Lens Regeneration: The Application of iSyTE and In Silico Approaches to Evaluate Gene Expression in Lens Organoids.

Several protocols have been established for the generation of lens organoids from embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and other cells with regenerative potential in humans or various animal models. It is important to examine how well the regenerated lens organoids reflect lens biology, in terms of its development, homeostasis, and aging. Toward this goal, the iSyTE database (integrated Systems Tool for Eye gene discovery; https://research.bioinformatics.udel.edu/iSyTE/ ), a bioinformatics resource tool that contains meta-analyzed gene expression data in wild-type lens across different embryonic, postnatal, and adult stages, can serve as a resource for comparative analysis. This article outlines the approaches toward effective use of iSyTE to gain insights into normal gene expression in the mouse lens, enriched expression in the lens, and differential gene expression in select mouse gene-perturbation cataract/lens defects models, which in turn can be used to evaluate expression of key lens-relevant genes in lens organoids by transcriptomics (e.g., RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), microarrays, etc.) or other downstream methods (e.g., RT-qPCR, etc.).

Generation of Functional Lentoid Bodies from Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells.

The pathological mechanisms of cataract remain largely unknown due to the lack of appropriate in vitro cellular models. We developed a stable in vitro system, namely, a "fried egg" differentiation method to generate functional lentoid bodies (LBs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The iPSCs-derived LBs exhibited crystalline lens-like morphology and a transparent structure, and expressed lens-specific markers. TEM examination and optical analysis further demonstrated that it has the same cell arrangement structure and magnifying ability as lens.

Femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery in a cataract patient with low vaulted ICL following LASIK: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Apart from the conventional utilization of ICL implantation for the correction of refractive errors, its recent applications extend to correcting refractive errors post laser refractive surgery. Notably, the development of cataracts stands out as a prevalent postoperative complication, often associated with low vault. Previous cases have demonstrated successful management of cataracts with ICL through the combination of FLACS and ICL removal coupled with IOL implantation, resulting in favorable postoperative visual outcomes. Herein, we present a case of cataract with low vault ICL following LASIK and its subsequent management. CASE PRESENTATION: A 46-year-old male presented with vision loss in the right eye for 9 months, and he had undergone LASIK 22 years prior and had ICL implantation in both eyes 2 years ago to correct refractive error. One day after ICL implantation, both eyes exhibited the UDVA of 1.2 and 1.0, well-positioned ICLs, and approximate vault of 150 µm and 200 µm. Six months ago, the patient became aware of blurred vision in the right eye for a duration of 3 months. Examination revealed cloudy lens cortex in the right eye. During the current review, the UDVA of the right eye was 0.6, where nasal wedge-shaped clouding was evident and worsened, while the left eye lens remained transparent. AS-OCT demonstrated the vault of 54 µm in the right eye and 83 µm in the left eye. Considering the patient's history of LASIK and the presence of right eye cataract, a monovision approach was adopted. The patient underwent FLACS combined with ICL extraction and monofocal IOL lens implantation in the right eye. At 10 days postoperatively, the patient exhibited the UDVA of 1.0. CONCLUSIONS: Our report confirms the feasibility of FLACS in managing cataracts in patients with low vault ICL following LASIK. This procedure does not pose significantly greater challenges than in typical cataract cases, although meticulous care remains essential throughout every step of the surgery, particularly during laser scanning and positioning. With adequate preoperative preparation and precise calculation of the IOL power, surgical outcomes can meet expectations fully.

