Double-Bubble Technique Assisted by Holding Forceps: A Modified Technique in Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty for Vitrectomized Eyes With Scleral Fixated Intraocular Lens

PURPOSE

Several techniques have been developed for graft unfolding approaches in Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). However, despite these techniques, graft deployment and configuration in eyes with deep anterior chambers remain challenging in some cases. Therefore, in this study, we described a modified technique for DMEK, known as the "double-bubble technique assisted by holding forceps."

METHODS

This was a retrospective interventional case series. Patients who underwent DMEK between August 2022 and July 2023, including cases with a history of vitrectomy and scleral fixation of intraocular lens, were enrolled in this study. Two experienced surgeons performed DMEK. In brief, after graft insertion into the anterior chamber, the first bubble with a small volume of air was injected above the graft to open the tight roll, and the graft edge was held using a 25-gauge graft manipulator. The second bubble was injected underneath the graft for fixation, while the graft edge was grasped using forceps during gas injection. The graft was released from the forceps. Best spectacle corrected visual acuity, central corneal thickness, endothelial cell density, and incidence of postoperative complications were measured before and after DMEK.

RESULTS

Eleven eyes of 11 patients were included in this study (mean follow-up period, 4.5 ± 4.4 months). Best spectacle corrected visual acuity and central corneal thickness significantly improved postoperatively ( P < 0.001). Rebubbling was required in 2 eyes; no other postoperative complications or primary graft failure were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The present technique enables safe and feasible DMEK surgery in vitrectomized eyes with scleral fixated IOLs and in those with a deep anterior chamber.

Importance of Higher-Order Aberrations on Both Anterior and Posterior Surfaces After Pterygium Surgery

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in higher-order aberrations (HOAs), coma, and spherical aberrations (SAs) on the anterior, posterior, and total corneal surfaces after pterygium excision.

METHODS

In this single-center study, we examined 19 eyes of 15 patients who underwent pterygium excision at Yokohama Minami Kyosai Hospital between January 2017 and December 2017. We also evaluated 25 eyes of 25 age-matched patients with no history of ocular disease as the control group. Corneal topography, total HOAs, coma, and SAs in all regions at 4 and 6 mm diameters were evaluated using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (CASIA SS-1000, Tomey, Japan). The pterygium area and extent were also assessed.

RESULTS

Significant improvements in the HOAs, coma, and SAs at both diameters were observed in the total and anterior corneas from the first postoperative month. Notably, the posterior cornea showed significant improvements in HOAs (4 mm: P < 0.001 [log HOAs]; 6 mm: P = 0.001 [log HOAs]) and coma (4 mm: P = 0.003 [log coma], 6 mm: P = 0.002 [log coma]) within both diameters at 1 month postoperatively. A strong correlation was identified among the pterygium area, posterior HOAs, and coma (Spearman correlation = 0.651). Pterygium induced 2 D of astigmatism when extension exceeded 2.1 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

HOAs in both the anterior and posterior corneas improved after pterygium excision. This finding underscores the importance of considering corneal aberrations on both anterior and posterior surfaces in pterygium management.

Assessment of Mucin-Associated Gene Expression Levels on the Ocular Surface

The ocular surface is covered with a mucus layer. The mucin-associated genes expressed in the ocular surface cells include MUC1, MUC4, MUC5AC, and MUC16. Impression cytology is useful for collecting specimens from the ocular surface, their histological examination, and measuring mucin-associated gene expression levels. The expression of mucin-associated gene levels was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The expression levels of these mucin-associated genes are potential biomarkers for ocular surface diseases, including dry eye disease.

Modulation of Hypoxia-Inducible Factors and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expressions by Superfood Camu-Camu (Myrciaria dubia) Treatment in ARPE-19 and Fetal Human RPE Cells

Background

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy via intravitreal injection is an effective treatment for patients with abnormal ocular neovascularization, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). However, prolonged and frequent anti-VEGF treatment is associated with a risk of local and systemic adverse events, including geographic atrophy, cerebrovascular disease, and death. Furthermore, some patients do not adequately respond to anti-VEGF therapy. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is a transcription factor that controls the expression of hypoxia-responsive genes involved in angiogenesis, inflammation, and metabolism. The HIF/VEGF pathway plays an important role in neovascularization, and the inhibition of HIF activation could be an effective biomolecular target for neovascular diseases. The demand for disease prevention or treatment using functional foods such as superfoods has increased in recent years. Few reports to date have focused on the antineovascular effects of superfoods in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). In light of the growing demand for functional foods, we aimed to find novel HIF inhibitors from superfoods worked in RPE cells, which could be an adjuvant for anti-VEGF therapy.

Methods

Seven superfoods were examined to identify novel HIF inhibitor candidates using luciferase assay screening. We used the human RPE cell line ARPE-19 and fetal human RPE (fhRPE) to investigate the biomolecular actions of novel HIF inhibitors using quantitative PCR and western blotting.

Results

Under CoCl2-induced pseudohypoxic condition and 1% oxygen hypoxic incubation, camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) showed HIF inhibitory effects determined by luciferase assays. Camu-camu downregulated HIF-1α and VEGFA mRNA expressions in a concentration-dependent manner. Camu-camu also inhibited HIF-1α protein expressions, and its inhibitory effect was greater than that of vitamin C, which is present at high levels in camu-camu.

Conclusion

The camu-camu extract suppressed the activation of HIF and VEGF in RPE cells. This could assist anti-VEGF therapy in patients with abnormal ocular neovascularization.

A case of acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis showing improved choroidal blood flow after treatment

Purpose

Acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis (ASPPC) is a rare form of ocular syphilis. However, its pathophysiology is not fully understood. Laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) can facilitate the non-invasive evaluation of blood flow and allow investigations into the effects of treatments in various ocular diseases. We report a case of ASPPC that presented with symptoms only in the right eye but showed bilateral disease in LSFG.

Observations

A 54-year-old man presented with decreased vision and visual field defects in the right eye 2 days prior to the initial visit. Fundoscopy images showed a typical yellowish placoid lesion in the macular area, and optical coherence tomography showed disruption of the outer retinal layers and nodular appearance of the retinal pigment epithelium. Fluorescence angiography showed excessive leakage of the placoid lesion characterized by hypofluorescent dots in the inner area ("leopard spotting"). The patient was diagnosed with unilateral ASPPC based on multiple imaging and serological tests. Penicillin was administered for 2 weeks, and the patient showed improvement in symptoms and restoration of the retinal structure. The mean blur rate of the right/left eye was 2.1/5.9 arbitrary units (AU) before treatment and increased to 4.5/9.3 AU 6 months after treatment.

Conclusions and importance

Despite the absence of typical imaging signs and symptoms in the left eye, both eyes may have been affected with different degrees of severity. Thus, LSFG may facilitate the evaluation of treatment effects and the prediction of ocular inflammatory diseases in the early stages.

Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty in Corneal Endothelial Decompensation After a Forceps-Induced Corneal Birth Injury: Case Series and Technique

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to describe the efficacy of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in patients with corneal endothelial decompensation secondary to a forceps-induced corneal birth injury.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. Four eyes of 4 patients (1 female and 3 males; mean age, 64.0 ± 4.7 years) with corneal endothelial decompensation due to forceps-induced corneal birth injury were included. DMEK was performed in all cases, using a combined technique, including the use of intraoperative optical coherence tomography, vital staining of Descemet membrane of both host and donor, removal of scarred Descemet membrane with side-port forceps and vitreous cutter to smoothen the posterior corneal surface, epithelial peeling, and illumination for visualization. The examination included preoperative and postoperative ophthalmologic examinations: best-corrected visual acuity (converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]), intraocular pressure, endothelial cell density (ECD), and central corneal thickness.

RESULTS

No postoperative complications were noted, and corneal transparency was maintained during follow-up (mean follow-up period, 32.0 ± 27.0 months; range, 3-71 months). The mean best-corrected visual acuity was 0.52 ± 0.35 logMAR preoperatively and 0.15 ± 0.09 logMAR at the last visit. The mean postoperative ECD was 1632 ± 631 cells/mm2 (mean ECD at baseline, 3167 cells/mm2). Central corneal thickness decreased from 640 ± 67 μm preoperatively to 576 ± 58 μm postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that DMEK can be performed uneventfully in eyes with a forceps-induced corneal birth injury. The combination of surgical techniques may be an effective approach for DMEK.

