Ocular Disorders Research Articles

Rosmarinic acid-grafted gelatin nanogels for efficient diquafosol delivery in dry eye disease therapy

Dry eye disease (DED) is a prevalent ocular disorder characterized by unstable tear film condition with loss of aqueous or mucin, excessive oxidative stress, and inflammation, leading to discomfort and potential damage to the ocular surface. Current DED therapies have shown restricted therapeutic effects such as frequent dosing and temporary relief with potential unwanted side effects, urgently necessitating the development of innovative efficient therapeutic approaches. Herein, we developed rosmarinic acid (RosA) conjugated gelatin nanogels loading diquafosol sodium (DQS), DRGNG, for simultaneous ROS-scavenging and mucin-secreting DED treatment. Mechanically, DRGNG suppressed the ROS production, reduced inflammatory factors, and prompted mucin secretion in vitro and in vivo. The whole transcriptome RNA sequencing in vitro further provided a detailed analysis of the upregulation of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mucin-promotion pathways. Therapeutically, both in evaporative DED and aqueous deficient DED models, the dual-functional DRGNG could prolong the retention time at the ocular surface, efficiently suppress the oxidative stress response, reverse ocular surface morphology, and recover tear film homeostasis, thus alleviating the DED when the dosage is halved compared to the commercial Diquas®. Our findings contribute to developing innovative therapies for DED and offer insights into the broader applications of nanogels in ocular drug delivery and oxidative stress-related conditions.

Investigation of ocular surface parameters in dogs with different cephalic conformations using veterinary ocular surface analyzer (OSA-VET).

To compare ocular surface parameters in dogs with different cephalic conformations and evaluate correlations among tests. Sixty-eight privately owned dogs. The study categorized canine eyes into three groups based on the craniofacial ratio (CFR): brachycephaly (≤0.52), mesocephaly (>0.52 to <0.67), and dolichocephaly (≥0.67). All eyes were examined using an ocular surface analyzer (OSA-VET) to determine lipid layer thickness (LLT) of the tear film, tear meniscus height (TMH), non-invasive tear breakup time (NIBUT), and meibomian gland loss rate of the lower eyelids (MGLRL). Schirmer tear test 1 (STT-1) and tear film breakup time (TBUT) were also performed. Statistical analyses involved one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis H test, post hoc Holm-Sidak test, and Pearson correlation coefficient. While STT-1 showed no significant difference among dog groups, brachycephalic dogs had significantly lower values in TBUT, NIBUT, and LLT, and a higher TMH, compared to mesocephalic and dolichocephalic dogs. Additionally, brachycephalic dogs exhibited a significantly higher MGLRL than dolichocephalic dogs. Correlations among tests were generally weak to moderate (r < .6) except for a strong correlation between CFR and LLT (r = .641, p < .001), and between TBUT and NIBUT (r = .899, p < .001). Brachycephalic morphology predisposes dogs to a significantly thinner lipid layer and diminished tear film stability, likely due to factors such as impaired meibomian gland function and increased ocular exposure compared to other cephalic conformations, thereby increasing their risk of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). OSA-VET shows a valuable tool to provide more comprehensive and precise diagnosis for canine ocular surface disorders.

Utilizing adeno-associated virus as a vector in treating genetic disorders or human cancers.

Clinical data from over two decades, involving more than 3000 treated patients, demonstrate that adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated therapeutic method. Clinical trials using AAV-mediated gene delivery to accessible tissues have led to successful treatments for numerous monogenic disorders and advancements in tissue engineering. Although the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved AAV for clinical use, systemic administration remains a significant challenge. In this review, we delve into AAV biology, focusing on current manufacturing technologies and transgene engineering strategies. We examine the use of AAVs in ongoing clinical trials for ocular, neurological, and hematological disorders, as well as cancers. By discussing recent advancements and current challenges in the field, we aim to provide valuable insights for researchers and clinicians navigating the evolving landscape of AAV-based gene therapy.

