Mast cells and ocular surface: An update review.

Mast cells (MCs), traditionally viewed as key players in IgE-mediated allergic responses, are increasingly recognized for their versatile roles. Situated at critical barrier sites such as the ocular surface, these sentinel cells participate in a broad array of physiological and pathological processes. This review presents a comprehensive update on the immune pathophysiology of MCs, with a particular focus on the mechanisms underlying innate immunity. It highlights their roles at the ocular surface, emphasizing their participation in allergic reactions, maintenance of corneal homeostasis, neovascularization, wound healing, and immune responses in corneal grafts. The review also explores the potential of MCs as therapeutic targets, given their significant contributions to disease pathogenesis and their capacity to modulate immunity. Through a thorough examination of current literature, we aim to elucidate the immune pathophysiology and multifaceted roles of MCs in ocular surface health and disease, suggesting directions for future research and therapeutic innovation.

Novel Effective Medical Therapy for Acanthamoeba Keratitis.

PURPOSE: To report first clinical use of novel medical treatment for Acanthamoeba keratitis. METHODS: Interventional observational case series. Two patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis were unsuccessfully treated with polihexanide (PHMB) 0.02% and propamidine 0.1% for 6 weeks, then all were shifted in a compassionate use of PHMB 0.08% with novel standardized protocol. The postinterventional follow-up of patients was at least 7 months. RESULTS: PHMB 0.08% eyedrops in a novel standardized protocol improved infection resolution and led to complete healing of the lesion after 4 weeks in the two cases. Corneal opacities and neovascularization decreased slowly, best-corrected visual acuity slightly improved and progressively increased in the further 7 months, and no infection recurrence occurred. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary report of two cases shows promising response to polihexanide 0.08% lowering drastically the illness duration, with reduced chance of recurrence, and mostly improving patients' quality of life.

Meningococcal Conjunctivitis in a 54-Year-Old Man: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Neisseria meningitidis represents an uncommon pathogen of acute bacterial conjunctivitis. In this brief report, we describe a case of meningococcal conjunctivitis in an immunocompetent adult male, with a review of the literature. The patient went to the outpatient ophthalmology clinic complaining of severe ocular discomfort, burning, and redness for more than 2 weeks and, at slit lamp examination, he was diagnosed with a mild conjunctivitis. Microbiology cultures of ocular swabs revealed the growth of colonies, as pure culture, identified as N. meningitidis of serogroup B. A diagnosis of primary meningococcal conjunctivitis was made and treatment of patient with intramuscular injections of ceftriaxone in addition to topical moxifloxacin eye drops for 2 weeks led to clinical improvement and, finally, to a complete recovery, in accordance with microbiological findings. Ophthalmologists must be aware of the possibility of primary meningococcal conjunctivitis cases, even uncommon, and the need to treat with systemic antibiotics and their close contacts with adequate antibiotic chemoprophylaxis.

Age-related ocular surface failure: A narrative review.

Ageing has been defined as a specific individual plasticity and remodeling capacity to the environment' insults and stimuli. The precise physiology of aging is not entirely understood. Several theories have been proposed and included programmed cell death, genetic mutations, the epigenetic clock, wear-and-tear and free radicals. Ocular surface represents a complex morpho-functional unit composed of different tissues that strictly interact to preserve homeostasis and function. Ageing severely disrupts this system by means of inflammaging and immunosenescence, leading to ocular surface failure in older population.

Tissue remodeling in adult vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

Our aim is to describe local tissue remodeling in a cohort of adult VKC patients. Male patients diagnosed with active VKC were enrolled in an open pilot study into two groups according disease onset: childhood classic VKC and adult VKC. Visual acuity and ocular surface clinical examination focusing on chronic inflammatory sequelae and impression cytology were performed in all enrolled subjects. Conjunctival imprints were processed for molecular, biochemical and immunofluorescent analysis for tissue remodeling (TGFß1,2,3 and αSMA) and epigenetic (DNMT3a, Keap1; Nrf2) markers as well as androgen receptors were investigated and compared between groups. Clinical assessment showed increased conjunctival scarring in adult VKC compared to classic VKC. Immunoreactivity for αSMA and expression of TGFß were higher in adult VKC group. Significantly higher levels of TGFß3 (3.44 ± 1.66; p < 0.05) were detected in adult VKC compared to childhood VKC, associated with an increasing trend of TGFß1 (1.58 ± 0.25) and TGFß2 (1.65 ± 0.20) isoforms levels. Molecular analysis showed a relative increase in tissue remodeling/fibrogenic transcripts (TGFß isoforms and αSMA) associated to a significant increase of selective epigenetic targets (DNMT3, Nrf2 and keap1) in adult VKC phenotype. Increased local conjunctival androgen receptors was detected in patients with adult variants compared to classic childhood VKC and healthy subjects. Finally, a direct correlation between TGFß and androgen receptor expression was also detected. A pro-fibrotic clinical and biomolecular trait was unveiled in adult variant of VKC, which causes ocular surface disease and visual impairment.

