Current Eye Research最新文献

Purpose: The development of the avascular lens depends on tightly regulated epithelial proliferation, differentiation into elongated fiber cells, and organelle elimination to maintain long-term transparency. Although Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) ectonucleotidases and Purinergic Receptors have been implicated in tissue morphogenesis, their specific contributions to lens development remain unclear. This study aimed to characterize the spatiotemporal expression patterns and predictive associations of ATP signaling components during lens development.

Methods: Transcriptomic datasets from human, mouse, and chicken lenses were analyzed to map the spatiotemporal expression of ATP ectonucleotidases and purinergic receptors. Pathway enrichment and correlation analyses with key developmental genes were performed to explore their functional associations. In vitro experiments were conducted using HLE‑B3 cells and primary embryonic chick lens cultures to assess cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation under ATP manipulation and pharmacological P2 receptor blockade.

Results: Transcriptomic profiling revealed region- and stage-specific expression of ATP ectonucleotidases and purinergic receptors, which were functionally linked to calcium signaling, autophagy, FGFR pathways, and glutathione-dependent redox regulation. In vitro, ATP exerted biphasic effects on HLE-B3 cells: low concentrations enhanced cell viability, whereas high concentrations increased epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated gene expression. In embryonic chick lens cultures, depletion of extracellular ATP or inhibition of P2 receptors reduced expression of key differentiation markers.

Conclusion: Integrated bioinformatic and experimental evidence indicate that ATP signaling components display distinct spatiotemporal expression patterns and possible associations with multiple functional pathways. In addition, various purinergic receptor subtypes may be implicated in coordinated and potentially diverse processes during lens development and the maintenance of transparency. Together, these correlative findings provide insights into the involvement of ATP and purinergic signaling in lens morphogenesis and homeostasis.

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: 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.

Purpose: Several risk stratification systems against intraoperative complications of phacoemulsification cataract surgery have been empirically validated as to their usefulness in clinical settings, yet it remains unclear whether their application is making a notable difference in the training of resident surgeons in clinical practice. The purpose of this study is to compare practice-as-usual in assignment of training cases to residents versus the application of a statistically validated risk classification system.

Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included patients who underwent phacoemulsification surgery by residents in training, divided into two groups of 440 and 452 patients. The first group of patients had been assigned to residents following practice-as-usual while the second group followed the assessment with a validated risk stratification system.

Results: Although residents were assigned patients who were considered less prone to complications even before the introduction of a consistent risk stratification system, the difference in the assignment of riskier cases was statistically significant (p = 0.002). The reduction in the assignment of riskier cases was associated with fewer complications (64 complications/440 eyes versus 33/452, p = 0.004).

Conclusion: The introduction of a risk stratification system correlated with fewer interoperative complications and less challenging cases assigned to residents.

Purpose: : To assess the efficacy of image-guided limbal relaxing incisions (LRIs) in enhancing outcomes of cataract surgery with trifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) implantation.

Methods: This prospective cohort study included consecutive cataract patients with predicted postoperative corneal astigmatism of 0.5-1.0 D and intended for cataract surgery with trifocal IOL implantation. The enrolled subjects were randomized into the non-LRI group, manual-marked LRI group and image-guided LRI group. Correction effect of corneal astigmatism, as well as visual outcomes at 3 months after surgery were compared among the three groups.

Results: Finally, 30 eyes of 30 patients in every group were included. The image-guided LRI group showed more corneal astigmatism correction (0.81 ± 0.32 D vs. 0.17 ± 0.22 D vs. 0.48 ± 0.37 D, p < .001) and less refractive postoperative cylinder (0.33 ± 0.29 D vs. 0.90 ± 0.25 D vs. 0.65 ± 0.31 D, p < .001) than the non-LRI group and manual-marked LRI group. The uncorrected near visual acuity and uncorrected intermediate visual acuity were significantly better in the image-guided LRI group and manual-marked LRI group than the non-LRI group (all p < .05). The image-guided LRI group also displayed significantly better ocular modulation transfer functions than the other two groups (all p < .05).

Conclusion: LRIs, especially image-guided LRIs, can effectively reduce corneal astigmatism and improve both near and intermediate vision, as well as visual quality of patients undergoing trifocal IOLs implantation.

Purpose: To compare analyte concentrations in paired tear fluid and blood samples, and to evaluate their correlations.

Methods: Studies published between January 1974 and May 2024 and between May 2024 and March 2025, reporting analyte concentrations in tear fluid and blood (including whole blood, serum, or plasma), were identified from a recent scoping review and through searches of MEDLINE and EMBASE, respectively. Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted relevant data. Concentration data were then pooled using a random-effects model. Comparisons between pooled tear fluid and blood concentrations were performed using Bayesian posterior simulation methods, in which the differences in concentrations were evaluated based on estimated posterior probabilities. Blood-to-tear and tear-to-blood ratios were calculated. A total of 72 significant correlation coefficients from 65 studies were analyzed.

Results: A total of 367 paired tear fluid and blood concentrations for 138 analytes were collected. Based on their functional characteristics, these analytes were divided into nine categories. Most cytokines and neuromodulators exhibited higher concentrations in tear fluid than in blood, while antibodies, drugs, and other proteins or enzymes were generally found at higher concentrations in blood. The highest tear-to-blood ratio was for lactoferrin at 1281-fold, while the highest blood-to-tear ratio was observed for MMP-2 (400-fold). Most analytes (n = 64, 89%) showed positive correlations (r > 0), with the majority (n = 23, 32%) exhibiting strong positive correlations (r > 0.8).