Association between short-term ozone exposure and allergic conjunctivitis in China: A multi-city case-crossover study

Short-term exposure to ozone has been linked to multiple allergic diseases, but the relationship between ozone exposure and allergic conjunctivitis (AC) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between short-term exposure to ozone and the risk of AC. We conducted a time-stratified case-crossover study across five Chinese cities from 2014 to 2022. Daily outpatient visit records for AC were identified in five hospitals using either the diagnosis name or ICD-10 code H10.1. Data on air pollution and meteorological conditions were also collected. We first examined the city-specific association between short-term ozone exposure and AC using conditional logistic regression. A random-effects meta-analysis was then conducted to obtain overall estimates. During the study period, 130,093 outpatient visits for AC occurred, with 58.8% (76,482) being male and 41.2% (53,611) female. A one-standard-deviation (SD) increase in ozone was associated with an 8.3% increase (95% CI: 3.8%, 13.0%) in AC outpatient visits. Similar positive associations were observed when adjusting for other pollutants (PM2.5, CO, SO2 and NO2) in two-pollutant and multi-pollutant models. Furthermore, the positive association remained consistent when using mixed-effects regression models or further adjusting for meteorological conditions. In addition, no effect modification of the AC-ozone association by sex, age and season was apparent. This study provides evidence supporting a positive association between short-term ozone exposure and AC risk in China. This highlights the potential value of mitigating ozone pollution to reduce the risk of ocular surface disorders.

Expanding the genetics and phenotypes of ocular congenital cranial dysinnervation disorders

PurposeTo identify genetic etiologies and genotype/phenotype associations for unsolved ocular congenital cranial dysinnervation disorders (oCCDDs). MethodsWe coupled phenotyping with exome or genome sequencing of 467 probands (550 affected and 1108 total individuals) with genetically unsolved oCCDDs, integrating analyses of pedigrees, human and animal model phenotypes, and de novo variants to identify rare candidate single-nucleotide variants, insertion/deletions, and structural variants disrupting protein-coding regions. Prioritized variants were classified for pathogenicity and evaluated for genotype/phenotype correlations. ResultsAnalyses elucidated phenotypic subgroups, identified pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant(s) in 43 of 467 probands (9.2%), and prioritized variants of uncertain significance in 70 of 467 additional probands (15.0%). These included known and novel variants in established oCCDD genes, genes associated with syndromes that sometimes include oCCDDs (eg, MYH10, KIF21B, TGFBR2, and TUBB6), genes that fit the syndromic component of the phenotype but had no prior oCCDD association (eg, CDK13, TGFB2), genes with no reported association with oCCDDs or the syndromic phenotypes (eg, TUBA4A, KIF5C, CTNNA1, KLB, and FGF21), and genes associated with oCCDD phenocopies that had resulted in misdiagnoses. ConclusionThis study suggests that unsolved oCCDDs are clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders often overlapping other Mendelian conditions and nominates many candidates for future replication and functional studies.

Positive and Negative Associations of Myopia with Ocular Diseases in Population-Based Studies

ObjectivePrevalence of myopia and vision impairment due to myopic macular degeneration and myopia-related optic neuropathies have markedly increased worldwide. We evaluated whether myopia is associated with the prevalence of other ocular disorders in a positive or negative sense. DesignPopulation-based studies conducted in Russia, China and India. ParticipantsThe Russian Ural Eye and Medical Study (UEMS) and the Beijing Eye Study (BES) included 5899 individuals and 4439 individuals (all aged 40+ years), respectively, and the Central India Eye and Medical Study (CIEMS) consisted of 4711 individuals, aged 30+ years. The studies were conducted in rural and urban regions in Bashkortostan/Russia, Nagpur/India, and Beijing/China. MethodsThe participants underwent a series of ophthalmological and general medical examinations. Main Outcome MeasuresAxial length as surrogate for myopia, and prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), angle-closure glaucoma (ACG), and open-angle glaucoma (OAG). ResultsIn the UEMS, DR prevalence (OR:0.73;95%CI:0.56,0.96), AMD prevalence (OR:0.85;95%CI:0.74,0.98) and ACG prevalence (OR:0.72;95%CI:0.55,0.95) decreased, and OAG prevalence (OR:1.65;95%CI:1.45,1.88) increased with longer axial length in multivariable analyses. In the CIEMS, lower AMD prevalence (OR:0.81;95%CI:0.69,0.95) and lower ACG prevalence (OR:0.55;95%CI:0.36,0.83), and higher OAG prevalence (OR:1.45;95%CI:1.15,1.83) were associated with longer axial length. DR prevalence (0.33%;95%CI:0.16,0.50) was too low for statistical analysis in the CIEMS. In the BES, prevalence (OR:0.64;95%CI:0.50,0.81) and 10-year incidence of DR (OR:0.48;95%CI:0.33,0.71) and prevalence (OR:0.83;95%CI:0.77,0.89) and 5-year incidence of AMD (OR:0.996;95%CI:0.993,0.999) decreased, and prevalence (OR:1.35;95% CI:1.17,1.56) and 10-year incidence of OAG (OR:1.40;95%CI:1.22,1.61) increased with longer axial length. In all three studies, the association between higher OAG prevalence and longer axial length was nonlinear with a slight increase for the moderate myopia range, and a steep increase in the highly myopic range. Conclusions and RelevanceMyopia is associated with a lower prevalence of DR, AMD and ACG and lower incidence of DR and AMD, while high myopia more than moderate myopia is associated with a higher prevalence and incidence of OAG. Future studies may assess whether in myopia, in particular in moderate myopia, the myopia-related advantages, i.e., lower prevalence of DR, AMD and ACG, may outweigh the increased risks for OAG and other myopia-related disorders.

