Ocular Surface Function Research Articles

Efficacy of cyclosporin eye drops in the treatment of dry eye after cataract surgery

Objective: To explore the value of cyclosporin eye drops in treating dry eye after cataract surgery.Methods: A total of 150 patients with dry eye after cataract surgery were randomly divided into group A (n = 50), group B (n = 50), and group C (n = 50). Artificial tears combined with cyclosporin eye drops were used in group A, artificial tears were used in group B, and no dry eye medication was used in group C. The clinical efficacy, ocular surface function and tear inflammatory factor level before and after surgery were compared between the groups.Results: The total effective rate of group A was 96.00%, which was significantly higher than that of group B and group C (p < .05); three months after surgery, the levels of corneal fluorescein staining score (FL score), tear meniscus height (TMH) and tear inflammatory factors [interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α)] in group A were lower than those in group B, and those indicators in group B were lower than those in group C, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p < .05); three months after surgery, Schirmer test (SIT) and break-up time (BUT) in group A were higher than those in group B, and those indicators in group B were higher than those in group C, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p < .05).Conclusions: The effect of cyclosporin eye drops in treating dry eye after cataract surgery is satisfactory, significantly improving the ocular surface function and reducing the level of tear inflammatory factors, which is worthy of promotion.

Long-Term Evaluation of Ocular Surface and Meibomian Gland Function after Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis Surgery

Introduction: Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a common refractive surgery. But it may lead to temporary dry eye due to reversible damage to the corneal subbasal nerve plexus. However, evidence on chronic ocular surface changes are unclear. This study reports the ocular surface changes, partial blinking rates, and meibomian gland statuses in eyes that underwent LASIK for at least 48 months. Methods: Cross-sectional, matched case-control comparison study, including 48 post-LASIK patients and 48 sex-, age-, smoking-, and axial length-matched healthy controls, recruited from a community eye screening program. Outcome measures include anterior segment clinical findings, keratographic and meibographic imaging. Results: Totally, 48 right eyes of 48 post-LASIK Chinese patients (39 females, 2 smokers) were analyzed with 48 right eyes of 48 matched healthy controls. The mean age at the time of ocular surface examination was 50 ± 11 years, and the axial length 26±1 mm. Post-LASIK eyes had a lower quality of meibum (p = 0.008) compared to healthy controls. Post-LASIK eyes were associated with a shorter Schirmer's test (p = 0.03). The ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score was higher in post-LASIK patients (p = 0.00001). Other anterior segment examination parameters, partial blinking rate, meibomian gland dropout, lipid layer thickness, noninvasive tear break-up time, and tear meniscus height were comparable between the 2 groups. Conclusions: Up to 75% of post-LASIK patients complained of on-going, chronic dry eye symptoms. Post-LASIK eyes were associated with a reduced aqueous tear production. Post-LASIK patients with chronic dry eye symptoms are advised to have periodic ocular surface evaluation. Treatments might be considered in patients with poor tear film stability.

SMILE and ICL implantation on the ocular surface and meibomian glands in patients with postoperative myopia

BackgroundObjectively compare the changes in ocular surface parameters in myopic patients who have undergone either SMILE or Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL V4c) surgery.MethodsThis prospective cohort study enrolled 32 patients (32 eyes) undergoing SMILE surgery and 35 patients (35 eyes) receiving ICL V4c intraocular lenses. Examinations were performed at preoperative, 1-week, 1-month, and 3-month postoperative time points. The assessments included Schirmer’s I Test (SIt), First Non-Invasive Break-Up Time (First-NIBUT), Average Non-Invasive Break-Up Time (Average-NIBUT), Tear Meniscus Height (TMH), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, conjunctival congestion score, meibomian gland loss score, lipid layer analysis score, lid margin opening detection score, and corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) score.ResultsRepeated measures ANOVA revealed that SIT, TMH, and First-NIBUT initially decreased and then increased. At three months, SIT levels in the SMILE group were significantly lower than those in the ICL group. From the first month onward, TMH levels in the SMILE group remained significantly lower than those in the ICL group (P < 0.05). OSDI scores initially rose and then fell, with the SMILE group consistently showing higher OSDI levels than the ICL group. Conjunctival congestion scores in the SMILE group fluctuated less, while the ICL group exhibited a clear downward trend, with significant differences starting from the first week (P < 0.05). Over time, scores for meibomian gland loss, lipid layer analysis, and lid margin opening detection were all higher in the SMILE group compared to the ICL group.ConclusionsSMILE surgery has a more pronounced and prolonged impact on the ocular surface and meibomian gland function compared to ICL implantation. Objective dry eye parameters in the ICL group recover more quickly than those in the SMILE group one month post-surgery.

