Ocular Problems Research Articles

EAP and ECPCP urge ban on novel nicotine- (NNCPS) and non-nicotine-containing products (NNDS) to youth.

We want to verify the correlation between the increasing use of novel nicotine-containing products (NNCPs) and non-nicotine delivery products (NNDPs) among young individuals and the escalating negative health consequences, necessitating their prohibition. We performed a comprehensive analysis of the most relevant literature about the utilisation of NNCPs and NNDPs among young individuals and their health effects. Despite being initially seen as less harmful alternatives, for smokers aiming to quit, these products have become more popular due to misleading marketing claims. Teenagers using NNCPs and NNDPs, despite having no smoking history, are more likely to transition to tobacco smoking. Consistent use can lead to health issues like pulmonary damage, asthma, and cardiovascular and ocular problems. The EAP and the ECPCP endorse the WHO's appeal to outlaw these hazardous products. They urge European governments to forbid the sale of NNCPs and NNDPs to children and adolescents in order to safeguard their well-being. They also propose specific recommendations (box4) to support this cause.

"Beezin": Analysis of TikTok Content Related to a Viral Social Media Trend.

To evaluate "beezin," a social media trend that involves applying Burt's Bees Lip Balm to the eyelids to induce intoxication, which has the potential to cause ocular problems. Researchers identified the top TikTok videos about beezin using the search terms "beezing," "beezin," "burtsbees," "Burt's Bees on eyelids," and "burtsbeeschallenge." Researchers watched each video and recorded key information. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Sixty top videos were included in the analysis; they had more than 158 million views and more than 11 million likes. More than half (n = 37, 61%) portrayed the trend positively, 11 (18%) portrayed the trend negatively, and 12 (20%) took a neutral stance on the trend. None of the videos were created by a health care provider. Beezin is a viral social media trend that may cause ocular problems. There is a need for factual TikTok content to combat the trend. Health care providers should consider beezin when adolescent patients present with contact dermatitis, conjunctivitis, or other possible sequelae of beezin. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 20XX;XX(X):XXX-XXX.].

Visual Awareness and Its Impact on Sports Performance of Basketball Players in The Maldives

Objective: This study aimed to assess the visual awareness and its impact on basketball performance among Maldivian basketball players. Material and Methods: A 16-item questionnaire about visual and ocular problems, perception towards eye health, and sports performance was distributed electronically to basketball players in the Maldives through various basketball organizations. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-Square test in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.Results: Eighty two Maldivian basketball players aged between 10-40 years, with sixty males, participated in this study. Data showed that only 30.5% of the respondents wore vision correction when playing basketball, none had undergone any visual training, and 20.7% never had any eye examination.Majority of those who underwent eye examination had more than two years since their last eye check-up. Visual difficulties during games were reported by 41.5% of the respondents, with blurry vision and eye injury being the most commonly reported visual symptom and ocular problem, respectively. Moreover, 70.7% of the players experienced inconsistent performance level and loss of concentration during games. There was a significant relationship between experiencing visual difficulties and inconsistent sports performance χ2 (1, N=82) =5.95, p-value=0.02. Conclusion: The visual awareness among Maldivian basketball players is generally low and this seems to be associated with their sports performance. Importance of using corrective/protective eyewear and attending regular eye examinations should be cultivated among athletes in the Maldives, aiming to improve the sports field in this country.

A Comprehensive Review about Risks of Type-II Diabetes on Ocular Tear Film

Millions of people worldwide suffer from diabetes mellitus (DM), which can lead to systemic issues in a number of organs. Ocular problems, such as dry eye syndrome (DES), are among its less well-known side effects. This review delves into the interactions between diabetes and the composition of tear films, emphasizing alterations in the mucin, aqueous and lipid layer. Dry eye symptoms are exacerbated by induced changes in the components of the tear film in diabetes DM, which lead in decrement in tear production, increment in tear evaporation and tear film instability. Lipid layer is a lubricant, that reduces friction between the ocular surface and the eyelids which promotes high-quality, smooth refractive surface. The lacrimal function unit shields the tear film, preserves the normal function of the ocular surface. The mucin layer is secreted by the conjunctival goblet cells, in hyperglycemia the functionality of the cells are reduced thus, the mucin secretion is also altered which causes instability of the tear film. Diabetic patients can have their tear film integrity assessed with the help of diagnostic methods like Schirmer's Test and Tear Break- Up Time (TBUT). In order to relieve symptoms and maintain ocular health, there should be a complete management of diabetes and the induced tear film disorders.