The Effect of Anti-Autotaxin Aptamers on the Development of Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy

This study investigated the effect of anti-autotaxin (ATX) aptamers on the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in both in vivo and in vitro PVR swine models. For the in vitro study, primary retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells were obtained from porcine eyes and cultured for cell proliferation and migration assays. For the in vivo study, a swine PVR model was established by inducing retinal detachment and injecting cultured RPE cells (2.0 × 106). Concurrently, 1 week after RPE cell injection, the anti-ATX aptamer, RBM-006 (10 mg/mL, 0.1 mL), was injected twice into the vitreous cavity. Post-injection effects of the anti-ATX aptamer on PVR development in the in vivo swine PVR model were investigated. For the in vitro evaluation, the cultured RPE cell proliferation and migration were significantly reduced at anti-ATX aptamer concentrations of 0.5-0.05 mg and at only 0.5 mg, respectively. Intravitreal administration of the anti-ATX aptamer also prevented tractional retinal detachment caused by PVR in the in vivo PVR model. We observed that the anti-ATX aptamer, RBM-006, inhibited PVR-related RPE cell proliferation and migration in vitro and inhibited the progression of PVR in the in vivo model, suggesting that the anti-ATX aptamer may be effective in preventing PVR.

Incidence of Graft Rejection in Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty After COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) rejection rate after COVID-19 vaccination with an mRNA vaccine.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study. A total of 198 patients who underwent DMEK between January 2006 and December 2020 were divided into 2 cohorts: consecutive patients who received at least 1 COVID-19 vaccination in 2021 (vaccination started from February 2021 in Japan) and nonvaccinated patients (control cohort). Patients who had a postoperative observation period of less than 90 days were excluded. The main outcome measurement was the incidence of graft rejection. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used for comparisons with the nonvaccinated group.

RESULTS

Six rejection episodes were observed in 198 patients (124 nonvaccinated and 74 vaccinated patients), with 1 occurring in the nonvaccinated group and 5 in the vaccinated group. In the univariate model, vaccination had a significant effect on rejection episodes ( P = 0.003). The effect of vaccination was also significant ( P = 0.004) after adjusting for covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that there may be a higher rejection rate after COVID-19 vaccination in patients who underwent DMEK. Patients should be warned of the rejection risk and its typical symptoms before receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, although further larger studies are needed to confirm the involvement of vaccination.

A Comparison of the Corneal Thickness Following Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty and Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty

PURPOSE

To compare the central corneal thickness before and after Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), and to evaluate the recipient corneal thickness following DSAEK.

METHODS

The corneal thickness was compared between two groups of eyes following DMEK and DSAEK, performed by a single surgeon between 2015 and 2017. We evaluated the recipient corneal thickness and central corneal thickness pre- and postoperatively at 1, 3, and 6 months using anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Recipient corneal thickness was defined as the corneal thickness without graft thickness.

RESULTS

We included DMEK and DSAEK eyes (n = 26 each), which were similar in terms of their etiologies. Preoperatively, there was no significant difference in the central corneal thickness between the groups (DSAEK, median [interquartile range]: 721 [606.5 to 847.8] µm; and DMEK: 690 [618 to 722.3] µm; p = 0.30). Despite the tendency of the central corneal thickness to be significantly greater (p < .01) at 6 months following DSAEK (619.5 [607.8 to 661.3] µm) compared with that following DMEK (497.5 [475.8 to 525.3] µm), there was no significant difference at 6 months between the recipient corneal thickness following DSAEK (488.5 [443.8 to 515] µm) and central corneal thickness following DMEK (p = 0.54).

CONCLUSIONS

DSAEK eyes display a similar tendency of stromal thinning as DMEK eyes.

Dilation of porcine retinal arterioles to nobiletin, a polymethoxyflavonoid: Roles of nitric oxide and voltage-dependent potassium channel

We examined the effects of nobiletin, a polymethoxyflavonoid, on the retinal microvascular diameter to determine if they depend on the endothelium and/or smooth muscle to reveal the signaling mechanisms involved in this vasomotor activity. Porcine retinal arterioles were isolated, cannulated, and pressurized without flow in vitro. Video microscopic techniques recorded diametric responses to nobiletin. The retinal arterioles dilated in a nobiletin concentration-dependent (100 pM-10 μM) manner and decreased by 50% after endothelial removal. The nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), reduced nobiletin-induced vasodilation comparable to denudation. Blockade of soluble guanylyl cyclase by 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo[4,3,-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) produced a similar inhibitory effect as that by L-NAME. Nobiletin-induced vasodilation was also inhibited by the nonselective potassium channel inhibitor, tetraethylammonium (TEA), and the voltage-gated K (Kv) inhibitor, 4-aminopyridine. Co-administration of L-NAME and TEA almost eliminated nobiletin-induced vasodilation. Nobiletin elicits both endothelium-dependent and -independent dilation of retinal arterioles mediated by NO release and Kv channel activation, respectively.

A novel instrument to determine hue discrimination

PURPOSE

We report and verify a novel hue discrimination instrument. We also investigate its efficiency to determine hue discrimination in persons with normal color vision.

STUDY DESIGN

Experimental and clinical investigation.

METHOD AND STUDY PARTICIPANTS

The instrument setup comprises an optical unit and examination unit. The optical unit is composed of the same 2 spectrometers and their controllers, which enables the independent emission of different spectral lights. Two independent bundle fibers connect the optical unit and the examination unit. Two different wavelength lights are illuminated on the bipartite upper and lower circular objectives with a visual angle of 2 degrees in the examination unit. The examinee recognizes the difference in the spectral lights between the bipartite targets. Persons with normal color vision are examined and the findings are confirmed using the Ishihara Test for Colour Deficiency.

RESULTS

The instrument could generate spectral light from 450 to 650 nm within 2-nm accuracy. The spectral light showed a different light intensity according to the spectral centroid, ranging from 450 to 650 nm, but the difference could be adjusted and was negligible in terms of determination of hue discrimination using the power meter. Three width slits, 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm, and 1.0 mm, to homogenize the light path were investigated. The half-width wavelength was accurate on each spectral centroid; however, the 0.5 mm slit was suitable to generate an efficient light path. The hue discrimination differed among the study participants. In general, at short and long wavelength lights, the hue discrimination range was large: about 15 nm at 450 nm and about 10 nm at 650 nm. Between 470 and 620 nm, the hue discrimination showed good sensitivity and specificity between 8 and 2 nm depending on the targeting wavelength lights. Intraindividual variation was small, ranging from 3 to 1 nm, thus indicating good repeatability. The time to examine the hue discrimination was about 20 min.

CONCLUSION

This newly invented instrument using two independent spectrometer units enabled the determination of hue discrimination. The instrument's sensitivity and specificity including its repeatability were confirmed and indicated that the instrument could be a clinically applicable method.

Rapid detection and diagnosis of herpetic keratitis using quantitative microfluidic polymerase chain reaction system for herpes simplex and varicella-zoster virus DNA: a case series

BACKGROUND

A microfluidic real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system can rapidly detect the viral DNA in specimens. Detection of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) DNA in tears is a useful diagnostic tool for herpes simplex virus keratitis (HSK) and herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO).

METHODS

In total, 20 patients were included in this cross-sectional study. Among them, 8 patients with infectious epithelial HSK and 12 patients with HZO were included in HSK and HZO groups, respectively. In addition, 8 patients with non-herpetic keratitis and 4 healthy individuals without keratitis were included in the control group. Numbers of HSV and VZV DNA copies in tears of all patients and individuals were evaluated using a microfluidic real-time PCR system. Regarding HSV/VZV DNA test, tear specimens were collected by filter paper method using Schirmer's test paper, and subsequently, DNA was extracted from the filter paper using an automated nucleic acid extractor. Afterward, quantitative PCR was performed using a microfluidic real-time PCR system.

