Impact of conjunctivochalasis on visual quality of life: a community population survey

The Influence of Lid-Parallel Conjunctival Folds and Conjunctivochalasis on Dry Eye Symptoms with and Without Contact Lens Wear: A Review of the Literature

INTRODUCTION

Lid-parallel conjunctival folds (LIPCOF) and conjunctivochalasis (CCH) are similar conditions that seem to be related to dry eye severity. In addition, there is a lack of studies on the topic of LIPCOF and CCH on dry eye symptoms in non-contact lens and contact lens (CL) wearers. Therefore, the aim of this study is to review the relationship of LIPCOF and CCH with dry eye symptoms in non-CL and CL wearers, as well as to report the treatment of dry eye disease (DED) in non-CL and CL wearers who present LIPCOF or CCH.

METHODS

A literature review of full-length original studies in two databases, PubMed and Scopus, was performed. The search period included observational studies in humans published between April 21, 2009 and March 20, 2023.

RESULTS

A total of 26 studies were included. The studies suggest that LIPCOF and CCH are significantly related to dry eye symptoms in non-CL and CL wearers. However, the impact of CL wear on LIPCOF and CCH may be complex and may vary depending on individual factors such as lens type, lens care regimen, and pre-existing ocular conditions. Regarding LIPCOF management, tear substitutes seem to significantly reduce LIPCOF and dry eye symptoms in non-CL wearers, while vectored thermal pulsation (VTP) and microblepharoexfoliation (MBE) are suggested as promising treatment for LIPCOF and dry eye symptoms in CL wearers. Regarding CCH management, surgical interventions may be effective in reducing CCH when medical treatments have no response. In addition, an ocular examination by slit lamp is necessary to distinguish both conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Tear substitutes, VTP, MBE, and fitting CLs with low coefficient of friction (CoF) seem to reduce and prevent LIPCOF. However, surgical treatment options seem to be more effective in the complete elimination of CCH. An adequate evaluation and differentiation between LIPCOF and CCH are important, and they should be considered by practitioners in managing dry eye symptoms in non-CL and CL wearers.

Does the conjunctivochalasis accompanied by pseudoexfoliation syndrome affect the ocular surface and anterior segment structures?

PURPOSE

The probability of the coexistence of conjunctivochalasis and pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PES) in the same individual may increase with aging. We investigated the effects of conjunctivochalasis accompanied by PES on the ocular surface (OS) and anterior segment (AS) structures.

METHODS

Cases with only conjunctivochalasis were determined as Group 1 (n = 62), cases with conjunctivochalasis accompanied by PES as Group 2 (n = 45), and healthy individuals as Group 3 (n = 56). The OS and AS parameters of the groups were compared.

RESULTS

There were a higher grade-3 conjunctivochalasis rate (17.7% vs. 46.7%, p = 0.039), a greater "mean grade of conjunctivochalasis" value (1.72 ± 0.24 vs. 2.29 ± 0.32, p = 0.036), and a higher "total conjunctivochalasis score" (4.27 ± 1.13 vs. 6.12 ± 1.35, p = 0.025) in Group 2 than in Group 1. Additionally, Group 2 had a shorter tear film break-up time (TBUT) (9.17 ± 2.53 vs. 5.41 ± 1.32, p = 0.010) and a greater OS disease index (OSDI) score (16.28 ± 3.15 vs. 27.36 ± 4.12, p = 0.037) than Group 1. Moreover, both Group 1 and Group 2 had shorter TBUTs (Group 1-3: p = 0.004; Group 2-3: p < 0.001) and greater OSDI scores (Group 1-3: p = 0.042; Group 2-3: p = 0.019) compared to Group 3. The groups' ocular surface staining scores, Schirmer 1 tests, central corneal thicknesses, keratometries, axial lengths, anterior chamber depths, lens thicknesses, and intraocular pressures were similar (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this was the first study comprehensively investigating the effects of conjunctivochalasis accompanied by PES on the OS and AS structures together. We found that conjunctivochalasis might cause the OS disease, while the presence of PES in conjunctivochalasis cases might worsen both the OS disease and conjunctivochalasis findings.

Impression cytology and meibomian glands in conjunctivochalasis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the tear parameters, meibomian glands and lid margin and tarsal conjunctival impression cytology in patients with conjunctivochalasis (CCH).

METHODS

The study included 57 patients diagnosed with CCH and 35 healthy volunteers. Tear break-up time (TBUT) was measured and Schirmer test was performed. Meibomian gland morphologies, dropout rates, and meiboscores were evaluated using meibography. Finally, impression cytology samples were taken by pressing the impression filters on the lower lid margin and lower tarsal conjunctiva. The samples were evaluated according to the Nelson grading system.