Association between Breast Arterial Calcification on Mammography and Impaired Ocular Perfusion: A Novel Study Using Color Doppler Ultrasonography.

To investigate the relationship between the mammography-detected breast arterial calcification (BAC) and orbital color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) results. Our single-center study, included female patients who applied to our hospital between January and May 2022 and underwent mammography and orbital CDUS examinations. Two radiologists evaluated the mammograms, grouped the patients as BAC (+) and BAC (-), and performed orbital CDUS. Continuous variables obtained from CDUS were compared according to the presence of BAC. Also, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to determine the orbital CDUS threshold values for the presence of BAC. A total of 119 women were included with a median age of 62 years, 57 (47.90%) had BAC. Orbital CDUS examination was performed on both eyes of 119 patients (238 eyes in total). Peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) values of the ophthalmic artery (OA) (P < .001) and EDV of the central retinal artery (CRA) (P < .001) were significantly lower in patients with BAC. Pulsatile index (PI) and resistive index (RI) values of OA (P < .001) and CRA (P < .001) were higher in patients with BAC. In ROC analysis, the cut-off values for the presence of BAC were calculated as OA PI ≥1.415 and OA RI ≥0.755 (P < .001); CRA PI ≥1.135 and CRA RI ≥0.655 (P < .001). Orbital perfusion disorders may be observed in patients with vascular calcification detected on routine mammography. Therefore, a more detailed evaluation of patients with BAC detected on mammography with orbital CDUS may enable early detection and treatment of ocular vascular problems.

Ocular Manifestations of Pediatric Rhinosinusitis: A Comprehensive Review.

Background: Rhinosinusitis is a common childhood illness that may result in a number of ocular problems. The goal of this thorough analysis is to compile the available data regarding the kinds, prevalence, and treatment of ocular problems related to juvenile rhinosinusitis. Methods: A comprehensive analysis of electronic databases, such as PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, was carried out to pinpoint pertinent research articles written in English and published between the beginning and August of 2023. Included were studies that discuss ocular problems in young children suffering from rhinosinusitis. Study characteristics, ocular complication kinds, occurrence rates, and management approaches were the main topics of data extraction. Results: A significant number of pertinent research on ocular problems related to juvenile rhinosinusitis was found through the literature search. Preliminary searches indicated that orbital cellulitis, subperiosteal abscess, cavernous sinus thrombosis, and optic neuritis are probably the most often reported ocular problems. It is expected that these problems will occur at a wide range of incidence rates, from somewhat unusual to more prevalent. Depending on the severity of the consequences, management techniques are expected to require a combination of surgical and medicinal procedures. Healthcare professionals will benefit from the findings since they will improve knowledge of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of these potentially blinding consequences. The evaluation also assists in identifying knowledge gaps and guides future directions for this field of study, both of which are critical to enhancing patient outcomes. Conclusions: The wide range of topics included in this study will help to better understand the burden of ocular consequences related to juvenile rhinosinusitis and will make it easier to build preventative and treatment plans that work better.

A Survey on Classifying Ocular Diseases Using Deep Learning and Machine Learning Techniques

In ophthalmology, using fundus images to identify ocular diseases early may pose challenges for clinicians. Manually diagnosing ocular conditions is time-consuming, difficult, and requires experimentation. As a result, technology was created to help computers differentiate between ocular diseases. It is possible to create a system of this type due to different learning algorithms based on visual capabilities. Recent breakthroughs in deep learning and machine learning have led to the development of intelligent systems that improve accuracy and efficiency in classifying eye diseases. The purpose of this study is to conduct a comprehensive survey of modern systems that classify ocular problems using different methods, including pre-trained deep learning networks, using the Ocular Disease Intelligent Recognition (ODIR) dataset. The goal is to build and train a model that can recognize and classify ocular disorders. Previous research indicates the increasing use of deep learning techniques. CNN-based methods have spread widely in this field, compared to traditional manual procedures, due to their outstanding results. The most prominent deep learning techniques are convolutional neural networks (CNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), and various learning methods for increasing and transferring data. The survey highlights the potential of these systems to enhance classification accuracy and sensitivity while addressing challenges such as data availability, interpretability, and integration with clinical practice.