RESULTS

From tear collection to real-time PCR result determination, the HSV/VZV DNA test took approximately 40 min. In the HSK group, the sensitivity and specificity of the HSV DNA tests were 100% each. The median value (range) of number of HSV DNA copies for affected eyes was 3.4 × 10⁵ copies/μL (under a lower detection limit of 7.6). In the HZO group, the sensitivity and specificity of the VZV DNA tests were 100% each. The median value (range) of number of VZV DNA copies for affected eyes was 5.3 × 10⁵ copies/μL (under a lower detection limit of 5.6 × 10^-2).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, quantitative PCR for HSV and VZV DNA in tears using a microfluidic real-time PCR system is useful for diagnosing and monitoring HSK and HZO.

A pilot study of diabetic retinopathy in a porcine model of maturity onset diabetes of the young type 3 (MODY3)

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness in the working population. Because novel therapeutic intervention require testing, there is an urgent need for reliable animal models that faithfully replicate DR. Pig eyes have many similarities to human eyes anatomically and physiologically. Thus, attempts have been made to establish porcine models of DR by surgical, pharmaceutical or genetical induction of insulin deficiency, and dietary intervention. A previous study reported a transgenic pig model of maturity onset diabetes of the young type 3 (MODY3) developed signs of severe DR such as hemorrhage and proliferative tissue at the surface of the retina. However, the course of development of DR has not been studied in detail in this model. The purpose of this study was to investigate the early phase of DR in a MODY3. MODY3 and wild-type (WT) pigs underwent fundus photography and fluorescein angiogram (FA) before they developed cataracts. Animals were euthanized at age 1, 4, 7, and 10 months. Whole-mount retina and 10-μm thick paraffinized sections were stained with isolectin B4, and vessel density was determined by MATLAB software. At 4 and 7 months, retinal arterioles were immediately cannulated, and vasomotor action was measured by incubation with bradykinin and sodium nitroprusside. In the MODY3 pigs, fasting blood sugar levels gradually increased up to 500 mg/dL. Vascular tortuosity and yellowish spindle-shaped lesions were confirmed in MODY3 pigs at the age of 7 months; however, no microaneurysms were detected on FA. Compared with age-matched WT pigs, MODY3 pigs showed a significant decrease in blood vessel density in the intermediate and deep vascular plexus at 4 and 7 months of age and a slight decrease in capillary density in the superficial vascular plexus at 7 months of age. In MODY3 pigs, electron microscopy revealed thickening of the capillary basement membrane and leukostasis in the major blood vessels at 10 months of age. Bradykinin-induced dilation of retinal arterioles was diminished in MODY3 pigs as early as 7 months of age. Within 1 year after birth, MODY3 pigs show all typical early vascular lesions of diabetes except for microaneurysm formation. This pilot study suggests that the MODY3 pigs may serve as a suitable DR model to test effects of newly developed compounds on DR.

A Case of Bilateral Frosted Branch Angiitis after mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination

We report a case of bilateral frosted branch angiitis (FBA) following mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccination. A 79-year-old male was referred to our hospital with a sudden onset of blurred vision in the right eye, which occurred during his return home after receiving the third dose of a messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccine. Fundoscopy revealed severe retinal vasculitis with sheathing of the artery and vein in the right eye more so than in the left eye, suggestive of bilateral FBA. Optical coherence tomography showed significant macular edema and serous retinal detachment in the right eye. Polymerase chain reaction assay detected Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the aqueous humor, and antibody against the EBV viral capsid antigen was positive for IgM. The next day, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) worsened to 0.08 due to macular edema in the left eye. After 2 courses of pulse steroid therapy and intravenous infusion of acyclovir, macular edema had disappeared and sheathing of retinal vessels was improving. At 5 months after the mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, BCVA was maintained 0.15 in the right eye and 0.7 in the left eye. Severe uveitis, such as FBA, can occur after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.

Two cases of dupilumab-associated conjunctivitis with high expression of IL-8 mRNA on the ocular surface: a case report

Background

Dupilumab-induced ocular surface disease (DIOSD) has been reported in patients with atopic dermatitis treated with dupilumab, and has been recognized as an adverse event of dupilumab. Our objective was to describe two cases of DIOSD with alterations in eotaxin-2 and interleukin (IL)-8 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression on the ocular surface.

Case presentation

In the ocular surface test, specimens were collected from the patient's ocular surface, and eotaxin-2 and IL-8 mRNA levels in the specimens were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The clinical score of ocular surface findings was quantified using a 5-5-5 exacerbation grading scale for allergic conjunctivitis. The first case was of a 27-year-old man who developed DIOSD 3 months after starting treatment with dupilumab injection for atopic dermatitis. After 5 weeks of topical instillation of tacrolimus ophthalmic suspension, the clinical score of ocular surface findings improved and IL-8 and eotaxin-2 mRNA expression levels gradually decreased. The second patient was a 55-year-old man who developed DIOSD 11 weeks after the start of treatment with dupilumab injection for atopic dermatitis. Four weeks after starting ophthalmological treatment with tacrolimus ophthalmic suspension, his clinical scores on ocular surface findings improved and IL-8 mRNA expression levels decreased. The ocular surface test in this case revealed increased expression levels of IL-8 mRNA on the ocular surface at the onset of DIOSD, which decreased with the improvement of objective findings.

Conclusions

DIOSD, which has been successfully treated with tacrolimus ophthalmic suspension, may involve IL-8-related inflammation in addition to type 2 inflammation.

Dysbiosis of Ocular Surface Microbiota in Patients With Refractive Allergic Conjunctival Diseases

PURPOSE

We investigated ocular surface microbiota dysbiosis in patients with refractory allergic conjunctival diseases (ACDs; stratified into mild and severe groups) treated with topical tacrolimus.

METHODS

Patients (n = 21) with refractory ACDs (including vernal and atopic keratoconjunctivitis) actively treated with topical tacrolimus and 6 healthy controls were evaluated. Based on clinical scores and expression of specific cytokines on the ocular surface, patients with ACDs were divided into mild and severe groups using cluster analysis. The microbial composition of tear specimens collected from patients with mild and severe ACD and control subjects using the Schirmer test paper was determined through next-generation 16S rRNA sequencing analysis.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy controls, patients with ACDs exhibited significantly decreased ocular surface microbiota α-diversity. Ocular surface microbiota mainly comprised members of the phyla Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria in all groups. The relative abundance of ocular surface microbiota in patients with ACDs was increased for phylum Firmicutes and decreased for phylum Proteobacteria (compared with control subjects). The genera Blautia (vs. mild ACD group) and Morganella (vs. control group) exhibited significantly increased abundance only in the severe ACD group.

CONCLUSIONS

The ocular surface microbiota in patients with severe ACD exhibited decreased diversity and exacerbation of dysbiosis compared with that in patients with mild ACD and control subjects. Patients with mild refractory ACD also exhibited decreased diversity of these microbiota. These alterations in microbiota indicated a change in the ocular surface of patients with refractory ACD (be it because of disease pathogenesis or topical immunomodulatory treatment).

Role of Monocytes/Macrophages in the Etiology of Bullous Keratopathy After Argon Laser Iridotomy

Purpose

The etiologic mechanisms of bullous keratopathy (BK) after argon laser iridotomy (ALI) are still unknown. Therefore, we investigated potential mechanisms on BK after ALI.

Methods

Corneal endothelial surface obtained in penetrating keratoplasty for BK after ALI was observed and analyzed immunohistochemically. We investigated how various leukocytes react to cultured human corneal endothelial cells in an inflamed condition and monocytes/macrophages respond to the iris treated by an argon and YAG laser or pigmented and nonpigmented iris treated by an argon laser.

