Stromal keratophakia: Corneal inlay implantation

Hydroxyproline Concentration and Associated Factors of Preserved Small Incision Lenticule Extraction-Derived Corneal Stromal Lenticules

PURPOSE

To evaluate changes of hydroxyproline concentration and its influencing factors of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE)-derived corneal stromal lenticules with different preservation methods.

METHODS

A total of 390 corneal stromal lenticules of 195 patients were derived from SMILE surgeries. Thirty of the lenticules were classified as the fresh (control) group, and the rest were randomly and evenly divided and stored in anhydrous glycerol, silicone oil, Optisol, and cryopreservation for 1 day, 1 week, or 1 month. A hydroxyproline assay kit (ab222941, Abcam) was used to measure the hydroxyproline concentration in each preservation method. Concentrations of MMP-2, TIMP-2, TNFα, TGFβ2, and reactive oxygen species were also evaluated.

RESULTS

In the anhydrous glycerol group, the concentration of hydroxyproline decreased within 1 week (fresh: 1 dΔ = 0.229, P < 0.001*; 1 d - 1 wΔ = 0.055, P < 0.001*) while that in the silicone oil group remained stable in 1 week (1 d - 1 wΔ = -0.005, P = 0.929) and decreased significantly in 1 m (1 m - 1 wΔ = -0.041, P = 0.003*). The sequence of hydroxyproline concentration in the Optisol group was 1 m > 1 day > 1 week. Hydroxyproline concentration in the cryopreservation group decreased within 1 m. Hydroxyproline concentration was highest in the Optisol group and lowest in the anhydrous glycerol group under the same preservation time. Hydroxyproline concentration was negatively correlated with MMP-2 (r = -0.16, P = 0.421) and TIMP-2 (r = -0.56, P = 0.002*) while MMP-2 and TNFα (r = 0.17, P = 0.242), TIMP-2 and TGFβ2 (r = 0.21, P = 0.207), and TNFα and reactive oxygen species (r = 0.52, P = 0.007*) were positively correlated.

CONCLUSIONS

More collagen was retained in SMILE lenticules preserved in Optisol under the same preservation time. The mechanism of the changes of collagen in preserved SMILE-derived lenticules and oxidative stress requires additional investigation.

Chemical, Physical, and Biological Corneal Decellularization Methods: A Review of Literature

The cornea is one of the most commonly transplanted tissues worldwide. It is used to restore vision when severe visual impairment or blindness occurs in patients with corneal diseases or after trauma. Due to the global shortage of healthy donor corneas, decellularized corneal tissue has significant potential as an alternative to corneal transplantation. It preserves the native and biological ultrastructure of the cornea and, therefore, represents the most promising scaffold. This article discusses different methods of corneal decellularization based on the current literature. We searched PubMed.gov for articles from January 2009 to December 2023 using the following keywords: corneal decellularization, decellularization methods, and corneal transplantation. Although several methods of decellularization of corneal tissue have been reported, a universal standardised protocol of corneal decellularization has not yet been introduced. In general, a combination of decellularization methods has been used for efficient decellularization while preserving the optimal properties of the corneal tissue.

Regenerative Therapy for Corneal Scarring Disorders

The cornea is a transparent and vitally multifaceted component of the eye, playing a pivotal role in vision and ocular health. It has primary refractive and protective functions. Typical corneal dysfunctions include opacities and deformities that result from injuries, infections, or other medical conditions. These can significantly impair vision. The conventional challenges in managing corneal ailments include the limited regenerative capacity (except corneal epithelium), immune response after donor tissue transplantation, a risk of long-term graft rejection, and the global shortage of transplantable donor materials. This review delves into the intricate composition of the cornea, the landscape of corneal regeneration, and the multifaceted repercussions of scar-related pathologies. It will elucidate the etiology and types of dysfunctions, assess current treatments and their limitations, and explore the potential of regenerative therapy that has emerged in both in vivo and clinical trials. This review will shed light on existing gaps in corneal disorder management and discuss the feasibility and challenges of advancing regenerative therapies for corneal stromal scarring.

Lenticule addition keratoplasty for the treatment of keratoconus: A systematic review and critical considerations

Keratoconus is a corneal disorder characterized by the progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea. Currently, the major goal of management is to halt its progression, restore normal corneal strength, prevent acute complications, and save vision. Penetrating keratoplasty and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty as conventional surgical methods for advanced keratoconus are limited by relatively high rates of immune intolerance, slow post-operational recovery, high costs, and shortage of donor corneas. Recently, the development of lenticule addition keratoplasty enables the restoration of corneal thickness simply by implanting a lenticule into the stromal pocket created with the femtosecond laser, which can originate from cadaver corneas or more appealing, be extracted from patients via a small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery. As the first systematic review in this field, we critically review publications on lenticule addition keratoplasty and provide our perspectives on its clinical application and the focus of future research.

Epithelial thickness remodeling after small incision lenticule intrastromal keratoplasty in correcting hyperopia measured by RTVue OCT

PURPOSE

To characterize the in vivo corneal epithelial thickness (CET) remodeling profile in a population of eyes after small incision lenticule intrastromal keratoplasty (SMI-LIKE) for hyperopia.