RESULTS

Schirmer test was longer and TBUT was shorter in the study group (p = 0.035 and p < 0.001, respectively). The median of meibomian gland dropout rate was 33.45% (Interquartile range [IQR]; 23.17%-49.75%) and 18.80% (IQR; 12.35%-26.50%) in the study and control groups, respectively (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in terms of lid-margin cytology between the two groups (p = 0.481). In tarsal conjunctiva cytology, the median value of Nelson grade of the study group was 2 (IQR; 1-2) and that of the control group was 1 (IQR; 1-2) (p = 0.040). When Nelson grade-2 and above was accepted as the pathological limit, it was found that 27.5% of the study group and 15.2% of the control group showed pathological findings (p = 0.204).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with CCH, damage occurs in the tarsal conjunctiva with the effects of redundant conjunctival folds. In these patients, atrophy occurs in the meibomian glands and tear stability is impaired. Therefore, CCH should not be overlooked in clinical practice.

Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium bifidum alleviate dry eye in mice with exorbital lacrimal gland excision by modulating gut inflammation and microbiota

In order to understand the efficacy of probiotics against dry eye syndrome, we selected anti-inflammatory probiotics Lactobacillus plantarum NK151 and Bifidobacterium bifidum NK175, which increased the ratio of IL-10 to TNF-α expression, from the human gut bacteria collection and examined their effects on tear secretion and cornea/conjunctiva inflammation in mice with excision of the unilateral exorbital lacrimal gland and 1% atropine and 0.1% benzalkonium chloride solution (ELA)-induced dry eye. Exposure to ELA significantly reduced tear secretion in mice, assessed by the phenol red thread tear test. However, oral gavage of NK151 and/or NK175 significantly increased ELA-suppressed tear secretion, IL-10 expression, and goblet cell population and decreased the ELA-induced corneal fluorescein-staining score, IL-1β and TNF-α expression in the conjunctiva. They also suppressed ELA-induced myeloperoxidase, IL-1β, and TNF-α expression. In particular, they increased the ratio of IL-10 to TNF-α expression in the colon. Their treatments increased ELA-induced α-diversity reduction to that of the control group and partially restored ELA-shifted β-diversity to that of the control group. Oral gavage of NK151 and/or NK175 reduced ELA-induced Verrucomicrobia and Actinobacteria populations at the phylum level. Furthermore, they reduced ELA-induced Bacteroidaceae, Akkemansiaceae, and AC160630_f populations and increased ELA-suppressed Lactobacillaceae and Muribaculaceae populations at the family level. These gut bacteria populations exhibited significant correlation with the tear secretion volume. In conclusion, NK151 and/or NK175 alleviated dry eye by modulating the expression ratio of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 and gut microbiota composition.

The correction of conjunctivochalasis using high-frequency radiowave electrosurgery improves dry eye disease

We aimed to determine the clinical impact of conjunctivochalasis (CCh) and its correction using high-frequency radiowave electrosurgery (HFR-ES), for signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED). Forty patients diagnosed with symptomatic CCh were prospectively enrolled. As a result, patients with CCh had moderate to severe DED and most of them exhibited meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Corneo-conjunctival fluorescein staining score (CFS) and all lid-parallel-conjunctival-folds scores (LIPCOFs) were positively correlated. Nasal LIPCOF significantly correlated with symptoms and tear volume. Central, temporal, and total LIPCOF significantly correlated with MG loss, MGD stage, and lipid layer thickness. Independent significant factors associated with total LIPCOF included CFS, tear break-up time, and MGD stage. One month following HFR-ES, CCh was completely resolved in all cases. Patient age and preoperative nasal LIPCOF were determinants of outcomes associated with postoperative improvements in symptoms. Ocular surface parameters significantly improved, but MGD-related signs did not. Collectively, CCh associated with MGD severity deteriorates not only tear film stability and reservoir capacity, leading to DED exacerbation. Therefore, CCh should be corrected in patients with DED and MGD. Younger patients with nasal CCh are likely to experience more symptomatic relief after HFR-ES. Particularly, management for MGD should be maintained after CCh correction.