Results

We detected infiltration of CD68- and CD11b-positive monocytes/macrophages in the posterior surface of trephined corneas obtained during penetrating keratoplasty for BK after ALI in three of the seven eyes with ALI. In vitro, monocytes/macrophages, but not T cells, B cells, neutrophils, or pan-leukocytes, removed many cultured human corneal endothelial cells in the medium stimulated with proinflammatory cytokines. Human pigmented iris tissues treated by the argon laser, but not those treated by the YAG laser, attracted many monocytes/macrophages and formed large, round colonies. Human monocytes/macrophages formed large colonies on the argon laser–treated pigmented iris from C3H mice but not nonpigmented iris from albino BALB/c mice.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that monocytes/macrophages, argon laser, and pigmented iris are all involved in the pathogenesis of BK after LI.

Translational Relevance

Etiology in BK after ALI has not been clear, but our findings based on clinical and experimental findings give a critical clue to explain possible mechanisms on BK after ALI.

Corneal irregularity and visual function using anterior segment optical coherence tomography in TGFBI corneal dystrophy

The purpose of this study was to evaluate corneal irregular astigmatism of patients with granular and lattice corneal dystrophy (GCD and LCD). 70 GCD, 35 LCD, and 81 control eyes were included. Anterior and posterior corneal topographic data obtained from anterior segment optical coherence tomography were expanded into four components via Fourier harmonic analysis. These components were compared with healthy eyes and the association between each component and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was investigated. Anterior and posterior components increased in both GCD and LCD eyes. Anterior and posterior components of GCD2, anterior of LCD type 1 (LCD1), posterior of LCD type IIIA (LCD 3A), and type IV (LCD4) significantly increased. BCVA was significantly associated with anterior and posterior components in LCD eyes but not in GCD. The anterior components of LCD1, anterior and posterior of LCD3A, and posterior of LCD4 , were positively correlated with BCVA. As conclusions, in GCD eyes, anterior and posterior components differed from those of the control but BCVA was not significantly associated with them. In LCD eyes, the anterior and posterior components increased, and BCVA was significantly associated with the anterior and posterior components.

Evaluation of corneal nerves and dendritic cells by in vivo confocal microscopy after Descemet's membrane keratoplasty for bullous keratopathy

This study evaluated changes in corneal nerves and the number of dendritic cells (DCs) in corneal basal epithelium following Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) surgery for bullous keratopathy (BK). Twenty-three eyes from 16 consecutive patients that underwent DMEK for BK were included. Eyes of age-matched patients that underwent pre-cataract surgery (12 eyes) were used as controls. In vivo confocal microscopy was performed pre- and postoperatively at 6, 12, and 24 months. Corneal nerve length, corneal nerve trunks, number of branches, and the number of DCs were determined. The total corneal nerve length of 1634.7 ± 1389.1 μm/mm² before surgery was significantly increased in a time-dependent manner to 4485.8 ± 1403.7 μm/mm², 6949.5 ± 1477.1 μm/mm², and 9389.2 ± 2302.2 μm/mm² at 6, 12, and 24 months after DMEK surgery, respectively. The DC density in BK cornea pre- and postoperatively at 6 months was significantly higher than in the controls, and decreased postoperatively at 12 and 24 months and was significantly lower than that at 6 months postoperatively. Thus, our results suggest that DMEK can repair and normalize the corneal environment.

Beneficial Effect of Long-Term Administration of Supplement With Trapa Bispinosa Roxb. and Lutein on Retinal Neurovascular Coupling in Type 2 Diabetic Mice

Purpose

We investigated the effect of long-term administration of supplement with trapa bispinosa roxb. extract (TBE) and lutein on the susceptibility of retinal blood flow regulation in type 2 diabetic mice.

Methods

Six-week-old db/db mice were randomly divided into the untreated group (n = 6) and the treated group received the supplement with TBE and lutein (n = 6). The longitudinal changes in retinal blood flow responses to systemic hyperoxia and a flicker stimulation were evaluated every 2 weeks in diabetes db/db mice from age 8 to 14 weeks. The retinal blood flow was assessed using laser speckle flowgraphy. We also evaluated the expressions of glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by immunofluorescence.

Results

The resting retinal blood flow was steady and comparable between two groups throughout the study. In db/db mice with supplement, both blood flow responses were restored from 8 to 14 weeks of age compared with diabetic mice treated with the placebo. Supplement prevented the activation of GFAP and decreased the expression of VEGF detected by immunofluorescence compared with the diabetic mice treated with placebo.

Conclusion

We found that the long-term administration of supplement with TBE and lutein improved the impaired regulation of retinal blood flow in response to systemic hyperoxia and flicker stimulation, suggesting that these supplements can prevent diabetic retinopathy by improving abnormal neurovascular coupling in type 2 diabetic mice.

Spontaneous Corneal Graft Reattachment Following Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty in Prone Position: A Case Report and Literature Review

Graft detachment after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) is usually managed with air-bubbling. However, it is an invasive procedure, which can cause corneal endothelial reduction, and requires hospitalization and supine position maintenance. Only few case reports on graft reattachment in the prone position exist, and this is the first report from Japan. An 87-year-old woman presented with sudden pain in her left eye. Examination of her left eye showed a best-corrected vision of 20/50, shallow anterior chamber, cataractous lens, central corneal thickness (CCT) of 630 μm, and corneal endothelial cell count of 467 cells/mm². She was diagnosed with left-eye bullous keratopathy due to primary angle closure, and DSAEK was performed after cataract surgery. Post-surgery, she touched her left eye due to agitation. Graft adhesion was good until postoperative day 4; however, a partial detachment was observed on day 12. She was instructed to remain in a prone position for as long as possible; on day 22, the graft was reattached, and the CCT improved to 555 μm. Since then, the graft adhesion has been maintained, and her best-corrected vision has improved to 20/30. To date, 5 cases of graft reattachment in the prone position have been reported, with reattachment observed in all cases within 10 days from the onset of detachment, including this case. Re-bubbling is an effective technique; however, it is invasive and may cause additional corneal endothelial loss. Therefore, it may be beneficial to have the patient initially attempt the prone position for reattachment.

Comprehensive assessment of systemic arteriosclerosis in relation to the ocular resistive index in acute coronary syndrome patients

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ocular vascular resistance parameters, evaluated by laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG), and systemic atherosclerosis, renal parameters and cardiac function in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. We evaluated 53 ACS patients between April 2019 and September 2020. LSFG measured the mean blur rate (MBR) and ocular blowout time (BOT) and resistivity index (RI). 110 consequent patients without a history of coronary artery disease who visited ophthalmology as a control group. Significant positive correlations were observed between ocular RI and systemic parameters in ACS patients, including intima-media thickness (r = 0.34, P = 0.015), brachial-ankle pulse-wave velocity (r = 0.41, P = 0.002), cystatin C (r = 0.32, P = 0.020), and E/e’ (r = 0.34, P = 0.013). Ocular RI was significantly higher in the ACS group than in the control group in male in their 40 s (0.37 ± 0.02 vs. 0.29 ± 0.01, P < 0.001) and 50 s (0.36 ± 0.02 vs. 0.30 ± 0.01, P = 0.01). We found that the ocular RI was associated with systemic atherosclerosis, early renal dysfunction, and diastolic cardiac dysfunction in ACS patients, suggesting that it could be a useful non-invasive comprehensive arteriosclerotic marker.

Fenofibrate Nano-Eyedrops Ameliorate Retinal Blood Flow Dysregulation and Neurovascular Coupling in Type 2 Diabetic Mice

We investigated the effect of fenofibrate nano-eyedrops (FenoNano) on impaired retinal blood flow regulation in type 2 diabetic mice. Six-week-old db/db mice were randomly divided into an untreated group (n = 6) and treated group, which received FenoNano (n = 6). The longitudinal changes in retinal neuronal function and blood flow responses to systemic hyperoxia and flicker stimulation were evaluated every 2 weeks in diabetic db/db mice treated with FenoNano (n = 6) or the vehicle (n = 6) from ages 8–14 weeks. The retinal blood flow was assessed using laser speckle flowgraphy. We also evaluated the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and aquaporin 4 (AQP4) and the phosphorylation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) by immunofluorescence. In db/db mice treated with FenoNano, both responses were restored from 8 to 14 weeks of age compared with the diabetic mice treated with the vehicle. At 14 weeks of age, the impaired regulation of retinal blood flow during systemic hyperoxia and flicker stimulation improved to about half of that in the db/db mice treated with FenoNano compared with the db/m control group (n = 5). FenoNano prevented the activation of VEGF and GFAP expression and increased the AQP4 expression and the phosphorylation of PPAR-α detected by immunofluorescence compared with the diabetic mice treated with the vehicle eyedrop. Our results suggested that the fenofibrate nano-eyedrops prevent retinal glial dysfunction via the phosphorylation of PPAR-α and improves the retinal blood flow dysregulation in type 2 diabetic mice.

