Characterization of Ocular Morphology in Col4a3-/- Mice as a Murine Model for Alport Syndrome.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the ocular morphological characteristics of Col4a3-/- mice as a model of Alport syndrome (AS) and the potential pathogenesis. Methods: The expression of collagen IV at 8, 12, and 21 weeks of age was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in wild-type (WT) and Col4a3-/- mice. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and thickness measurements were performed to assess the thickness of anterior lens capsule and retina. Ultrastructure analysis of corneal epithelial basement membrane, anterior lens capsule, internal limiting membrane (ILM), and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) basement membrane was performed using transmission electron microscopy. Finally, Müller cell activation was evaluated by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression. Results: Collagen IV was downregulated in the corneal epithelial basement membrane and ILM of Col4a3-/- mice. The hemidesmosomes of Col4a3-/- mice corneal epithelium became flat and less electron-dense than those of the WT group. Compared with those of the WT mice, the anterior lens capsules of Col4a3-/- mice were thinner. Abnormal structure was detected at the ILM Col4a3-/- mice, and the basal folds of the RPE basement membrane in Col4a3-/- mice were thicker and shorter. The retinas of Col4a3-/- mice were thinner than those of WT mice, especially within 1000 µm away from the optic nerve. GFAP expression enhanced in each age group of Col4a3-/- mice. Conclusions: Our results suggested that Col4a3-/- mice exhibit ocular anomalies similar to patients with AS. Additionally, Müller cells may be involved in AS retinal anomalies. Translational Relevance: This animal model could provide an opportunity to understand the underlying mechanisms of AS ocular disorders and to investigate potential new treatments.

Association of CUL4B with the pathogenesis of age-related cataract.

PURPOSE: Age-related cataract (ARC) is the most common cause of visual impairment and blindness in older adults. However, the role of CUL4B in the ARC remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated CUL4B expression and its effects on apoptosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CUL4B expression levels were detected by a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction from the anterior lens capsules of patients with ARC and HLE-B3 cells treated with different concentrations of H2O2. CUL4B expression was silenced by siRNA transfection to evaluate apoptosis. CUL4B and apoptotic proteins B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1), caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, Bax, Bak, and Bid were assessed using western blot analysis. Apoptosis was monitored using the TUNEL assay. RESULTS: CUL4B expression was downregulated in the anterior lens capsules (P < 0.0001) and H2O2-treated HLE-B3 cells (P = 0.0405). CUL4B protein levels were significantly lower in 100 µmol/L (P = 0.0012) and 200 µmol/L (P = 0.0041) H2O2-treated HLE-B3 cells than in the untreated cells. CUL4B expression was significantly knocked down at the mRNA (P = 0.0043) and protein levels (P = 0.0002) in HLE-B3 cells. Bcl-2 (P = 0.0199), Mcl-1 (P = 0.0042), and caspase-3 (P = 0.0142) were significantly downregulated, whereas cleaved caspase-3 (P = 0.0089) and Bak (P = 0.009) were significantly upregulated in the knockdown group. The TUNEL assay showed a greater induction of apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: CUL4B downregulation promotes the apoptosis of lens epithelial cells. Our study may help in understanding the role of CUL4B in ARC pathogenesis.

Epicapsular Stars in an Asymptomatic Patient.

This case report discusses a diagnosis of epicapsular stars during a routine ophthalmologic examination in an asymptomatic female patient aged 14 years.

Immunohistochemical findings of lens capsules obtained from patients with dead bag syndrome.

PURPOSE: To investigate the extracellular matrix and cellular components in lens capsules extracted from patients with dead bag syndrome (DBS) through immunohistochemistry. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan, and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. DESIGN: Immunohistochemical experimental study. METHODS: 9 capsular bag specimens from DBS cases, as well as 2 control specimens from late-postoperative in-the-bag intraocular lens dislocation cases related to previous vitrectomy, pseudoexfoliation, and blunt trauma were included. They were processed for histopathology; unstained sections were obtained from each one and analyzed by immunohistochemistry targeting collagen type IV, laminin, vimentin, collagen type I, and fibronectin. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry in DBS showed lens capsule stained for basement membrane components. The outer part of the anterior capsule that was split from the inner part was more markedly stained for type IV collagen as compared with the posterior part. Faint staining for fibrous posterior capsular opacification (PCO) components, for example, collagen type I and fibronectin, was detected in limited areas, but the major portion of the capsule was free from these components. Small spotty vimentin-positive materials, suggesting the presence of cell debris, were also detected in limited samples. CONCLUSIONS: Small amounts of fibrotic PCO components were detected in capsules extracted from patients with DBS, but their major parts were free from PCO components. Current findings suggest small amounts of lens epithelial cells were present after surgery and secreted fibrous components before undergoing cell death process.

