Current Eye Research最新文献

Purpose: Isolated infantile onset high myopia (IIOHM) is a rare phenomenon. Our aim is to describe the natural course of IIOHM based on a long-term follow-up.

Methods: All patients under 5 years of age diagnosed with bilateral spherical equivalent (SE) ≤ -5.0 diopters were reviewed. Exclusion criteria were follow-up <1 year; anisometropia > 3.0D; astigmatism > 3.0D and any systemic or ocular diseases associated with high myopia. Data was collected at presentation and every follow-up examination.

Results: Nineteen patients (38 eyes) were found eligible (10 boys, 52.6%). Mean age at presentation and follow-up was 2.6 ± 1.2 and 6.3 ± 1.6 years, respectively. Myopia increased between presentation and the end of follow-up [-8.4D (IQR -10.3, -6.4) vs. -9.5D (IQR -12.5, -7.5), respectively, p = 0.003]. The median was -0.6D (IQR -3.0, 0.5). There was a negative correlation between the SE at presentation and the amount of progression during follow-up (p = 0.01, rs = -0.536). There was a trend toward a higher increase in myopia between 9-12 vs. 2-5 years of age (p = 0.08). Mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at the end of follow-up was 6/7.5. None of the patients had BCVA worse than 6/12 in both eyes. Three patients (15.8%) had BCVA worse than 6/12 in only one eye. Nine patients (47.4%) had strabismus. No patient developed other complications secondary to high myopia.

Conclusion: IIOHM tends to remain stable in at least the first decade of life with good visual prognosis. Attention should be given to amblyopia, strabismus and larger refractive changes toward the second decade of life.

Purpose: The eye dominance distribution in humans varies according to the assessment method. Although the correlation between refractive asymmetry and eye dominance has long been investigated, the results are inconsistent. Here, we analyzed the relationships between refractive asymmetry and eye dominance measured by fixation and sensory methods and assessed the concordance of the two methods.

Methods: One hundred and twelve subjects were enrolled to evaluate their refractive asymmetry and eye dominance. Refractive error was determined through objective and subjective refraction. The assessment of fixation eye dominance was conducted using the hole-in-card method, while the binocular orientation combination task was used to assess sensory dominance. Subgroups of anisometropia and non-anisometropia patients were established to evaluate the influence of the magnitude of refractive asymmetry.

Results: Among all subjects, the right eye exhibited greater fixation eye dominance than the left eye (p = 0.001), while sensory eye dominance was more even (p = 0.85). The concordance between these two methods was nonsignificant (p = 0.952). Only the spherical equivalent power difference in the non-anisometropia group was significant between the sensory dominant and nondominant eyes (p = 0.015). The right eye showed greater myopic spherical and spherical equivalent power (spherical power: p = 0.004, spherical equivalent power: p = 0.003). The absolute balance point was greater in individuals with anisometropia (p = 0.015). Moreover, a positive correlation was found between sensory eye imbalance and refractive asymmetry (r = 0.239, p = 0.011).

Conclusion: We assessed the difference between two assessments of eye dominance and determined that the sensory eye imbalance was greater in individuals with anisometropia. Additionally, a larger absolute balance point value indicated a greater refractive asymmetry.

Purpose: Herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) remains a major global cause of corneal blindness, with frequent viral recurrences leading to progressive corneal damage despite the use of antivirals and corticosteroids. This review aims to highlight the limitations of current therapeutic strategies and evaluate emerging prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers that may enable earlier detection, improved disease monitoring, and personalized treatment approaches in HSK.

Methods: A comprehensive review of recent literature was conducted, focusing on studies examining the pathophysiology of HSK, current treatment challenges, and the role of emerging biomarkers in viral entry, replication, inflammation, and corneal tissue remodeling. Particular emphasis was placed on evaluating the clinical utility of aptamer-based detection tools, heparanase activity assays, and matrix metalloproteinase profiles in diagnosing and predicting HSK severity and recurrence.

Results: Evidence indicates that while antivirals and corticosteroids remain essential for managing acute HSK episodes, their effectiveness is limited by high recurrence rates and the adverse effects associated with prolonged steroid use. Biomarkers such as aptamers, heparanase, and matrix metalloproteinases show strong potential as tools for early detection, monitoring viral activity, and assessing disease severity. These biomarkers correlate with key pathogenic mechanisms, suggesting their utility in therapeutic strategies.

Conclusion: Conventional HSK management is hindered by treatment-related complications. Integrating these biomarkers into clinical practice may help preserve corneal structure, and ultimately improve visual outcomes for patients with HSK.

Purpose: This study explored the regulatory role of microglia in retinal vascular development, particularly their effects on vascular bifurcation and maturation. The study aimed to elucidate how microglia influence retinal vascular complexity and maturation.