Trends and hot spots in research related to aqueous humor from 2014 to 2023: A bibliometric analysis

PurposeTo analyze publication trends and investigate research hotspots of aqueous humor (AH) studies. MethodsA bibliometric study was conducted based on the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC). VOSviewer v. 1.6.18 was utilized to create a knowledge map visualizing the number of annual publications, the distribution of countries, international collaborations, author productivity, source journals and keywords in the field. ResultsA grand total of 4020 peer-reviewed papers concerning AH were retrieved from 2014 to 2023. The United States of America secured the top position among the most published countries and Duke University emerged as the most active institution. Stamer, WD contributed the most papers in this area. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science was the most prolific journal in AH research. Retrieved publications mainly concentrated on the correlation between AH as a biomarker carrier and different ocular disorders. Six clusters were formed based on the keywords: (1) the diagnosis of endophthalmitis and AH pharmacokinetics; (2) the association of AH with pathogenesis and prognosis of glaucoma; (3) diagnosis and treatment of AH associated with uveitis; (4) the relationship between AH and refractive diseases of the eye; (5) the association of AH with mechanism and biomarkers of ocular tumorigenesis; (6) the indicators of AH associated with fundus disease. ConclusionsThis study unveiled present patterns of global collaboration, emerging frontiers, fundamental knowledge, research hotspots and current trends in AH.

Characterization of Ocular Morphology in Col4a3-/- Mice as a Murine Model for Alport Syndrome.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ocular morphological characteristics of Col4a3-/- mice as a model of Alport syndrome (AS) and the potential pathogenesis. The expression of collagen IV at 8, 12, and 21 weeks of age was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in wild-type (WT) and Col4a3-/- mice. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and thickness measurements were performed to assess the thickness of anterior lens capsule and retina. Ultrastructure analysis of corneal epithelial basement membrane, anterior lens capsule, internal limiting membrane (ILM), and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) basement membrane was performed using transmission electron microscopy. Finally, Müller cell activation was evaluated by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression. Collagen IV was downregulated in the corneal epithelial basement membrane and ILM of Col4a3-/- mice. The hemidesmosomes of Col4a3-/- mice corneal epithelium became flat and less electron-dense than those of the WT group. Compared with those of the WT mice, the anterior lens capsules of Col4a3-/- mice were thinner. Abnormal structure was detected at the ILM Col4a3-/- mice, and the basal folds of the RPE basement membrane in Col4a3-/- mice were thicker and shorter. The retinas of Col4a3-/- mice were thinner than those of WT mice, especially within 1000µm away from the optic nerve. GFAP expression enhanced in each age group of Col4a3-/- mice. Our results suggested that Col4a3-/- mice exhibit ocular anomalies similar to patients with AS. Additionally, Müller cells may be involved in AS retinal anomalies. This animal model could provide an opportunity to understand the underlying mechanisms of AS ocular disorders and to investigate potential new treatments.