METHODS

The CET profile was measured by RTVue-100 Fourier-domain OCT system across the central 6-mm diameter of the cornea of 17 eyes from 12 subjects (five males and seven females) who accepted corneal stromal lens implantation surgery for correcting hyperopia. The CET were measured at positions with a radius of 0-1.0 mm, 1.0-2.5 mm (divided into eight quadrants) and 2.5-3.0 mm (divided into eight quadrants) from the corneal center. Corneal maximum simulated keratometry (Km) was measured by Pentacam HR anterior segment analyzer to analyze CET changes. The examination data of subjects were collected in four time periods, which were preoperative, short-term postoperative (one week after surgery), mid-term postoperative (the last review within 3-6 months after surgery), and long-term postoperative (the last review over 1-2.5 years after surgery). The changes of CET were compared and analyzed in the four time periods.

RESULTS

Mean CET in 0-1.0 mm, 1.0-2.5 mm and 2.5-3.0 mm of the cornea decreased in one week after surgery, respectively, as compared to CET in the preoperative period, which turned from 55.06 ± 0.82 μm、54.42 ± 0.75 μm、53.46 ± 0.60 μm to 51.18 ± 1.05 μm (P = 0.005), 49.38 ± 0.70 μm (P = 0.000), 51.29 ± 0.59 μm (P = 0.025). In the mid-term postoperative period, mean CET in 0-1.0 mm and 1.0-2.5 mm areas kept thinner than mean CET in the preoperative period, CET in 0-1.0 mm is 50.59 ± 0.76 μm (P = 0.000),CET in 1.0-2.5 mm is 50.23 ± 0.57 μm (P = 0.000), while mean CET in 2.5-3.0 mm area recovered to the same thickness as the preoperative level, which is 54.36 ± 0.66 μm (P = 1.000), until the long-term period, CET stabilized in the above doughnut pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

After stromal lenticule implantation for hyperopia, CET showed a remodeled form of thinning in the 0-2.5 mm area and thickening in the 2.5-3.0 mm area, and remained stable within one year after surgery.

Applications of the pinhole effect in clinical vision science

The pinhole effect is commonly used to discriminate uncorrected refractive error from ocular diseases. A small aperture limits the width of light beams entering the eye, thus increasing the depth of focus. The pinhole effect has also been used in spectacles, contact lenses, corneal inlays, and intraocular lenses (IOLs) to improve reading by compensating for loss of accommodative function. Pinhole spectacles improve near visual acuity, but reduce reading speed, increase interblink interval, and decrease tear break-up time. For contact lenses and IOLs, pinhole devices are usually used in the nondominant eye, which allow compensation of various refractive errors and decrease spectacle dependence. Pinhole corneal inlays are implanted during laser in situ keratomileusis or as a separate procedure. Pinhole IOLs are gaining popularity, particularly as they do not bring a risk of a local inflammatory reaction as corneal inlays do. Disadvantages of using the pinhole effect include high susceptibility to decentration, decrease in retinal luminance levels, and difficulties in performing fundus examinations or surgery in eyes with implanted devices. There are also concerns regarding perceptive issues with different retinal illuminances in the 2 eyes (the Pulfrich effect).

Incisional surface quality of electron-beam irradiated cornea-extracted lenticule for stromal keratophakia: high nJ-energy vs. low nJ-energy femtosecond laser

Introduction

Corneal lenticules can be utilized as an additive material for stromal keratophakia. However, following extraction, they must be reimplanted almost immediately or cryopreserved in lenticule banks. Electron-beam (E-beam) irradiated corneas permit room-temperature storage for up to 2 years, enabling keratophakia to be performed on demand. This study aims to compare the performance of high nano Joule (nJ)-energy (VisuMax) and low nJ-energy (FEMTO LDV) femtosecond laser systems on the thickness consistency and surface quality and collagen morphology of lenticules produced from fresh and E-beamed corneas.

Methods

A total of 24 lenticules with -6.00 dioptre power were cut in fresh human donor corneas and E-beamed corneas with VisuMax and FEMTO LDV. Before extraction, the thickness of the lenticules was measured with anterior segment-optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). The incisional surface roughness of extracted lenticules was analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Multiphoton microscopy was then used to assess the surface collagen morphometry.

Results

The E-beamed lenticules that were cut using FEMTO LDV were significantly thicker than the fresh specimens as opposed to those created with VisuMax, which had a similar thickness as the fresh lenticules. On the vertex, they were ∼11% thicker than the fresh lenticules. The surface roughness (Rq) of E-beamed lenticules incised with FEMTO LDV did not differ significantly from the fresh lenticules. This contrasted with the VisuMax-fashioned lenticules, which showed notably smoother surfaces (∼36 and ∼20% lower Rq on anterior and posterior surfaces, respectively) on the E-beamed than the fresh lenticules. The FEMTO LDV induced less cumulative changes to the collagen morphology on the surfaces of both fresh and E-beamed lenticules than the VisuMax.

Conclusion

It has been previously demonstrated that the low nJ-energy FEMTO LDV produced a smoother cutting surface compared to high nJ-energy VisuMax in fresh lenticules. Here, we showed that this effect was also seen in the E-beamed lenticules. In addition, lower laser energy conferred fewer changes to the lenticular surface collagen morphology. The smaller disparity in surface cutting quality and collagen disturbances on the E-beamed lenticules could be beneficial for the early visual recovery of patients who undergo stromal keratophakia.