Three-year results of accelerated transepithelial cross-linking (30 mW/cm2 × 3 min) for keratoconus: a prospective study

Objective

To assess the long-term efficacy and safety of accelerated transepithelial corneal cross-linking (ATE-CXL) with 30 mW/cm2 × 3 min.

Methods and Analysis

Thirty-four eyes of 23 patients with progressive keratoconus (KCN) recruited within a single centre were enrolled in this prospective interventional study. Exclusion criteria included: history of Descemet’s membrane rupture, glaucoma, uveitis, severe dry eye, concurrent corneal infections, and systemic disease that could affect corneal healing. ATE-CXL was performed with 3 min of ultraviolet-A continuous irradiation (30 mW/cm2). Follow-up examinations were scheduled on postoperative day 1; 1 and 2 weeks; 1, 3 and 6 months; and 1, 2 and 3 years. Main outcome measures were maximum corneal power (Kmax), average corneal power (AvgK), steepest corneal power (Ks), central corneal thickness, thinnest corneal thickness, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and endothelial cell density.

Results

Mean Kmax, AvgK, Ks, UCVA, BCVA and endothelial cell density did not significantly change over 3 years. The speed of progression obtained by linear regression analysis on corneal parameters (Kmax, AvgK, Ks) improved after ATE-CXL. All baseline parameters correlated with the postoperative Kmax slope. Two eyes underwent ATE-CXL redo because of continued progression after the primary CXL.

Conclusion

This is the first report of 3-year results of ATE-CXL with 30 mW/cm2 × 3 min. ATE-CXL (30 mW/cm2 × 3 min) was safe and effective for slowing down KCN progression.

Trial registration number

This study was registered with ID UMIN000009372 in UMIN-Clinical Trials Registry.

The Effect of Sodium-Dependent Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor Tofogliflozin on Neurovascular Coupling in the Retina in Type 2 Diabetic Mice

We investigated the effect of tofogliflozin, a sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i), on retinal blood flow dysregulation, neural retinal dysfunction, and the impaired neurovascular coupling in type 2 diabetic mice. Tofogliflozin was added to mouse chow to deliver 5 mg/kg/day and 6-week-old mice were fed for 8 weeks. The longitudinal changes in the retinal neuronal function and blood flow responses to systemic hyperoxia and flicker stimulation were evaluated every 2 weeks in diabetic db/db mice that received tofogliflozin (n =6) or placebo (n = 6) from 8 to 14 weeks of age. We also evaluated glial activation and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression by immunofluorescence. Tofogliflozin treatment caused a sustained decrease in blood glucose in db/db mice from 8 weeks of the treatment. In tofogliflozin-treated db/db mice, both responses improved from 8 to 14 weeks of age, compared with vehicle-treated diabetic mice. Subsequently, the electroretinography implicit time for the oscillatory potential was significantly improved in SGLT2i-treated db/db mice. The systemic tofogliflozin treatment prevented the activation of glial fibrillary acidic protein and VEGF protein expression, as detected by immunofluorescence. Our results suggest that glycemic control with tofogliflozin significantly improved the impaired retinal neurovascular coupling in type 2 diabetic mice with the inhibition of retinal glial activation.

Effect of prorenin peptide vaccine on the early phase of diabetic retinopathy in a murine model of type 2 diabetes

Prorenin is viewed as an ideal target molecule in the prevention of diabetic retinopathy. However, no drugs are available for inhibiting activation of prorenin. Here, we tested the effect of a prorenin peptide vaccine (VP) in the retina of a murine model of type 2 diabetes (T2D). To choose the optimal vaccine, we selected three different epitopes of the prorenin prosegment (E1, E2, and E3) and conjugated them to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). We injected C57BL/6J mice twice with KLH only (as a control vaccine), E1 conjugated with KLH (E1-KLH), E2-KLH, or E3-KLH and compared antibody titers. E2-KLH showed the highest antibody titer and specific immunoreactivity of anti-sera against prorenin, so we used E2-KLH as VP. Then, we administered injections to the non-diabetic db/m and diabetic db/db mice, as follows: db/m + KLH, db/db + KLH, and db/db + VP. Retinal blood flow measurement with laser speckle flowgraphy showed that the impaired retinal circulation response to both flicker light and systemic hyperoxia in db/db mice improved with VP. Furthermore, the prolonged implicit time of b-wave and oscillatory potentials in electroretinography was prevented, and immunohistochemical analysis showed reduced microglial activation, gliosis, and vascular leakage. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay confirmed vaccinated mice had no auto-immune response against prorenin itself. The present data suggest that vaccination against prorenin is an effective and safe measure against the early pathological changes of diabetic retinopathy in T2D.

Evaluation of Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Prolonged Treatment of Vernal and Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis Using Topical Tacrolimus

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical improvement and safety of prolonged treatment of vernal (VKC) and atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) using topical tacrolimus.

METHODS

We included 36 eyes of 36 patients who had VKC and AKC and were treated with topical tacrolimus ophthalmic suspension (0.1%) for 24 months. The demographic data of the enrolled patients were collected from their medical files. Clinical scores, remission rates, number of relapses, concomitant use of steroids, and refractory indices were assessed. Clinical outcomes were determined using papillae-limbus-cornea (PLC) scores and 5-5-5 exacerbation grading scale scores. Clinical characteristics associated with the need for concomitant steroid eye drops administration were determined using logistic regression analysis. All patients were classified into 3 subgroups using cluster analysis.

RESULTS

PLC scores recorded in the sixth month were significantly improved compared with those recorded at baseline. PLC scores recorded in the 18th, 21st, and 24th months were significantly improved compared with those recorded in the sixth month. The remission rates increased diachronically and significantly, reaching 92% in the 24th month. Logistic regression analysis showed that, for every 10-year increase in patient age, the risk for requiring concomitant administration of steroid eye drops was reduced by half (odds ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.29-0.96). Using cluster analysis, the patients were divided into 3 clusters: adolescent type, pediatric type, and adult type.

CONCLUSIONS

Two years of treatment with topical tacrolimus ophthalmic suspension is an effective method for inducing and maintaining the stable stages of VKC and AKC.

Effects of corneal epithelial superficial keratectomy in patients with focal limbal stem cell disease

Purpose

Irregular corneal epithelium in limbal stem cell disease can cause visual acuity to deteriorate substantially when it reaches the pupil. In this case series, we assessed the effectiveness of simple corneal epithelial superficial keratectomy in improving visual acuity in patients with irregular corneal epithelium in focal limbal stem cell disease covering the visual axis.

Observations

We performed simple corneal epithelial superficial keratectomy in four patients (five eyes) with irregular corneal epithelium covering the visual axis. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity, slit lamp findings with fluorescein staining, anterior segment optical coherence tomography and histopathology. In all five eyes, slit lamp findings showed uneven fluorescein staining in a spiral pattern, with impaired corneal epithelial smoothness and visual disturbance. We removed the irregular epithelium in all five eyes. Visual acuity in all the eyes was improved immediately after surgery, and good visual acuity and stable epithelium were maintained for the duration of the observation periods. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed, normal squamous and columnar epithelial cells. Goblet cells were not detected.

Conclusionsand Importance

Corneal epithelial superficial keratectomy can lead to a pathological diagnosis by examining the removed epithelial tissues, and result in excellent therapeutic outcomes in focal limbal stem cell disease reaching the pupil.