Effects of Glaucoma Treatment on Ocular Surface and Tear Functions: Comparison of Trabeculectomy and Antiglaucoma Drops.

To investigate tear function and ocular surface disease (OSD) findings in patients with glaucoma who received antiglaucoma medication in one eye and trabeculectomy surgery in the other eye. The patient group included 38 eyes of 19 patients who had undergone trabeculectomy surgery with mitomycin C (MMC) treatment in one eye at least 6 months prior. These eyes were followed up without medication while the fellow eye continued receiving antiglaucomatous medication. The control group comprised 20 eyes of 20 healthy individuals. Demographic data, follow-up period after trabeculectomy, antiglaucoma medications, number of drops per day, and duration of medication were recorded. Tear break-up time (BUT), corneal and conjunctival fluorescein staining, Schirmer II test, and conjunctival impression cytology were performed. A statistically significant difference was observed in BUT, corneal and conjunctival fluorescein staining, Schirmer II test, and Nelson staging levels in both eyes of patients with glaucoma compared to the control group (p=0.05). Although not statistically significant, BUT, Schirmer II test, punctate staining, and Nelson staging results showed improvement with increasing postoperative time. In our patient group, antiglaucoma medications and trabeculectomy surgery with MMC induced OSD to a similar degree. No superiority was observed between trabeculectomy with MMC and antiglaucoma drops in terms of OSD incidence.

Structural and functional changes of binocular corneal innervation and ocular surface function after unilateral SMILE and tPRK

AimsTo evaluate the bilateral changes in the sub-basal nerve plexus of the cornea and ocular surface function after unilateral small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (tPRK) procedures.Methods34...

Evaluation of dry eye disease and corneal epithelial mapping in patients with lower eyelid ectropion.

To evaluate the corneal epithelial mapping, ocular surface parameters and their relationship with each other in lower eyelid ectropion patients according to severity. This retrospective study included 48 lower eyelid ectropion patients and 63 healthy individuals as control group. Ocular surface and tear functions were evaluated with ocular surface staining score, tear film break-up time (BUT), non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) and ocular surface disease index (OSDI). Meibography scores and corneal epithelial thickness (CET) mapping were evaluated. The lower eyelid ectropion was classified and divided into subgroups as follows: mild, moderate and severe. There was no significant differences between the groups for age and gender. Compared to controls, CET was significantly thinner at inferior (p = 0.047) and inferior nasal quadrants (p = 0.023) in the ectropion patients. Lower BUT and NIBUT, higher OSDI scores and higher ocular surface staining were observed in the ectropion patients. In the subgroups determined according to the severity of ectropion, ocular surface damage was found to be significantly higher as the severity of ectropion increased (p < 0.05). Patients with lower eyelid ectropion had worse ocular surface findings and more ocular complaints. Furthermore, the inferior and inferior nasal CETs were thinner in patients with lower ectropion.