A Review on Ocular Nanoformulation Based Formulations with Highlights on Pediatric Ocular Pharmacokinetics.

The potential use of nanoparticle-based formulations is being explored rapidly for drug delivery in ocular treatment. Despite having several advancements in the area of ocular therapy, the pharmacokinetics-based formulation development for pediatric ocular treatment is still not in proper focus. There are an inadequate number of degenerative ocular ailments with childhood onset. The purpose of this review is to focus on the pharmacokinetics studies of nanoparticle- based formulations for treating ocular diseases and problems associated with the ocular treatment of the pediatric population. Recent studies on pharmaceutical modeling of ocular formulations have also been discussed. Nanoparticle-based formulations were collected by conducting a literature survey on PubMed, Science Direct, and other portals. In this review, we have explored in detail the explanation behind the inequality among available ocular treatment regimens for youngsters as well as adults by specifically focusing on those diseases that can be distressing for children. Latest innovative developments and advancements in drug delivery systems and challenges in their usage particularly for young infant patients were also discussed. It can be concluded that the bioavailability of ocular formulations and their effect on ocular cells can be further enhanced manifolds by the development of nanoparticles-based formulations.

Central Corneal Thickness: Comparison between diabetics and nondiabetics

Background and objectives: The cornea play a significant role in eye refraction. With early detection and prompt treatment, ocular problems linked to diabetes mellitus can be prevented from progressing. The purpose of this study was to compare the central corneal thicknesses of diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Methods: In Duhok Teaching Eye Hospital; a comparative cross-sectional study had been conducted between 01.01.2022 and 30.06.2022. There were 100 participants, 50 in diabetes group, and 50 in a control group. The diabetic group is further subdivided into three categories based on the duration of diabetes (less than 5 years, more than 5 to10 years, and above 10 years), as well as two subgroups based on the type of diabetes mellitus (type I and type II). The thickness of the central cornea was measured using SIRIUS corneal pachymetry and topography. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the non-diabetic and diabetic groups in terms of central corneal thickness (549.6 micrometers 541.4 micrometers, P &gt; 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference (P 0.05) between the mean central corneal thickness of diabetics with diabetes mellitus for more than ten years and non-diabetics and diabetics with diabetes for five years. Conclusion: In comparison to both non-diabetics and diabetics with diabetes for five years or less, those with long-term diabetes mellitus (diabetes for more than ten years) had a bigger statistically significant average central corneal thickness.

A cross-sectional survey of ocular problems after COVID-19 infection among healthcare workers at a teaching hospital.

The COVID-19 pandemic was caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV2). The impact of the pandemic is becoming more apparent now on various tissues and body organs. Limited knowledge is present about the characteristics, duration, and long-term sequelae of ocular problems post-COVID-19 infection. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and analyze the ocular problems occurring in healthcare workers after COVID-19 infection. This was a cross-sectional survey study conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, Patna Medical College and Hospital, Patna. The participants were healthcare workers who were exposed to COVID-19 infection ≥6 months back. A questionnaire was prepared. Responses were evaluated and analyzed. Patient consent and institutional committee permission were taken as per norms. A total of 210 healthcare workers who were infected with COVID-19 >6 months back responded with complete answers. The maximum number of respondents was between the ages of 31 and 60 (73.3%). The pre-covid ocular problems were present in 25% of the participants, especially in those having chronic diseases (such as diabetes, hypertension, or both). Post-ocular problems were faced by 60% of the participants, which was significant (P < 0.01). Dry eye, itching, and foreign body sensations were present in 60% of those facing ocular problems (P < 0.01). Ocular surface manifestations were more common. A knowledge, understanding, and awareness about ocular problems and their long-term sequelae in post-COVID-19-infected patients will help in early diagnosis and better management of such patients.