Traumatic superior oblique tendon rupture with ptosis: A case report

The traumatic rupture of the superior oblique tendon with ptosis is extremely rare, and the surgical treatment is very challenging. We reported a case of a 41-year-old man with superior oblique tendon rupture and ptosis due to an iron hook injury. The ocular movement disorders were not obvious except for mild superior oblique underaction but were accompanied by severe extorsion. The distal stump of the superior oblique tendon was shortened and anchored to the periosteum of the supra-nasal orbital margin near the trochlea. Post-operative follow-up revealed the surgical outcome was better than expected, which resulted in significant improvement in binocularity and cosmetic outcomes without complication in the present case. The exploration of the levator palpebral superioris (LPS) in the early post-traumatic stage might not be necessary in circumstances without eyelid laceration. Shortening and anchoring of the ruptured superior tendon could restore almost normal binocularity, decrease the extorsion, and avoid acquired Brown syndrome.

Comparative Evaluation of Surgical Techniques for Pterygium Management: An In Vitro Study

ABSTRACT Background: Pterygium is a common ocular surface disorder characterized by the growth of fibrovascular tissue onto the cornea, leading to discomfort and visual impairment. Various surgical techniques, including conjunctival autografting, amniotic membrane transplantation, and bare sclera excision, are employed in the management of pterygium. Materials and Methods: Cultured human conjunctival epithelial cells were subjected to simulated pterygium conditions, mimicking the fibrovascular proliferation observed in vivo. Subsequently, different surgical techniques, including conjunctival autografting, amniotic membrane transplantation, and bare sclera excision, were simulated in vitro. Cell viability, proliferation, migration, and inflammatory cytokine expression were assessed using various assays, including MTT assay, scratch assay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Untreated cells served as controls for comparison. Results: Conjunctival autografting demonstrated superior outcomes in terms of cell viability and proliferation compared to amniotic membrane transplantation and bare sclera excision. Autografted cells exhibited a significantly higher percentage of viable cells and enhanced proliferative capacity compared to cells subjected to other surgical techniques (P &lt; 0.05). Additionally, conjunctival autografting promoted faster cell migration into the defect area, resulting in more rapid wound closure compared to other techniques. Furthermore, reduced expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), was observed in cells treated with conjunctival autografts compared to other groups. Conclusion: In vitro findings suggest that conjunctival autografting may offer superior outcomes in the management of pterygium compared to amniotic membrane transplantation and bare sclera excision.

Binocular Vision Status in Coal Miners

Context: Low light in mines can cause ocular problems such as binocular vision impairment and poor hand–eye coordination. These eye diseases must be monitored. Aims: To evaluate the binocular vision status of coal mine workers. Settings and Design: This was a prospective cross-sectional study of the coal mining industry in Digwadih, Jharkhand. Methods and Material: In the present study, 134 coal miners underwent a thorough, comprehensive ocular examination and binocular vision evaluation; seventy were excluded because of ocular disorders. After discussing the goals of the study, the subjects provided signed informed consent. For statistical analysis, descriptive statistics were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. The normality of the data was then verified using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Results: All participants were male and aged between 25 and 35 years. Nonstrabismus binocular vision dysfunctions (NSBVDs) were observed in coal miners. Convergence insufficiency was the most prevalent factor. Apart from the NSBVD, many coal miners have a chalazion with the highest percentile of 11.2. Conclusions: Poor mine lighting causes NSBVD, which affects miners’ vision. Binocular vision defects may reduce productivity if not detected or treated.

