groups A and B were more severe than group C. The initial appearance of PCO in group C was much later than the other two groups (F = 68.91; p = 0.000), and PCO grade in group C was much lower than the other two groups (χ2 = 36.07; p = 0.000). The mean weights of wet lens capsules in groups A and B were significantly heavier than group C (F = 134.88; p = 0.00). Histological observation showed no obvious toxic reaction in the intraocular tissues of the CsA-PLGA-PMMA-IOLs group, and the proliferation and accumulation of lens epithelial cells in groups A and B were greater than in group C. Conclusion CsA-sustained release IOLs can effectively prevent PCO in rabbit eyes without defined intraocular toxicity.

Impact of Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery to Number of Corneal Endothelial Cells: A Descriptive Study

The main optical structure of the eyes is the lens and corneal because lens with the cornea, focuses image of the visual world onto the retina. Both of the main optical structure is affected by age, it affects the corneal endothelial cells and transparency of the lens. By aging the corneal endothelial cells decrease and the lens loses its transparency then the cataract appears [1,2]. it is known that cataract surgery effecting the corneal endothelial cells number. The surgery will be decreasing the corneal endothelial cells number. The severity to which endothelium is affected depends on many factors, such as phacoemulsification time and energy, surgical technique, anterior chamber depth, and use of ophthalmic viscoelastic devices (OVDs) [3]. A total of 52 people with cataracts were enrolled in this descriptive investigation. The study is included 52 eyes. Ages ranged from 43-77 years, with a mean age of 57,7 years. From this study 59,6% were men and the rest are women, which 79% were diagnosed with immature cataract, and 21% were diagnosed with mature cataract. It was found that 86,5% of eyes experienced a decrease in the number of corneal endothelial cells after cataract phacoemulsification surgery. The mean of corneal endothelial density pre surgery is 3126 cells/mm2 ± 246,1 and the mean of corneal endothelial density post-surgery is 3029 cells/mm2. The range of surgery time is 6-30 minutes. With the mean time of surgery 13,7 ± 5,8 minutes. From 52 eyes there are 45 eyes with corneal endothelial cells loss 7 days after surgery, with the mean of corneal endothelial cells loss after cataract phacoemulsification surgery are 152,3 ± 68 cells/mm2, the percentage mean was 6%, and we found decreasing in central corneal thickness, corneal endothelium density, hexagonality and increasing coefficient of variety.

A purified human platelet pellet lysate rich in neurotrophic factors and antioxidants repairs and protects corneal endothelial cells from oxidative stress

Human platelet lysate (HPL) is a complex mixture of potent bioactive molecules instrumental in tissue repair and regeneration. Due to their remarkable safety, cost-effective production, and availability at global level from collected platelet concentrates, HPLs can become a powerful biotherapy for various therapeutic applications, if standardized and carefully validated through pre-clinical and clinical studies. In this work, the possibility to use a tailor-made HPL as a corneal transplant alternative to treat the gradual decrease in the number of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) associated with aging, was evaluated. The HPL preparation was thoroughly characterized using various proteomics tools that revealed a remarkable richness in multiple growth factors and antioxidants. Treatment of B4G12 and BCE C/D-1b CECs with the HPL increased their viability, enhanced the wound closure rate, and maintained cell growth and typical hexagonal morphology. Besides, this HPL significantly protected against tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced oxidative stress as evidenced by increasing CEC viability, decreased cell death and reactive oxygen species formation, and enhanced antioxidant capacity. Proteomics analysis of treated CECs confirmed that HPL treatment triggered the corneal healing pathway and enhanced oxidative stress. These data strongly support further pre-clinical evaluation of this tailor-made HPL as a novel CEC regeneration biotherapy. HPL treatment may eventually represent a pragmatic and cost-effective alternative to corneal transplant to treat damages of the corneal endothelium which is a major cause of blindness worldwide.

Effects of ROCK Inhibitors on Apoptosis of Corneal Endothelial Cells in CMV-Positive Posner-Schlossman Syndrome Patients.

