Current Eye Research最新文献

Purpose: This study examines the incidence of infection and resistance associated with Intracorneal Ring Segment (ICRS) implantation, a common outpatient surgical treatment for correcting refractive errors and corneal ectatic diseases. Although ICRS procedures are typically safe and reversible, there is a low but notable risk of microbial infections, which require prompt and sometimes invasive treatment.

Methods: Three electronic databases, PubMed, Web of Science (WoS), and Scopus, were utilised to search for literature according to PRISMA guidelines to identify infections related to the implantation of ICRS in the cornea between January 2000 and December 2022.

Results: Gram-positive organisms were involved in 86% of cases: 35.7% S. aureus, 25% coagulase-negative staphylococci species, 17.8% streptococci and 7.1% Nocardia species. Less commonly recorded were Gram-negative bacteria (14%), with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (circa 10%) and Klebsiella pneumonia (4%) being the most common Gram-negative bacteria. In rare cases, fungi have also been reported. ICRS-related bacterial infections can be categorised into early or late onset. Early onset infection typically manifests within the first few weeks after implantation and is often associated with contamination during surgery, unhygienic practices, or inadequate sterilisation techniques. On the other hand, late-onset infection may develop months or even years after the initial procedures and may be associated with persistent bacterial colonisation, secondary infections, or prolonged use of prophylactic antibiotics. S aureus is encountered in both early and late-onset infections, while Nocardia species and K. pneumoniae have generally been reported to occur in late-onset infections. In addition, vision recovery from S. aureus infections tends to be poor compared to other bacterial infections.

Conclusion: S. aureus is a predominant pathogen that often requires surgical intervention with poor outcomes. Early infections result from incision gaps and ring segment rubbing, while late infections are linked to prolonged antibiotic use. Further research is needed on novel antimicrobial ICRS to procure the vision.

Purpose: To investigate the value of proprotein-converting subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) patients with different stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and to compare these findings with a healthy control group without diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods: A total of 135 patients, 100 of whom were patients with T2D and 35 of whom were in the health control group, were included in this prospective study. T2D patients were divided into three groups: the first group included 34 people with T2D without DR, the second group had 32 people with non-proliferative DR (NPDR), and the third group had 34 people with proliferative DR (PDR). Serum PCSK9 levels were analyzed and compared between the groups.

Results: Forty-nine percent of the participants were female, and the mean age was 64 ± 9.1 years, with no statistically significant results between the four groups in terms of age and sex. The mean serum PCSK9 value was significantly different (p = 0.01) when all groups were evaluated, and statistically significant change was observed with the progression of DR. When serum PCSK9 levels were evaluated in all T2D patients (groups 1, 2, and 3), a medium-level correlation was observed with low-density lipoprotein (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Serum PCSK9 values differed significantly in diabetic patients compared to the control group. One should be clinically cautious about the usefulness of circulating PCSK9 concentrations as an indicator of the risk of diabetic retinopathy.

Purpose: surgery under local anaesthesia can be a stressful experience for patients. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of a non-pharmacological psychotropic measures (NPTM) on the anxiety and stress levels of individuals undergoing ophthalmic surgery. This is the first study to use a bilateral haptic NPTM for this purpose.

Methods: In this clinical interventional case-control study, we assessed objective and subjective stress parameters immediately pre- and postoperatively. We randomly assigned patients to one of two groups: an intervention group with NPTM (n = 70) and a control group (n = 68).

Results: When comparing objective parameters (heart rate, blood pressure, and sweat secretion), there were no significant differences between the two groups pre- and postoperatively (p ≥ 0.05). Subjectively, 79% of patients in the intervention group perceived a positive effect from the NPTM (p < 0.01). Patients undergoing eye surgery for the first time described a positive effect significantly more often (p = 0.027).

Conclusions: Our study results show that subjectively perceived anxiety and stress during eye surgery is significantly improved by using a bimanual NPTM. The majority of the patients experienced a positive effect on their wellbeing, particularly those undergoing eye surgery for the first time, although there was also a positive effect for patients who had previously undergone eye surgery. While the haptic NPTM used in this study has a positive impact on patients' perception of ophthalmic surgery, all patients undergoing surgery under local anaesthesia may benefit from this approach.

Purpose: This study describes a prototype developed for aphakia without capsular support (AWCS) and its proof of concept.

Methods: This descriptive study used a 3D software to create and analyze virtual prototypes before manufacturing. A nylon-6/nylon-6.6 copolymer filament and a 3D printer were used for prototyping. A device implantation technique was developed using a 23-gauge hypodermic needle. Two opposing markings, 2 mm posterior to the limbus, were made to determine the location of the scleral punctures and the final position of the device. After adequate centralization and positioning of the device, its haptics were cut and cauterized to generate thermal modeling of the extremity and allow the thickening of the tips (flange), serving as an anchoring mechanism to the sclera. The efficacy and adequacy of the technique and device were then evaluated.