Conclusion: This comprehensive analysis demonstrates that analyte concentrations in paired tear fluid and blood vary according to their functional categories, with cytokines and neuromodulators generally enriched in tear fluid, and antibodies and drugs more abundant in blood. Strong positive correlations between tear fluid and blood concentrations for most analytes support the potential of tear fluid analysis for monitoring systemic physiological and pathological conditions.

Purpose: Retinal vascular occlusion, ischemic optic neuropathy, and normotensive glaucoma have been found to be associated with migraine in several studies. By examining the optic nerve, macula, and choroid of newly diagnosed migraine (NDM) patients, this study aims to investigate possible early changes in these structures, thus guiding both the diagnosis and treatment of migraine.

Methods: Forty-one (82 eyes) NDM patients and 41 (82 eyes) healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Participants were divided into two groups, the NDM group and the HC group, and optic nerve, macula, and choroid structures were prospectively examined and compared with both intra-group and inter-group comparison methods.

Results: In the inter-group comparison performed by using Generalized Estimating Equations analysis, all Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness (RNFL) parameters were statistically significantly lower in the NDM group compared to the HC group (p < 0.05). Regarding the ganglion cell complex (GCC) and choroidal parameters, statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in all parameters except for choroidal thickness (CT). In the NDM intra-group comparison, temporal RNFL, temporal-upper RNFL, and temporal-lower RNFL values of the right eye (RE) were significantly lower than the left eye (LE); nasal RNFL, nasal upper RNFL, and nasal lower RNFL values of the LE were significantly lower than the RE (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Statistically significant values in RNFL, GCC, and choroid in the NDM group indicate the possible early changes in optic nerve, macula, and choroid in NDM patients. In intra-NDM group comparison, lower values of the temporal RNFL sectors in the RE and nasal RNFL sectors in the LE may suggest the involvement of the lateral geniculate nucleus in migraine.

Purpose: Determination of the amplitude of accommodation (AoA) is a clinical technique used in ophthalmology and optometry to assess the eye's ability to focus on near objects. This study compares the reliability of a novel motorized push-up variant with conventional manual push-up and push-down methods for the determination of AoA in 26 emmetropes.

Methods: The motorized push-up method reduces limitations of the manual methods, such as differences due to varying examiner abilities, ruler placement (forehead, zygomatic bone, spectacle plane), and inconsistent target movement speeds. This is achieved by providing a participant-controlled, constant target movement of 2 cm/s, with the medial zone of the zygomatic bone as the reference point for ruler placement. Additionally, digital image-based and traditional ruler-based AoA measurements were compared. The participants' impressions of the three methods were assessed based on ease of use, confidence in measurement reliability, and comfort of experience, using a questionnaire.

Results: The comparison of the AoA across the methods revealed no statistically significant differences. However, the concordance correlation coefficient was highest between the motorized and manual push-up method (ρ_c = 0.72). All methods showed good test-retest reliability with the highest ICC found for the motorized push-up method (0.83), which also had the narrowest limits of agreement interval for accommodative demand (3.22 cm). Beyond digital and ruler-based measurements showed underestimation by both rulers, with a mean bias of 0.3 cm for the motorized ruler compared to about 2.0 cm for the conventional ruler. The questionnaire responses suggest that the motorized version outperforms the manual versions being 5 times more likely to score higher for ease of use and 6 times more likely for confidence in measurement reliability.

Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that the motorized push-up method effectively measures the AoA, reduces interfering factors, and provides higher reliability without compromising precision, making it a valuable alternative to conventional methods.

Purpose: Repeated low-level red-light (RLRL) therapy is an emerging technique for managing myopia progression. Clinical trials have demonstrated its efficacy, but uncertainties remain on its effect on immediate vision perception. This study evaluated the impact of RLRL on short-term color vision perception and choroidal thickness. Attitudes towards RLRL were also explored.

Methods: Twenty participants underwent color vision assessment using the Colour Assessment Diagnosis (CAD) test and macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) to determine their eligibility and establish baseline measures for color vision perception threshold and choroidal thickness, with color vision perception measured using chromatic displacement (CD). Participants then underwent three sessions of RLRL, at the required time intervals as per manufacturer guidance. After each session, the CAD test was performed immediately, and repeated after a 5-minute interval. At the final visit, the OCT scan was retaken, and participants were asked about their experience of using RLRL. CD was measured and compared before and after RLRL exposure, to identify if there was any differences following usage.

Results: A significant reduction in color perception sensitivity was observed immediately after exposure to RLRL at each visit (p < 0.001 for all), which returned to baseline levels after 5 min. Three sessions of RLRL caused no change compared to baseline color perception (p = 0.054). There was no significant difference in the mean choroidal thickness in the left eye; the right eye showed a small reduction in macular choroidal thickness 5.1 µm (± 8.551 µm SD, p = 0.015). Participant feedback demonstrated a generally positive response, indicating people would consider using RLRL for myopia management if recommended.

Conclusions: There appears to be only a temporary impact of RLRL on color vision perception, which returns to baseline after 5 min. Furthermore, feedback suggests that UK populations may be receptive to RLRL if prescribed to them by an eye care practitioner.