Type 1 diabetes and combined acute and chronic complications are associated with risk of progression of liver fibrosis: a Mendelian randomization study.

There has been controversy and uncertainty regarding the causal relationship between type 1 diabetes, its consequences, liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis. In order to determine the causal relationship, we conducted a Mendelian randomization study (MR). For the first time, we subjected multiple diabetes data to analyze its relationship with the progression of liver fibrosis. Once the instrumental variables had been extracted, we assessed them employing Cochran's Q multi-analysis, inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger, MR-PRESSO, weighted mode, and weighted median. Genetically predicted type 1 diabetes (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04-1.23, ** P = 3.42 × 10-3), type 1 diabetes without complications (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.03-1.23, * P = 1.26 × 10-2), type 1 diabetes with coma (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1-1.18, * P = 4.74 × 10-2), type 1 diabetes with ketoacidosis (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01-1.13, * P = 1.3 × 10-2), type 1 diabetes with neurological complications (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.11-1.26, *** P = 4.05 × 10-7), type 1 diabetes with ophthalmic complications (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.05-1.28, ** P = 3.06 × 10-3), type 1 diabetes with renal complications (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1-1.13, *P = 3.45 × 10-2), type 1 diabetes with other specified/multiple/unspecified complications (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02-1.23, * P = 1.41 × 10-2) were all associated with an increased risk of liver fibrosis progression. According to our MR investigation, type 1 diabetes and both its acute and chronic implications may increase the likelihood that liver fibrosis could continue to develop. Additionally, type 1 diabetes with neurological and ocular problems is more likely to accelerate the development of liver fibrosis and inflammation, which offers new insights for genetic investigations.

Epidemiology of Canine Ehrlichiosis in Jabalpur Region of Madhya Pradesh, India

Numerous plant and animal species that are either directly or indirectly linked to tick-borne haemo-protozoan infections thrive in the tropical and subtropical climates of the Indian subcontinents. The climate in India is home to the brown dog tick or Rhipicephalus sanguineus, which is a carrier of the canine disease Ehrlichia. The main purpose of the study is to explore the prevalence and their risk factors associated with Canine Ehrlichiosis. For this 422 canines suspected for positive ehrlichiosis was examined through Giemsa stained thin blood smear and out of them 25 canine samples were found positive showed incidence rate of 5.92%. Prevalence of ehrlichiosis was more in summer season when compare in to winter and monsoon which might be due to high activity of tick vectors. Younger and male dogs showed higher prevalence in comparison to older and female canines. The clinical signs were tick infestation (96%), lymphadenopathy (80%), anorexia (76%), pyrexia (72%), anaemia (56%) and pale conjunctival mucous membrane (56%) along with epistaxis, lameness and ocular problem. This study identifies the present scenario and associated risk factors of the disease, which may help to reduce the infection of canine ehrlichiosis.

Ocular problems among divers: a systematic review

Background: Scuba diving has been associated with various ocular conditions, affecting divers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced individuals. Barotrauma, often caused by mask squeeze, is a well-documented issue in diving. Understanding the common eye problems divers encounter is crucial to ensure divers can take necessary precautions and safeguard the health of their eyes during and after dives. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the various ocular problems that divers may face, explore their underlying causes, discuss preventive measures, and outline potential treatments. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) from the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using a checklist from Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Results: We included 10 kinds of literature from all over the world, mostly originating in the United States region. The most common ocular problems are subconjunctival hemorrhage, proptosis, periorbital swelling and ecchymoses, and diplopia. More serious cases, such as intraorbital hemorrhage, proptosis, central retina artery occlusion, and optic nerve avulsion, were also reported. Conclusions: Understanding and addressing divers' ocular problems is essential to protecting their eye health and enhancing their diving experience. By implementing preventive measures, divers can effectively mitigate the risks and promote the overall well-being of their eyes while immersing themselves in the wonders of the underwater world.

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.