Results: Vitreous tissue extrusion was not observed during the sclerotomy. The device was well fixed to the sclera; however, adequate IOL stability and centralization still needed to be achieved. The surgeon evaluated the adequacy of all the other devices' characteristics.

Conclusions: The development of a technology prototype for correcting AWCS was possible. Although the proposed prototype met most of the established concept guidelines, the stability of the IOL position remains challenging.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of l-serine on mitochondrial dysfunction in retinal ganglion cells after exposure to H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress.

Methods: Retinal ganglion cells obtained from C57BL6 mice (postnatal days 1-4) were purified and cultured. A cell viability assay was performed following exposure to H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress to assess the cytoprotective effects of l-serine on retinal ganglion cells. Flow cytometry with CellROX Deep Red and MitoSOX dyes was performed to analyze the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels, respectively. Staining with the fluorescent probe JC-1 was used to detect changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential. The oxygen consumption rate and Bioenergetic Health Index were used to evaluate mitochondrial respiration.

Results: H₂O₂ treatment was found to induce mitochondrial dysfunction in retinal ganglion cells. Pretreatment with l-serine prevented cytotoxicity and significantly increased the viability of retinal ganglion cells following exposure to H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress (p < .05). l-Serine alleviated reactive oxygen species production in retinal ganglion cells following exposure to H₂O₂-induced oxidative (p < .05). Further, it successfully mitigated H₂O₂-induced mitochondrial depolarization in retinal ganglion cells (p < .05) and significantly increased the oxygen consumption rate and Bioenergetic Health Index in retinal ganglion cells following exposure to H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress (p < .05).

Conclusion: Pretreatment with l-serine protected retinal ganglion cells from H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress by improving mitochondrial function. The findings of the present study suggest that l-serine is a potential candidate for treatment of reactive oxygen species-related ocular diseases such as mitochondrial optic neuropathies.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to design a simple, handy prediction for the effect of spherical and cylindrical refractive error on the visual acuity degradation at different distances and validate this model on a clinical dataset.

Methods: This study examined 70 eyes from 35 patients' post-cataract surgery with aberration-free intraocular lenses. Biometric and corneal data were analysed, and subjective refraction and visual acuity were evaluated by two experienced optometrists. The study computed the spherical equivalent (SEQ), and defocus equivalent via vector addition (DEQ vec), as the sum of absolute values (DEQ abs). Predictive models were developed using univariate regression, with confidence intervals (BCa 95%) calculated through non-parametric bootstrapping (10,000 cycles).

Results: Various calculated equivalents included -0.44 D for spherical equivalent (SEQ), 0.70 D for defocus equivalent based on vector calculation (DEQ vec), and 0.89 D for defocus equivalent based on absolute values (DEQ abs). Uncorrected and corrected visual acuity averaged 0.07 logMAR and -0.04 logMAR, respectively. The absolute defocus equivalent (DEQ abs) exhibited the smallest confidence interval (BCa 95%) at 0.07.

Conclusion: The defocus equivalent based on the addition of absolute values (DEQ abs) emerged as the most practical predictor for the described applications. Notably, it offers the advantage of easy calculability through a simple equation: VA loss = DEQ abs ⋅ 0.23. In 95% of cases, this predicted loss would have an accuracy of ±0.03 lines.

Purpose: Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is the major complication of visual impairment after cataract surgery. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the development of many diseases. The purpose of this study was to explore the role and molecular mechanism of circ_0000099 in PCO.

Methods: SRA01/04 cells were treated with TGF-β2 to establish a PCO cell model. The expression of circ_0000099, miR-223-3p, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mRNA was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Western blot assay was used to analyze the protein expression. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were analyzed by (4-5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), 5-ethynyl-2 '-Deoxyuridine (EdU), transwell, and wound healing tests. The circ_0000099/miR-223-3p/CTGF relationship was verified by dual luciferase reporter gene and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays.

Results: TGF-β2 treatment promoted SRA01/04 cell proliferation invasion, migration, and EMT. Circ_0000099 expression was increased in POC patients and TGF-β2-treated SRA01/04 cells.Knockdown of circ_0000099 suppressed TGF-β2-induced proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT in SRA01/04 cells. miR-223-3p was identified as the target of circ_0000099, and miR-223-3p inhibitor might partly abolish the repression of circ_0000099 silencing on TGF-β2-triggered SRA01/04 cell disorders. MiR-223-3p directly targeted CTGF. Knockdown of CTGF suppressed TGF-β2-induced SRA01/04 cell injury. Circ_0000099 can regulate CTGF expression by targeting miR-223-3p.

Conclusions: Circ_0000099 silencing might relieve TGF-2-induced SRA01/04 cell injury by the miR-223-3p/CTGF axis, providing new avenues for the prevention and treatment of PCO.