Exploring the Benefits of Preservative-Free Ophthalmic Solutions in the Management of Glaucoma: A Comprehensive Review

Glaucoma is a worldwide major cause of vision loss; it is mainly caused due to the degeneration of retinal cells. Its symptoms usually appear at a later stage and thus chances of vision loss are high. Ophthalmic formulations have vast applications in the treatment of several ocular disorders such as glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, and many more. Conventional dosage forms such as eye drops have been used for the treatment of glaucoma for several years but they need to be sterile, especially multi-dose formulations. Ophthalmic dosage forms generally include preservatives such as Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) to maintain the sterility of the formulations which in some cases, were reported with severe ocular irritation and toxicity including corneal damage, ocular inflammation, and conjunctival injury even though used in minute concentration. Thus, there is a dire need to review the preservative-free ophthalmic formulations (PFOF) for the treatment and management of glaucoma to overcome the side effects associated with preserved formulations and to eliminate the irritation and toxicity caused by the preservatives. This article details the current research progress and development of PFOFs for the treatment of glaucoma. Moreover, a brief on preservative-free options of ophthalmic solutions and their applications in glaucoma, with a special focus on factors limiting their development has also been presented. In addition, this review also provides up-to-date information regarding the use of preservative-free antiglaucoma treatment.

Assessment of Wavefront Aberrations in Children with Myopia Against the Background of Ocular Surface Disorders in Combination with Computer Vision Syndrome Digital and Eye Strain

Purpose: to assess the state of the wavefront in children with myopia, who have various manifestations of digital eye strain and symptoms of ocular surface disorders, and to evaluate the diagnostic significance of wavefront criteria for assessing the state of the ocular surface.Patients and methods. The study involved 76 children (152 eyes) with myopia aged 8 to 18 years who used gadgets and computers for more than 2 hours a day. All patients used glasses as a method of optical correction and were constantly worn. The patients were divided into 2 groups: 1st with symptoms of ocular surface disorder, 2nd — comparison group. Subjective signs were studied using the online questionnaire “State of the ocular surface”. Using the “Keratograph 5M Oculus” the following parameters were assessed: non­invasive tear film breakup time (NTBR), including the first tear film breakup time, average tear film breakup time, breakup time gradient and maximum tear film breakup zone, the same device was used to perform infrared meibography and study of the lipid layer of the tear film. All patients underwent wavefront aberrometry in a darkened room without cycloplegia.Results. It was found that in the group of patients with the presence of subjective phenomena of disturbance of the state of the ocular surface, identified using the online questionnaire “State of the ocular surface”, rotor aberrations were statistically significantly higher than in the comparison group. At the same time, the indicators of higher­order corneal aberrations have comparable values. Correlation analysis between indicators of the state of the ocular surface and parameters of the wavefront in the group of children with disturbances of the state of the ocular surface showed that a higher level of corneal aberrations corresponds to a higher number of points on the questionnaire of disturbances of the ocular surface and the state of visual comfort, in turn, when comparing data on non­invasive tear film breakup time, a negative correlation was established, which means that with a higher number of points on the questionnaire, and therefore, with a more significant degree of impairment of the ocular surface, the tear film breakup time was shorter.Conclusion. The structure of the wavefront in children with myopia against the background of a disorder of the ocular surface in combination with CVS and digital eye strain is significantly different from the structure of the wavefront in the comparison group.

TGF-β-Based Therapies for Treating Ocular Surface Disorders.

The cornea is continuously exposed to injuries, ranging from minor scratches to deep traumas. An effective healing mechanism is crucial for the cornea to restore its structure and function following major and minor insults. Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β), a versatile signaling molecule that coordinates various cell responses, has a central role in corneal wound healing. Upon corneal injury, TGF-β is rapidly released into the extracellular environment, triggering cell migration and proliferation, the differentiation of keratocytes into myofibroblasts, and the initiation of the repair process. TGF-β-mediated processes are essential for wound closure; however, excessive levels of TGF-β can lead to fibrosis and scarring, causing impaired vision. Three primary isoforms of TGF-β exist-TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3. Although TGF-β isoforms share many structural and functional similarities, they present distinct roles in corneal regeneration, which adds an additional layer of complexity to understand the role of TGF-β in corneal wound healing. Further, aberrant TGF-β activity has been linked to various corneal pathologies, such as scarring and Peter's Anomaly. Thus, understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which TGF-β1-3 regulate corneal wound healing will enable the development of potential therapeutic interventions targeting the key molecule in this process. Herein, we summarize the multifaceted roles of TGF-β in corneal wound healing, dissecting its mechanisms of action and interactions with other molecules, and outline its role in corneal pathogenesis.

Unravelling the molecular tapestry of pterygium: insights into genes for diagnostic and therapeutic innovations.