The influence of large-diameter multifocal contact lens on ocular surface, visual quality, and visual function for presbyopic adults with dry eye syndromes

This study investigated the influence of large-diameter multifocal contact lenses on the ocular surface, visual quality, and visual function for presbyopic adults with dry eye syndromes. The study enrolled 40–55-year-old adults with presbyopia and dry eye syndromes (DES). The subjects were randomly assigned to three groups wearing different designs of contact lenses (Proclear, SMR, and Optimum) for 6–8 h a day for two weeks. Ocular surface health, tear quality, visual quality, and visual function were measured before and after lens wear. No significant difference was observed across all three groups for the amount of conjunctival redness, blink frequency (lens on), and stereopsis vision before and after wearing. Although there seemed to be a significant declining trend for corneal staining and limbal redness, non-invasive tear break-up time (TBUT), and lipid layer thickness while lens wear, the measured values were all within the normal range. Vice-versa after lens removal, results also showed significant improvement on lipid layer thickness, blink frequency (lens off), and contact TBUT. A significant improvement was observed in the modulation transfer function (MTF) of the total area ratio after wearing contact lenses. In contrast, the MTF of the high-order aberration area ratio resulting from lens wear was lower than that of the baseline measurement. There are also significant improvements observed for SMR and Optimum regarding near visual acuity, near point of accommodation, and the subjective questionnaire (OSDI and VBP) scores. Although it is difficult to avoid a specific negative impact on the ocular surface and tear film, visual function and visual quality can still be positively improved, especially shown on larger diameter and distance-center designed multifocal contact lenses.

Efficacy of diquafosol sodium combined with M22 optimized pulsed light in the treatment of dry eye due to meibomian gland dysfunction

Purpose: To determine the efficacy and safety of 3 % diquafosol sodium combined with M22 optimized pulse light (OPT) in the treatment of dry eye due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).&#x0D; Methods: Data from 97 dry eye patients admitted to Shantou Balder Eye Hospital with MGD-induced dry eye illness between August 2019 and June 2021 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Patients meeting MGD diagnostic criteria in ophthalmology and exhibiting MGD-induced dry eye signs were split into two groups. The medication group (43 cases) received 3 % diquafosol sodium eye drops six times a day for three months, while the pulsed light group (44 cases) underwent three M22 OPT sessions at one-month intervals. Treatment efficacy of the two methods were compared by assessing changes in ocular surface, symptom severity, inflammatory factors (hs-CRP, IL-8, IL-1β), and quality of life before and three months after treatment commenced. Adverse reactions were also recorded.&#x0D; Results: Pulsed light group showed a slightly higher (but not significant) total effective rate (95.45 %) than the medication group (93.02 %; p &gt; 0.05). Three months post-treatment, both groups exhibited significant improvements in various indicators such as FL, OSDI, symptom scores, tear biomarker levels, and overall eye health (p &lt; 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was similar between the medication (4.65 %) and pulsed light (9.09 %) groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: Treatment with 3 % diquafosol sodium and M22 OPT for MGD-induced dry eye yields comparable efficacy and safety, improving symptoms, ocular surface function, reducing inflammation, and enhancing quality of life. However, 3 % diquafosol sodium shows better patient tolerance and fewer adverse reactions, but further research is needed due to the limited number of patients in this study.

Efficacy of Modified Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy in the Treatment of Chronic Dacryocystitis

Background: Untreated chronic dacryocystitis (CD) can lead to serious ocular complications. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of modified endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in the treatment of CD and the effects on ocular surface, inflammatory response, and immune function of patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to examine the clinical data of 110 patients (110 eyes) with CD who visited The First People's Hospital of Wenling, China, from July 2018 to February 2021, and they were divided into a conventional group (62 patients and 62 eyes underwent conventional DCR) and modified group (48 patients and 48 eyes received modified endoscopic DCR). The perioperative indexes, efficacy, and complications of the two groups were compared, and the changes in ocular surface, inflammatory response, and immune function of the patients before and 3 months after the surgery were observed. Results: The intraoperative bleeding, hospitalization cost, and 12-h postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score were lower, while the operative time and hospitalization time were shorter in modified group than in the conventional group (P&lt;0.05). The total treatment efficacy was higher (91.67%) in the modified group than in the conventional group (72.58%), and the recurrence rate was lower in the modified group (4.17%) than in the conventional group [16.13%, P&lt;0.05]. The ocular surface symptom scores, Schirmer I test, tear break-up time, degree of tear overflow scores were lower in the modified group than in the conventional group at 3 months postoperatively (P&lt;0.05); soluble interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, CD8+ levels were lower, and CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ levels were higher in the modified group than in the conventional group at 3 months postoperatively (P&lt;0.05). At 3 months postoperatively, the scores of activity impairment, general health, and visual status on the National Eye Institute 25-Item Visual Function Questionnaire were higher in the modified group than those in the conventional group (P&lt;0.05). The overall complication rate in the modified group (8.33%) was not different from that in the conventional group [14.52%, P&gt;0.05]. Conclusion: Modified DCR has the advantages of short operation time, less trauma, less pain and fewer complications, and is conducive to improving ocular surface function, reducing inflammatory response, and improving immune function and quality of life of patients.