Purpose: Microglia-related inflammation is closely linked to the pathogenesis of retinal diseases. The primary objective of this research was to investigate the impact and mechanism of M1 phenotype microglia on the barrier function of retina microvascular endothelial cells.

Methods: Quantitative polymerase chain reactions and western blot techniques were utilized to analysis the mRNA and protein expressions of M1 and M2 markers of human microglial clone 3 cell line (HMC3), as well as the levels of Notch ligands and receptors under the intervention of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or interleukin (IL)-4. ELISA was utilized to detect the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines from HMC3 cells. The cellular tight junction and apoptosis of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) were assessed by western blot and fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran permeability assay. The inhibitors of Notch1 and RNA interference (RNAi) targeting Jagged1 were used to assess their contribution to the barrier function of vascular endothelial cells.

Results: Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and IL-1β were considerably elevated in LPS-treated HMC3, while CD206 and Arg-1 markedly elevated under IL-4 stimulation. The conditioned medium derived from LPS-treated HMC3 cells promoted permeability, diminished the expression of zonula occludens-1 and Occludin, and elevated the expression of Cleaved caspase-3 in HRMECs. RNAi targeting Jagged1 or Notch1 inhibitor could block M1 HMC3 polarization and maintain barrier function of HRMECs.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that Jagged1-Notch1 signaling pathway induces M1 microglial cells to disrupt the barrier function of HRMECs, which may lead to retinal diseases.

Purpose: To evaluate curvature changes in different regions and their correlation with corneal epithelial remodeling in myopic patients undergoing femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) and transepithelial refractive keratectomy (Trans-PRK) after surgery.

Methods: One hundred and sixty-three patients (163 right eyes) undergoing Trans-PRK and LASIK were evaluated for up to 6 months using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure the epithelial thickness and corneal topography to measure corneal curvature in different areas (2 mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm). We calculated the curvature ΔK (ΔK = preoperative - postoperative), ΔK_5-2 (ΔK_5-2 = K_5mm - K_2mm), ΔK_7-5 (ΔK_7-5 = K_7mm - K_5mm), and the epithelial thickness ΔET_5-2 (ΔET_5-2 = ET_5mm - ET_2mm) and ΔET_7-5 (ΔET_7-5= ET_7mm - ET_5mm).

Results: Corneal curvature flattened in each region of the two groups (all p < 0.001) and gradually steepened during the follow-up period. The Trans-PRK group flattened more significantly within 2 mm and 5 mm, while the FS-LASIK group at 7 mm. Both groups of ΔK decreased over time. Both groups of ΔK_5-2 and ΔK_7-5 gradually decreased during the follow-up period (P_5-2=0.025 and P_7-5 < 0.001 for Trans-PRK, P_5-2 = 0.011 and P_7-5 < 0.001 for FS-LASIK). The corneal epithelium of the two groups gradually thickened during the follow-up period, with Trans-PRK significantly thickening in the central and peripheral regions and FS-LASIK in the central and paracentral regions. There is a significant correlation between the ΔK_5-2 and ΔET_5-2, ΔK_7-5 and ΔET_7-5 (all r > 0.37, p < 0.001).

Conclusions: All groups showed significant curvature flattening after surgery and gradually steepening during the follow-up period. The corneal epithelium thickness in both groups of 17 regions became thicker,. In contrast, Trans-PRK group showed more significant thickening to the periphery and the central 5 mm area of the FS-LASIK. This study indicates a significant positive correlation between differences in epithelial thickening in different regions and differences in curvature changes in the corresponding areas PRK, FS-LASIK, curvature, corneal epithelial thickness.

Purpose: To assess the safety and efficacy of the dry eye intelligent therapeutic device in rabbits with meibomian gland dysfunction.

Methods: The meibomian gland dysfunction-afflicted rabbits were subjected to treatment using the dry eye intelligent therapeutic device. Various parameters, including eyelid margin, meibomian gland opening, redness, meibomian gland area, keratoconjunctival fluorescence staining, and intraocular pressure, were examined and analyzed using an ocular surface comprehensive examination instrument, slit lamp, and tonometer at corresponding times points. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to examine the mucosal epithelium and meibomian gland.

Results: In this study, eyelid margin congestion and meibomian gland opening obstruction were significantly improved after 3 weeks and 4 weeks of treatment, respectively (p < .01, p < .05). The treatment group showed a significant increase in tear meniscus height after 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 4 weeks of treatment (p < .001, p < .01, p < .05). No significant changes were noted in meibomian gland area, redness, intraocular pressure, and keratoconjunctival fluorescence staining of rabbits before and after treatment. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed a complete structure of mucosal epithelium and meibomian gland in the treatment group and that the expansion of the blocked meibomian gland duct was reduced.

Conclusion: The utilization of the dry eye intelligent therapeutic device in treating meibomian gland dysfunction-afflicted rabbits exhibits potential promising safety, efficacy, and overall benefits, thereby offering a novel alternative for managing meibomian gland dysfunction patients in clinical settings.