Transient anterior subcapsular vacuolar lens opacities after Tanito microhook trabeculotomy: report of six cases.

OBJECTIVE: To present six cases exhibiting transient anterior subcapsular vacuolar lens opacities following early postoperative Tanito microhook trabeculotomy (TMH) performed by the same surgeon. METHODS: Six patients who underwent lens-sparing TMH at Meizankai Shimizu Eye Clinic from November 2021 to May 2023, and developed anterior subcapsular vacuolar lens opacities postoperatively were reviewed. Detailed records of surgeries, follow-up findings were collected and reported. RESULTS: In all six cases, anterior vacuolar subcapsular lens opacities were observed on the day after surgery, gradually decreasing without affecting visual acuity or contrast sensitivity. In all cases, without any specific interventions, the opacities disappeared by 21 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Anterior subcapsular cataracts, characterized by a vacuolar appearance and transient existence, should be recognized as an early complication of ab interno glaucoma surgery, possibly linked to use of distributed ophthalmic viscosurgical devices and excessive anterior chamber irrigation leading to traumatic cataracts on the lens surface.

A potential role for inflammatory cytokines in a rare late-onset capsular block syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Late-onset capsule block syndrome (CBS) is a rare complication of cataract phacoemulsification and the implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL), which manifests six months to years after surgery. The hallmark of CBS is the formation of an opaque liquid substance between the implanted intraocular lens (IOL) and the posterior capsule. However, its pathogenesis remains unclear. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old female patient with chronic angle-closure glaucoma (axis length < 21 mm) underwent trabeculectomy surgery combined with phacoemulsification and PCIOL. After a 4-year follow-up, a decline in visual acuity occurred in her right eye due to the location of opaque fluid in the visual axis and distension of the capsular bag. The initial course of action was to release the trapped fluid. Neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd: YAG) laser capsulotomy could not be employed due to her non-dilating pupil and high extension of the posterior capsule. Subsequently, anterior capsule peeling and anterior segment vitrectomy surgery were performed. The depth of the anterior chamber (ACD), the distance between the face of the retro-IOL and the posterior capsule, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and the visual quality (VQ) were measured both before and after surgery. Inflammatory cytokine levels in the opaque substances (OS) trapped between the PCIOL and the posterior capsule were assessed using a flow cytometer and compared to normal statistical data in aqueous humor. After surgery, the patient experienced a significant improvement in BCVA and VQ. The distance between the face of the retro-IOL and the posterior capsule was on the verge of disappearing. However, ACD did not differ between pre- and post-operatively. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) and basic fibroblast growth factor (BFGF) concentrations were higher in the OS than in aqueous humor, especially in the former. However, the concentration of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) in the OS was lower than in aqueous humor. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior segment vitrectomy surgery proved to be a successful treatment for late-onset CBS, presenting a challenging case. In the human lens, inflammatory cytokines originating from the opaque substances may contribute to abnormal metabolism in the sealed area, a consequence of late-onset CBS.

Lens capsule pathological characteristics in cases of intraocular lens dislocation with atopic dermatitis.

PURPOSE: To explore lens capsule pathological characteristics in intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation after cataract surgery in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). SETTING: University hospital department of ophthalmology. DESIGN: Case series with clinicopathological correlations. METHODS: Lens capsules and surrounding tissues excised during surgery from eyes with AD (AD group) and eyes without AD (non-AD group) with IOL dislocation were histologically evaluated. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to assess abnormal changes in lens epithelial cells (LECs). Masson trichrome staining distinguished the fibrous metaplasia around the lens capsule into high-density and low-density fibrosis. Capsular splitting (thinning) was identified in both stained preparations. RESULTS: The IOL dislocation morphology in the AD group (10 eyes of 10 patients) included 7 cases of capsular bag dislocation (CBD) and 3 cases of dead bag syndrome (DBS), with an average duration to IOL dislocation of 11.5 ± 5.6 years. All patients in the non-AD group (12 eyes of 12 patients) had CBD, averaging 10.2 ± 5.7 years to dislocation. Abnormal LECs, low-density fibrosis, and capsular splitting were observed in 9 (90), 9 (90), and 6 (60) of the patients in the AD group compared with 6 (50), 3 (25), and 2 (18), respectively, in the non-AD group (total n [%]). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the non-AD group, the AD group exhibited higher frequencies of morphological changes in LECs, low-density fibrosis around the lens capsule, and capsular splitting characteristics of DBS. These results suggest LEC degeneration and increased lens capsule fragility occurred in patients with AD.