Prevalence and management of cataracts among older adults in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Cataract is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness, mainly affecting older adults in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This scoping review aims to map evidence on the prevalence, contextual factors, and management strategies for cataracts among older adults in SSA. METHOD: Four central databases (PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Google Scholar) were searched, yielding 383 records. Additional searches produced eight records. After screening and applying inclusion criteria, 26 full-text articles were eligible for further review. Finally, seven full-text records were included in the thematic analysis and synthesis. RESULTS: Cataract prevalence among older adults in SSA ranged from  13.5-62.5% across different countries. Surgery remains the primary management strategy, but cataract surgical coverage varies widely (12.1-96%). Significant barriers to effective management include lack of awareness, limited access to healthcare, economic constraints, gender disparities, and cultural misconceptions about cataract surgery. CONCLUSION: There is a significant burden of cataracts among older adults in SSA, with considerable variations in prevalence and surgical coverage across the region. Comprehensive strategies addressing awareness, accessibility, affordability, and cultural factors are needed to improve cataract management and reduce visual impairment in SSA.

Alterations in optical coherence tomography angiography parameters after cataract surgery in patients with diabetes.

This prospective study aimed to investigate microvascular changes in diabetic patients undergoing cataract surgery. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, as well as vessel density (VD) in the macula and radial peripapillary capillary plexus (RPC), were compared before and after surgery. Sixty eyes (72.3%) had no diabetic retinopathy (no DR group) and 23 eyes (27.7%) had non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR group). In the no DR group, the FAZ area in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) decreased from 0.41 ± 0.13 to 0.38 ± 0.11 mm2 (P = 0.036), while no significant change was observed in the DR group (0.33 ± 0.12 to 0.30 ± 0.12 mm2, P = 0.091) at 6 months postoperatively. VD in the RPC increased from 34.4 ± 2.3% to 35.6 ± 2.3% in the no DR group (P = 0.009), but there was no significant change in the DR group (33.0 ± 3.5% vs. 34.0 ± 2.3%, P = 0.051) after 6 months. VD in the macula did not change in either group. Phacoemulsification reduced the FAZ area in the SCP and increased the VD in the RPC in diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy at six months postoperatively.

Use of selective laser capsulotomy for mature white cataracts: Initial experience in Indian eyes.

PURPOSE: To report the initial experience of performing capsulotomy in eyes with mature white cataracts using selective laser capsulotomy (SLC) in Indian eyes. METHODS: This was a prospective, noncomparative, open-label study. All adults presenting to our institution with mature cataracts whose pupils dilated >6 mm and who were willing for phacoemulsification were invited to participate. During surgery, after staining the anterior capsule with a proprietary trypan blue, the CAPSULaser device (Excel-Lens Inc, Los Gatos, CA, USA) was used to create a capsulotomy of size ranging from 5 to 5.5 mm and phacoemulsification was carried out. The primary outcome was the size, centration, and continuity of the capsulotomy edge at the end of the surgery. Secondary outcomes were the surgical time for capsulotomy, capsulotomy centration on the intraocular lens (IOL) at 3 months, and adverse effects. RESULTS: Thirty eyes were studied of 30 patients who were recruited with a mean age of 66.4 ± 8.3 years, of which 17 (57%) were men. The intraoperative size of capsulotomy was the same as intended in all eyes and the edges were smooth. None of the eyes experienced any visible capsular tears or run out events; one had a capsular tag. The time for capsulotomy including capsular staining was 3 ± 0.23 min. All IOLs were well centered at 3 months with a capsulotomy size remaining the same. The endothelial cell count had dropped by 8% at 3 months post-op, and the vision improved significantly to 0.03 log of minimum angle of resolution. None of the eyes experienced any intraoperative complications or laser-induced adverse effects. CONCLUSION: SLC was a safe and effective technique providing precise, well-centered anterior capsulotomies in mature white cataracts.

Causal relationship between hyperthyroidism and cataracts: a two-sample bi-directional mendelian randomization study.