Electron beam-irradiated donor cornea for on-demand lenticule implantation to treat corneal diseases and refractive error

The cornea is the major contributor to the refractive power of the eye, and corneal diseases are a leading cause of reversible blindness. The main treatment for advanced corneal disease is keratoplasty: allograft transplantation of the cornea. Examples include lenticule implantation to treat corneal disorders (e.g. keratoconus) or correct refractive errors. These procedures are limited by the shelf-life of the corneal tissue, which must be discarded within 2-4 weeks. Electron-beam irradiation is an emerging sterilisation technique, which extends this shelf life to 2 years. Here, we produced lenticules from fresh and electron-beam (E-beam) irradiated corneas to establish a new source of tissue for lenticule implantation. In vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo experiments were conducted to compare fresh and E-beam-irradiated lenticules. Results were similar in terms of cutting accuracy, ultrastructure, optical transparency, ease of extraction and transplantation, resilience to mechanical handling, biocompatibility, and post-transplant wound healing process. Two main differences were noted. First, ∼59% reduction of glycosaminoglycans resulted in greater compression of E-beam-irradiated lenticules post-transplant, likely due to reduced corneal hydration-this appeared to affect keratometry after implantation. Cutting a thicker lenticule would be required to ameliorate the difference in refraction. Second, E-beam-sterilised lenticules exhibited lower Young's modulus which may indicate greater care with handling, although no damage or perforation was caused in our procedures. In summary, E-beam-irradiated corneas are a viable source of tissue for stromal lenticules, and may facilitate on-demand lenticule implantation to treat a wide range of corneal diseases. Our study suggested that its applications in human patients are warranted. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Corneal blindness affects over six million patients worldwide. For patients requiring corneal transplantation, current cadaver-based procedures are limited by the short shelf-life of donor tissue. Electron-beam (E-beam) sterilisation extends this shelf-life from weeks to years but there are few published studies of its use. We demonstrated that E-beam-irradiated corneas are a viable source of lenticules for implantation. We conducted in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo comparisons of E-beam and fresh corneal lenticules. The only differences exhibited by E-beam-treated lenticules were reduced expression of glycosaminoglycans, resulting in greater tissue compression and lower refraction suggesting that a thicker cut is required to achieve the same optical and refractive outcome; and lower Young's modulus indicating extra care with handling.

Management of keratoconus: an updated review

Keratoconus is the most common corneal ectatic disorder. It is characterized by progressive corneal thinning with resultant irregular astigmatism and myopia. Its prevalence has been estimated at 1:375 to 1:2,000 people globally, with a considerably higher rate in the younger populations. Over the past two decades, there was a paradigm shift in the management of keratoconus. The treatment has expanded significantly from conservative management (e.g., spectacles and contact lenses wear) and penetrating keratoplasty to many other therapeutic and refractive modalities, including corneal cross-linking (with various protocols/techniques), combined CXL-keratorefractive surgeries, intracorneal ring segments, anterior lamellar keratoplasty, and more recently, Bowman's layer transplantation, stromal keratophakia, and stromal regeneration. Several recent large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified important genetic mutations relevant to keratoconus, facilitating the development of potential gene therapy targeting keratoconus and halting the disease progression. In addition, attempts have been made to leverage the power of artificial intelligence-assisted algorithms in enabling earlier detection and progression prediction in keratoconus. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current and emerging treatment of keratoconus and propose a treatment algorithm for systematically guiding the management of this common clinical entity.

Combination of natural scaffolds and conditional medium to induce the differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells into keratocyte-like cells and its safety evaluation in the animal cornea

Keratocytes are the main cellular components of the corneal stroma. This cell is quiescent and cannot be cultured easily. The aim of this study was to investigate differentiate human adipose mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) into corneal keratocyte cells by combining natural scaffolds and conditioned medium (CM) and evaluating their safety in the rabbit's cornea. Keratocytes were cultured in an optimal culture medium and this medium was collected and kept as a CM. hADSCs were cultured on the decellularized human small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) lenticule (SL), amniotic membrane (AM), and collagen-coated plates, and were exposed to keratocyte-CM (KCM) for 7, 14, and 21 days. Differentiation was evaluated using Real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry (ICC). hADSCs were cultured on the SL scaffolds and implanted in the corneal stroma of 8 New Zealand male rabbits. Rabbits were followed for 3 months and the safety was evaluated by clinical and histological variables. Real-time PCR results showed a significant increase in the expression of keratocyte-specific markers on the 21 day of differentiation compared to the control group. ICC also confirmed the induction of differentiation. Implantation of SLs containing differentiated cells in the cornea of animals showed no serious complications including neovascularization, corneal opacity, inflammation, or signs of tissue rejection. Furthermore, the evaluation of the presence of keratocyte-like cells after three months in the rabbit stroma was confirmed by Real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. Our results showed that combination of combination of corneal extracellular matrix and KCM can induced keratocytes differentiation of hADSC and can be introduced as a alternative method to supply the required keratocytes in corneal tissue engineering.

Changes in the posterior corneal surface after femtosecond laser-assisted lenticule intrastromal keratoplasty (LIKE) performed into a pocket (SMI-LIKE) or under a flap (FS-LIKE)

BACKGROUND

To compare the changes in posterior corneal surface after small-incision lenticule intrastromal keratoplasty (SMI-LIKE) and femtosecond laser-assisted lenticule intrastromal keratoplasty (FS-LIKE) for hyperopia correction.

METHODS

In this prospective comparative randomized study, 23 eyes with hyperopia were recruited. Eyes were categorized into two groups-SMI-LIKE group (11 eyes) and FS-LIKE group (12 eyes). Lenticules from myopia small incision lenticule extraction were implanted into a pocket (SMI-LIKE group) or at a depth of 100 µm under a flap (FS-LIKE group). Posterior corneal elevations in the center, mid-periphery, and periphery, as well as mean keratometry of the posterior corneal surface (Kmb) were measured using a Pentacam over a three-month follow-up.

