Superficial Punctate Keratopathy Score Research Articles

The Efficacy and Safety Associated with Switching from Concomitant Brimonidine and Ripasudil, or Brimonidine or Ripasudil Monotherapy to a Fixed Combination of Brimonidine and Ripasudil in Glaucoma Patients.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate switching from brimonidine and ripasudil, and brimonidine or ripasudil, to a fixed combination of brimonidine and ripasudil, and evaluate the associated efficacy and safety in glaucoma patients. Methods: Glaucoma patients undergoing treatment with at least brimonidine and ripasudil (n = 25) or treatment with at least brimonidine or ripasudil (n = 45) were evaluated in this retrospective study. After switching patients taking brimonidine and ripasudil, or brimonidine or ripasudil, to a ripasudil/brimonidine fixed-combination, ophthalmic suspension (RBFC), intra-ocular pressure (IOP), conjunctival hyperemia and superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK) were evaluated before and at 4, 12 and 24 weeks after switching to RBFC. Results: No significant differences in the IOPs were observed after switching from brimonidine and ripasudil to RBFC. However, a significant decrease was observed at 4, 12 and 24 weeks in the baseline IOP, from 17.0 ± 4.4 mmHg to 15.7 ± 3.2 mmHg (p < 0.01), 14.3 ± 3.4 mmHg (p < 0.01) and 14.4 ± 4.1 mmHg (p < 0.01), respectively, after switching from brimonidine or ripasudil to RBFC. No significant changes were noted for the SPK score or conjunctival hyperemia score at any of the visits after switching to RBFC. Conclusions: Throughout the 24-week evaluation period, the IOP was maintained after switching from brimonidine and ripasudil to RBFC. However, there was a significant decrease in the IOP after switching from brimonidine or ripasudil to RBFC. These results demonstrate that RBFC is safe for use in the treatment of glaucoma patients.

The Efficacy, Safety, and Satisfaction Associated with Switching from Brinzolamide or Brimonidine to Brinzolamide/Brimonidine in Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients.

We evaluated switching from brinzolamide 1% or brimonidine 0.1% to a fixed-combination of brinzolamide 1% and brimonidine 0.1%, and then determined the efficacy, safety, and satisfaction associated with these changes in glaucoma patients. This prospective, nonrandomized study evaluated a total of 31 enrolled glaucoma patients who underwent treatment with at least brinzolamide 1% or brimonidine 0.1%. Patients were administered a brinzolamide/brimonidine fixed-combination ophthalmic suspension (BBFC) after being switched from their original brinzolamide 1% or brimonidine 0.1% therapy. All other intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering medications currently being used were continued. IOP, superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK), and conjunctival hyperemia data obtained at baseline and then at 4 and 12 weeks were evaluated. To assess the changes in treatment satisfaction, this study utilized the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication-9 (TSQM-9). There was a significant decrease in the mean baseline IOP from 15.7 ± 4.9 mmHg to 13.6 ± 4.4 (p = 0.001) and 13.5 ± 3.9 mmHg (p = 0.002) at 4 and 12 weeks, respectively. Evaluation of the incidence of conjunctival hyperemia or SPK score showed there were no significant changes noted at any time point. The TSQM-9 score demonstrated there was a significant increase for effectiveness after switching from brinzolamide 1% or brimonidine 0.1% to BBFC. After switching from brinzolamide 1% or brimonidine 0.1% to BBFC, there was a significant decrease in the IOP. Patients were aware of the effectiveness of switching from brinzolamide 1% or brimonidine 0.1% to BBFC.

Prevention of Surgery-Induced Dry Eye by Diquafosol Eyedrops after Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery.