The Relationship between Subjective Symptoms and Quality of Life in Conjunctivochalasis Patients

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in subjective symptoms between patients with conjunctivochalasis (CCh) and dry eye (DE), and examine the relationship between subjective symptoms and quality of life (QOL). In 75 eyes of 75 CCh patients and 122 eyes of 122 DE patients, 12 subjective symptoms classified into four groups depending on the mechanisms associated with symptoms (ITF: instability of tear film, IF: increased friction, R: reflex, and DTC: delayed tear clearance) were evaluated by use of a visual analogue scale (VAS). Fifteen items related to DE symptoms and their influence on daily life were evaluated by use of the dry eye-related quality-of-life score (DEQS) questionnaire, with overall degree of QOL impairment calculated as a QOL score. The correlation between the Total VAS score and QOL score were evaluated. Between the CCh and DE patients, significant differences in subjective symptoms were found in eye dryness, pain, tearing sensitivity to light, and heavy eyelids, while tearing was higher in CCh. A significant strong correlation was found between QOL score and Total VAS score, ITF, and IF in CCh patients. The QOL of CCh patients is strongly determined by decreased tear-film stability and increased friction during blinking.

P38-Mediated Cellular Senescence in Conjunctivochalasis Fibroblasts

Purpose

Conjunctivochalasis (CCH) is a common ocular disease and has received extensive attention recently. However, its exact pathogenesis remains largely unknown. Owing to the high morbidity of CCH in older people, this study aimed to investigate whether cellular senescence contributes to CCH progression and the underlying mechanism.

Methods

Loose conjunctival tissues from CCH patients (n = 13) and normal conjunctival tissues from age-matched persons (n = 12) were obtained and the fibroblasts were separately induced and obtained. Cellular senescence, and the expression of senescence-associated genes (p53 and p21) and p38 in CCH conjunctival tissues and normal controls, were determined by senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining and quantitative (q)RT-PCR, respectively. To explore the effects of p38 on cellular senescence in CCH fibroblasts, small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting p38 (siP38) and p38-specific inhibitor SB203580 was performed in CCH fibroblasts. Then, cellular senescence, cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and gene expression were detected according to the corresponding methods.

Results

CCH conjunctival tissues had significantly more senescent cells, evidenced by more SA-β-Gal-positive cells, and higher expression of senescence-associated genes (p53 and p21) and p38. CCH fibroblasts transfected with siP38 or treated with SB203580 had obviously reduced numbers of senescent cells, decreased ROS production, and increased cell viability, as well as reduced expression of senescence-associated genes. Meanwhile, blocking p38 signaling decreased the expression of p53 and p21.

Conclusions

Therefore, these findings indicate that cellular senescence might be a causative factor for CCH. P38 signaling might play an important role in the progress of cellular senescence in CCH fibroblasts via manipulation of p53/p21 signaling.

Vision-related quality of life after pars plana vitrectomy with or without combined cataract surgery for idiopathic macular hole patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate the influence of vision-related quality of life (VR-QOL) after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with or without combined cataract surgery for idiopathic macular hole (IMH) patients.

METHODS

This prospective consecutive case series study included 53 eyes of 53 consecutive IMH patients who were divided into two groups: 34 eyes underwent PPV combined with cataract surgery (combined group), 19 eyes only underwent PPV (vitrectomy group). Clinical data were collected at baseline and 3 and 6 months after surgery, respectively, including VR-QOL evaluated by The National Eye Institute 25-Item Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25), logarithm of minimal angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity (logMAR BCVA) using ETDRS chart, severity of metamorphopsia evaluated by M-Charts, contrast sensitivity evaluated by functional acuity contrast test, MH diameter detected by SD-OCT and lens opacity assessment evaluated by Lens Opacity Classification System III (LOCS III). ANOVA and LSD, Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to compare the difference in logMAR BCVA, metamorphopsia scores, contrast sensitivity, LOCS III scores and VFQ-25 scores between three time points; Spearman's rank correlation test was used to test the correlations between logMAR BCVA, metamorphopsia scores, contrast sensitivity, LOCS III scores and VFQ-25 scores.

RESULTS

All eyes had achieved an anatomical success after surgery in both groups. BCVA (logMAR), metamorphopsia and contrast sensitivity were significantly improved at month 3 and month 6 (p = < 0.005). VFQ-25 composite and four subscale scores (general vision, near activities, distant activities, role difficulties) were significantly improved in combined group at month 6 compared with baseline (p = 0.011, 0.001, 0.003, < 0.001, 0.009). VFQ-25 composite and two subscale scores (general vision, role difficulties) were significantly and negatively correlated with logMAR BCVA (p = 0.046, 0.011, 0.012) and metamorphopsia (p = 0.009, 0.002, < 0.001) in combined group. VFQ-25 composite and four subscale scores (general vision, near activities, distance activities, mental health) were significantly improved in vitrectomy group at month 3 compared with baseline (p = 0.014, 0.047, 0.011, 0.018, 0.037). VFQ-25 composite score and mental health score were significantly decreased in vitrectomy group at month 6 compared with month 3 (p = 0.031, 0.029) and were significantly and negatively correlated with LOCS III score (p = 0.047, 0.017) at month 6.