RESULTS

All surgeries were completed successfully and no complications occurred. At one day postoperatively, there was a slight backward change with SMI-LIKE and a forward change with FS-LIKE in the central region of the posterior corneal elevation. Conversely, the peripheral area showed forward displacement in SMI-LIKE and an apparent backward change in FS-LIKE. The mid-peripheral regions manifested a backward change after the procedure throughout the entire follow-up in both groups. Kmb exhibited flattening at one month postoperatively and subsequently returned to its original level at three months after SMI-LIKE while in FS-LIKE, Kmb steepened after lenticule implantation with a significant change noted at one day postoperatively (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Posterior corneal surface after SMI-LIKE and FS-LIKE exhibited different change patterns in various corneal regions, with the most prominent change occurring at one day postoperatively during the three-month follow-up.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-ONC-16008300. Registered on Apr 18th, 2016.  http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=14090&htm=4.

Human corneal stromal stem cells express anti-fibrotic microRNA-29a and 381-5p - A robust cell selection tool for stem cell therapy of corneal scarring

INTRODUCTION

Corneal blindness due to scarring is treated with corneal transplantation. However, a global problem is the donor material shortage. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that cell-based therapy using corneal stromal stem cells (CSSCs) suppresses corneal scarring, potentially mediated by specific microRNAs transported in extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, not every CSSC batch from donors achieves similar anti-scarring effects.

OBJECTIVES

To examine miRNA profiles in EVs from human CSSCs showing "healing" versus "non-healing" effects on corneal scarring and to design a tool to select CSSCs with strong healing potency for clinical applications.

METHODS

Small RNAs from CSSC-EVs were extracted for Nanostring nCounter Human miRNA v3 assay. MicroRNAs expressed > 20 folds in "healing" EVs (P < 0.05) were subject to enriched gene ontology (GO) term analysis. MiRNA groups with predictive regulation on inflammatory and fibrotic signalling were studied by mimic transfection to (1) mouse macrophages (RAW264.7) for M1 phenotype assay; (2) human corneal keratocytes for cytokine-induced fibrosis, and (3) human CSSCs for corneal scar prevention in vivo. The expression of miR-29a was screened in additional CSSC batches and the anti-scarring effect of cells was validated in mouse corneal wounds.

RESULTS

Twenty-one miRNAs were significantly expressed in "healing" CSSC-EVs and 9 miRNA groups were predicted to associate with inflammatory and fibrotic responses, and tissue regeneration (P <10-6). Overexpression of miR-29a and 381-5p significantly prevented M1 phenotype transition in RAW264.7 cells after lipopolysaccharide treatment, suppressed transforming growth factor β1-induced fibrosis marker expression in keratocytes, and reduced scarring after corneal injury. High miR-29a expression in EV fractions distinguished human CSSCs with strong healing potency, which inhibited corneal scarring in vivo.

CONCLUSION

We characterized the anti-inflammatory and fibrotic roles of miR-29a and 381-5p in CSSCs, contributing to scar prevention. MiR-29a expression in EVs distinguished CSSCs with anti-scarring quality, identifying good quality cells for a scarless corneal healing.

Complications of Small Aperture Intracorneal Inlays: A Literature Review

Presbyopia can be defined as the refractive state of the eye in which, due to a physiological decrease in the ability to accommodate, it is not possible to sustain vision without fatigue in a prolonged manner, along with difficulty focusing near vision. It is estimated that its prevalence in 2030 will be approximately 2.1 billion people. Corneal inlays are an alternative in the correction of presbyopia. They are implanted beneath a laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap or in a pocket in the center of the cornea of the non-dominant eye. The purpose of this review is to provide information about intraoperative and postoperative KAMRA inlay complications in the available scientific literature. A search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus with the following search strategy: ("KAMRA inlay" OR "KAMRA" OR "corneal inlay pinhole" OR "pinhole effect intracorneal" OR "SAICI" OR "small aperture intracorneal inlay") AND ("complication" OR "explantation" OR "explanted" OR "retired"). The bibliography consulted shows that the insertion of a KAMRA inlay is an effective procedure that improves near vision with a slight decrease in distance vision. However, postoperative complications such as corneal fibrosis, epithelial iron deposits, and stromal haze are described.

Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Ophthalmic Surgery: From Laser Fundamentals to Clinical Applications

Femtosecond laser (FSL) technology has created an evolution in ophthalmic surgery in the last few decades. With the advantage of high precision, accuracy, and safety, FSLs have helped surgeons overcome surgical limits in refractive surgery, corneal surgery, and cataract surgery. They also open new avenues in ophthalmic areas that are not yet explored. This review focuses on the fundamentals of FSLs, the advantages in interaction between FSLs and tissues, and typical clinical applications of FSLs in ophthalmology. With the rapid progress that has been made in the state of the art research on FSL technologies, their applications in ophthalmic surgery may soon undergo a booming development.

Twelve-year global publications on small incision lenticule extraction: A bibliometric analysis

Purpose

To analyze the development process of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery in a 12-year period.

Methods

We conducted a literature search for SMILE research from 2011 to 2022 using the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) of the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). The VOS viewer, and CiteSpace software were used to perform the bibliometric analysis. Publication language, annual growth trend, countries/regions and institutions, journals, keywords, references, and citation bursts were analyzed.