Pterygium, an ocular surface disorder, manifests as a wing-shaped extension from the corneoscleral limbus onto the cornea, impacting vision and causing inflammation. With a global prevalence of 12%, varying by region, the condition is linked to UV exposure, age, gender, and socioeconomic factors. This review focuses on key genes associated with pterygium, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially MMP2 and MMP9, contribute to ECM remodelling and angiogenesis in pterygium. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a crucial role in angiogenesis and is elevated in pterygium tissues. B-cell lymphoma-2, S100 proteins, DNA repair genes (hOGG1, XRCC1), CYP monooxygenases, p53, and p16 are implicated in pterygium development. A protein-protein interaction network analysis highlighted 28 edges between the aforementioned proteins, except for VEGF, indicating a high level of interaction. Gene ontology, microRNA and pathway analyses revealed the involvement of processes such as base excision repair, IL-17 and p53 signalling, ECM disassembly, oxidative stress, hypoxia, metallopeptidase activity and others that are essential for pterygium development. In addition, miR-29, miR-125, miR-126, miR-143, miR-200, miR-429, and miR-451a microRNAs were predicted, which were shown to have a role in pterygium development and disease severity. Identification of these molecular mechanisms provides insights for potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for pterygium.

Effect of Induced Myopia on the Vestibulo-ocular Reflex Evaluated by Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential.

The possible effects of refractive errors on vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) has been a conflicting issue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of induced myopia on VOR using the ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (oVEMP). In this cross-sectional quasi-experimental study, 35 emmetropic and normal subjects with the mean age of 23.89 3.93 (range, 20-40 years) without any ocular, nervous system, and vestibular disorders, underwent the oVEMP test in the comprehensive rehabilitation center of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. The oVEMP was performed under five different conditions of testing binocularly, monocularly, and when myopia was induced with the use of spherical lenses of +1.00, +3.00, and +5.00 diopters, respectively. There were 2 to 5 min of rest with closed eyes after each condition to avoid adaptation, fatigue, and any other sources of bias. Mean latencies of oVEMP waves (N1 and P1) and amplitudes of N1-P1 complex were measured. There was no significant difference between the right and left sides (P 0.05). The induced myopia significantly increased the N1 and P1 latencies using lenses of +1.00, +3.00, and +5.00 diopters but the amplitudes of N1-P1 complex were not influenced by the different amounts of induced myopia. There was no significant difference among the different conditions of induced myopia either (P 0.05). Induced myopia could affect the VOR due to prolonging the latencies of oVEMP waves. However, the amplitudes were not affected and the effects of multiple degrees of induced myopia were not significantly different.

Assessment of Retinal Volume in Individuals Without Ocular Disorders Based on Wide-Field Swept-Source OCT

PurposeTo evaluate retinal volume in eyes without retinal disease using wide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). DesignObservational, cross-sectional design ParticipantsA total of 332 eyes of 166 healthy participants. MethodsThe eyes were imaged with OCT-S1 (Canon) using a protocol centered on the fovea cube scans (20 × 23 mm) of SS-OCT images. Retinal volume (6-mm circle, 6–20-mm ring) and various parameters were evaluated in a multivariate analysis using a generalized estimating equation model. Each quadrant of the macula except for the fovea (1–6 mm in diameter) and peripheral ring (6–20 mm in diameter) was also evaluated. Main Outcome MeasureRetinal volume ResultsIn the multivariate analysis, older age and longer axial length were associated with smaller macular retinal volume, whereas older age and left eye were associated with smaller peripheral retinal volume. The temporal area was significantly smaller than all other areas in the macula (1–6 mm), whereas the inferior area was significantly smaller than all other areas in the peripheral retina (6–20 mm). ConclusionsIn wide-field SS-OCT images, age and left eye are negatively correlated with peripheral retinal volume. The thinnest part of the retinal quadrant differs between the macular and peripheral retinas.

Myopia Control in Caucasian Children with 0.01% Atropine Eye Drops: 1-Year Follow-Up Study.