Aqueous humour cytokine profiles after Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty

The aim of this study was to compare aqueous humour (AqH) cytokine profiles before and after Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in eyes with bullous keratopathy (BK) and age-matched normal eyes. A total of 49 participants (mean age 75.0 ± 13.5 years) were divided into three groups: (1) BK patients scheduled for DMEK (BK group); (2) patients after DMEK (DMEK group; average postoperative time 1,018 ± 460 days); and (3) control participants without corneal endothelial disease scheduled for cataract surgery (control group). AqH (0.2 mL) was collected from all participants, and the levels of various AqH cytokines were simultaneously measured using a multiplex bead immunoassay. The DMEK group exhibited significantly lower concentrations of several pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-8, and granulocyte colony stimulating factor than the BK group. In addition, the levels of IL-1β and IL-5 were significantly lower in the DMEK group than in the control group. The AqH levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced after DMEK, indicating that regeneration of the endothelial pump owing to the transplantation of a healthy endothelium might have a positive effect on anterior chamber inflammation.

Role of ICAM-1 in impaired retinal circulation in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Many studies have demonstrated that rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) leads to impaired retinal circulation. However, the involvement of inflammation in the RRD-induced worsening of retinal circulation was obscure. This retrospective observational study included 150 patients with primary RRD (macula-on, n = 63; macula-off, n = 87) who underwent 25-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery (25G MIVS). Total retinal blood flow was represented by the mean blur rate (MBR) of the optic nerve head vessel, measured by laser speckle flowgraphy preoperatively and until 6 months postoperatively. Aqueous humor samples were obtained during surgery to determine cytokine concentrations by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, there were no significant differences between eyes with macula-on RRD and fellow eyes. However, in macula-off RRD, MBR remained significantly lower in RRD eyes 6 months postoperatively (P < 0.05). Log-transformed levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) were negatively correlated with relative MBR (r-MBR, RRD eye/fellow eye) before surgery (r =  − 0.47, P = 0.01) in macula-on, but not macula-off, RRD. Six months postoperatively, r-MBR correlated significantly with sICAM-1 levels (r =  − 0.36, P = 0.02) in macula-off RRD. ICAM-1 may play a role in RRD-induced deterioration of retinal circulation.

Development of Stage 4 Macular Hole after Spontaneous Closure in a Patient with Stage 2 Macular Hole and a Lamellar Macular Hole-Associated Epiretinal Proliferation

Herein, we report the longitudinal observation of a case with reopening of the macular hole associated with a lamellar macular hole-associated epiretinal proliferation (LHEP) followed by spontaneous closure in patients with stage 2 idiopathic macular hole. A 64-year-old woman was referred for the decreased visual acuity (VA) and acute anorthopia in the right eye. Funduscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed stage 2 full-thickness macular hole without posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) and operculum formation. Her best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/32. One month later, the diameter of the macular hole was getting small and VA improved. Six months later, the macular hole was treated spontaneously with the attached hyaloid membrane to the macula by OCT and the BCVA improved to 20/20. Fourteen months after the first visit, the BCVA decreased to 20/50 and the patient was diagnosed with stage 4 macular hole with complete PVD. OCT showed full-thickness macular hole with a LHEP in the right eye. After 25G-gauge vitrectomy with the peeling of internal limiting membrane (ILM) and LHEP, the macular hole was closed and BCVA finally improved to 20/25. Spontaneous macular hole closure without PVD may rarely occur in patients with LHEP. The surgical removal of ILM and LHEP may contribute to the successful macular hole closure after vitrectomy.

Goblet Cell Differentiation Potential in Human Corneal Limbal Epithelial Progenitor Cells In Vitro

Purpose

The existence of goblet cells has been regarded as a critical differential point to distinguish conjunctival epithelium from corneal epithelium in vivo. We tested differentiation potential of single progenitor cells from corneal limbal epithelium with growth factors in vitro.

Methods

Dissociated single cells from corneal limbal epithelium were cultured in the serum- and feeder cell–free medium containing B27 and various growth factors using nontissue culture dishes. Specific marker expression was examined in the colonies stimulated with growth factors. Differentiation of some mucosal epithelia was tested.

Results

Adherent single cells from dissociated single cells in corneal limbal epithelium did not proliferate in the serum- and feeder cell–free medium containing B27 only and formed corneal epithelium with B27 plus epidermal growth factor, while they gave rise to goblet cell with periodic acid Schiff–positive mucin and cytokeratin-3 and-12 expressing corneal epithelium with fibroblast growth factor (FGF)2 stimulation. Colonies stimulated with FGF2 expressed goblet cell specific MUC5AC and cytokeratin-7 mRNA and protein. FGF receptor 1 was a functional receptor for the differentiation to goblet cells and corneal epithelium.

Conclusions

Single corneal limbal progenitor cells give rise to goblet cells and corneal epithelium by FGF2 stimulation via FGF receptor 1 in vitro.

The kebab technique uses a bipolar pencil to retrieve a dropped nucleus of the lens via a small incision

We developed a new method to retrieve a dropped nucleus of the lens via a small incision using bipolar pencils, the kebab technique, to solve the lack of small-gauge fragmatomes, and the expense and toxicity of perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCL). A total of 8 eyes in 6 patients underwent this technique and were reviewed. After vitrectomy, the dropped nucleus of the lens was lifted from the retina by adhesion with a bipolar pencil, and phacoemulsification was performed while rotating the lens. The outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and corneal endothelial cell density before and after surgery. Surgical indications included zonular weakness, trauma, acute angle closure attack, and phacolytic glaucoma. At 1 month, BCVA improved from a mean (standard deviation, SD) 1.67 logMAR (0.90) to 1.14 logMAR (1.01). The mean preoperative IOP was 24.5 (16.8) mmHg and postoperative IOP was 11.0 (2.8) mmHg. The mean preoperative corneal endothelial cell count was 2600 (322) cells/mm² (one eye was unmeasurable) and postoperative corneal endothelial cell count was 2387 (431) cells/mm². There were no postoperative complications. The retrieval of a dropped nucleus of the lens using a bipolar pencil enables small incisions without using PFCL.

Iridotrabecular and Iridocorneal Contact Changes after Cataract Surgery and Endothelial Keratoplasty in Bilateral Iridoschisis

We report a case of bilateral iridoschisis with corneal oedema and a quantitative evaluation of the changes in iridotrabecular and iridocorneal contact before and after cataract surgery and after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). A 76-year-old woman with iridoschisis and cataracts, previously managed with laser iridotomy, experienced progressive vision loss. The preoperative iridotrabecular contact (ITC) index measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography was 23.6% in the right eye and 24.4% in the left eye. Preoperative corneal oedema in the right eye was more severe than that in the left eye. Cataract surgery, followed by DSAEK, was performed in the right eye and subsequently in the left eye. Her visual acuity improved postoperatively, and the corneal oedema of both eyes was treated successfully. Moreover, the ITC index improved in both eyes, to 4.7 and 6.9% after cataract surgery and to 0 and 0% after DSAEK in the right and left eyes, respectively. Staged cataract surgery and DSAEK were effective for endothelial decompensation caused by iridoschisis. Additionally, we confirm that iridotrabecular and iridocorneal contacts improved after both surgical procedures not only after cataract surgery but also after DSAEK. This case report showed the clinical usefulness of the ITC index in the detection of changes after different surgical procedures.

Evaluation of ocular blood flow over time in a treated retinal arterial macroaneurysm using laser speckle flowgraphy

Purpose

To report the changes over time in ocular blood flow quantified by laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) in a treated large retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAM).

Observations

A 72-year old female presented with sudden decreased vision in the left eye. Fundus examination revealed a RAM and vitreous hemorrhage (VH), which worsened over one month. A vitrectomy was performed to remove the VH, with 20% sulfur hexafluoride injected into the vitreous cavity. The VH recurred two weeks later and the RAM was found to have enlarged from one-quarter disc diameter (DD) to three DDs during a second vitrectomy. The RAM subsequently shrunk spontaneously to one DD without recurrent VH during the following 2 weeks. Beginning 4 weeks after the second vitrectomy we performed serial LSFG examinations of the RAM and found that the mean blur rate (MBR) of the RAM and retinal flow volume (RFV) in both the feeding arteriole and draining venule decreased as the RAM continued to involute.