Impact of anterior capsule polishing on capsule opacification and capsule bend after age-related cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of anterior capsule polishing on postoperative capsule opacification and capsular bend in patients with age-related cataract displaying normal axial length. SETTING: Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University at Hangzhou. DESIGN: Prospective self-controlled trial. METHODS: Patients with age-related cataracts aged 56 to 84 years displaying normal axial length were enrolled. Before surgery, a coin-toss method was used to randomly select 1 eye for intraoperative 360 degrees anterior capsule polishing (polishing group); the contralateral eye received no treatment (control group). Capsular bend index (CBI), anterior capsule opacification (ACO), posterior capsule opacification (PCO), and anterior capsule opening area (ACOA) were recorded at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively using swept-source optical coherence tomography and slitlamp examination. RESULTS: 21 patients (42 eyes) were enrolled. Within-group comparisons showed that both groups had significant differences in CBI between 1 week and 1 month postoperatively, and between 6 months and 12 months postoperatively ( P < .05). Between-group comparisons revealed a significant difference in CBI at 1 week postoperatively ( P < .05); at 12 months postoperatively, there was a significant difference in ACOA ( P < .05). There were no significant between-group differences regarding ACO or PCO at any timepoint ( P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with age-related cataracts and normal axial length, 360 degrees anterior capsule polishing can delay early capsular bag deformation without increasing the risks of ACO and PCO. This approach can also limit contraction of the anterior capsule opening.

Síndrome do bloqueio capsular tardio - relato de dois casos / Capsular block syndrome - report of two cases

Relato de dois casos de síndrome do bloqueio capsular, de ocorrência tardia, nove e cinco anos após facoemulsificação, respectivamente, em um olho com pseudoexfoliação capsular e outro operado de glaucoma, com bolha funcionante. A condição se constituiu na retenção de grande quantidade de líquido esbranquiçado, atrás da lente intraocular, o que levou à redução da AV, de quatro linhas de Snellen, nos dois casos. Houve pronta resolução do quadro com mínima capsulotomia posterior.

Two cases of late capsular block syndrome are reported. They were observed nine and five years after facoemulsification, in one eye with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and the other operated on for glaucoma with a functioning bleb. There was a large amount of milky material behind the intraocular lens, and reduction of the visual acuity (four lines of the Snellen chart in both cases). The condition was promptly resolved through minimal YAG laser posterior capsulotomy.

Capsulorrexe em duplo anel: estudo clínico patológico / Double ring capsulorhexis: clinic opathologic study

Apresentamos caso de capsulorrexe em duplo anel em paciente feminina de 81 anos. O espécime cirúrgico foi submetido a estudo anatomopatológico que evidenciou os achados típicos da capsulorrexe em duplo anel. Comentamos a possível relação com a exfoliação capsular verdadeira. Salientamos que é possível realizar a cirurgia com bom resultado mesmo que o duplo anel não seja completo - como no caso apresentado - , porém desde que os folhetos capsulares estejam fundidos de forma contínua.

We present a case of double ring capsulorhexis in a 81 year-old female patient. Surgical specimen was submitted to histopathologic study resulting in typical double ring capsulorhexis findings. We discuss the questioned relation to true capsular exfoliation. We call attention to the fact that it is possible to obtain a good surgical result even when the double ring is not complete - as the case presented - , since both capsular flaps are fused in a continuous form.

Técnica Tied Out Open Sky: fixação iriana de lente intraocular combinada com transplante penetrante de córnea / Tied Out Open Sky technique: new method for iris fixation of intraocular lens in the absence of capsular support during penetrating keratoplasty

O objetivo é descrever uma nova técnica cirúrgica para fixação iriana de lente intraocular durante transplante de córnea em pacientes sem suporte capsular. A técnica de fixação iriana Tied Out Open Sky é uma técnica de fácil execução comparado com as técnicas já descritas, dispensando manobras cirúrgicas complexas, minimizando a manipulação e as complicações pós-operatórias.

