Quantitative evaluation of corneal irregularity and scarring after infectious keratitis using anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: Corneal scars after infectious keratitis lead to insufficient transparency and irregular astigmatism, affecting visual acuity; therefore, they should be accurately evaluated to estimate visual function. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate corneal irregularity and scarring after infectious keratitis using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). METHODS: This was an observational clinical study. We included patients who had corneal scarring after treatment of infectious keratitis between 2014 and 2021 at University of Tokyo Hospital. We retrospectively examined best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), average keratometric power, central corneal thickness (CCT), and four components of the Fourier harmonic analysis including spherical and asymmetry components, as well as regular astigmatism and higher-order irregularity. We included anterior and posterior corneal data and compared results with those of contralateral healthy eyes. Additionally, we quantitatively evaluated the densitometry of the cornea obtained using AS-OCT. RESULTS: A total of 122 eyes of 61 patients were examined; male predominance was observed (n = 37), and the mean patient age was 55.3 ± 19.4 years. Comparisons with contralateral healthy eyes showed that BSCVA worsened (0.30 ± 0.83 and 0.93 ± 1.36 logMAR, respectively, P = 0.003), and CCT (531.1 ± 46.2 and 591.8 ± 132.4 µm, respectively, P < 0.001) and corneal densitometry (84.4 ± 11.8 and 111.9 ± 19.2 grayscale units, respectively, P < 0.001) increased significantly in affected eyes. The asymmetry component and higher-order irregularities that were not corrected with spectacles significantly increased (both P < 0.001), and there were no significant differences in the changes among the bacterial, fungal, herpetic, and acanthamoeba types of keratitis. CONCLUSION: Corneal scarring persisted after treatment for infectious keratitis, and the asymmetry and irregularities of corneal astigmatism increased as visual acuity deteriorated. AS-OCT with the Fourier harmonic analysis was useful for evaluating corneal topographic changes in patients with corneal scarring after keratitis.

RIP1 kinase mediates angiogenesis by modulating macrophages in experimental neovascularization.

Inflammation plays an important role in pathological angiogenesis. Receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP1) is highly expressed in inflammatory cells and is known to play an important role in the regulation of apoptosis, necroptosis, and inflammation; however, a comprehensive description of its role in angiogenesis remains elusive. Here, we show that RIP1 is abundantly expressed in infiltrating macrophages during angiogenesis, and genetic or pharmacological inhibition of RIP1 kinase activity using kinase-inactive RIP1K45A/K45A mice or necrostatin-1 attenuates angiogenesis in laser-induced choroidal neovascularization, Matrigel plug angiogenesis, and alkali injury-induced corneal neovascularization in mice. The inhibitory effect on angiogenesis is mediated by caspase activation through a kinase-independent function of RIP1 and RIP3. Mechanistically, infiltrating macrophages are the key target of RIP1 kinase inhibition to attenuate pathological angiogenesis. Inhibition of RIP1 kinase activity is associated with caspase activation in infiltrating macrophages and decreased expression of proangiogenic M2-like markers but not M1-like markers. Similarly, in vitro, catalytic inhibition of RIP1 down-regulates the expression of M2-like markers in interleukin-4-activated bone marrow-derived macrophages, and this effect is blocked by simultaneous caspase inhibition. Collectively, these results demonstrate a nonnecrotic function of RIP1 kinase activity and suggest that RIP1-mediated modulation of macrophage activation may be a therapeutic target of pathological angiogenesis.

Loss of Down Syndrome Critical Region-1 Mediated-Hypercholesterolemia Accelerates Corneal Opacity Via Pathological Neovessel Formation.

OBJECTIVE: The calcineurin-NFAT (nuclear factor for activated T cells)-DSCR (Down syndrome critical region)-1 pathway plays a crucial role as the downstream effector of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor)-mediated tumor angiogenesis in endothelial cells. A role for DSCR-1 in different organ microenvironment such as the cornea and its role in ocular diseases is not well understood. Corneal changes can be indicators of various disease states and are easily detected through ocular examinations. Approach and Results: The presentation of a corneal arcus or a corneal opacity due to lipid deposition in the cornea often indicates hyperlipidemia and in most cases, hypercholesterolemia. Although the loss of Apo (apolipoprotein) E has been well characterized and is known to lead to elevated serum cholesterol levels, there are few corneal changes observed in ApoE-/- mice. In this study, we show that the combined loss of ApoE and DSCR-1 leads to a dramatic increase in serum cholesterol levels and severe corneal opacity with complete penetrance. The cornea is normally maintained in an avascular state; however, loss of Dscr-1 is sufficient to induce hyper-inflammatory and -oxidative condition, increased corneal neovascularization, and lymphangiogenesis. Furthermore, immunohistological analysis and genome-wide screening revealed that loss of Dscr-1 in mice triggers increased immune cell infiltration and upregulation of SDF (stromal derived factor)-1 and its receptor, CXCR4 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand receptor-4), potentiating this signaling axis in the cornea, thereby contributing to pathological corneal angiogenesis and opacity. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first demonstration of the critical role for the endogenous inhibitor of calcineurin, DSCR-1, and pathological corneal angiogenesis in hypercholesterolemia induced corneal opacity.