Clinical studies and meta-analyses have suggested a link between thyroid dysfunction and lens opacification. The objective of this study is to investigate the causal relationship between hyperthyroidism and the development of cataracts using the Mendelian randomization approach, with the aim of filling the gap in knowledge about the systemic effects of hyperthyroidism on ocular health. Leveraging genetic variants as instrumental variables, the analysis used extensive datasets from the UK Biobank and the FinnGen Database and employed three common approaches for causal inference (the Inverse Variance Weighted method, a regression based method the Weighted Median estimator, and MR-Egger regression) and accompanying sensitivity analyses to ensure robustness. The results demonstrate that there is a strong likely causal relationship, with hyperthyroidism increasing the risk of developing senile cataracts (OR = 361.09, 95%CI 5.024 to 2.60 × 104, P = 0.007). A sensitivity analysis provided no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy and no significant outliers, suggesting the results are robust. In conclusion, our study established a significant causal relationship between hyperthyroidism and increased risk of cataract development, underscoring the importance of considering the systemic effects of hyperthyroidism in clinical and public health interventions and policies. Future research should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying this association, exploring the potential benefits of early intervention in hyperthyroidism to prevent cataract development, and investigating whether these findings translate across different ethnic populations. Additionally, further GWAS studies aimed at identifying genetic variants associated with both hyperthyroidism and cataracts are warranted to confirm and expand upon our results.

Histopathologic findings of the lens capsule and persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous in Korean pediatric cataract patients.

This study aimed to measure lens capsule thickness and investigate histopathologic characteristics of persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) in Korean pediatric cataracts. We analyzed lens capsules from 116 eyes of 83 pediatric cataract patients treated between 2011 and 2015. The mean thickness of the anterior/posterior capsule was 7.21 ± 1.74/4.39 ± 1.41 µm. PHPV was observed in 11.2% (13/116) of eyes. Histologic examination revealed that PHPV is typically characterized by retrolenticular membranes with hypercellular membrane tissue comprising vascular structures and/or mesenchymal cells, seen in 69% of cases. Only 3 patients had hyaloid arteries and endothelium-lined blood vessels in the retrolenticular membranes, whereas six eyes showed only mesenchymal cells. Lens capsule thickness did not significantly vary with age or the presence of PHPV in Korean pediatric cataracts. The primary histological characteristic of PHPV was the presence of mesenchymal cells, with or without vascular structures, supporting the role of endothelial-mesenchymal transition as a key mechanism in vascular regression.

Prevalence of visual impairment and its causes in adults aged 50 years and older: Estimates from the National Eye Surveys in Malaysia.

BACKGROUND: Population surveys are necessary to measure a community's eye care needs. We conducted simultaneous surveys in two regions in Malaysia in 2023 to estimate the prevalence of blindness and/or visual impairment (VI), identify its main causes, and compare the results with the survey in 2014. METHODS: The surveys were simultaneously done in Eastern and Sarawak administrative regions using the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) technique. It involved a multistage cluster sampling method, each cluster comprising 50 residents aged 50 years and older. The prevalence of blindness and/or visual impairment (blindness, severe, moderate, and early) and its primary cause were determined through a visual acuity test and eye examination with a hand-held ophthalmoscope. Results were compared with the previous survey in 2014. RESULTS: A total of 10,184 subjects were enumerated, and 9,709 were examined (94.5% and 96.2% responses for Eastern and Sarawak, respectively). The prevalence of blindness and severe VI appeared lower than the previous survey. For blindness: Eastern 1.4%, 95%CI (0.9, 1.9) to 0.8%, 95%CI (0.5, 1.1) and Sarawak: 1.6% 95%CI (1.0, 2.1) to 0.6%, 95%CI (0.3, 0.9). For severe VI: Eastern 1.2%, 95%CI (0.8, 1.7) to 0.9%, 95%CI (0.6, 1.1) and Sarawak 1.1% 95%CI (0.6, 1.6) to 0.9%, 95% CI(0.6, 1.2). The main cause of blindness was untreated cataracts: 77.3% (Eastern) and 75.0% (Sarawak). Diabetic retinopathy was the 2nd main cause of blindness for Eastern at 9.1%, but it only caused early to severe VI in Sarawak. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of blindness and severe VI were lower than in the previous survey. It could have been attributed to a community cataract program implemented soon after the survey in 2014. However, more efforts are needed to address the high percentage of avoidable blindness within both regions.

A Novel Approach To Predict Glaucomatous Impairment in the Central 10° Visual Field, Excluding the Effect of Cataract.