To describe a new method for iris fixation of intraocular lens in the absence of capsular support during penetrating keratoplasty. Its a new technique of iris fixation of intraocular lens without capsular support during penetrating keratoplasty. This technique is used in cases with a healthy iris and partial or total absence of capsular support during penetrating keratoplasty. Tied Out Open Sky is a technique easy to perform for iris fixation of intraocular lens during penetrating keratoplasty. The big advantage is being able to tie off the intraocular lens off the eye and fasten it securely.

Fixação iriana de lentes de câmara posterior para o tratamento da afacia / Iris fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses for the treatment of aphakia

OBJETIVO: avaliar os resultados de uma série de casos de fixação iriana de lentes intra-oculares de câmara posterior para correção de afacia, realizados no setor de catarata da disciplina de Oftalmologia da Faculdade de Medicina do ABC e compará-los a literatura existente. MÉTODOS: estudo prospectivo de oito pacientes afácicos, que apresentavam ausência de suporte capsular adequado e foram submetidos à cirurgia para implante secundário de LIO de câmara posterior com fixação iriana seguindo a técnica modificada de McCannel. RESULTADOS: sete dos oito pacientes (87,5 por cento) que não tiveram complicações cirúrgicas obtiveram melhora na acuidade visual corrigida. Um paciente (12,5 por cento) apresentou complicação intra-operatória, evoluindo com ceratopatia bolhosa do pseudofácico. Um paciente (12,5 por cento) apresentou glaucoma secundário à dispersão pigmentar. CONCLUSÃO: em nosso estudo a técnica de fixação iriana de câmara posterior se mostrou eficaz e segura para o tratamento da afacia, em concordância com os dados da literatura.

PURPOSE: evaluate the results of a case series of iris-sutured posterior chamber IOLs for the correction of aphakia in the cataract sector of the department of Ophthalmology of the ABC School of Medicine and compare them with the existing data. METHODS: prospective study of eight patients who underwent foldable IOL implantation using modified McCannel iris suture fixation for aphakia in the absence of capsule support. RESULTS: seven of eight patients (87,5 percent) without surgical complications improved their best corrected visual acuity. One patient (12,5 percent) with surgical complication developed pseudophakic bullous keratopathy. One patient (12,5 percent) developed secondary glaucoma caused by dispersion syndrome. CONCLUSION: in our study the iris-sutured posterior chamber IOLs prove to be safe and effective in the treatment of aphakia, in accordance with existing data.

Exfoliação capsular verdadeira: relato de dois casos / True capsular exfoliation: report of two cases

Relatamos dois casos de exfoliação verdadeira da cápsula, acontecendo em pacientes idosos sem história de exposição prolongada a altas temperaturas ou passado de inflamação intra-ocular. Os aspectos biomicroscópicos, anátomo-patológicos e possíveis implicações cirúrgicas são comentados.

We report two cases of true capsular exfoliation occurring in elderly patients with no known history of prolonged heat exposure or intraocular inflammation. The biomicroscopic aspects, histopathologic findings and possible surgical implications are discussed.

Análise da camada de fibras nervosas pelo GDx em pacientes pseudofácicos com opacidades da cápsula posterior / Analysis of the nerve fiber layer using GDx in pseudophakic patients with posterior capsular opacification

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se a opacificação de cápsula posterior (OCP) influenciaria na análise da camada de fibras nervosas pela polarimetria "scanning laser" (GDx). MÉTODOS: Trinta e sete pacientes pseudofácicos não glaucomatosos foram submetidos a análise da camada de fibras nervosas pelo GDx antes e após a realização de capsulotomia com Nd:YAG laser. RESULTADOS: Em cinco olhos, o GDx não conseguiu imagens aceitáveis pelos parâmetros de aquisição do aparelho. Em todos os outros, não foi observada diferença significante entre os valores médios das variáveis antes e após a realização da capsulotomia posterior. CONCLUSÃO: A presença de OCP em graus moderados e/ou quando há imagens aceitáveis em pacientes pseudofácicos não influencia o resultado da análise das imagens das fibras do nervo óptico pelo GDx. Apenas intensos graus de OCP que impeçam a obtenção de imagem analisável pelo aparelho inviabilizam o exame.