PurposeTo examine the role of aqueous tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)–RhoA–Rho kinase (ROCK) signaling in cytomegalovirus (CMV)-induced apoptosis and the barrier function of cultured human corneal endothelial cells (hCECs) in CMV-positive Posner–Schlossman syndrome (CMV+/PSS) patients.MethodsAqueous levels of TNF-α, IL-8, IL-10, and several other cytokines in 19 CMV+/PSS patients and 20 healthy control subjects were quantitated using a multiplex assay. The expression of active RhoA in hCECs post-CMV infection was determined using western blotting (WB). The expression levels of TNF-α and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in CMV-infected hCECs were examined by immunocytochemistry (ICC) and WB with and without ROCK inhibitors. The apoptotic rate and barrier integrity in CMV-infected hCECs were also examined.ResultsThe expression levels of TNF-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), IL-8, and IL-10 were upregulated in the aqueous humor of CMV+/PSS patients, and among these upregulated cytokines aqueous TNF-α was negatively correlated with the number of corneal endothelial cells. In CMV-infected hCECs, upregulation of TNF-α and NF-κB was determined by WB and ICC. In hCECs, CMV infection induced apoptosis and significantly impaired cell–cell contacts, effects that were attenuated by treatment with a ROCK inhibitor.ConclusionsAqueous TNF-α was upregulated in CMV+/PSS patients, which may have triggered corneal endothelial cell loss. Modulation of TNF-α, including its downstream Rho–ROCK signaling, could serve as a novel treatment modality for corneal endothelial cell loss in CMV+/PSS patients.

Efficacy of 25G vitrectomy combined with intrascleral intraocular lens implantation.

We investigated the clinical efficacy and safety of 25-gauge (G) vitrectomy combined with intrascleral intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. A 25G vitrectomy combined with intrascleral IOL implantation was performed on 39 patients diagnosed with lens dislocation, IOL dislocation, or aphakia. Changes in visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), number of corneal endothelial cells, location of IOL, anatomic success of IOL, recurrence rate of IOL dislocation, and complications were analyzed. One week postoperatively, the IOL was in the centered position in all patients (100%), and 1 month postoperatively, it was centered in 36 patients (92.3%). IOL haptics were exposed under the conjunctiva in one patient (2.6%). Reimplantation of IOL for IOL dislocation was required in two patients (5.1%). Three to six months postoperatively, the IOLs were in the optimum position in 36 patients (92.3%). There were significant differences between the average logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively and that before surgery (P < .05). The average IOP at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively was significantly lower than the preoperative IOP (P < .05). A 25G vitrectomy combined with intrascleral IOL implantation is effective and safe for the treatment of eyes without capsular support.

Effect of corneal stromal pocket irrigation in small-incision lenticule extraction

ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of corneal stromal pocket irrigation after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) on visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal parameters and complications after surgery.MethodsA total of 242 eyes of 121 patients undergoing SMILE were enrolled in this prospective controlled study, and it was designed for one eye to randomly undergo SMILE with balanced salt solution irrigation of the corneal stromal pocket, while the other eye was not. The uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and slit lamp examination were recorded at 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month. Postoperative corneal density, corneal biomechanical, corneal endothelial cell number, and anterior OCT images were compared at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month.ResultsCompared with the nonirrigation group, the irrigation group showed significantly higher UDVA at 1 day postoperatively (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference during the rest of the postoperative period (1 hour, 1 week, and 1 month). In addition, no significant differences were found in IOP, corneal density, corneal biomechanics, corneal endothelial cells, and corneal morphology. No visual decline or severe postoperative complications were found in the patients in this study.ConclusionsInterlamellar irrigation did not affect IOP, corneal parameters, morphology, complications, or UDVA at 1 hour, 1 week, and 1 month after the operation, but it may promote UDVA 1 day after the operation.