Prevalence and Pattern of Ocular Diseases among Rural Dwellers in Affa, Enugu State

Background: The prevalence and pattern of different ocular diseases among rural dwellers vary in different parts of the world. It is usually influenced by a numerous factor, including but not limited to utilization of eye care services, socio-economic status, and level of education. Aim: To identify the most prevalent eye diseases and their pattern of occurrence, among rural dwellers in South East Nigeria, with a view to influence targeted health policies and subsequently, targeted interventions to improve eye health in the region. Methods: The study was a cross sectional study involving patients willing to participate in the study during a one-day free eye outreach organized by the Ophthalmology department, ESUTH Parklane at Affa Community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu state. A preliminary visit was made one week prior to the health outreach, by some members of the outreach team to mobilize the community, seek their consent and fix a date through their leaders. On the day for the outreach, the objective of the eye screening was explained to the participants in both English and their local language. Subsequently, informed consent was obtained and each subject registered and the bio-data documented. Registered participant had their unaided and aided Visual Acuity (VA) of each eye determined. Then, the anterior and posterior segment was examined. Data collected were recorded using a proforma and later inputted into a computer, cleaned and analysed using SPSS version 21. Results were presented in tables and represented in frequencies percentages. Association between variables were done using t-test and p- value of &lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results: One hundred and sixty-eight participants were screened during the outreach programme/study with mean age of 40+0.5years. There were more females 116 (69.1%) than males 52 (30.9%), giving a female to male ratio of 2:1 and they are predominantly Christians and farmers. The common ocular problems among the participants include cataract 53 (22.6%), refractive error 37 (15.8%), Pterygium 35 (14.9%). Cataract was the most common eye disease among the outreach participants and responsible for 22.6% of all ocular problems. Normal visual acuity was found more in participants &lt; 50 years of age, mild visual impairment occurred more in participants 51-70 years while moderate visual impairment to blindness were seen more in patients &gt;70 years. Conclusion: In this study, the commonest ocular problems among the participants include Cataract, Refractive error, and Pterygium which are reversible causes of visual impairment and blindness. Therefore, health policies and advocacies should be directed towards reducing the burden of these reversible causes of visual impairment and blindness among the rural dwellers which constitute greater proportion of our population.

Diabetic Retinopathy: Clinical Findings and Management

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a global source of visual loss and a consequence of diabetes. One of the most common metabolic disorders (DMs), diabetes mellitus (DM) affects people's ability to lead healthy lives worldwide and can have mild to severe secondary effects. Diabetic retinopathy (DR), which damages the retina and may result in blindness, is one of the secondary consequences of diabetes mellitus (DM). Although there may be other ocular problems associated with diabetes, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts are the primary causes of vision loss in DM. Patients with diabetes frequently experience severe retinal capillary aneurysms, haemorrhage, and edoema. These conditions might eventually result in diabetic macular edoema (DME) and non-proliferative or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR or PDR).Our goal in this study is to give a thorough overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and potential treatment options of diabetic retinopathy, as well as how it progresses.

Corneal innervation changes ın Alzheimer's: implications for sensory dysfunction.

To compare, between Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and healthy individuals, corneal subbasal nerve plexus (CSNP) parameters and corneal sensitivities. Twenty-two patients who were followed up with Alzheimer's disease (Alzheimer's group) and 18 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals (control group) were included in this cross-sectional study. CSNP parameters, including nerve fiber length (NFL), nerve fiber density (NFD), and nerve branch density (NBD), were evaluated using in vivo confocal microscopy. Corneal sensitivity was evaluated using a Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer. The results were compared between the two groups. In the Alzheimer's group, NFL was 12.2 (2.4) mm/mm2, NFD was 12.5 [3.1] fibers/mm2, and NBD was 29.7 [9.37] branches/mm2. In the control group, NFL was 16.5 (2.0) mm/mm2, NFD was 25.0 [3.13] fibers/mm2, and NBD was 37.5 [10.9] branches/mm2. All three parameters were significantly lower in the Alzheimer's group compared to the control group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). Similarly, corneal sensitivity was significantly lower in the Alzheimer's group (55.0 [5.0] mm) compared to the control group (60.0 [5.0] mm) (p < 0.001). We determined that, in AD, corneal sensitivity decreases significantly, in parallel with the decrease in corneal nerves. Changes in the corneal nerve plexus and a decrease in corneal sensitivity may be used in the early diagnosis and follow-up of AD. In addition, ocular surface problems secondary to these changes should also be kept in mind.