PURPOSE: To evaluate if posterior capsule opacification (PCO) would alter the analysis of nerve fiber layer using the scanning laser polarimetry (GDx). METHODS: Pseudophakic non-glaucomatosous eyes (37 patients) underwent nerve fiber layer analysis using GDx before and after posterior capsulotomy with Nd:YAG Laser. RESULTS: In five eyes, GDx did not obtain acceptable images using the device's parameters of acquisition. In the others, mean variable values did not reach significant difference before and after posterior capsulotomy. CONCLUSION: Moderate degrees of PCO and/or acceptable images in pseudophakic patients do not alter the analysis of nerve fiber layer by GDx. Only intense degrees of PCO that hinder analyzable images make the examination impracticable.

Incidência de opacificação de cápsula posterior em pacientes submetidos à facoemulsificação e implante de lentes intra-oculares acrílicas hidrofílicas expansíveis / Incidence of posterior capsule opacification in patients submitted to phacoemulsification and expandable acrylic intraocular lens implantation

OBJETIVO: Avaliar prospectivamente os resultados das lentes intra-oculares de polímeros expansíveis implantadas em pacientes submetidos à facoemulsificação, quanto à incidência de opacificação de cápsula posterior, levando em consideração a biocompatibilidade das lentes expansíveis. MÉTODOS: O grupo de estudo foi composto por 830 pacientes, 1.200 olhos, que foram submetidos a facoemulsificação, utilizando a mesma técnica, variando-se apenas o diâmetro da capsulorrexe, pelo mesmo cirurgião, no período de 1998 a 2002, com implante de lente intra-ocular hidrofílica expansível. O acompanhamento médio foi de 2,4 anos, variando de seis meses a quatro anos. RESULTADOS: O número total de opacificação de cápsula posterior foi de 54 casos. CONCLUSÃO: A incidência de opacificação de cápsula posterior encontrada no grupo foi de 4,6 por cento.

Síndrome de distensión o bloqueo capsular / Distension syndrome or capsular blockage syndrome

En el síndrome de distensión o bloqueo capsular ocurre un bloqueo del saco capsular cristaliniano, lo que lleva a la acumulación de líquido endosacular y la ulterior distensión del mismo. Lo que favorece esta patogenía es una capsulorexis circular continua pequeña. El síndrome agudo se presenta peroperatoriamente, el bloqueo se produce por el núcleo cristaliano, se distiende el saco capsular durante la hidrodisección, la cámara anterior se estrecha, aumenta la presión intraocular, se rompe la cápsula posterior y el núcleo se luxa a la cámara vítrea; su tratamiento es la lensectomía mediante vitrectomía por pars plana: El síndrome temprano ocurre en las primeras semanas post operatorias, el bloqueo es por la óptica del lente intraocular, se distiende el saco, la cámara anterior se estrecha, la presión intraocular tiende a elevarse, hay miopización y su tratamiento es la capsulotomía anterior. El síndrome tardío se da años después de la cirugía, el bloqueo es por fibrosis cápsulo-lenticular, se acumula líquido lechoso y su tratamiento es capsulotomía posterior. La profilaxis contempla capsulorexis circular continua grande, hidrodisección cuidadosa, extraer la sustancia viscoelástica, limpiar células epiteliales, entre otras.

Esfoliação verdadeira (delaminação) bilateral da cápsula anterior do cristalino: relato de um caso / Bilateral true exfoliation (delamination) of the anterior capsule of the lens: report of a case

Objetivo: Relatar um caso de esfoliação verdadeira (delaminação) bilateral da cápsula anterior do cristalino, associada à catarata cortico-nuclear, em um indivíduo que exerceu a profissão de vidreiro durante trinta anos. Local: Clínica Oftalmológica da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Pernambuco e Laboratório de Patologia Dairton Miranda (Belo Horizonte - Minas Gerais). Métodos: Descrição do caso clínico, apresentação de fotodocumentação da biomicroscopia do segmento anterior, e também do estudo anatomo-patológico que comprovou a hipótese diagnóstico. Resultados: O trabalho demonstra a comprovação histopatológica de um caso de esfoliação verdadeira da cápsula anterior do cristalino, em um paciente com exposição ocupacional, que poderia justificar a patologia. Conclusão: A esfoliação verdadeira (delaminação) da cápsula anterior do cristalino, embora seja uma entidade rara, deve entrar no diagnóstico diferencial das membranas flutuantes na câmara anterior aderidas à superfície anterior do cristalino, principalmente se houver uma história de exposição prolongada a altas temperaturas e/ou grande quantidade de radiação infravermelha.