Clinical features of anterior uveitis caused by three different herpes viruses

PurposeTo compare the clinical findings in patients with anterior uveitis (AU) caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical profiles of HSV-AU (14 patients), VZV sine herpete (ZSH-AU: 21 patients), and CMV-AU (17 patients) diagnosed by the detection of corresponding viral DNA in aqueous humor samples by polymerase chain reaction. Further, five patients with Posner–Schlossman (P–S) syndrome were selected as controls for CMV-AU.ResultsPatients with CMV-AU were predominately male or older in age, and all cases were unilateral except for three patients with CMV-AU. Mutton-fat keratic precipitates (KPs) were found mostly in patients with HSV-AU and ZSH-AU. Severities of AU and viral load were the highest in ZSH-AU, followed by HSV-AU and CMV-AU. Iris atrophy was observed in HSV-AU (50%) and ZSH-AU (76%), with typical morphology of round type and sector type, respectively. In patients with CMV-AU, a ring-shaped KP was found in 53% patients, 76% of whom showed a decreased number of corneal endothelial cells. CMV was not detected in the aqueous humor of patients with typical P–S syndrome.ConclusionClinical findings of HSV-AU and VZV-AU were similar; however, more inflammatory findings were observed in VZV-AU. Iris atrophy morphologically differed in HSV-AU and VZV-AU. Inflammatory findings in CMV-AU were mild, and clinical features of iritis differed from those of the two former groups. A difference in the etiology between CMV-AU and P–S syndrome was observed.

Artiflex foldable lens for myopia correction results of 10 years of follow-up.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of the Artiflex® lens implant and to follow the evolution of the number of corneal endothelial cells over time. It was a retrospective study of an observational case series of patients who underwent surgery at "The INVISION Ophthalmic Hospital" (Almería, Spain) in 2007 and who were followed for 10 years. Setting: Clinical practice. Study population included 53 eyes of 30 patients who underwent an Artiflex® lens implant for the correction of myopia from -4 to -14 D. Each patient included in this study had stable myopia for at least 2 years and a contraindication for corneal refractive surgery. The efficacy index was defined as the quotient between uncorrected distance visual acuity postoperative and best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA) preoperative. The safety index was calculated as the quotient between BCDVA postop and BCDVA preop. The average efficacy and safety indices of the lenses implanted were 1.1 (SD 0.30) and 1.06 (SD 0.2) at 10 years of follow-up. In this period of time there has been a loss of 12% of the corneal endothelial cells. The postoperative complications were pigment dispersion in four eyes (7%) of four patients and decentration of phakic intraocular lens in two eyes (4%) of another two patients. The Artiflex® foldable phakic lens could be a safe and effective long-term alternative for myopic patients in whom laser surgery was contraindicated.

Supplementation of organ culture medium with dextran is not required in pre-stripped human donor tissue for DMEK surgery.

To assess corneal endothelial cell (CEC) quantity and quality in eye-bank prepared lamellar grafts for Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) from organ cultured donor corneas that have not undergone de-swelling by media supplementation with dextran. Prior to graft preparation, corneas that had not undergone de-swelling (n = 30) were placed into fresh storage medium without dextran (KMI). Corneas in the control group (n = 30) were placed in dehydration medium containing 5% dextran (KMII). Subtotal stripping of Descemet's membrane (DM) was performed manually. Following graft preparation, 10 corneas of each group were cultured further in their respective medium for 24h, 72h, or 120h, respectively. Before and after DM stripping, as well as at the end of culture, CEC numbers were obtained. At the end of culture, CEC morphology was graded using a scoring system and CEC metabolism was assessed by detection of adenosine triphosphate. At 24h after DM stripping, mean CEC counts (in cells/mm2) were 2204 in corneas stored in KMII, and 2391 in corneas stored in KMI (p = 0.003). This corresponds to a mean relative CEC loss of 12.4% with dextran versus 9.7% without dextran (p = 0.04). At 72h, CEC counts were 1946 in KMII, and 2289 in KMI (p = 0.004). This corresponds to CEC loss of 23% with dextran versus 14% without dextran (p = 0.009). At 120h, CEC counts were 2047 in KMII, and 2230 in KMI (p = 0.14). This corresponds to CEC loss of 22.7% with dextran versus 17.2% without dextran (p = 0.14). Also, at 120h after DM stripping, 6/10 corneas fell below a threshold of 2000cells/mm2 if stored in medium containing dextran, versus 1/9 corneas if stored without dextran (p = 0.003). Morphological assessment of CEC quality revealed equal scores for cell polymorphism (median = 1), granulation (median = 0) and segmentation (median = 1) in all groups. Lower ATP/protein ratios were observed in corneas stored in medium without dextran at 24h (p < 0.001), 72h (p < 0.001), and 120h (p = 0.02). Abandoning the use of dextran in corneas destined for DMEK surgery leads to increased CEC counts and thereby serves to reduce tissue loss.

Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty combined with antiviral therapy in the treatment of severe herpes necrotizing stromal keratitis

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of modified deep lamellar keratoplasty (DLKP) combined with antiviral medications for severe herpes necrotizing stromal keratitis. Methods: Retrospective case series study. Modified DLKP was performed in combination with antiviral medications in fifty patients (50 eyes) with severe necrotizing stromal keratitis, which was unresponsive to systemic and topical antiviral treatment for 1 week, at Shandong Eye Hospital. Before surgery, the operated eyes were examined using slit-lamp microscopy. The size of corneal ulceration and inflammatory infiltration and the depth of ulceration were observed in all of the patients. Corneal scraping and microbial culture and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to exclude fungal, bacterial, Acanthamoeba, or other infections, and check the number of corneal endothelial cells. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography was used to examine the depth of infiltration, especially the thickness of the remaining cornea below the deepest ulceration. Antiviral drugs were used topically and systemically to control the infection and inflammation. Postoperatively, both antiviral drugs and low-dose corticosteroids were used. The ocular inflammation, corneal graft status and viral recurrence were monitored intraoperatively and postoperatively. Results: All of the fifty patients showed obvious inflammatory infiltration and stromal ulcers, and the corneal stroma in 23 patients (46%) remained less than 1/5 of the corneal thickness. Nine (18%) of the patients presented with descemetocele. The depth of infiltration ranged from 128 μm to 519 μm [mean, (265±84) μm]. The depth of corneal ulcers was deeper than 2/3 of the corneal thickness in 36 eyes (72%). The endothelial cells were visible in 26 eyes. The density of endothelial cells ranged from 1 275 cells/mm(2) to 2 994 cells/mm(2) [mean, (2 053±507) cells/mm(2)]. No fungal or bacterial infection was detected by corneal scraping. The microbial culture results were negative. All the inflammations in patients with severe herpes necrotizing stromal keratitis were under control by DLKP. No intraoperative corneal perforation occurred, and 6 eyes (12%) healed following amniotic membrane transplantation due to slow corneal epithelial healing. The infection was exacerbated two days following the surgery in two eyes (4%). These infections were controlled with enhanced antiviral medications in addition to the immediate withdrawal of corticosteroids. The corneal grafts returned to transparency at 1-2 weeks in 42 eyes (84%). Ten eyes (20%) exhibited recurrence due to medication withdrawal without the doctors' advice and a lack of regular visit during 2-year follow-up. Two patients (4%) developed stromal graft rejection for the same reasons. Conclusions: DLKP can achieve the results of ulcer healing for severe herpes necrotizing stromal keratitis. Combined antiviral therapy and close follow-up can reduce the viral recurrence. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 97-104).

Effects of deep lamellar keratoplasty on severe necrotizing stromal keratitis

Objective: This study is to investigate the application of deep lamellar keratoplasty (DLKP) in the treatment of necrotizing stromal keratitis (NSK). Methods: Corneal confocal microscopy and histopathological examination were performed before surgery. DLKP and penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) were performed on 14 and 20 NSK subjects, respectively, followed by proper drug administration. In the follow-up period, the pathological features were evaluated and compared. Results: Significant corneal neovascularization and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in NSK patients before surgery. After proper drug treatments, PKP and DLKP were performed. In the followup period, the visual acuity was elevated in the PKP and DLKP groups at 1 y after surgery. Moreover, corneal opacity was observed in 2 corneal grafts in the PKP group, while all the corneal grafts were transparent in the DLKP group. Furthermore, compared with the PKP group, corneal endothelial cell numbers at 6 and 12 months after surgery were significantly higher in the DLKP group. On the other hand, there were 2 eyes reporting virus recurrence in the PKP group, while no virus recurrence was reported in the DLKP group. Moreover, 4 eyes were accompanied with neovascularization at the corneal graft edge in the PKP group, while there was only 1 eye associated with neovascularization in the DLKP group. Furthermore, 5 cases in the PKP group reported graft rejection, while no rejection case was reported for DLKP. Conclusion: DLKP provides superior outcomes to PKP in treating NSK, which might be an ideal alternative option for the disease treatment.