Methods: Using CX3CR1^GFP/+ reporter and pharmacological depletion mouse model, retinas were analyzed at P42 via immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy. Primary brain-derived microglia and brain microvascular endothelial cells were used for in vitro co-culture experiments. Quantitative assessments of vascular bifurcation points were performed via ImageJ software. Tangential frozen sections were used to analyze spatial relationships.

Results: The results revealed an increase in vascular bifurcation complexity, which was correlated with microglia density. Conversely, microglial depletion led to a significant reduction in vascular bifurcation, particularly in the peripheral retina, impairing the formation of the vascular network. In vitro, co-culture with microglia enhanced endothelial cell tube formation and sprouting.

Conclusion: Our findings reveal a strong association between microglial distribution and vascular patterning, supporting the role of microglia in normal retinal vascular development and offering perspectives for future research.

Purpose: Chemotherapy protocols for lung, breast, and prostate cancer include Docetaxel (DTX). Several case series have reported ophthalmic side effects of DTX, such as epiphora and blurred vision, which significantly affect quality of life. This experimental study aims to investigate the potential histopathological impacts of DTX on ocular structures.

Methods: A DTX-treated group consisting of male Wistar rats aged 6 to 8 months (n = 7) received intraperitoneal administration of 10 mg/kg DTX three times on days 0, 8, and 15. A control group (n = 6) received weekly intraperitoneal injections of physiological saline. On the 22nd day, ocular tissues were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, along with immunohistochemical analysis of iNOS, eNOS, IL-6, TGF-β, VEGF, and TUNEL markers.

Results: The main outcomes observed through H&E evaluation revealed corneal neovascularization, inflammatory cells with cystic dilatations in the lacrimal gland, and degeneration of the retinal nerve fiber layer. DTX treatment significantly increased the levels of iNOS, eNOS, IL-6, TGF-β, VEGF, and apoptosis markers compared to the control group.

Conclusions: This experimental study demonstrated that DTX induces inflammation and ischemia in ocular tissues, as shown in histopathological sections. Given the rising incidence of cancer and the related use of chemotherapeutics, it is crucial for ophthalmologists to recognize the ocular side effects of drugs like DTX in order to enhance the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Purpose: The study aimed to assess dry eye symptomatology among young professional musicians, with particular attention to instrument type and practice-related variables.

Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted including two groups: young professional musicians (experimental group) and non-music students (control group). Descriptive data such as age, sex, and instrument played were collected. Additionally, musician-specific variables were recorded, including age of instrument commencement, daily practice duration, and the number of weekly practice days. Dry eye symptoms were assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and its subscales: Vision-Related Functioning (VRF), Ocular Symptoms (OS), and Environmental Triggers (ET). OSDI scores were classified into four severity levels.

Results: Females exhibited higher scores on the ET subscale (p = 0.049). Among musicians, 41% reported dry eye symptoms, whereas only 26% of participants in the control group reported positive symptomatology. Statistically significant differences were observed in the total OSDI score (p = 0.023) and the ET subscale score (p = 0.005) when comparing young professional musicians with control participants. VRF (p = 0.048) and ET (p = 0.028) subscales scores were significantly higher among musicians who began playing their instrument before the age of 9. Among wind instrument players, a significant negative correlation was identified between the number of years playing the instrument and the OS subscale (r = -0.432, p = 0.015).

Conclusion: This study suggests that an earlier onset of musical training is associated with increased dry eye symptomatology, particularly related to environmental factors. Among wind instrument players, more years of practice appear to be linked to fewer ocular discomfort symptoms. These findings highlight the complex relationship between musical practice and ocular surface complaints in young professionals.

Purpose: This study aims to elucidate the causal relationships and shared genetic architecture between metabolic-associated diseases and risk factors-including hypertension, type 1 diabetes (T1D), type 2 diabetes (T2D), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and body mass index (BMI)-and primary vision-threatening eye disorders, involving glaucoma, cataracts, refractive disorders, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods: We analyzed genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics from > 500 000 individuals of European ancestry in the FinnGen, UK Biobank, and MRC-IEU databases to ensure adequate sample size. Linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) was applied to estimate genetic correlations, while two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was performed to assess causal effects. Furthermore, a bidirectional Mendelian Randomization was further conducted to examine the directionality of associations between hypertension and cataracts.

Results: This study was the first to reveal genetic correlations and causal effects of hypertension on cataracts, particularly senile cataracts. MR analysis provided evidence that hypertension is causally associated with an increased risk of cataracts, particularly senile cataract, whereas the reverse association was not supported. Additionally, LDL cholesterol was suggested as a protective factor for AMD, while HDL cholesterol was associated with an increased risk. The LDSC analysis also indicated a suggestive genetic correlation between T2D and both cataracts and glaucoma, but not for T1D.