Purpose: To analyze the protective effects of diquafosol eyedrops on the ocular surface following femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS). Design: A prospective, randomized contralateral study. Methods: Bilateral FLACS with a trifocal IOL (PanOptix) implantation was performed in 40 eyes in 20 patients (10 males, 10 females, average age 68.8 ± 6.3 years old). Patients received 3% diquafosol eyedrops six times daily in one randomly chosen eye (diquafosol group), and physiological saline six times a day in the other eye (control group). Other medication included 1.5% levofloxacin, 0.1% dexamethasone and 0.1% diclofenac three times daily in both eyes. The pre and post-operative tear break-up time (BUT), superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK) scores and visual function were compared between both eyes, and all patients answered the dry-eye-related quality of life score (DEQS) questionnaire. Results: The BUT between groups was similar pre-operatively and on the first day post-op; however, the BUT was statistically longer in the diquafosol group compared to saline at 1 week (5.5/3.7 s) and 2 weeks (4.8/3.0 s) (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the SPK score, best corrected distance visual acuity, tear meniscus height, contrast sensitivity, DEQS and Schirmer test at all time points. Spherical aberration was statistically lower in the diquafosol group at 1 week. The protective effects of diquafosol on the BUT was more pronounced in patients with a pre-operative BUT of less than 5 s compared with those with a BUT longer than 6 s. Conclusions: Diquafosol eyedrops prevented the shortening of the BUT following FLACS, even in patients with short pre-operative BUT values.

The Efficacy, Safety and Satisfaction Associated with Switching from Brinzolamide 1% and Brimonidine 0.1% to a Fixed Combination of Brinzolamide 1% and Brimonidine 0.1% in Glaucoma Patients.

We evaluated glaucoma patients for the efficacy, safety and satisfaction associated with switching from brinzolamide 1% and brimonidine 0.1% to a fixed combination of brinzolamide 1% and brimonidine 0.1%. A total of 22 glaucoma patients were enrolled and completed this prospective, nonrandomized study that evaluated patients who underwent treatment with at least brinzolamide 1% and brimonidine 0.1%. Patients on brinzolamide 1% and brimonidine 0.1% were switched to a brinzolamide/brimonidine fixed-combination ophthalmic suspension (BBFC). Evaluations of intraocular pressure (IOP), superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK) and conjunctival hyperemia were conducted at baseline and at 4 and 12 weeks. The Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication-9 (TSQM-9) was utilized to assess the change in treatment satisfaction. At baseline and at 4 and 12 weeks, the IOP was 15.0 ± 4.1, 14.8 ± 4.1 and 14.8 ± 4.1 mmHg, respectively. There were no significant differences observed at any of the time points. However, the SPK score significantly decreased at 12 weeks, even though no significant differences were observed for the conjunctival hyperemia incidence at any of the time points. After switching from brinzolamide 1% and brimonidine 0.1% to BBFC, there was a significant increase in the TSQM-9 score for convenience and global satisfaction. Both an improvement in the degree of SPK and an increase in treatment satisfaction occurred after switching from brinzolamide 1% and brimonidine 0.1% to BBFC, even though there were sustained IOP values throughout the 12-week evaluation period.

Morphological Changes of Meibomian Glands in Men With Benign Prostate Hyperplasia.

Meibomian glands are subject to regulation by sex hormones. We have now investigated the possible relation between benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Men diagnosed with BPH and receiving treatment with tamsulosin and age-matched male control subjects who attended Itoh Clinic, Saitama, Japan, were enrolled. An ocular symptom score, lid margin abnormality score, and superficial punctate keratopathy score as well as the meiboscore (0-6), meibum grade, breakup time of the tear film, and Schirmer test values were evaluated. Male pattern baldness was also graded according to the Hamilton-Norwood scale. Forty-four eyes of 44 men with BPH (mean age ± SD, 76.1 ± 2.2 years) and 46 eyes of 46 control subjects (mean age ± SD, 75.3 ± 6.2 years) were enrolled. The meiboscore in the BPH group (4.5 ± 1.4) was significantly higher than that in the control group (1.8 ± 1.5, P < 0.0001). Breakup time of the tear film was significantly shorter (3.6 ± 1.7 vs. 5.6 ± 2.5 seconds, P < 0.0001), and Schirmer test value was significantly smaller (9.8 ± 4.8 vs. 13.3 ± 8.0 mm, P = 0.048) in the BPH group than that in the control group. Other ocular parameters did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. The proportion of men with androgenic alopecia was also higher in the BPH group than that in the control group. BPH was associated with meibomian gland loss and instability of the tear film as well as with the presence of androgenic alopecia.