Effects of lipid-containing eye drops on the ocular surface and in vivo confocal microscopy findings in patients using systemic isotretinoin

Objective To evaluate the effects of lipid-containing Rohto Dry Aid eye drops and sodium hyaluronate eye drops on the ocular surface and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) findings in patients using systemic isotretinoin. Methods This retrospective study included 71 patients using systemic isotretinoin for acne vulgaris. Ocular surface and tear functions were evaluated with the tear break-up time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), and the ocular surface disease index questionnaire (OSDI). Meibography was used for the staging of Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) while IVCM was used for the analysis of corneal micro-structural changes. The data of 36 patients using Rohto Dry Aid (the Rohto group) and 35 patients using sodium hyaluronate (the SH group) were recorded. Pre-treatment, first month and third month data were analyzed. Results Longer TBUT, lower OSDI score, and less CFS were observed in the first and third months after treatment in the Rohto group (p < 0.001). There was no significant change in TBUT and CFS in the first month (p > 0.05) in the SH group (p < 0.05) but lower TBUT and more CFS were observed in the third month. There was no significant change in the OSDI score in the SH group. There was a significant decrease in dendritic cells, activated keratocytes, and nerve tortuosity with IVCM in both groups. However, no significant difference was found between the two groups. Conclusion Rohto Dry Aid, with its support of the lipid layer, is an effective and safe treatment agent that can improve both ocular surface and IVCM findings in evaporative dry eye cases with MGD.

Comparison of Two Types of Comprehensive Eye Surface Analyzers for Evaluation of Ocular Surface Function and Comfort

Comparison of Two Types of Comprehensive Eye Surface Analyzers for Evaluation of Ocular Surface Function and Comfort

Application of orthokeratology on myopia control and its effect on ocular surface and meibomian gland function in Chinese myopic adolescents.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of orthokeratology (OK) on myopia control and ocular surface and meibomian gland function in myopic adolescents. A prospective study was conducted over a 12-month period. The subjects were classified into two groups, namely, the OK lens group and the frame glasses control group. Axial length, corneal curvature, ocular surface, and meibomian gland parameters were measured at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after wearing OK lenses. The axial length growth rate in the OK group was significantly slower than in the control group (P < 0.01). The naked eye vision and the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scores recorded 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after wearing OK lenses were significantly higher than the scores recorded before wearing OK lenses. There was no significant difference in other ocular parameters at each follow-up time point compared with pre-wearing (P > 0.05). After using the OK lens for 6 months, the OSDI score and corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) score increased significantly (P < 0.001), but there were no significant differences in other parameters among the groups. No infectious keratitis occurred during the study. These results provide evidence that the use of OK lenses can control the axial growth and progress rate of myopia compared with frame glasses. During the 12-month follow-up, although wearing OK lenses may have aggravated dry eye symptoms, each patient's ocular surface and meibomian gland function did not change significantly, indicating that the use of OK lenses is a relatively safe modality for the control of myopia in adolescents.

Evaluation of ocular surface and tear function - A review of current approaches for dry eye.