Results

A total of 731 publications from 2011 to 2022 were retrieved. Annual publication records grew from two to more than 100 during this period. China had the highest number of publications (n = 326). Sixty-five keywords that appeared more than four times were classified into six clusters: femtosecond laser technology, dry eye, biomechanics, visual quality, complications, and hyperopia.

Conclusion

The number of literatures has been growing rapidly in the past 12 years. Our study provides a deep insight into publications on SMILE for researchers and clinicians with bibliometric analysis for the first time.

Corneal Adhesion Possesses the Characteristics of Solid and Membrane

Adhesion behavior usually occurs in corneas associated with clinical treatments. Physiologically, an intact natural cornea is inflated by intraocular pressure. Due to the inflation, the physiological cornea has a mechanical property likeness to membrane. This characteristic is ignored by the classical theory used to analyze the adhesion behavior of soft solids, such as the Johnson–Kendall–Roberts (JKR) model. Performing the pull-off test, this work evidenced that the classical JKR solution was suitable for computing the corneal adhesion force corresponding to the submillimeter scale of contact. However, when the cornea was contacted at a millimeter scale, the JKR solutions were clearly smaller than the related experimental data. The reason was correlated with the membranous characteristic of the natural cornea was not considered in the JKR solid model. In this work, the modified JKR model was superimposed by the contribution from the surface tension related to the corneal inflation due to the intraocular pressure. It should be treated as a solid when the cornea is contacted at a submillimeter scale, whereas for the contact at a larger size, the characteristic of the membrane should be considered in analyzing the corneal adhesion. The modified JKR model successfully described the adhesion characteristics of the cornea from solid to membrane.

Human SMILE-Derived Stromal Lenticule Scaffold for Regenerative Therapy: Review and Perspectives

A transparent cornea is paramount for vision. Corneal opacity is one of the leading causes of blindness. Although conventional corneal transplantation has been successful in recovering patients’ vision, the outcomes are challenged by a global lack of donor tissue availability. Bioengineered corneal tissues are gaining momentum as a new source for corneal wound healing and scar management. Extracellular matrix (ECM)-scaffold-based engineering offers a new perspective on corneal regenerative medicine. Ultrathin stromal laminar tissues obtained from lenticule-based refractive correction procedures, such as SMall Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE), are an accessible and novel source of collagen-rich ECM scaffolds with high mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and transparency. After customization (including decellularization), these lenticules can serve as an acellular scaffold niche to repopulate cells, including stromal keratocytes and stem cells, with functional phenotypes. The intrastromal transplantation of these cell/tissue composites can regenerate native-like corneal stromal tissue and restore corneal transparency. This review highlights the current status of ECM-scaffold-based engineering with cells, along with the development of drug and growth factor delivery systems, and elucidates the potential uses of stromal lenticule scaffolds in regenerative therapeutics.

Bioengineered Human Stromal Lenticule for Recombinant Human Nerve Growth Factor Release: A Potential Biocompatible Ocular Drug Delivery System

Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), is a surgical procedure for the myopia correction, during which a corneal stromal lenticule is extracted. Given that we have previously demonstrated how this discarded tissue could be repurposed as a bio-scaffold for stromal engineering, this study aimed to explore its use as an ocular drug delivery system of active molecules, using neurotrophic factor Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). We employed human stromal lenticules directly collected from healthy donors undergoing SMILE. Following a sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) treatment, decellularized lenticules were incubated with a suspension of polylactic-co-glycolic-acid (PLGA) microparticles (MPs) loaded with recombinant human NGF (rhNGF-MPs). Fluorescent MPs (Fluo-MPs) were used as control. Data demonstrated the feasibility to engineer decellularized lenticules with PLGA-MPs which remain incorporated both on the lenticules surface and in its stromal. Following their production, the in vitro release kinetic showed a sustained release for up to 1 month of rhNGF from MPs loaded to the lenticule. Interestingly, rhNGF was rapidly released in the first 24 h, but it was sustained up to the end of the experiment (1 month), with preservation of rhNGF activity (around 80%). Our results indicated that decellularized human stromal lenticules could represent a biocompatible, non-immunogenic natural scaffold potential useful for ocular drug delivery. Therefore, combining the advantages of tissue engineering and pharmaceutical approaches, this in vitro proof-of-concept study suggests the feasibility to use this scaffold to allow target release of rhNGF in vivo or other pharmaceutically active molecules that have potential to treat ocular diseases.

Comparison of the Effects of Temperature and Dehydration Mode on Glycerin-Based Approaches to SMILE-Derived Lenticule Preservation

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.

The aim of this study was to explore the optimal method of small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE)-derived lenticules, subjected to long-term preservation using glycerol, under a range of temperatures, and using an array of dehydration agents.

Visual Outcomes After Implantation of Allogenic Lenticule in a 100-µm Pocket for Moderate to High Hyperopia: 2-Year Results

PURPOSE

To investigate 2-year visual outcomes, stability, and predictability after allogenic lenticule implantation in a 100-µm pocket for moderate to high hyperopia correction.

METHODS

In this prospective case series, 14 eyes of 9 patients with moderate to high hyperopia ranging from +3.00 to +8.00 diopters sphere were included between March and September 2018. Allogenic lenticules extracted from myopic small incision lenticule extraction were implanted into a pocket created by femtosecond laser at a 100-µm depth in recipients with hyperopia. All patients were followed up for 2 years. Uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuity, manifest refraction, corneal topography, Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography, and in vivo confocal microscopy were examined.