The Effects of Diabetic Duration on Lacrimal Functional Unit in Patients with Type II Diabetes.

Purpose To observe ocular surface changes in Type II diabetic patients with different disease durations and to understand the correlations between clinical parameters and diabetic durations. Methods In this cross-sectional, prospective study, 51 healthy controls and 91 patients with Type II diabetes were enrolled. The diabetics were divided into 3 subgroups according to the disease duration, including duration <10 y group, 10 to 20 y group, and ≥21 y group. All subjects underwent clinical ocular examinations, including lipid layer thickness (LLT), blinking rate, tear meniscus height (TMH), noninvasive tear film break-up time (NI-BUT), meibography, superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK) scoring, corneal sensitivity, and Schirmer I test. They were also evaluated using the standard patient evaluation of eye dryness (SPEED) questionnaire. Results SPEED score, meiboscore, SPK score, LLT, Schirmer I test, and corneal sensitivity differed significantly between the diabetic and healthy control groups. Further, SPEED score, Schirmer I test, corneal sensitivity, meiboscore, and blink rate significantly differed among the 3 diabetic subgroups and the control group. In diabetics, the SPEED score correlated with the SPK score, blink rate, TMH, and LLT; NI-BUT with TMH, LLT, and blink rate; TMH with the SPK score; Schirmer I test with the SPK score; and corneal sensitivity with the meiboscore. More importantly, the Schirmer I test, corneal sensitivity, and SPEED score negatively correlated with diabetic duration. Conclusion Diabetic duration is an important factor that affects functions of the lacrimal functional unit in patients with Type II diabetes. The trends of changes in the ocular parameters vary along the course of diabetes.

Patients Preference of Diquafosol or Rebamipide Eye Drops for the Treatment of Mild Dry Eye: A Pilot Study

Purpose: To investigate the preference rates of recently developed eye drops, 3% diquafosol ophthalmic solution and 2% rebamipide ophthalmic suspension, as a randomized clinical trial in patients with dry eye.Methods: Eighteen patients (mean age: 59.7 years old, females: 77.8%) with reduced tear film break-up time (TBUT ? 5 sec) were enrolled in this study. They were treated with either diquafosol or rebamipide for 1 week, and treated for an additional week after switching to the other eye drop. This treatment was repeated one more time. Then, the patients were treated with one of either eye drop for an additional 4 weeks. Patients’ preferences for eye drops were investigated using a questionnaire at the end of 4-week treatment. To confirm the effectiveness of the treatments, objective and subjective assessments including superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK) score, TBUT measurement, and Dry Eye-Related Quality-of-Life Score (DEQS) were performed at baseline, and 4 and 8 weeks.Results: SPK score was improved after treatment (P &lt; 0.05). Patients tended to prefer diquafosol (64.7%) torebamipide (35.4%), however there was no significant difference in two eye drops (P = 0.23). Bitterness was reported significantly more frequently after rebamipide administration (66.7%) than diquafosol administration (5.6%, P &lt; 0.001). The diquafosol bottle was considered “ease to use” by a larger percentage of users (94.1%) as compared to the rebamipide bottle (58.8%, P &lt; 0.05). The effectiveness of the signs and symptoms were similar for both groups at 8 weeks.Conclusions: Diquafosol and Rebamipide were both effective in treating dry eye and 65% of the patients choose Diquafosol. Bitterness after administration and ease to use of the bottles seemed to affect the patients’ preferences for these two eye drops.

Meibography of Eyes With Sequelae of Trachoma.