An increasing prevalence of dry eye disease in the past decade has resulted in a greater focus on diagnostic methods for this condition. There has been a proliferation of technologies that attempt to quantify various aspects of tear function and ocular surface health. However, a cost-effective, simple, and efficient method remains elusive. In the Indian context, the majority of these patients present to the general ophthalmologist, and a clinical approach that is quick and easy to perform would allow widespread usage for accurate diagnosis. This article reviews currently available methods and their relevance to the general ophthalmologist.

Lacrimal Gland Microenvironment Changes After Obstruction of Lacrimal Gland Ducts.

PurposeTo investigate microenvironment changes of the lacrimal gland after obstruction of lacrimal gland ducts.MethodsThe ducts of rat exorbital lacrimal gland were ligated by sutures for different durations. After that, the sutures in some animals were released, and they were observed for 21 days to evaluate the recovery of the lacrimal gland. Slit lamp and tear secretion test was performed to evaluate ocular surface and lacrimal gland function. The lacrimal gland and cornea were harvested and processed for hematoxylin and eosin staining, oil red O staining, LipidTOX staining, Masson staining, quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence staining.ResultsAfter the lacrimal gland ducts were blocked, tear secretion and the weight of the lacrimal gland were reduced. Incidence of corneal neovascularization increased after seven days. Intraglandular ducts dilated and acini destroyed. Long-term ligation induced fibrosis and lipid accumulation of the lacrimal glands. Inflammatory cell infiltrated and inflammatory factors upregulated. Proliferative and apoptotic cells increased. Structure of myoepithelial cells and basement membrane was destroyed. The p63 expression increased whereas Pax6 expression decreased. After suture release, tear secretion and structure of acini could recover in less than seven days after ligation, with a decrease in inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis relief. Apoptotic cells and proliferative cells increased at five days thereafter. The structure of the myoepithelial cells and basement membrane could not recover three days after ligation, and the number of mesenchymal cells increased in ligation after five to 14 days.ConclusionsBlockage of the lacrimal gland ducts results in dystrophy of lacrimal gland acini cells, inflammation, and lipid accumulation of the lacrimal gland microenvironment. Long-term duct blockage will cause irreversible lacrimal gland failure.

Supra-lacrimal protein-based carriers for cyclosporine A reduce Th17-mediated autoimmunity in murine model of Sjögren's syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease with principal symptoms including inflammation and loss of function of lacrimal glands (LG) and salivary glands. While glandular infiltrates includes both B- and T-cells, CD4+ T cells are strongly implicated. Utilizing the male non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model of SS, this work: 1) identifies clinically-relevant elevations in cytokines (IL-17A, IL-2) in LG-derived CD4+ T cells; and 2) explores tissue-specific immunosuppression of SS using a novel protein-based drug carrier to concentrate cyclosporine A (CsA) directly in the LG. As a potent immunosuppressant, topical ophthalmic CsA is approved for dry eye disorders; however, it cannot effectively resolve inflammation due to limited accumulation in the LG. Systemic CsA has dose-limiting side effects that also limit its ability to block LG inflammation. Using elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) fused genetically to cyclophilin, the intracellular cognate receptor of CsA, this manuscript reports a sustained-release formulation of CsA that maintains therapeutic drug concentrations in the LG and extends intervals between doses. This formulation blocked both in vitro Th17 cell differentiation and IL-17A secretion. In vivo treatment significantly decreased the abundance of Th17.1 cells, a helper cell population sharing phenotypes of both Th17 and Th1, in the LG of diseased NOD mice. Treatment with even a single dose of the sustained-release formulation was effective enough to improve basal levels of tear production. Thus, this sustained-release formulation suppressed local LG inflammation driven through IL-17 dependent pathways, while improving ocular surface function.

A Review of Emerging Tear Proteomics Research on the Ocular Surface in Ocular Allergy.