The effects of smoking on corneal endothelial cells: a cross-sectional study on a population from Isfahan, Iran

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the effect of smoking in corneal endothelial cell number and morphology by specular microscopy on a non-smoker population.Methods: Our cross-sectional study was performed on 150 participants from a non-smoker population. Non-contact specular microscopy (Tomey Corporation Inc., Nagoya, Japan) was performed in the center of the cornea of all subjects. The cell density (CD), average cell size (AVG), percent of hexagonality (HEX%) and central corneal thickness (CCT) were calculated and compared in both groups.Results: Totally, 76 eyes of 76 smokers and 74 eyes of 74 non-smokers were enrolled in the study from 2015 to 2016. The mean age of smokers and non-smokers were 48.61 ± 17.04 and 46.39 ± 13.02, respectively. The mean number of pack/year among the smokers was 17.36 ± 14.68. Also, the mean values of AVG and CD were significantly different for these two groups (p = 0.011 and p = 0.039, respectively). Other corneal endothelial variables did not show a significant difference between smokers and non-smokers (p > 0.05). However, smokers with severe nicotine dependency had significantly greater AVG and lower CD in comparison with the non-smokers (p = 0.004 and p = 0.013, respectively).Conclusion: Our study showed that smoking can cause significant changes in some of the corneal endothelial variables, but not all of them.

Use of 5-Fluorouracil-Soaked Bioamniotic Membranes in Trabeculectomy for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Retrospective Analysis.

The study is a retrospective analysis of 51 patients (76 eyes) with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) who admitted to our hospital from 2008 to 2010 to analyze the efficacy of trabeculectomy in combination with 5-fluorouracil- (5-FU-) soaked amniotic membranes for the treatment of POAG patients. Among them, 30 patients (41 eyes) were treated with trabeculectomy in combination with 5-FU-soaked amniotic membrane and 21 patients (35 eyes) were treated with trabeculectomy in combination with MMC. Preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressures (IOP), cup/disc ratio, visual acuity and postoperative macular OCT, complications, treatment, and number of corneal endothelial cells were measured, recorded, and analyzed. At the end of 2 years of follow-up, IOP of 36 (87.8%) eyes of patients in the 5-FU group and IOP of 28 (80%) eyes of patients in the MMC group were ≤21 mmHg and patients in the 5-FU group had more stable IOP than patients in the MMC group. During the two years of follow-up, the visual acuity of 22 (53.7%) eyes in the 5-FU group remained unchanged or even improved. Trabeculectomy in combination with 5-FU-soaked biological amniotic membranes can be a surgical option for POAG patients.

Measurement of Corneal Endothelial Surface Area Using Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography in Normal Subjects.

To calculate the number of corneal endothelial cells (CEC) on the posterior surface of the normal human cornea by measuring specific surface areas through anterior segment optical coherence tomography. The effects of age, sex, and variations between the right and left eyes were also investigated. This study involved 60 eyes of 30 normal subjects with no history of corneal disease. Subjects were divided into the following groups according to age: group A (20-39 years old), group B (40-59 years old), and group C (60-79 years old). Set areas of the corneal posterior surface were imaged and analyzed using anterior segment optical coherence tomography, and the number of CECs was calculated based on the area measured and a CEC density. The posterior corneal surface area measured within the central circular diameters of 10.2, 8.5, and 7.5 mm was 86.8, 63.8, and 48.4 mm in group A, 86.0, 63.8, and 48.4 mm in group B, and 87.0, 64.2, and 48.6 mm in group C, respectively. The total number of CECs on the posterior surface in the diameters of 10.2, 8.5, and 7.5 mm was 2.3 × 10, 1.7 × 10, and 1.3 × 10, respectively. No clinically relevant differences in the posterior surface were found in relation to age, sex, or variation between right and left eyes. Calculation of the CEC number on the corneal posterior surface is essential for determining the number of cells applied during penetrating keratoplasty, endothelial keratoplasty, or cultivated CEC injection therapy when available.