To study the effect of trachoma on meibomian glands using infrared meibography and to correlate the results with tear film parameters. This is a prospective cohort study in which 86 eyes of healthy volunteers and 90 eyes with trachoma were included. Clinical assessment was performed including the following: slit-lamp examination looking for signs of sequelae of trachoma, tear breakup time (TBUT), superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK), Schirmer II test (with anesthesia), and meibum score. Noncontact meibography was performed on both upper and lower eyelids separately using the meibograde system, which involved distortion of the meibomian gland, shortening, and dropout. Lid margin abnormalities (telangiectasia, lid margin swelling, and hyperemia) were all significantly higher in the trachoma group. The mean SPK (1.36), meibum score (1.76), meibography dropout, distortion, shortening, and total meibography (8.19 for upper eyelids and 3.81 for lower eyelids) were all significantly higher in the trachoma group (P < 0.001) compared with the normal group were SPK (0.88), meibum score (0.16), and total meibography (1.24 for upper eyelids and 0.92 for lower eyelids). Mean TBUT (4.2 s) was significantly shorter in the trachoma group than in the normal group (10.3 s) (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between both groups in the Schirmer II test. Meibography of patients with sequelae of trachoma was in agreement with the histopathologic studies. Upper eyelids were much more affected than the lower eyelids. TBUT, SPK, and meibum score were correlated with the status of meibomian glands and meibography, which were significantly different in the trachoma group.

The signs of ocular-surface disorders after switching from latanoprost to tafluprost/timolol fixed combination: a prospective study.

PurposeTo evaluate the ocular-surface safety of a 0.001% benzalkonium chloride-containing tafluprost/timolol fixed combination (TTFC) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension who have inadequate intraocular pressure (IOP) control with latanoprost monotherapy.MethodsThis study is a multicenter, prospective, single-arm, open-label clinical study. Patients with POAG or ocular hypertension who have inadequate IOP control with latanoprost monotherapy were considered eligible. After providing informed consent, patients continued latanoprost monotherapy for 12 weeks, followed by a switch to TTFC. We evaluated the extent of ocular-surface damage using superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK) score, tear breakup time (TBUT), hyperemia score, IOP, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate at 0, 4, and 12 weeks after switching.ResultsA total of 68 patients were enrolled, of whom, 64 patients were included in the final analysis. No significant changes in SPK score, TBUT, or hyperemia score were observed at 4 and 12 weeks compared with week 0. IOP decreased significantly at 4 (13.9±2.5 mmHg) and 12 (14.1±2.5 mmHg) weeks, relative to week 0 (15.3±2.7 mmHg). No significant changes in either SBP or DBP were observed during the study, although patients’ mean heart rate decreased significantly after switching to TTFC. Adverse drug reactions to TTFC occurred in seven patients including two incidences of asthma and one of arrhythmia, and no events were serious.ConclusionThe ocular-surface safety of TTFC is not significantly different to that of latanoprost. Furthermore, switching from latanoprost to TTFC in patients with insufficient IOP control has additive IOP-lowering effects. TTFC is an effective approach for patients receiving latanoprost monotherapy who require more intensive IOP reduction.

Topical diquafosol for patients with obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction

AimsTo evaluate the effect of topical diquafosol in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) using tear film parameters and quantitatively analyse the meibomian gland morphology.Subjects and MethodsThe subjects were 19...

Effects of SofZia‐preserved travoprost and benzalkonium chloride‐preserved latanoprost on the ocular surface – a multicentre randomized single‐masked study

To assess the effect of SofZia-preserved travoprost on ocular surface conditions in comparison with benzalkonium chloride (BAK)-preserved latanoprost. A prospective randomized multicentre single-masked comparative study. Patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who had been treated with BAK-preserved latanoprost 0.005% (Xalatan(®) ) monotherapy for at least 3 months. Patients were enrolled at 23 facilities. Patients were randomly divided into the X-X group, continuous use of Xalatan(®) , or the X-T group, switching from Xalatan(®) to SofZia-preserved travoprost 0.004% (TravatanZ(®) ), and followed for 3 months. The superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK), conjunctival epitheliopathy, hyperaemia, tear break-up time (TBUT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were examined for each patient in a masked manner. Changes in the frequency of keratoconjunctival epitheliopathy were evaluated 3 months after study initiation. Intra- and intergroup comparisons of changes in SPK, conjunctival epitheliopathy, hyperaemia, TBUT and IOP were also carried out. Two hundred twenty patients participated and 215 completed the 3-month study. The frequency of keratoconjunctival epitheliopathy significantly decreased in the X-T group (p = 0.036) and the intergroup difference was also significant (p = 0.001). SPK scores and TBUT were significantly improved in the X-T group (p = 0.034, 0.049), also with significant intergroup differences in the cornea excluding the inferior area and TBUT. There were no significant intergroup differences in changes of the hyperaemia scores and the IOP reduction. Switching to SofZia-preserved travoprost after BAK-preserved latanoprost resulted in a lower incidence of keratoconjunctival epitheliopathy, especially in the cornea, with no clinically relevant changes in hyperaemia and IOP.