Simple SummaryOcular allergy is a localised form of allergy occurring on the surface of the eye and surrounding tissues. Typical signs and symptoms of ocular allergy include itching, redness, swelling of the eyelids and inflammation. Emerging studies on ocular allergy have shown that tears collected from ocular allergy sufferers show significantly different protein contents than in healthy populations. Differences in protein contents in tear samples have been hypothesised to be caused by a number of allergy-mediated factors, including long-term inflammation and eye-rubbing. Excessive eye-rubbing due to allergy-associated itch has also been shown to have significant effects on the physical shape of the eye, thereby potentially causing progressive vision problems in ocular allergy sufferers. This review aims to summarise and explore recent findings in ocular allergy protein research. This is to help determine which ocular surface proteins differ between ocular allergy sufferers and healthy controls, and the role each protein may play in the underlying chemistry of ocular allergy. Additionally, potential benefits of expanding the current pool of research into ocular surface proteins in ocular allergy sufferers in terms of diagnosis and treatment of the condition is discussed.Ocular allergy is an immunoglobulin E-mediated Type I hypersensitivity reaction localised to the ocular surface and surrounding tissues. Primary signs and symptoms of ocular allergy include itching, redness, irritation and inflammation. Eye-rubbing caused by itching has been shown to alter ocular surface protein concentrations in conditions linked to ocular allergy such as keratoconus. In keratoconus, the cornea begins to thin and sag over time, leading to progressive vision loss and blindness in severe conditions. Due to the high incidence of ocular allergy sufferers rubbing their eyes in response to symptoms of itching, the protein landscape of the ocular surface may be significantly altered. Differential protein expression caused by long-term inflammation and eye-rubbing may lead to subsequent changes in ocular surface structure and function over time. This review aims to summarise and explore the findings of current ocular allergy proteome research conducted using techniques such as gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry and lab-on-a-chip proteomics. Proteins of interest for this review include differentially expressed immunoglobulins, mucins, functional proteins, enzymes and proteins with previously uncharacterised roles in ocular allergy. Additionally, potential applications of this research are addressed in terms of diagnostics, drug development and future research prospects.

Orthokeratology Lens Wear for 2 Years in Children Did Not Alter Tear Film Lipid Thickness by Non-Invasive Interferometry.

PurposePrevious studies suggest that overnight orthokeratology (OOK) may be detrimental to tear function. We aimed to investigate the effect of OOK on lipid layer thickness (LLT), blink pattern, and meibomian gland and elucidate the relationship of these variables.MethodsThirty-seven participants who wore OOK lenses every night for at least 2 years and twenty-four healthy non-contact lens wearers (controls) were enrolled in this retrospective study. LipiView interferometry, blink pattern analysis, the ocular surface status, and morphology and function of the meibomian gland were determined.ResultsThe OOK group and healthy controls had similar LLT, blink patterns, ocular surface status, and the function of the meibomian gland. OOK participants demonstrated higher meiboscore in the lower eyelids (p < 0.05) but not in the upper eyelids. Within the OOK group, LLT was significantly impacted by the partial blink rate (p < 0.05) and the total score of the upper meibomian gland (p = 0.10).ConclusionsWearing OOK for 2 or more years increased lower eyelid meibomian gland dropout but did not have a reduction of LLT.

Effects of the preoperative use of artificial tears combined with recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor on cataract patients complicated with dry eyes.

To assess the effects of the preoperative application of artificial tears combined with recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor on the ocular surface function and inflammatory factor levels after operation in cataract patients complicated with dry eyes. A total of 118 cataract patients (118 eyes) complicated with dry eyes treated from February 2019 to February2020 were assigned to control and observation groups (n=59 eyes/group) using a random number table. One week before the operation, the control group was administered 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drops (artificial tears), based on which the observation group received Beifushu eye drops (recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor), both 6 times daily for 1 week. A comparison was made between the scores of clinical symptoms and the indices of ocular surface function, inflammatory factors in tears, and oxidative stress indices before and after the operation. The ocular surface function was evaluated by an ocular surface disease index questionnaire, tear film breakup-time assay, Schirmer's I test, and corneal fluorescein stain test. The inflammatory factors in tears were measured. No significant differences were noted in the general data and clinical symptom score, ocular surface disease index, tear film breakup-time, Schirmer's I test score, fluorescein stain score, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, lipid peroxide, and total antioxidant capacity before treatment between the 2 groups (p>0.05). After treatment, the clinical symptom score, ocular surface disease index, fluorescein stain score, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, malondial-dehyde and lipid peroxide declined significantly, and tear film breakup-time, Schirmer's I test score, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity increased in both the groups. The improvements in the clinical symptom score as well as in the indices of ocular surface function, inflammatory factors, and oxidative stress were more prominent in the observation group than in the control group (p<0.05). Artificial tears combined with recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor before operation. significantly improved the ocular surface function, reduced inflammatory factors in tears, and alleviated dry eye symptoms after operation in cataract patients.