Purpose: Our previous study predicted genuine glaucomatous visual field (VF) impairment in the central 10° VF, excluding the effect of cataract, using visual acuity (VA) and global indexes of VF more accurately than pattern deviation (PD). This study aimed to improve the accuracy by using pointwise total deviation (TD) values with the machine-learning method of random forest model (RFM) and to investigate whether incorporating optical coherence tomography-measured ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness is useful. Methods: This retrospective study included 89 eyes with open-angle glaucoma that underwent successful cataract surgery (with or without iStent implantation or ab interno trabeculotomy). Postoperative TD in each of the 68 VF points was predicted using preoperative (1) PD, (2) VA and VF with a linear regression model (LM), and (3) VA and VF with RFM, and averaged as predicted mean TD (mTDpost). Further prediction was made by incorporating the preoperative GCIPL into the best model. Results: The mean absolute error (MAE) between the actual and predicted mTDpost with RFM (1.25 ± 1.03 dB) was significantly smaller than that with PD (3.20 ± 4.06 dB, p < 0.01) and LM (1.42 ± 1.06 dB, p < 0.05). The MAEs with the model incorporating GCIPL into RFM (1.24 ± 1.04 dB) and RFM were not significantly different. Conclusions: Accurate prediction of genuine glaucomatous VF impairment was achieved using pointwise TD with RFM. No merit was observed by incorporating the GCIPL into this model. Translational Relevance: This pointwise RFM could clinically reduce cataract effect on VF.

Comparative visual performance of ultraviolet light-filtering and violet light-filtering monofocal intraocular lenses of the same material and basic design.

We compared the visual performance of ZCB00 ultraviolet light-filtering and ZCB00V violet light-filtering monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) (both Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision) with the same materials and basic design in cataract patients treated from 2011 to 2020. The evaluations were performed 10 weeks after the last surgery for implantation of bilateral lenses ≤ 3 months apart. The ZCB00 and ZCB00V groups included 904 eyes from 452 patients (age 72.3 ± 6.8 y; women/men, 268/184) and 1374 eyes from 687 patients (age 73.0 ± 7.4 y; women/men, 415/272), respectively. Statistical validity was confirmed using a linear mixed-effects model with binocular data and adjustments for age, sex, subjective refraction cylinder, subjective refraction spherical equivalent, corneal astigmatism, axial length, pupil diameter, and corneal higher-order aberrations. ZCB00 showed slightly but significantly better results (p < 0.05, Wald) for uncorrected intermediate/near visual acuity, corrected near visual acuity, and components of the 25-item Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) (Role_Limitation, Mental_Health, Social_Function, Distance_Vision, Color_Vision). Additionally, ZCB00V showed significantly better contrast sensitivity with glare (visual angle of target: 6.3°/4.0°/0.7°; p < 0.00068, Wald); slightly but significantly better contrast sensitivity without glare (4.0°/2.5°/1.6°) and with glare (2.5°/1.6°/1.0°), VFQ-25 General_Health scores, and near spectacle independence; and slightly but significantly smaller higher-order aberrations (internal, scaled to a 6-mm pupil; Wavefront_6_post_I_Trefoil) (p < 0.05, Wald).

Prevention of Argentinian flag sign in intumescent cataracts using anterior chamber air bubble and cortical fluid release techniques.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the efficiency of a new method for the prevention of argentinian flag sign during the process of continuous, circular, and centered anterior capsulotomy (CCC) on the anterior capsule in cortically liquefied intumescent cataracts. This study was registered in an appropriate registry and the registration number of registration was xyy11[2022]-XJSFX-087; The date of of registration was 2022-04-29. METHODS: Preoperative examinations including slit-lamp examination, ocular A-scan ultrasonography, and Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM) UBM were conducted on 61 patients with intumescent cataracts. Cases with cortically liquefied intumescent cataracts were selected and after staining with indocyanine green, the anterior chamber air bubble technique was used to compress the anterior capsule, and liquefied cortex was aspirated using a puncture needle. Corrected Distance Visual Acuity (CDVA) and intraocular pressure were recorded on postoperative days 1, 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were documented and analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty eyes were identified as having cortically liquefied intumescent cataracts. No cases of the Argentinian flag sign occurred, and standard capsulorrhexis was achieved, facilitating smooth phacoemulsification. All patients achieved satisfactory outcomes at follow-ups of 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months postoperatively. Mild corneal edema was observed in three cases on the first postoperative day, with no other complications noted. CONCLUSIONS: The anterior chamber air bubble technique combined with cortical fluid release technique can prevent the occurrence of the Argentinian flag sign in cortically liquefied intumescent cataracts, this method is simple, convenient and economic for the clinical promotion.