Poor penetration of cefcapene into aqueous humor after oral administration of cefcapene pivoxil to patients undergoing cataract surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Studies on the penetration of orally administered cephalosporins to the aqueous humor are scarce. Therefore, in this study, we determined the concentration of cefcapene, a third-generation cephalosporin administrated orally as pivalate ester (cefcapene pivoxil), in the aqueous humor of patients undergoing cataract surgery to assess its potential for preventing postoperative endophthalmitis. METHODS: Forty-four patients were administered a single dose of 100 mg cefcapene pivoxil preoperatively. Blood and aqueous humor samples were obtained at the time of surgery, and cefcapene concentrations were measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection. RESULTS: The samples were obtained from 41 eyes of 39 patients (two patients underwent surgery in both eyes). The median cefcapene concentrations in the aqueous humor after 1-2 h, 2-3 h, and later than 3 h were 8.3, 18.4, and 23.7 ng/mL, respectively. The median cefcapene concentrations in serum after 1-2 h, 2-3 h, and later than 3 h were 198.5, 287.2, and 170.3 ng/mL, respectively. Aqueous humor penetration of cefcapene after 1-2 h, 2-3 h, and later than 3 h was 4.1, 7.9, and 13.5% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Aqueous humor penetration of orally-administered cefcapene pivoxil in patients undergoing cataract surgery was poor. Therefore, cefcapene pivoxil was unlikely to be effective for preventing endophthalmitis after cataract surgery.

Activation of the Sphingosine 1 Phosphate-Rho Pathway in Pterygium and in Ultraviolet-Irradiated Normal Conjunctiva.

Sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid that regulates cellular activity, including proliferation, cytoskeletal organization, migration, and fibrosis. In this study, the potential relevance of S1P-Rho signaling in pterygium formation and the effects of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on activation of the S1P/S1P receptor axis and fibrotic responses were investigated in vitro. Expressions of the S1P2, S1P4, and S1P5 receptors were significantly higher in pterygium tissue than in normal conjunctiva, and the concentration of S1P was significantly elevated in the lysate of normal conjunctival fibroblast cell (NCFC) irradiated with UV (UV-NCFCs). RhoA activity was significantly upregulated in pterygium fibroblast cells (PFCs) and UV-NCFCs, and myosin phosphatase-Rho interacting protein (MRIP) was upregulated, and myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT1) was downregulated in PFCs. Fibrogenic changes were significantly upregulated in both PFCs and UV-NCFCs compared to NCFCs. We found that the activation of the S1P receptor-Rho cascade was observed in pterygium tissue. Additionally, in vitro examination showed S1P-rho activation and fibrogenic changes in PFCs and UV-NCFCs. S1P elevation and the resulting upregulation of the downstream Rho signaling pathway may be important in pterygium formation; this pathway offers a potential therapeutic target for suppressing pterygium generation.

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.

A Case of Inflammatory Juvenile Conjunctival Nevus with a Rare Histopathological Type.

Introduction: Inflammatory juvenile conjunctival nevus (IJCN) is a rare condition affecting both children and adolescents. It has misleading clinical and histopathological features; therefore, careful assessment is necessary. We present a case of IJCN with a rare pathological type and misleading histopathological features. Case Presentation: A 13-year-old girl with IJCN in the right eye was treated with antiallergic and steroid eye drops but showed no response and was referred to our hospital for excisional biopsy. Slit-lamp examination revealed a nonpigmented juxtalimbal tumor in the right eye. Histopathologically, nevus cells with mild nuclear atypia proliferated within the conjunctival epithelium. Confluent growth of junctional nests, conjunctival cysts, and prominent inflammatory infiltration were also observed. Considering the young age of the patient and immunohistochemical characteristics (HMB-45, SOX10, p16 and Ki-67), the patient was finally diagnosed with IJCN. IJCN has three pathological subtypes - compound, subepithelial, and junctional - depending on the location of the nevus cells. This case was diagnosed as a rare junctional type, as most of the examined sections only showed lesions within the epithelium; no lesions were clearly identified extending beneath the epithelium. Conclusion: The pathological diagnosis of IJCN is difficult because some features of IJCN suggest malignancy. Detailed microscopic examination, immunohistochemical staining, and the patient's young age helped render a final diagnosis.