The Effect and the Mechanism of Comprehensive Treatment on the Ocular Surface and the Visual Quality of Online Teachers with a Mild-to-Moderate Dry Eye Condition During the Early Phase of Coronavirus Disease 2019.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of comprehensive treatment on ocular surface function and the visual quality of online teachers with a mild-to-moderate dry eye condition during the early phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).MethodsSecondary school online teachers diagnosed with a mild-to-moderate dry eye disease in our outpatient clinic from February to May 2020 were enrolled in this retrospective cross-section study, and all patients received dry eye comprehensive treatment. A questionnaire survey on eye-use habits, visual quality and dry eye-related indicators was collected before and after treatment (2 and 4 weeks). The changes and the correlations between indicators before and after treatment were compared.ResultsA total of 30 patients (15 females and 15 males) were included. After comprehensive treatment, patients had significantly higher central tear meniscus height (TMH), non-invasive first tear film breakup time (NIBUTf) and non-invasive average tear film breakup time (NIBUTav) than those before with statistical significance (P < 0.05). Lower ocular surface disease index (OSDI) and Meibomian gland scores were observed after treatment with statistical significance (P < 0.05). Objective scatter index (OSI), modulation transfer function (MTF) cutoff, strehl ratio (SR), and tear film objective scatter index (TF-OSI) were significantly improved after treatment (P < 0.05). Besides, TF-OSI was positively correlated with the changes in OSDI, Meibomian gland score, eye-use duration and OSI with statistical significance (P < 0.05), while it was negatively correlated with NIBUTf, NIBUTav, the TMH of the central lower eyelid, SR, sleep duration, conjunctival congestion and the MTF cutoff (P < 0.05), respectively. No correlation between TF-OSI and ciliary congestion was found (P > 0.05).ConclusionComprehensive treatment could effectively improve the symptoms and visual quality of online teachers with a mild-to-moderate dry eye condition during the early stage of COVID-19 pandemic.

Electroacupuncture inhibits the corneal ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway in a rat model of dry eye syndrome.

Electroacupuncture (EA) treatment has been found to ameliorate clinical symptoms in patients with dry eye, but its mechanisms are still not entirely clear. To study the regulation of EA on ocular surface function and the corneal reactive oxygen species (ROS)/thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP)/Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammatory signaling pathway in dry eye syndrome (DES) model rats. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into five groups: Normal, Model, Model + EA, Model + NAC (N-actetylcysteine) and Model + NS (normal saline). The DES model was developed by subcutaneous injection of scopolamine hydrobromide with exposure to an air draft in the latter four groups. After intervention, the Schirmer I test (SIT), tear film break-up time (BUT) and ROS content were measured, the histopathological changes of corneal tissues were observed, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated Speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC), caspase-1, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 were detected. Compared with the Model group, the SIT and BUT increased significantly in the Model + EA group after intervention (p < 0.05), and the corneal injury was improved. Corneal ROS content declined in both Model + EA and Model + NAC groups (p < 0.05), and mRNA expression of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 also decreased (p < 0.01). Corneal protein expression of TXNIP, NLRP3, IL-1β and IL-18 decreased significantly in the Model + EA group (p < 0.01). Inhibiting the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway may be the mechanism underlying the role of EA in improving corneal injury in DES model rats.