CONCLUSION

Visual function and VR-QOL were significantly improved after successful macular hole surgery. The fluctuation of VR-QOL after surgery was attributed to the progression of the lens opacity. PPV combined with cataract surgery can help macular hole patients to maintain stable VR-QOL improvement by degrees.

Neuropathic pain and dry eye

Dry eye is a common, multifactorial disease currently diagnosed by a combination of symptoms and signs. Its epidemiology and clinical presentation have many similarities with neuropathic pain outside the eye. This review highlights the similarities between dry eye and neuropathic pain, focusing on clinical features, somatosensory function, and underlying pathophysiology. Implications of these similarities on the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye are discussed.

Conjunctivochalasis: a systematic review

Conjunctivochalasis (CCH) is a conjunctival condition characterized by loose, redundant conjunctival folds, most typically in the inferior bulbar conjunctiva of both eyes. Although CCH is a common cause of ocular irritation and discomfort, especially in the elderly, it is often overlooked in clinical practice. CCH may be associated with various ocular and nonocular conditions; however, the most important risk factor is aging. Although often asymptomatic, CCH may cause symptoms related to tear film instability and/or delayed tear clearance. Pathogenesis of CCH remains largely unknown but may involve different elements such as aged conjunctiva, unstable tear film, mechanical friction, ocular surface inflammation, and delayed tear clearance. Contradictory results have been reported on histopathologic changes in CCH, with some studies showing a normal microscopic structure. For symptomatic CCH, medical treatment may include lubrication and anti-inflammatory medications. For symptomatic patients who fail to respond to medical treatment, a surgical procedure may be considered. Although various surgical procedures have been used for CCH, more often, it consists of conjunctival cauterization or excision of the redundant conjunctiva, with or without amniotic membrane transplantation.

Therapeutic Strategies to Treat Dry Eye in an Aging Population

Dry eye (DE) is a prevalent ocular disease that primarily affects the elderly. Affecting up to 30% of adults aged 50 years and older, DE affects both visual function and quality of life. Symptoms of DE, including ocular pain (aching, burning), visual disturbances, and tearing, can be addressed with therapeutic agents that target dysfunction of the meibomian glands, lacrimal glands, goblet cells, ocular surface, and/or neural network. This review provides an overview of the efficacy, use, and limitations of current therapeutic interventions being used to treat DE.

The impact of conjunctivochalasis on dry eye symptoms and signs

PURPOSE

The purpose of this project was to study the relationship between conjunctivochalasis (Cch) and ocular signs and symptoms of dry eye.

METHODS

Ninety-six patients with normal eyelid and corneal anatomy were prospectively recruited from a Veterans Administration hospital over 12 months. Symptoms (via the dry eye questionnaire 5 [DEQ5]) and signs of dry eye were assessed along with quality of life implications. Statistical analyses comparing the above metrics among the three groups included χ(2), analysis of variance, and linear regression tests.

RESULTS

Participants were classified into three groups: nasal conjunctivochalasis (NCch; n = 31); nonnasal conjunctivochalasis (non-NCch; n = 41); and no conjunctivochalasis (no-Cch; n = 24). Patients with NCch had more dry eye symptoms than those with non-NCch (DEQ5: NCch = 13.8 ± 5.0, non-NCch = 10.2 ± 5.0, no-Cch = 11.6 ± 5.8; P = 0.014), and more ocular pain than those with Non-NCch and no-Cch (numerical rating scale [NRS]: NCch = 4.5 ± 3.0, non-NCch = 2.3 ± 2.8, no-Cch = 3.3 ± 2.6; P = 0.008). They also had worse dry eye signs compared to those with no-Cch measured by Schirmer score with anesthesia (NCch = 14.5 ± 6.9, non-NCch = 16.8 ± 8.2, no-Cch = 19.9 ± 6.4; P = 0.039); meibomian gland dropout (NCch 1.8 ± 0.9, non-NCch = 1.4 ± 1.0, no-Cch = 1.0 ± 1.0; P = 0.020); and eyelid vascularity (NCch = 0.84 ± 0.8, non-NCch = 0.74 ± 0.7, no-Cch = 0.33 ± 0.6; P = 0.019). Moreover, those with NCch more frequently reported that dry eye symptoms moderately to severely impacted their quality of life (NCch = 87%, non-NCch = 51%, no-Cch = 58%; P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of NCch associates with dry eye symptoms, abnormal tear parameters, and impacts quality of life compared with non-NCch and no-Cch. Based on these data, it is important for clinicians to look for Cch in patients with symptoms of dry eye.