A Case of Transparent Cornea Maintained after Removal of Dislocated Graft from Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty.

Introduction: Corneal graft detachment is a major postoperative complication of Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). When a corneal graft becomes detached, corneal endothelial function generally fails, and repeat corneal transplantation is required. Herein, we report a rare case in which a transparent cornea was maintained after the removal of a dislocated DSAEK graft. Case Presentation: A 79-year-old woman with a residual lens cortex who had undergone cataract surgery was referred to our hospital. The cortex was removed, and bullous keratopathy progressed. Six months after the initial surgery, DSAEK was performed under topical anesthesia without any complications. Although the corneal graft had attached fairly well, it detached from the host cornea 3 weeks later. Two months after DSAEK, an air tamponade was used to treat the anterior chamber with single interrupted suturing; however, the graft detached again, except for the suture site. Because the detached cornea became cloudy in the anterior chamber, it was surgically removed 8 months after DSAEK. Accordingly, the host cornea transparency improved to a best-corrected visual acuity of 0.8 with a rigid gas permeable lens and a central corneal thickness of 580 µm. The corneal endothelial cell density was 995 cells/mm2. Conclusion: Removal of the corneal graft from the dislocated cloudy graft improved the visual acuity of this patient after DSAEK. The condition of the cornea should be carefully monitored after corneal endothelial transplantation, even after the graft has been dislocated.

Corneal keloid caused by persistent atopic eye disease and chronic eyelid closure.

Purpose: This report aimed to present a case of corneal fibrosis with prolonged atopic blepharitis caused by psychological resistance to steroid treatment. Observations: A 49-year-old woman presented with atopic dermatitis and a history of panic attack and autism spectrum disorder. The upper and lower eyelid margins of her right eye became adherent, and the eyelid remained closed for several years due to refusal of steroid treatment and aggravation of blepharitis. During the initial examination, a lesion with elevated white opacity on the corneal surface was observed. Subsequently, superficial keratectomy was performed. The histopathological findings were indicative of corneal keloid. Conclusions and Importance: Persistent atopic ocular surface inflammation and prolonged eyelid closure resulted in the formation of a corneal keloid.

Epikeratophakia for Keratoconus: A Case Report with 30 Years of Follow-Up.

Background: Epikeratophakia is a refractive surgical procedure used to correct aphakic eyes, hyperopia, and keratoconus and is often performed in children. In this report, we present the long-term effects of epikeratophakia on the progression of keratoconus in a patient who underwent surgery. Case Presentation. The patient was a 17-year-old boy with keratoconus who had difficulty wearing hard contact lenses. As a solution, he underwent right eye epikeratophakia with a plano-powered lenticule. We followed up the patient for 30 years. Although the progression of keratoconus ceased in the operated eye, it continued in the nonoperated left eye and resulted in acute hydrops 9 years and 10 months after surgery. Subsequently, 20 years after the operation, anterior-segment optical coherence tomography was performed, which revealed that the progression of keratoconus had been interrupted in the right eye but had continued in the left eye, as evidenced by the parameters of the average and maximum keratometry and thinnest corneal thickness. Conclusions: Herein, we reported the longest follow-up to date of a case of keratoconus, in which one eye was treated with epikeratophakia. The progression of keratoconus was halted in the treated eye but continued in the nonoperated contralateral eye.

UbiA prenyltransferase domain-containing protein 1 (UBIAD1) variant c.695 A > G identified in a multigenerational Japanese family with Schnyder corneal dystrophy.

PURPOSE: We aimed to identify pathogenic variations in the UbiA prenyltransferase domain-containing protein 1 (UBIAD1) gene in a Japanese family with Schnyder corneal dystrophy (SCD). STUDY DESIGN: Clinical study METHODS: Three clinically diagnosed SCD patients from a single pedigree participated. Patients 1 and 2 were 69- and 65-year-old sisters, and patient 3 was the 42-year-old daughter of patient 1. Blood samples from the patients were obtained for genetic analysis. Mutation screening of the two UBIAD1 exons was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based DNA sequencing. RESULTS: All participants were found to be heterozygous for the pathogenic missense variation c.695 A > G (p.Asn232Ser) in exon 2 of UBIAD1. CONCLUSION: This is the first report on the pathogenic UBIAD1 variation c.695 A > G (p.Asn232Ser) in a Japanese population. SCD is a rare corneal dystrophy, and further research on additional cases will aid in the elucidation of disease mechanisms and development of therapeutic strategies.