RESULTS

At postoperative 2 years, 2 eyes (14.3%) gained one line of CDVA, 11 eyes (78.6%) had unchanged CDVA, and 1 eye (7.1%) lost one line of CDVA. No eyes lost two or more lines of CDVA. Twelve of the treated eyes (85.7%) had postoperative uncorrected near visual acuity equal to or better than pre-operative values. The spherical equivalent decreased from +5.53 ± 1.45 D preoperatively to -0.60 ± 1.20 D at postoperative year 2 (P < .001). The anterior mean keratometric readings increased from 42.41 ± 1.03 D preoperatively to 48.38 ± 1.98 D at postoperative year 2 (P < .001). Of 14 treated eyes, 10 eyes (71.4%) had spherical equivalent within ±1.00 D.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that allogenic lenticule transplantation may be a promising option for the correction of moderate to high hyperopia. [J Refract Surg. 2021;37(11):734-740.].

Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Small Incision Allogeneic Endokeratophakia Using a Hyperopic Lenticule in Rabbits

Purpose

To investigate the morphologic and histopathologic changes in allogeneic endokeratophakia using hyperopic lenticules derived from small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE).

Methods

Six New Zealand rabbits (12 eyes) were included in this experiment and randomly and evenly divided into donor and recipient groups. The donor group underwent bilateral hyperopic SMILE surgery, and the concave lenticules were implanted into eyes in the recipient group. Corneal topography and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) examinations were performed at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 5 months after surgery. All eyes were enucleated 5 months after surgery. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to observe the corneal morphology in the recipient group.

Results

No complications were observed, and the corneas remained transparent in the follow-up period. There was mild corneal edema within 1 week after surgery. Slit-lamp microscopy and OCT showed that the lenticules were gradually integrated with the surrounding corneal stroma. HE staining showed that the arrangement of corneal collagen was regular. The boundary between the lenticules and surrounding tissue could be identified with HE staining and TEM, and no inflammatory cells were found under TEM. The corneal Km values were significantly lower at 5 months postoperatively compared to preoperatively (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This pilot study showed that allogeneic hyperopic SMILE lenticule endokeratophakia seems to be safe and feasible.

Translational Relevance

Allogeneic hyperopic SMILE lenticule endokeratophakia may be applicable for the correction of corneal regression, ectasia, ultra-high myopia, or keratoconus.

Effect of corneal stromal lenticule customization on neurite distribution and excitatory property

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Refractive SMILE-derived stromal lenticules are useful in various tissue-engineering approach for therapeutics, of which they are required to be customized before implantation.

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Excimer laser-mediated reshaping, riboflavin-UVA-induced collagen crosslinking and chemical decellularization significantly removed lenticule neurites, but the residual neurites retained excitatory response.

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Reinnervation occurred in the decellularized lenticules, indicating a potential of nerve regeneration.

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Stromal lenticules, as a unique collagen-rich biomaterial with high transparency, refractivity and mechanically robust, together with the ability of neurite regeneration, could hold a potential for various ophthalmic applications.

Introduction

Refractive stromal lenticules from Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE), though usually discarded, hold a potential for various ophthalmic applications, including refractive correction, stromal volume expansion, and biomechanical strengthening of the cornea.

Objectives

To investigate the effect of lenticule customization on lenticule neurite length profile and the excitatory response (calcium signaling) and the potential of reinnervation.

Methods

Human and porcine stromal lenticules were treated by (1) excimer laser reshaping, (2) ultraviolet A-riboflavin crosslinking (CXL), and (3) decellularization by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), respectively. The overall neurite scaffold immuno-positive to TuJ1 (neuron-specific class III β-tubulin) expression and population of active neurite fragments with calcium response revealed by L-glutamate-induced Fluo-4-acetoxymethyl ester reaction were captured by wide-field laser-scanning confocal microscopy, followed by z-stack image construction. The NeuronJ plugin was used to measure neurite lengths for TuJ1 (NL-TuJ1) and calcium signal (NL-Ca). Reinnervation of lenticules was examined by the ex vivo grafting of chick dorsal root ganglia (DRG) to the decellularized human lenticules. Differences between groups and controls were analyzed with ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

The customization methods significantly eliminated neurites inside the lenticules. NL-TuJ1 was significantly reduced by 84% after excimer laser reshaping, 54% after CXL, and 96% after decellularization. The neurite remnants from reshaping and CXL exhibited calcium signaling, indicative of residual excitatory response. Re-innervation occurred in the decellularized lenticules upon stimulation of the grafted chick embryo DRG with nerve growth factor (NGF 2.5S).

Conclusion

All of the lenticule customization procedures reduced lenticule neurites, but the residual neurites still showed excitatory potential. Even though these neurite remnants seemed minimal, they could be advantageous to reinnervation with axon growth and guidance after lenticule reimplantation for refractive and volume restoration of the cornea.