Conclusion: This study provides comprehensive evidence of genetic correlations and potential causal relationships between metabolic-associated conditions and major eye diseases contributing to vision loss.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare subjective (questionnaire-based) and objective (dosimeter-based) measurements of children's outdoor activity, to improve assessment methods for future research on the potential impact of outdoor activity on myopia development.

Methods: The study was conducted among children aged 5 to 11 years in Lisbon, Portugal. Subjective data on after-school outdoor activities during weekdays were collected using the "Myopia Risk Assessment Worksheet," completed by parents to report their child's typical after-school outdoor time. Objective measurements for the same period were obtained using UV dosimeters worn by participants, recording their exposure to solar radiation between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM on weekdays. The analysis compared these two data sources to evaluate their agreement and to assess the accuracy of self-reported after-school outdoor activity.

Results: The results indicated a moderate correlation (rs = 0.417; p < 0.001) between questionnaire responses and dosimetric data, with self-reported data typically underestimating outdoor exposure compared to dosimetric measurements. The median difference was -0.25 h/day (95% CI: -0.52 to 0.15 h/day), indicating no significant systematic bias in the overall sample. However, variability in differences increased with longer outdoor times, as shown by a positive slope of 0.540 (p < 0.001) in the regression of absolute residuals on average outdoor time.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that lifestyle questionnaires and dosimetric measurements yield moderately correlated estimates of weekly UV exposure, with minimal differences between them. Combining subjective and objective methods enhances the accuracy of assessing children's outdoor exposure, an essential factor in developing effective myopia prevention strategies.

Purpose: To report the intraoperative and postoperative complications and to evaluate the outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted pocket implantation of 360-degree MyoRing^® versus tunnel implantation of 340-degree Keraring^® for the management of central keratoconus.

Methods: This prospective randomized comparative interventional study included 74 eyes of 74 patients with central keratoconus stratified according to the surgical approach into corneal pocket (n =37) and corneal tunnel groups (n =37) who underwent WaveLight^® FS200 femtosecond laser-assisted implantation of 360-degree MyoRing^® and 340-degree Keraring^®, respectively. The main outcome measures were the intraoperative complications encountered during surgery, and the postoperative complications reported over 12 months of follow-up. The 12-month visual, refractive and tomographic outcomes were also evaluated.

Results: The baseline characteristics were similar between both groups. The intraoperative complications included incomplete pocket formation (3 eyes; 8.1%) and limbal bleeding (4 eyes; 10.8%) in the corneal pocket group and channel decentration in the tunnel group (2 eyes; 5.4%). Interface central haze (5 eyes; 13.5%) was the most common postoperative complication following pocket implantation of MyoRing^®. Infectious keratitis developed in 2 eyes (5.4%) following pocket implantation of MyoRing^® and in one eye (2.7%) following tunnel implantation of 340-degree Keraring^®. The mean uncorrected & corrected distance visual acuity and spherical equivalent showed significant improvement as a result of significant corneal flattening at 12 months postoperatively in both groups.

Conclusions: The rate of both intraoperative and postoperative complications was higher, but didn't reach statistical significance, in femtosecond laser-assisted corneal pocket implantation of 360-degree MyoRing^® versus tunnel implantation of 340-degree Keraring^® for central keratoconus. Avoiding surgical manipulation of the central cornea and visual axis enhances the safety of the procedure in the tunnel surgical approach. The visual, refractive and tomographic outcomes showed significant and comparable improvements following the implantation of both ring implants.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05748847, 1 March 2023, retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05748847.

Purpose: To describe the relationship between the axial length of the eye and age, and report reference values for axial length in a general adult European population.

Methods: As part of the epidemiological study FORSYN, the axial length in both eyes of a population-representative sample of 3,364 adult citizens (48.8% men, 51.2% women) was measured using swept-source optical coherence tomography. Approximately one third of the sample accepted the invitation (3,384 out of 9,708, 32.7%), and after correction for selection bias, multiple linear regression was used to estimate how the axial length depended on age in the whole population and among men and women. Based on the findings, reference values for the axial length in the adult population were calculated. Logistic regression was performed to examine whether the prevalence of axial lengths longer than or equal to 26.0 mm differed with age in both men and women.

Results: The axial length showed no significant correlation with age (multiple linear regression, slope -0.002, 95% CI -0.005 to 0.0001, p = 0.06), but was significantly (unpaired t-test, p < 0.0001) longer in men (23.99 mm) than in women (23.53 mm). The axial length was longer than or equal to 26.0 mm in 3.8% (95% CI 3.4 to 4.2) of the adult population. There was no significant difference in age among participants with axial length above and below this value (logistic regression, OR = 1.00, p = 0.42).

Conclusion: Global reports of increased axial length in the younger demographic does not seem to apply to the general Danish population. When evaluating axial length, it should be considered that reference values differ among men and women.