Conclusions and importance

MBR and arteriolar and venular RFV measured by LSFG decreased with RAM involution. Longitudinal followup of blood flow by LSFG may be useful for noninvasive evaluation of the stability of RAMs.

IL-1α antibody inhibits dose-dependent exacerbation of eosinophilic inflammation by crude house-dust-mite antigen in the conjunctiva of an atopic keratoconjunctivitis mouse model

PURPOSE

To investigate whether crude house-dust-mite antigen exacerbates eosinophilic inflammation in the conjunctival tissues of an atopic keratoconjunctivitis mouse model in a dose-dependent manner.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An atopic keratoconjunctivitis mouse model was established by percutaneous sensitization and crude house-dust-mite antigen application in NC/Nga mice. To assess the dose-dependent response, conjunctival specimens from groups that were administered high- (High-HDM) or low-dose house-dust-mite antigen (Low-HDM) following percutaneous sensitization and the control without house-dust-mite antigen administration (control group) were evaluated. Histological examination and immunofluorescence staining were performed to determine eosinophil density and the number of IL-13-positive cells. Polymerase chain reaction array was used to obtain adaptive and innate immunity-related factor profile, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to determine Il13, Il17a, Ccl11, and Ccl24 expression. Atopic keratoconjunctivitis model mice injected with anti-IL-1α antibody (IL-1α group) or vehicle (vehicle group) to the upper and lower eyelids before atopic keratoconjunctivitis development were evaluated.

RESULTS

Eosinophil density in the conjunctiva increased with house-dust-mite antigen application in a dose-dependent manner. CD4, CXCL10, CCR6, C3, and IL-13 mRNA levels increased more than 5-fold in the conjunctiva of the High-HDM group animals compared to those in control animals. mRNA expression of Il13 and Ccl11 in the conjunctiva of the High-HDM group animals significantly increased compared with that in the Low-HDM and control group animals. Conversely, the eosinophil density and Il13 mRNA expression significantly decreased in the IL-1α group compared with those in the vehicle group.

CONCLUSIONS

The house-dust-mite antigen increased eosinophilic infiltration and Il13 mRNA expression in the conjunctiva of an atopic keratoconjunctivitis mouse model in a dose-dependent manner. These inflammatory alterations were partially alleviated by eyelid injection of anti-IL-1α antibody. These findings indicate that IL-1α-induced IL-13 production constitutes a major exacerbating factor for house-dust-mite antigen-induced atopic keratoconjunctivitis.

A rare case of corneal keloid occurred 30 years after pterygium surgery and 3 years after cataract surgery

Purpose

We report a case of corneal keloid occurring 30 years after pterygium surgery and 3 years after cataract surgery.

Observations

The case of a 72-year-old man was referred because of blurred vision and corneal opacity in the right eye. Pterygium surgery had been performed on the right eye 30 years earlier, and bilateral cataract surgery had been done uneventfully via a temporal corneal incision 3 years ago. Deterioration of vision occurred in the right eye from 2 years ago. At the initial visit, his best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/2000 on the right. A white nodule that was well demarcated from the underlying stroma was seen on the right cornea. The nodule was excised by superficial keratectomy, with BCVA being 180/200 at 1 week after surgery. Pathological examination of the resected specimen revealed proliferation of fibroblasts and haphazard arrangement of collagen bundles, leading to a diagnosis of corneal keloid. Keloid-like lesion was also later noted in temporal corneal incision site of cataract surgery.

Conclusions and importance

This rare case of corneal keloid occurred as a late complication of pterygium surgery.

Autologous transplantation of conjunctiva by modifying simple limbal epithelial transplantation for limbal stem cell deficiency

PURPOSE

As a treatment to replace regenerative medicine to treat limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), we performed 4 consecutive cases of autologous transplantation of conjunctival explants by modifying simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET).

STUDY DESIGN

Single-center case series.

METHODS

Four patients with LSCD were enrolled in this study. After resection of scar tissue with neovascularization from the ocular surface, human amniotic membrane (AM) was placed over the bare ocular surface. The bulbar conjunctiva of the operated eye was dissected at the temporal superior fornix, divided into small pieces, and transplanted onto AM with fibrin glue. Keratoplasty was performed simultaneously or few months after surgery.

RESULTS

Epithelialization was achieved in all patients. Best-corrected visual acuity was improved in all patients.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of ocular surface reconstruction using autologous conjunctival epithelial transplants from the affected eye. Transplantation by modifying SLET effectively restored a clear corneal surface with minimal neovascularization in 4 patients with LSCD. Autologous conjunctival transplants combined with AM transplantation could be a practical option for treating bilateral LSCD in patients without symblepharon or severe keratinization.

P985The long-term impact of maintaining sinus rhythm on the risk for death or heart failure after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in a real world clinical practice

Background

Catheter ablation has been rapidly spread as a first line therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF). A recent randomized trial have shown that AF ablation reduces the risk of death or hospitalization for heart failure (HF). However, the impact of maintained sinus rhythm (SR) on long-term risk of death or HF hospitalization has not been adequately evaluated.

Purpose

To investigate the impact of maintaining SR by AF ablation on long-term risk of all-cause death or HF hospitalization.

Methods

The long-term clinical outcomes were compared between patients with maintained SR and those with recurrent AF using a landmark analysis in which the landmark point was set at 1.5-year after the 1st ablation.

Results

Among consecutive 1467 patients who underwent AF ablation in our institution between February 2004 and December 2017, the study population consisted of 1311 patients after excluding 150 patients because of death or lost to follow-up. Mean age was 67.9±0.3 and paroxysmal AF was 67%. Among 460 patients who had AF recurrence within 1.5 years after the 1st ablation, 328 underwent 2nd ablation. Therefore, at 1.5-year after the 1st AF ablation, 1145 patients had maintained SR rhythm (SR-group), and 166 patients had recurrent AF episodes (AF-group). During 4.7±2.4 years of follow-up, the cumulative 5-year incidence of death or HF beyond 1.5 years after the 1st ablation was 5.1% in SR-group and 15.6% in AF-group (log rank P<0.001). After adjusting for baseline confounders, the lower risk of SR-group relative to AF-group for death or HF was still statistically significant (HR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.11–3.58, P=0.02).

Risks for a Composite of Death or HF Hazard Ratio (95% CI) Crude HR P value Adjusted HR P value AF recurrence 2.59 (1.43–4.43) 0.002 2.05 (1.11–3.58) 0.02 Age>75 years old 2.55 (1.56–4.10) <0.001 2.32 (1.39–3.81) 0.002 Female 0.85 (0.49–1.43) 0.56 0.73 (0.40–1.25) 0.26 PeAF 1.25 (0.68–2.16) 0.45 0.98 (0.52–1.75) 0.94 LSAF 1.10 (0.46–2.23) 0.82 0.70 (0.28–1.53) 0.39 LVEF>50% 0.27 (0.16–0.48) <0.001 0.57 (0.31–1.09) 0.09 Past history of HF 7.06 (4.18–11.6) <0.001 4.67 (2.51–8.41) <0.001 CKD 4.74 (2.08–9.39) <0.001 2.23 (0.94–4.69) 0.07 AF, Atrial fibrillation; PeAF, Persistent AF; LSAF; Long standing AF; HF, Heart failure; CKD, Chronic kidney disease.

Figure 1

Conclusions

Successfully maintained SR was associated with reduced long-term risk for death or HF hospitalization in real world patients undergoing AF ablation.