Lens capsule advanced glycation end products induce senescence in epithelial cells: Implications for secondary cataracts.

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a common complication after cataract surgery. Residual lens epithelial cells (LECs) on the anterior lens capsule, after cataract surgery, migrate to the posterior lens capsule and undergo transdifferentiation into myofibroblast-like cells. Those cells synthesize excessive amounts of extracellular matrix and contribute to fibrosis during PCO. Cellular senescence, a phenomenon that increases with aging, has been implicated in several fibrotic diseases. Here, we have investigated the prevalence of senescent LECs within the lens posterior capsule and the ability of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in lens capsules to induce senescence, contributing to PCO. Aged lens capsules from pseudophakic human cadaver eyes showed the presence of senescent LECs. In human capsular bags, LECs showed an age-dependent increase in senescence after 28 days of culture. Human LECs cultured on aged lens capsules for 3 days underwent senescence; this effect was not seen in LECs cultured on young lens capsules. Human LECs cultured on an AGE-modified extracellular matrix (ECM-AGEs) showed an AGE-concentration-dependent increase in the expression of senescence markers and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Treatment with a RAGE antagonist and ROS inhibitor reduced the expression of senescence and fibrotic markers. Additionally, conditioned media from ECM-AGEs-treated cells induced the expression of fibrotic markers in naïve LECs. Together, these suggest that AGEs in the capsule induce senescence of LECs, which triggers the mesenchymal transition of neighboring non-senescent LECs and contributes to PCO.

Comparison Between Monofocal and Aspheric Monofocal Intraocular Lens With Higher Order Aspheric Optic in Pediatric Patients: Early Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively compare the visual acuity outcomes for far, intermediate, and near vision of an aspheric monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) with higher order aspheric optic with a monofocal IOL in pediatric patients. METHODS: Thirty-eight eyes of 38 patients (mean age: 9.0 ± 2.3 years) affected by monolateral infantile cataract were evaluated 6 months after surgery performed with simultaneous IOL implantation. The Tecnis Eyhance ICB00 aspheric monofocal IOL (Johnson & Johnson Vision) was implanted in 17 eyes (Tecnis Eyhance group, mean age: 8.9 ± 2.5 years) and the Tecnis PCB00 monofocal IOL (Johnson & Johnson Vision) was implanted in 21 eyes (control group, mean age: 9.1 ± 2.2 years). Corrected visual acuity expressed in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) was assessed for distance (CDVA) and, expressed in Jaeger standard, for intermediate (DCIVA) and near vision (CNVA). DCIVA was measured with distance correction and without addition. The Mann-Whitney test for two independent samples was performed, and a P value less than .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Six months postoperatively, mean CDVA was 0.20 ± 0.2 logMAR and mean DCIVA and CNVA were 5 ± 1 and 2 ± 1 Jaeger, respectively, in the Tecnis Eyhance group. In the control group, mean CDVA was 0.21 ± 0.2 logMAR and mean DCIVA and CNVA were 8 ± 1 and 3 ± 1 Jaeger, respectively. Only DCIVA showed a significant statistical difference between groups (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric patients, the aspheric monofocal IOL with higher order aspheric optic seems to provide better intermediate distance visual acuity than a monofocal one, whereas no significant difference was observed for CDVA and CNVA. [J Refract Surg. 2024;40(10):e724-e727.].