Meibomian Gland Duct Distortion in Patients With Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis

To observe morphologic changes of meibomian glands in patients with and without perennial allergic conjunctivitis (AC) and to assess the relation between morphologic changes of the meibomian glands of both eyelids and tear film parameters. In this study, 55 eyes of 55 patients with perennial AC and 47 eyes of 47 healthy volunteers as controls were included. The following tests were performed: a slit-lamp examination, measurement of tear film breakup time, grading of meibomian gland morphologic changes (meibography score) assessed with a noncontact meibography, meibomian gland duct distortion in meibography, tear production by the Schirmer I test, and grading of meibum expression. The frequency of meibomian gland duct distortion was significantly greater in patients with AC (45%) than that in controls (8.5%; P < 0.0001). The meibum (P = 0.049) and superficial punctate keratopathy scores (P = 0.0076) were significantly higher in patients with AC than those in controls. There was no significant difference in meibography score, breakup time, or Schirmer value between the 2 groups. The meibomian expression score was significantly higher in patients with AC with meibomian gland duct distortion than in patients with AC without meibomian gland duct distortion (P = 0.0012). Perennial AC is associated with increased meibomian gland duct distortion.

Effects of switching to SofZia-preserved travoprost in patients who presented with superficial punctate keratopathy while under treatment with latanoprost

To investigate the effects of switching to SofZia-preserved travoprost (TRV) on superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK) observed in patients using benzalkonium chloride (BAC)-preserved latanoprost (LAT). Patients with either primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension treated with LAT for at least 1 month who presented with SPK participated in this prospective, multicenter, open-label uncontrolled study. After the switch from LAT to TRV, patients were monitored at 2 weeks and at 1, 2, and 3 months. The use of concomitantly employed ophthalmic solutions was continued during the observation period. The intensity of SPK in each of five areas defined on the cornea was scored on a standard scale. Repeated measurements were tested with a linear mixed model. Of the 48 patients enrolled, 45 patients completed the study. After the switch to TRV, the mean SPK score in the whole cornea decreased significantly at every observation point (P < 0.0001 at each point) while intraocular pressure did not change significantly. Throughout the observation period, the SPK score tended to be higher in patients using a larger number of concomitant medications that contained BAC. Switching to TRV improved SPK observed in a population using LAT, likely because of a decrease in exposure to BAC.

Efficacy of substance P and insulin-like growth factor-1 peptides for preventing postsurgical superficial punctate keratopathy in diabetic patients

The efficacy of eyedrops containing peptides based on substance P (FGLM-amide) and insulinlike growth factor-1 (SSSR) for prevention of superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK) after cataract surgery in individuals with type 2 diabetes was examined. Twenty-nine patients (29 eyes) with diabetes were enrolled in a double-masked, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study. They were randomly assigned to one of two groups that received eyedrops containing either FGLM-amide and SSSR (n = 14) or phosphate-buffered saline (n = 15) four times a day for 14 days starting 1 day after phacoemulsification. SPK scores (area, density, and combined area and density) were determined before as well as 1, 3, 7, and 14 days after surgery as main outcome measures. SPK scores did not differ between the two groups before surgery or before initiation of treatment. At day 2 after treatment initiation, all SPK scores were significantly lower in the FGLM-amide/SSSR group than in the control group. The density score was also significantly lower in the former group at day 7 after surgery. All scores returned to preoperative levels by day 14 after surgery in both groups. Eyedrops containing FGLM-amide and SSSR were effective for the prevention of SPK after cataract surgery in diabetic patients.