In vitro and in vivo performance of epinastine hydrochloride-releasing contact lenses

A number of drug-releasing contact lenses are currently being studied to address issues inherent in eye drops as a drug delivery method. In this study, we developed epinastine hydrochloride-releasing daily soft contact lenses for treatment of allergic conjunctivitis and examined their in vitro and in vivo performance. Preformed soft contact lenses with/without ionic functional groups were soaked in a solution of epinastine hydrochloride in phosphate-buffered saline to prepare epinastine hydrochloride-releasing soft contact lenses. Among these contact lenses with different ionicities, anionic lenses demonstrated the maximum, relatively linear epinastine hydrochloride release, in vitro. The amount of epinastine hydrochloride release was directly proportional to the concentration of the epinastine hydrochloride solution used to prepare the contact lens. The epinastine hydrochloride-releasing anionic soft contact lens also demonstrated prolonged drug release and significantly greater efficacy compared with epinastine hydrochloride eye drops 12 h after treatment, in vivo. Further studies are required to determine the appropriate amount of epinastine hydrochloride to be contained in the anionic soft contact lenses.

Quantitative Analysis of Changes to Meibomian Gland Morphology Due to S-1 Chemotherapy

Purpose

The aim of this prospective, noncomparative, observational case series was to evaluate changes to meibomian gland morphology in patients undergoing S-1 chemotherapy with the use of noninvasive meibography and analytical software.

Methods

Patients aged ≥20 years and undergoing S-1 chemotherapy were included. Ophthalmologic examinations were performed before S-1 administration (Pre) and at 1, 3, and 6 months afterward (1M, 3M, and 6M, respectively). Meibography images were analyzed using analytical software. The ratio of the total meibomian gland area relative to the whole measurement area (meibomian gland area ratio [MGAR]) and the rate of change to the MGAR (MGAR at Pre, 1M, 3M, or 6M)/(MGAR at Pre) × 100 were calculated.

Results

In total, 28 eyelids of seven men (mean age, 68.9 ± 6.3 years) were studied. The mean MGAR of the upper and lower eyelids significantly decreased at 3M (P = 0.0246 and P = 0.00892, respectively) and 6M (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). There was a significant negative correlation between the cumulative dose of S-1 and the rate of change to the MGAR of the upper (P < 0.0001, r = −0.77) and lower (P < 0.0001, r = −0.785) eyelids. However, there was no other significant difference.

Conclusions

The meibomian gland area decreased after S-1 administration with significant correlations between the rate of change to the MGAR and the mean cumulative dose of S-1.

Translational Relevance

Systemic S-1 administration decreased the MGAR in a dose-dependent manner; thus, clinicians should pay more attention to morphologic changes to the meibomian glands during early treatment with S-1.

Characteristics and risk factors of recurrent keratoconus over the long term after penetrating keratoplasty

PURPOSE

To determine the characteristics and risk factors of recurrent keratoconus (KC) after penetrating keratoplasty (PK).

METHODS

We enrolled patients who had maintained clear grafts for at least 10 years after PK based on their medical records. Patients were divided into the KC group or Others group based on the primary indication for PK. Each case was reviewed for clinically observed corneal ectasia. Steepest keratometric power (Ks), cylinder (CYL), and difference between Ks and minimum keratometric power (MinK) were analyzed in patients that underwent corneal topography more than three times after the 5th postoperative year.

RESULTS

One hundred one eyes of 82 patients were enrolled. The KC group comprised 50 eyes and the Others group comprised 51 eyes (herpes [n = 22], corneal leukoma [n = 12], and other [n = 17]). The mean period after PK was 27.2 years in the KC group and 26.0 years in the Others group. Recurrent KCs were observed in 18 eyes of 14 patients (36%), all of whom were in the KC group (p = 0.0001). Six of these eyes underwent PK again and all the grafts showed keratoconic changes histopathologically. The mean Ks during the whole observation period was 52.5 diopters (D) in the KC group and 49.2 D in the Others group (p < 0.0001). Logistic regression analysis revealed the risk factors of recurrent KC with positive Ks change and large CYL with significant p values (p = 0.0102, 0.0318, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

KC progresses even after PK over the long term, requiring re-grafting in some cases. Risk factors for recurrent KC after PK are increasing Ks over time and a large CYL.

Detection of Endotoxin Antibody in Long-Term Dialysis Patients

Endotoxins are often seen in dialysate. They are derived from Gram-negative bacteria especially Pseudomonas, E. coli and Serratia. Endotoxins are large-molecular-weight substances with an average molecular weight of 108. These large units can be divided into subunits down to a molecular weight of 10,000 which are thought to pass through dialyzer membranes. To investigate this, endotoxin antibody levels were measured in two groups of patients on chronic regular hemodialysis, a low-flux group using cellulosic membrane dialyzers (cuprophanR and cuproammonium rayon (CAR) and a high-flux group using synthetic polymer membrane dialyzers (PMMA, EVAL). Using an ELISA based on standard endotoxin antibodies the percentages of patients in the low flux group with endotoxin antibodies were 26.9% with Cuprophan and 25% with CAR, not significantly different from a normal control group. In the PMMA and EVAL groups, it was 53.6% and 68.4% respectively. Back filtration of dialysate into blood is understood as the main reason for the entry of endotoxin in patients treated with high-flux dialyzers

Clinical Characteristics of 17 Patients with Moraxella Keratitis

PURPOSE

To retrospectively investigate the clinical characteristics of Moraxella keratitis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of 17 patients with Moraxella keratitis. Onset age, sex, predisposing factors, initial clinical presentations, culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and management and outcome of medical treatment were investigated.

RESULT

Moraxella keratitis was more common in patients older than 40 years of age, and its representative initial presentation was a round-shaped ulcer with endothelial plaque (70.6%) and hypopyon (58.8%). Local predisposing factors were significantly more frequent than systemic predisposing factors (P < 0.005). Isolated strains of Moraxella (M. catarrhalis, M. osloensis, and other Moraxella spp.) were sensitive to all antibiotics tested except ampicillin. The common disease contraction period was <2 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Moraxella keratitis (including the first report of M. osloensis keratitis) had local predisposing factors, high sensitivity to antibiotics, and a tendency to recover within 2 weeks.

Letter to the Editor: Bilateral Subconjunctival Hemorrhage in a 3-Year-Old Girl with Mycoplasma Pneumonia

We report an unusual case of bilateral subconjunctival hemorrhage following mycoplasma pneumonia. A healthy 3-year-old girl developed bilateral subconjunctival hemorrhage at 4 days after the onset of fever and respiratory symptoms such as running nose, cough, and wheezing. Laboratory data were normal except for elevation of Mycoplasma pneumoniae antibodies. The patient was followed without treatment and the subconjunctival hemorrhage resolved in both eyes within two weeks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of subconjunctival hemorrhage following mycoplasma pneumonia. Respiratory symptoms such as cough and wheezing may cause bilateral subconjunctival hemorrhage in infants.

Histamine H1 and H4 receptor expression on the ocular surface of patients with chronic allergic conjunctival diseases

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the histamine H₁ and H₄ receptors mRNA (H1R and H4R, respectively) expression on the ocular surface of patients with chronic forms of allergic conjunctival diseases to determine whether they can serve as biomarkers for allergic inflammation in the conjunctiva.

METHODS

We examined 19 patients with vernal or atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC/VKC group) and 15 healthy volunteers (control group). The AKC/VKC group was divided into active and stable stage subgroups. Specimens were obtained from the upper tarsal conjunctiva of each participant using a modified impression cytology method. H1R, H4R, and eotaxin-1, -2, and -3 mRNA (eotaxin-1, eotaxin-2, eotaxin-3, respectively) expression was determined by real-time RT-PCR. Immunohistochemical analysis for eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), eosinophil major basic protein (MBP), eotaxin-2, and histamine H₄ receptor (H₄R) were performed using conjunctival smears.

RESULTS

The number of H4R-positive patients was higher in the active than the stable stage subgroup and control group, whereas no difference was observed for H1R. H1R levels were higher in the active than in the stable stage subgroup, while those of H4R were higher in the active stage subgroup than in the control group. H1R and H4R levels were correlated with eotaxin-2 level. In immunohistochemical analysis, H₄R revealed their expression on eosinophils in conjunctival smears of patients with AKC/VKC.

CONCLUSIONS

H4R is useful as biomarkers of allergic inflammation on ocular surfaces. Most notably, H4R expressed on eosinophils is useful as a biomarker of eosinophilic inflammation of the ocular surface.