Investigation of the Sectorized Corneal Thickness of Eyes With Corneal Endothelial Dysfunction Using Anterior-Segment Optical Coherence Tomography.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the sectorized corneal thickness of eyes with corneal endothelial dysfunction using anterior-segment optical coherence tomography. METHODS: We retrospectively collected anterior-segment optical coherence tomography data conducted before endothelial keratoplasty on 53 eyes of 53 patients with corneal endothelial dysfunctions including Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, bullous keratopathy (BK) after trabeculectomy, and BK after laser iridotomy and from 18 normal eyes of 18 subjects. The imaging points were divided into 17 sectors. The mean for each sector was calculated and compared with the corresponding superior/inferior and temporal/nasal sectors. RESULTS: In the normal eyes, the superior sectors were thicker than the inferior and the temporal sectors thinner than the nasal. In the diseased eyes, the superior sectors were thicker than the inferior in all subgroups; however, this tendency was no longer observed after the values were divided by the mean for the normal eyes. No significant differences were found on horizontal comparisons; however, after the values were divided by the mean for the normal eyes, the temporal sectors were thicker than the nasal. When comparing the values between the with-hole and the without-hole sides in the BK after laser iridotomy eyes, the sectors on the with-hole side were thicker than the other side. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal thickness of endothelial dysfunction was thicker in the superior sectors than the inferior but at a similar level to normal eyes. No significant differences were found for horizontal comparisons but, based on comparison with the normal eyes, the temporal sectors were thicker than the nasal.

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.

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.

Impact of rigid gas-permeable contact lens on keratometric indices and corneal thickness of keratoconus eyes examined with anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE/AIM: Detecting keratoconus (KC) progression helps determine the surgical indication for corneal cross-linking (CXL). This retrospective observational study aimed to examine changes in keratometric indices and corneal thickness in patients with KC who used rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involved 31 eyes (31 patients) diagnosed with KC. No patient had used RGP or any other type of contact lenses for at least 1 month. Corneal topographic data were obtained using three-dimensional anterior segment optical coherence tomography before and after >1 month of RGP lens use. RESULTS: The average and maximum keratometry values changed after using an RGP lens (-1.05 ± 1.92 D, p < 0.01 and -1.65 ± 4.20 D, p = 0.04, respectively); the spherical component of the anterior corneal surface became significantly smaller (p = 0.02). No change was observed in the central or thinnest corneal thickness values. Keratometric changes were greater in eyes with severe KC than in those with moderate KC (p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Keratometry and spherical components of the anterior corneal surface values decreased after RGP lens use; keratometric changes were greater in eyes with severe KC than in those with moderate KC. Corneal progression indices, including corneal thickness, posterior keratometry, and irregular astigmatism values, mostly remained unchanged. It is important to consider these findings when evaluating corneal topography of KC and preparing CXL.

Corneal Graft Rejection after Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty with Peripheral Anterior Synechiae.

Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) for patients with corneal endothelial loss rarely results in graft rejection. Herein, we report a rare case of graft rejection following DMEK, in which peripheral anterior synechiae were observed postoperatively. A 66-year-old woman was referred to our hospital after complaints of decreased visual acuity of her right eye after laser iridotomy for primary angle closure 3 years earlier. Her right cornea had bullous keratopathy with mild cataract, and her best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/40. After cataract surgery, DMEK was successfully performed, except for development of peripheral anterior synechiae at the temporal cornea. Her BCVA recovered to 20/20. However, when topical instillation was changed to 0.1% fluorometholone from 0.1% betamethasone once a day, corneal edema reappeared with hyperemia, mutton fat keratic precipitates (KPs), and cells in the anterior chamber. The BCVA worsened to 20/32. Graft rejection was diagnosed, and subconjunctival injection of dexamethasone was performed 3 times, once every few days, with 0.1% topical betamethasone instillation. Subsequently, the hyperemia, mutton fat KPs, and cells in the anterior chamber disappeared with a recovered BCVA of 20/20 after 2 weeks. Ten months after graft rejection, there was no recurrence of intraocular inflammation, and only topical betamethasone was administered twice daily. It is important to exercise caution in cases with peripheral anterior synechiae after DMEK. Long-term steroid administration is necessary to prevent graft rejection.