Uncovering genetic loci and biological pathways associated with age-related cataracts through GWAS meta-analysis.

Age-related cataracts is a highly prevalent eye disorder that results in the clouding of the crystalline lens and is one of the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness. The disease is influenced by multiple factors including genetics, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and a history of diabetes. However, the extent to which each of these factors contributes to the development of cataracts remains unclear. Our study identified 101 independent genome-wide significant loci, 57 of which are novel. We identified multiple genes and biological pathways associated with the cataracts, including four drug-gene interactions. Our results suggest a causal association between type 1 diabetes and cataracts. Also, we highlighted a surrogate measure of UV light exposure as a marker of cataract risk in adults.

Intraocular lens simulator using computational holographic display for cataract patients.

PURPOSE: To develop and validate a holography based vision simulator for the demonstration of expected postoperative vision corresponding to monofocal and multifocal intraocular lenses (IOL) to cataract patients before surgery. METHODS: An artificial eye model is used to measure the optical performance of different IOL types. The resultant aberrations and degradations are then modeled using phase holograms and shown to subjects on a holographic display. We measure the contrast and resolution loss, halos around the light sources, and point spread function (PSF) corresponding to three different IOLs. We tested the holography based vision simulator on 13 healthy subjects and 6 cataract patients. RESULTS: Monofocal, bifocal, and trifocal IOLs exhibited a contrast decrease of 5%, 42%, and 45% and a resolution limit of 4.49, 4.00, and 4.00 lp/mm (using 0.05 MTF criteria), respectively. Monofocal IOLs have the best resolution and contrast at the optimal focus distance, and multifocal lenses offer extended depth-of-field but exhibit prominent halos and reduced contrast/resolution. CONCLUSION: We confirmed that the visual functions of IOLs could be successfully modeled using phase holograms and simulated using a holographic display without using a physical IOL. Patients can experience the effects of different IOL options prior to surgery, which helps with IOL selection, expectation management, and patient satisfaction.

Ferulic Acid Protects Human Lens Epithelial Cells Against UVA-Induced Oxidative Damage by Downregulating the DNA Demethylation of the Keap1 Promoter.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation-triggered production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a primary contributor to apoptosis in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs), which can ultimately result in cataract formation. The nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-Kelch ECH associating protein 1 (Keap1) pathway, a fundamental oxidative stress regulation mechanism, plays a crucial role in the development of cataracts. Ferulic acid (FA), recognized for its potent antioxidant properties can activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway to mitigate oxidative damage and cell apoptosis. In this study, we have demonstrated the protective effects of FA in reducing UVA-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in HLECs through the modulation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, as evidenced by both cellular and animal experiments. HLECs and Lens were exposed to 10 J/cm2 UVA radiation with or without prior treatment with FA. We found that UVA radiation increased oxidative damage and cell apoptosis in HLECs, ultimately leading to opacification of rat lenses, while FA was able to attenuate both oxidative damage and cell apoptosis in HLECs and reduce the degree of lens opacification. FA upregulated the expression of antioxidant response factors of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway and downregulated the expression of apoptosis-related genes in HLECs, as demonstrated by Western blot and RT-qPCR analyses. We also found that UVA radiation increased the degree of demethylation of the Keap1 promoter in HLECs, whereas FA reduced the level of Keap1 promoter demethylation as determined by DNA sequencing. Additionally, UVA upregulated the expression of DNA active demethylase of the Keap1 promoter in HLECs, Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, and Dnmt3b, as shown by immunofluorescence, Western blot, and RT-qPCR, however, FA attenuated the activity of the passive demethylase TET1 in addition to the active demethylases. These results demonstrated that UVA radiation can cause oxidative damage, cell apoptosis, and rat lens opacification by increasing the demethylation of the Keap1 promoter in lens epithelial cells. Conversely, FA was shown to reduce oxidative damage, inhibit cell apoptosis, and decrease rat lens opacification by increasing the methylation of the Keap1 promoter. These findings suggest that FA could be therapeutically beneficial in preventing and mitigating cataracts induced by UVA radiation.