Experiment-Based Validation of Corneal Lenticule Banking in a Health Authority-Licensed Facility

With the expected rise in patients undergoing refractive lenticule extraction worldwide, the number of discarded corneal stromal lenticules will increase. Therefore, establishing a lenticule bank to collect, catalog, process, cryopreserve, and distribute the lenticules (for future therapeutic needs) could be advantageous. In this study, we validated the safety of lenticule banking that involved the collection of human lenticules from our eye clinic, transportation of the lenticules to a Singapore Ministry of Health-licensed lenticule bank, processing, and cryopreservation of the lenticules, which, after 3 months or, a longer term, 12 months, were retrieved and transported to our laboratory for implantation in rabbit corneas. The lenticule collection was approved by the SingHealth Centralised Institutional Review Board (CIRB). Both short-term and long-term cryopreserved lenticules, although not as transparent as fresh lenticules due to an altered collagen fibrillar packing, did not show any sign of rejection and cytotoxicity, and did not induce haze or neovascularization for 16 weeks even when antibiotic and steroidal administration were withdrawn after 8 weeks. The lenticular transparency progressively improved and was mostly clear after 4 weeks, the same period when we observed the stabilization of corneal hydration. We showed that the equalization of the collagen fibrillar packing of the lenticules with that of the host corneal stroma contributed to the lenticular haze clearance. Most importantly, no active wound healing and inflammatory reactions were seen after 16 weeks. Our study suggests that long-term lenticule banking is a feasible approach for the storage of stromal lenticules after refractive surgery.

Customized Stromal Lenticule Implantation for Keratoconus

PURPOSE

To investigate the potential benefit of keratoconus surgery using customized corneal stromal donor lenticules obtained from myopic small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery by femtosecond laser.

METHODS

In this prospective, consecutive, non-comparative series of cases, 22 lenticules were obtained from 22 myopic patients who had SMILE with a lenticule central thickness of greater than 110 µm. The lenticules were implanted in 22 eyes with advanced keratoconus. The lenticules were customized for the purpose of the implantation with either a simple necklace or necklace-with-ring shape (compound form) depending on the corneal thickness and corneal topography configuration of the implanted keratoconic eyes. The lenticules were implanted into a 9.5-mm corneal lamellar pocket created by the femtosecond laser. Changes in densitometry, thickness, confocal microscopy, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and endothelial cell density were investigated.

RESULTS

Intrastromal lenticule implantation was successfully performed in all cases without any complication. Corneal thickness showed a mean enhancement of 100.4 µm at the thinnest point. On biomicroscopy, all corneas were clear at 1 year postoperatively and there was a significant improvement in corneal densitometry during the entire follow-up period. Confocal biomicroscopy showed collagen reactivation without any inflammatory features caused by the implanted fresh lenticules. CDVA improved from 0.70 to 0.49 logMAR (P = .001) and keratometry decreased from 54.68 ± 2.77 to 51.95 ± 2.21 diopters (P = .006).

CONCLUSIONS

Customized SMILE lenticule implantation by femtosecond laser proved to be feasible, resulting in an improvement in vision, topography, and refraction in the implanted eyes. [J Refract Surg. 2020;36(12):786-794.].

Eye Banks: Future Perspectives

Technological progress and societal change are transforming medicine, and cornea banks are no exception. New infectiological factors, statutory requirements, management concepts, globalisation and digitalisation are also influencing how such facilities will operate in the future. The goal of providing high quality material to patients with corneal disease remains unaltered. The present article seeks to shed light on the type of material this will involve and under what circumstances it is to be obtained.

Femtosecond laser-assisted stromal keratophakia for keratoconus: A systemic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Femtosecond lasers have revived the possibility of stromal keratophakia or tissue additive keratoplasty, a technique originally introduced by Prof. Jose Ignacio Barraquer in the 1960s. The surgical technique offers a unique solution to treat keratoconus. In the current study, we reviewed and performed a meta-analysis of the clinical outcomes of the femtosecond laser-assisted stromal keratophakia in the treatment of keratoconus.

METHODS

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of the estimated outcome difference between pre- and post-lenticule implantations.

RESULTS

A total of related 10 studies were found in the literature. No studies reported adverse events, such as persistent haze or graft rejection, at last patients' visits. We further narrowed down the article selection in accordance to our inclusion criteria to report the composite outcomes (9 studies) and meta-analysis (4 studies). In the composite analysis, we demonstrated that lenticule implantation in keratoconus and post-LASIK ectasia patients appeared to expand the stromal volume of the thin corneas, flattened the cones, and significantly improved uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and spherical equivalent (SE). The meta-analysis showed that the random estimated UCVA, BCVA, SE and mean keratometry (K_m) differences following the lenticule implantation was -0.214 (95% CI: -0.367 to 0.060; p = 0.006), -0.169 (-0.246 to 0.091; p < 0.001), -2.294 D (-3.750 to -0.839 D; p = 0.002), and 2.909 D (0.805 to 5.012 D; p = 0.007), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Femtosecond laser-assisted stromal keratophakia is a feasible technique to correct the refractive aberrations, expand corneal volume and regularize corneal curvature in patients with keratoconus. However, there is a need to standardize the technique (e.g., whether to crosslink or not or to use convex or concave lenticules) and to formulate a mathematical model that accounts for the long-term epithelial thickness changes and stromal remodeling to determine the shape or profile of the lenticules, in order to improve the efficacy of the keratophakia further.

Inlays and the cornea

Presbyopia is a growing problem in view of an aging global population and increasingly patients desire spectacle-free solutions to address this condition. Surgically implanted corneal inlays have been the topic of renewed research efforts in the past several years as a treatment option for presbyopia, with several approaches being used to modify the refractive properties of the cornea and enhance near vision. In this review we discuss historical approaches to corneal inlay surgery, critically appraise the current generation of presbyopia-correcting corneal inlays and their associated complications and consider the future prospects for emerging corneal inlay technologies that aim address the shortcomings of currently available inlays.