Regular and irregular astigmatism of bullous keratopathy using Fourier harmonic analysis with anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

Bullous keratopathy (BK) is known to present with corneal edema and Descemet's folds, which can cause corneal astigmatism. However, no report quantitatively evaluated BK astigmatism by separating it into regular and irregular astigmatism. This study investigated the regular and irregular astigmatism of the anterior and posterior corneal surface with Fourier harmonic analysis and anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Preoperative data from 43 eyes of 41 BK patients who received corneal endothelial transplantation were compared with the data from 43 eyes of 43 subjects without corneal disease. Anterior and posterior cylinder power, central corneal thickness (CCT) and thinnest corneal thickness were significantly greater in BK. With Fourier harmonic analysis, BK eyes were found to have significantly larger anterior and posterior regular astigmatism, asymmetry component and higher-order irregularity. Asymmetry component and higher-order irregularity that accounted for the posterior irregular astigmatism increased as CCT increased in BK. Higher-order irregularity in the posterior cornea also positively correlated with worsening best corrected visual acuity. Subgroup analysis found significant correlations between CCT and posterior higher-order irregularity for intraocular surgery and laser iridotomy, but not Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy. This study has significance in that it revealed the characteristics of the corneal posterior irregular astigmatism of BK.

Comparison of efficacy and safety of accelerated trans-epithelial crosslinking for keratoconus patients with corneas thicker and thinner than 380µm.

PURPOSE: Accelerated trans-epithelial cross-linking (ATE-CXL), a therapy to halt keratoconus progression, has the merit of widening the indications for thinner corneas (<380 µm). Since a hypotonic solution affects the swollen cornea, corneas of <380 µm thickness at preoperative measurement can be an indication for ATE-CXL. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the efficacy and safety of ATE-CXL for keratoconus between corneas with thicknesses <380 µm and ≥380 µm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four eyes of 27 patients who underwent ATE-CXL (30 mW/cm2; 3 minutes) with completion of a 24-month follow-up, were enrolled and divided into two groups: Group 1, thinnest corneal thickness (TCT), <380 µm (n = 10) and Group 2, TCT, ≥380 µm (n = 24). A hypotonic solution was administered to Group 1 until the corneal thickness increased by >380 µm before UV-A irradiation. We measured uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), maximum and average keratometric values (Kmax and AveK), central corneal thickness (CCT), TCT by anterior segment optical coherence tomography, and corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) using specular microscopy. The changes from baseline to 24 months postoperatively between the two groups were compared accordingly. RESULTS: The changes in Kmax and AveK from baseline to 24 months in Group 1 (ΔKmax: -7.8 ± 7.7 D, ΔAveK: -4.3 ± 6.1 D) showed significant decreases compared to those in Group 2 (ΔKmax: 0.2 ± 3.0 D, ΔAveK: 0.6 ± 2.7 D) (p = .004 and p = .001), and there were no significant changes from baseline to 24 months postoperatively in UCVA, BCVA, CCT, TCT, and ECD in both groups. CONCLUSION: ATE-CXL is effective and safe for keratoconic corneas in both groups. The effect of reducing keratometric values was greater in the group with thinner corneas.

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.

Relationship between conjunctivochalasis and refractive error.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the relation between the prevalence and grade of conjunctivochalasis and refractive error and to compare the grade of conjunctivochalasis between myopic and hyperopic patients. METHODS: Consecutive patients aged from 3 to 94 years were chosen for this study. Exclusion criteria included a history of using contact lenses, ocular surgeries, infectious conjunctivitis, or corneal diseases. The age, gender, medical history, ocular history, the grade and other parameters of inferior conjunctivochalasis classified into three locations (nasal, middle, and temporal), and refractive error were determined in all subjects. Patients were divided into three groups as follows: a hyperopic group (≥0.0 D), an emmetropic group (<0.0 and ≥-2.0 D), and a myopic group (<-2.0 D). They were also divided into 10 groups according to age. One-way analysis of variance and the Scheffe multiple comparison test were used to compare the mean values among three groups. Relations among the variables were investigated by calculating Pearson correlation coefficients and partial correlation coefficients. RESULTS: A total of 1,110 patients were included in the study. In each age group, the mean grade of conjunctivochalasis was higher in hyperopic patients than in myopic patients. There were no significant differences in both the downward gaze- and digital pressure-dependent changes of conjunctivochalasis between the myopic and hyperopic groups. The severity of conjunctivochalasis affecting the nasal and temporal bulbar conjunctiva, and parameters such as the changes of conjunctivochalasis caused by downward gaze or digital pressure, were correlated with the refractive error, especially in patients over 40 years old (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This was the first assessment of the relationship between refractive error and the grade of conjunctivochalasis in a large consecutive series of patients. Our results suggest that the prevalence and grade of conjunctivochalasis are dependent on refractive error, with hyperopia being an important risk factor for conjunctivochalasis.