Visual midline gauge validity and repeatability: Comparison to a current clinical method.

Visual midline shifts are thought to occur post-stroke and be a risk factor for falls. This study investigates a new method for quantifying visual midline shifts, a first step toward developing greater understanding of visual midline shift. This study standardized the parameters of a novel visual midline gauge, compared the results with the current clinical method, and presents normative data and repeatability of both methods. Ninety-three participants without neurological or ocular problems were recruited in Canada and Hong Kong. In experiment 1, horizontal and vertical visual midlines were measured using the gauge for two speeds and two repositioning methods. In experiment 2, visual midline was measured for three distances using a target speed and repositioning method chosen based on the first experiment. Visual midlines were also measured using the current clinical method during both visits. There were no significant effects of age, speed, study location, or repositioning method on visual midline positions (all p>0.05). For the horizontal direction, measurements at 25 cm were different from those at 50 (p=0.03) and 100 cm (p=0.001). For the vertical direction, there was no such effect. The measurements were found to be repeatable to within approximately 3°. In both visits, there were significant correlations between measurements using the visual midline gauge and the clinical method for the vertical direction (all p<.001) but not for the horizontal direction (all p>0.05). The measurement of visual midline is tolerant of differences in target speed, testing method, and age of the participants, and the visual midline gauge measurements are repeatable.

Diabetic Retinopathy-A Review.

Diabetic Retinopathy is a vascular microvascular disease also called diabetic eye disease caused by microangiopathy leading to progressive damage of the retina and blindness. The uncontrolled blood glycemic level or sugar level results in diabetic retinopathy. There are two stages of diabetic retinopathy: proliferative diabetic retinopathy and nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy often have no early warning signs, even muscular edema, which can cause rapid vision loss. Macular edema in which the blood vessels leak can also occur at any stage of diabetic retinopathy. Symptoms are darkened or distorted images and blurred vision that are not the same in both eyes. This review study primarily discusses the pathophysiology, genetics, and ALR, AGEs, VEGF, EPO, and eNOS involved in diabetic retinopathy. The longer a person has diabetes, the higher their risk of developing some ocular problems. During pregnancy, diabetic retinopathy may also be a problem for women with diabetes. NIH are recommends that all pregnant women with diabetes have an overall eye examination. Diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy is made during an eye examination that comprises ophthalmoscopy or fundus photography, and glow-in angiography for Fundus. Here, we present a review of the current insights into pathophysiology in diabetic retinopathy, as well as clinical treatments for diabetic retinopathy patients. Novel laboratory findings and related clinical trials are also analysed.

Tetrahedral DNA-Based Functional MicroRNA-21 Delivery System: Application to Corneal Epithelial Wound Healing.

Corneal injury occurs frequently which may lead to serious visual impairment. Rapid and efficient re-epithelialization after corneal epithelial injury is the key issue for maintaining corneal homeostasis. Among various treatment strategies, microRNA (miR)-based therapy shows great potential. However, structural limitations of miRNAs hinder its biomedical functionality. Nucleic acid nanotechnology is an appealing candidate for gene delivery because of its flexible modification and excellent biocompatibility. Herein, modified 3D tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) utilized as gene carriers for miR-21 delivery are constructed. TFNAs-miR-21 (T-21) shows great enzymatic resistance in extracellular environment and payload delivery into human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) via clathrin-mediated endocytosis. T-21 facilitates proliferation and migration in HCECs via activating PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 signaling pathways in vitro. In vivo studies, T-21 can be internalized by corneal epithelium in mice. In the mice corneal scratch model, T-21 ophthalmic solutions used as eye drops show no apparent side effects on the ocular surface histologically and exert great potential in accelerating corneal wound healing. These findings demonstrate that modified tFNAs are promising candidates for miRNA delivery for corneal wound healing. The convenient administration and great biocompatibility of tetrahedral DNA nanoparticles highlight its potential as gene transporter in solving ocular problems.