Epithelial and stromal remodelling following femtosecond laser-assisted stromal lenticule addition keratoplasty (SLAK) for keratoconus

The purpose of this study was to evaluate corneal epithelium and stromal remodelling with anterior segment optical coherence tomography in patients who have undergone stromal lenticule addition keratoplasty (SLAK) for advanced keratoconus. This was a prospective non-comparative observational study. Fifteen eyes of 15 patients with advanced keratoconus underwent implantation with a cadaveric, donor negative meniscus-shaped intrastromal lenticule, produced with a femtosecond laser, into a stromal pocket dissected in the recipient cornea at a depth of 120 μm. Simulated keratometry, central corneal thickness (CTT), corneal thinnest point (CTP), central epithelial thickness (CET), central and peripheral lenticule thickness, anterior and posterior stromal thickness were measured. Regional central corneal epithelial thickness (CET) and variations in the inner annular area (IAT) and outer annular area (OAT) were also analysed. All parameters were measured preoperatively and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. The average anterior Sim-k decreased from 59.63 ± 7.58 preoperatively to 57.19 ± 6.33 D 6 months postoperatively. CCT, CTP, CET, and OAT increased and IAT decreased significantly after 1 month. All parameters appeared unchanged at 6-months except that of OAT that further increased. Lenticule thickness was stable. In conclusion we observed that SLAK reshapes the cornea by central flattening with stromal thickening and epithelial thickness restoration.

Femtosecond-Laser Assisted Surgery of the Eye: Overview and Impact of the Low-Energy Concept

This article provides an overview of both established and innovative applications of femtosecond (fs)-laser-assisted surgical techniques in ophthalmology. Fs-laser technology is unique because it allows cutting tissue at very high precision inside the eye. Fs lasers are mainly used for surgery of the human cornea and lens. New areas of application in ophthalmology are on the horizon. The latest improvement is the high pulse frequency, low-energy concept; by enlarging the numerical aperture of the focusing optics, the pulse energy threshold for optical breakdown decreases, and cutting with practically no side effects is enabled.

Corneal xenotransplantation: Where are we standing?

The search for alternatives to allotransplants is driven by the shortage of corneal donors and is demanding because of the limitations of the alternatives. Indeed, current progress in genetically engineered (GE) pigs, the introduction of gene-editing technology by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9, and advanced immunosuppressants have made xenotransplantation a possible option for a human trial. Porcine corneal xenotransplantation is considered applicable because the eye is regarded as an immune-privileged site. Furthermore, recent non-human primate studies have shown long-term survival of porcine xenotransplants in keratoplasty. Herein, corneal immune privilege is briefly introduced, and xenogeneic reactions are compared with allogeneic reactions in corneal transplantation. This review describes the current knowledge on special issues of xenotransplantation, xenogeneic rejection mechanisms, current immunosuppressive regimens of corneal xenotransplantation, preclinical efficacy and safety data of corneal xenotransplantation, and updates of the regulatory framework to conduct a clinical trial on corneal xenotransplantation. We also discuss barriers that might prevent xenotransplantation from becoming common practice, such as ethical dilemmas, public concerns on xenotransplantation, and the possible risk of xenozoonosis. Given that the legal definition of decellularized porcine cornea (DPC) lies somewhere between a medical device and a xenotransplant, the preclinical efficacy and clinical trial data using DPC are included. The review finally provides perspectives on the current standpoint of corneal xenotransplantation in the fields of regenerative medicine.

Donation of discarded ocular tissue in patients undergoing SMILE laser refractive surgery: developing appropriate guidelines

Tissue Biobanks represent an invaluable resource. Despite the majority of people supporting tissue donation, the actual rate remains low overall. Tissue discarded from surgical procedures represents a further avenue for collection for use in research. We aim to understand the information and consent requirements in a cohort of healthy, post-ophthalmic surgical subjects to optimise future tissue collection in living donors. Patients attending an ophthalmic clinic following refractive surgery for myopia (SMILE) were identified. Patient consent was implied with the completion of the provided survey. The questionnaire included gender, age range and education status. The majority of 31 subjects identified a benefit for future patients as the main motive for potential donation of discarded tissue (71%). Payment for the discarded tissue would not influence their decision in 77.4%. Explanation of the potential benefits of research was the most important information to consider before making a decision to donate. Only 12.9% of patients would have refused to include further information. Almost half of patients felt that the Biobank became the owner of tissue following donation. Current surgical patients may be more inclined to participate in research than the general public because of a sense of duty or an increased understanding of the role of research in evolving treatment. Despite minor uncertainty about the eventual use of the tissue and data, most subjects were positive to donation of discarded ocular tissue and de-identified information. Consent and education processes should be revised within an ophthalmic practice to minimise future patient anxiety.

Application of Femtosecond Laser in Anterior Segment Surgery

Femtosecond laser (FSL) is a near-infrared laser that can create reliable and reproducible tissue cutting with minimal damage to adjacent tissue. As the laser can also create incisions with various orientations, depths, and shapes, it is expected to be a useful tool for anterior segment surgery, such as cornea, refractive, and cataract surgery. In this review, the authors will introduce the application of FSL in various anterior segment surgeries and discuss the results of studies regarding the efficacy and safety of FSL in cornea, refractive, and cataract surgery. Experimental studies regarding the potential use of FSL will also be introduced. The studies discussed in this review suggest that FSL may be a useful tool for improving the prognosis and safety of surgeries of the anterior segment.