Asthma and eye diseases in middle-aged and elderly Chinese: A comprehensive analysis of CHARLS data.

With China's aging population, the incidence of eye diseases is increasing, leading to urgent concerns about visual impairment and blindness. The cause-and-effect relationship between asthma and eye diseases in the Chinese population remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the link between asthma and eye-related diseases, including cataracts and glaucoma, among Chinese adults. This study utilized data from the 4th wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey conducted in 2018, involving 19,816 Chinese participants. We first described baseline characteristics, then constructed 5 logistic regression models to study the relationship between asthma and eye diseases in the Chinese context. Additionally, subgroup analyses were performed with selected variables. Across 5 models adjusting for covariates, we found that asthma was significantly associated with cataracts (odds ratios [95% confidence intervals]: 1.36 [1.01-1.79], P = .034) and glaucoma (odds ratios [95% confidence intervals]: 1.92 [1.46-2.49], P < .001). Subgroup analyses revealed that Chinese women, former smokers, or drinkers were at higher risk of developing cataracts (all P < .001), while those aged ≤ 60 years were at higher risk of developing glaucoma (P < .001). Our study provides possible observational evidence linking asthma to cataracts, glaucoma, and visual impairment in the Chinese population. These findings are crucial for disease prevention strategies in China's healthcare system.

[Analysis of cytogenetic indexes and occupational characteristics of radiation workers with lens opacity].

Objective: To analyse the characteristics of micronuclus and chromosomal aberrations and the lens opacity in different working years, ages and work type of radiation workers with lens opacity. Methods: In January 2022, we selected 400 radiation workers with lens opacity who had undergone occupational health examination in Hangzhou Hospital for the Prevention and Treatment of Occupational Disease from March 2014 to December 2021 as research objects. To analyze the differences of micronucleus, chromosome aberration and the lens opacification rates of different length of service, type of work, age radiologic workers. Results: The results showed that radiation the micronucleus abnormality (0.59‰) and chromosome aberration (2.67%) in peripheral blood in workers who served more than 20 years were significantly higher than that of micronucleus abnormality (0.18‰) and chromosome aberration (0.31%) in workers served less than 20 years, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The micronucleus abnormality (0.32‰) and chromosome aberration (0.57%) in the interventionist were higher than oral radiation workers (0.12‰ and 0.19%) and diagnostic radiologist (0.05‰ and 0.12%), the differences were statistically signcficant (χ(2)=23.98, 6.72, P<0.05) . Conclusion: The rates of micronucleus and chromosome aberration of the interventionaist are higher than oral radiation workers and the traditional radiologist. Workers engaged in radiation should improve personal protection and undertake regular occupational health examinations.

Diagnostic utility of tear meniscus height measurement using anterior segment optical coherence tomography for lacrimal passage disorder before cataract surgery.

To evaluate diagnostic utility of tear meniscus height (TMH) measurement using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) for lacrimal passage disorder (LPD) in patients scheduled for cataract surgery. Patients with cataracts were enrolled. Lacrimal irrigation test was used to diagnose LPD. TMH measurement was performed using prior to cataract surgery. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to calculate the cutoff value of TMH to detect LPD. Correlation between TMH and age, sex, LPD, use of glaucoma eyedrops, and use of dry eye drops in patients with and without LPD was evaluated. Sixty-six patients (127 eyes) were included, of which 12 (9.4%) eyes had LPD. The mean TMH was significantly higher in the LPD group than in the non-LPD group (P = 0.007). Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant association of TMH with LPD (P = 0.000). With an area under the curve of 0.740, the optimal cut-off TMH value was 401.0 µm. The sensitivity and specificity of this cutoff value were 58.3% and 83.0%, respectively. These findings demonstrate the diagnostic utility of TMH, measured using AS-OCT, for LPD. This suggests that AS-OCT is useful for preoperative exclusion of LPD.