Background and Objectives: Myopia is the most widespread ocular disorder globally and its prevalence has been increasing over the past decades. Atropine eye drops stand out as the only pharmacological intervention used in clinical practice to control myopia progression. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of 0.01% atropine eye drops on myopia progression. Patients and Methods: Healthy children aged 6-12 years with cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) from -0.5 D to -5.0 D and astigmatism ≤1.5 D were included. Myopia progression was assessed by changes in SE and axial length (AL) over 1 year and SE changes 1 year before the study enrollment and during the 1-year follow-up. Adverse events were evaluated based on complaints reported by either parents or the children themselves during follow-up visits. Results: The analysis involved 55 patients in the 0.01% atropine eye drops group and 66 in the control group. After the 1-year follow-up, the change in SE was -0.50 (-2.25-0.50) D in the control group compared to -0.50 (-1.50-0.50) D in the 0.01% atropine group (p = 0.935); AL change was 0.31 (0.18) mm in the control group and 0.29 (0.18) mm in the 0.01% atropine group (p = 0.480). The change in SE was -0.68 (-2.0--0.25) D/year before the study and remained similar -0.50 (-2.25-0.25) D over the 1-year follow-up in the control group (p = 0.111); SE change was reduced from -1.01 (-2.0--0.25) D/year before the study to -0.50 (-1.5-0.5) D over the 1-year follow-up in the 0.01% atropine group (p < 0.001). In the 0.01% atropine group, ten (16.4%) children experienced mild adverse events, including blurred near vision, ocular discomfort, photophobia, dry eyes, and anisocoria. Conclusions: Compared to the control group, the administration of 0.01% atropine eye drops demonstrated no significant effect on changes in SE and AL over a 1-year follow-up. However, children in the 0.01% atropine group initially experienced higher myopia progression, which decreased with treatment over the course of 1 year. Future studies should explore the long-term effects, rebound effects, potential genetic associations, and efficacy of higher doses of atropine in managing myopia progression.

Impact of inflammasomes on the ocular surface.

The ocular surface is prone to inflammation due to exposure to environmental irritants and pathogens. Inflammasomes are intracellular, multiprotein complexes that communicate potentially dangerous signals to the immune system. The identification of inflammasomes in various inflammatory ocular surface conditions can aid in the development of therapeutics to treat these chronic inflammatory conditions. Several inflammasomes have been associated with ocular surface disorders including dry eye disease, keratitis, and allergies. Mechanisms for activation of these inflammasomes with regards to specific disorders have been explored in models to aid in the development of targeted treatments. Research efforts continue to characterize the types of inflammasomes and activators of these in inflammatory ocular surface conditions. Various therapies targeting specific inflammasome types or pyroptosis are being tested preclinically to assess effects on decreasing the associated chronic inflammation.

Extensive Contact Lens Wear Modulates Expression of miRNA-320 and miRNA-423-5p in the Human Corneal Epithelium: Possible Biomarkers of Corneal Health and Environmental Impact.

The identification of new biomarkers of ocular diseases is nowadays of outmost importance both for early diagnosis and treatment. Epigenetics is a rapidly growing emerging area of research and its involvement in the pathophysiology of ocular disease and regulatory mechanisms is of undisputable importance for diagnostic purposes. Environmental changes may impact the ocular surface, and the knowledge of induced epigenetic changes might help to elucidate the mechanisms of ocular surface disorders. In this pilot study, we investigated the impact of extensive contact lens (CL) wearing on human corneal epithelium epigenetics. We performed ex vivo analysis of the expression of the miR-320 and miR-423-5p involved in the processes of cellular apoptosis and chronic inflammation. The human corneal epithelium was harvested from healthy patients before the photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). The patients were divided into two age- and sex-matched groups accordingly to CL wearing history with no CL wearers used as a control. The epithelium was stored frozen in dry ice at -80 °C and forwarded for miRNA extraction; afterwards, miRNA levels were detected using real-time PCR. Both miRNAs were highly expressed in CL wearers (p < 0.001), suggesting epigenetic modifications occurring in chronic ocular surface stress. These preliminary results show the relationships between selected miRNA expression and the chronic ocular surface stress associated with extensive CL use. MicroRNAs might be considered as biomarkers for the diagnosis of ocular surface conditions and the impact of environmental factors on ocular surface epigenetic. Furthermore, they might be considered as new therapeutic targets in ocular surface diseases.