Mid-term safety and effectiveness of intravitreal dexamethasone implant to treat persistent cystoid macular edema in vitrectomized eyes for bacterial endophthalmitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the mid-term safety and effectiveness of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEX-i) for treating unresponsive to medical therapy cystoid macular edema (CME) in vitrectomized eyes for endophthalmitis. METHODS: Retrospective and interventional case series study conducted on vitrectomized eyes for endophthalmitis that developed a CME that did not adequately respond to medical therapy, who underwent 0.7-mg DEX-i. Main outcome measures were changes in central retinal thickness (CRT) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). RESULTS: Eleven eyes were included in the study. Microbiological findings of vitreous biopsies were 7 (63.6%) staphylococcus epidermidis; 3 (27.3%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa; and 1 (9.1%) Propionibacterium acnes. Median (interquartile range, IqR) duration of CME was 4.0 (3.0-4.0) months. Median (IqR) time between vitrectomy and DEX-i was 9.0 (9.0-11.0) months. Median CRT was significantly decreased from 548.0 (412.8-572.5) µm at baseline to 308.0 (281.3-365.5) µm at month 6 (p = 0.0009, Friedman test). Median BCVA significantly improved from 38.0 (30.5-44.8) letters at baseline to 50.0 (46.8-53.0) letters at month 6 (p < 0.0001, Friedman), with 9 (81.8%) eyes gaining ≥ 10 letters. Elevation of intraocular pressure was observed in one (9.1%) eye, which was successfully controlled with medical therapy. No recurrence of endophthalmitis or other complications was observed. Eight (72.7%) eyes required an additional DEX-i, while 3 (27.3%) were successfully controlled with only one DEX-i. CME recurrence occurred in 5 (62.5%) Gram-positive and 3 (100.0%) Gram-negative bacteria (p = 0.2357). CONCLUSION: In vitrectomized eyes for endophthalmitis affected by CME unresponsive to medical therapy, DEX-i had an acceptable safety profile and achieved favorable outcomes. The possibility of suppressing mechanisms for infection control should be taken into account, although correct management of endophthalmitis and long time without reactivation before DEX-i reduce the risk.

Ocular surface toll like receptors in ageing.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate changes in Toll Like Receptors (TLRs) expression at the ocular surface of healthy volunteers within different age groups. METHODS: Fifty-one healthy volunteers were enrolled in a pilot observational study. Clinical function tests (OSDI questionnaire, Schirmer test type I and Break Up time) were assessed in all subjects. Temporal Conjunctival imprints were performed for molecular and immunohistochemical analysis to measure TLRs expression (TLR2, 4, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 and MyD88). RESULTS: Immunofluorescence data showed an increased TLR2 and decreased TLR7 and TLR8 immunoreactivity in old conjunctival imprints. Up-regulation of TLR2 and down-regulation of TLR7, TLR8 and MyD88 transcripts expression corroborated the data. A direct correlation was showed between increasing ICAM-1 and increasing TLR2 changes with age. Within the age OSDI score increases, T-BUT values decrease, and goblet cells showed a decreasing trend. CONCLUSION: Changes in TLRs expression are associated with ageing, suggesting physiological role of TLRs in modulating ocular surface immunity. TLRs age related changes may participate to the changes of ocular surface homeostatic mechanisms which lead to inflammAging.

Corneal angiogenic privilege and its failure.

The cornea actively maintains its own avascular status to preserve its ultimate optical function. This corneal avascular state is also defined as "corneal angiogenic privilege", which results from a critical and sensitive balance between anti-angiogenic and pro-angiogenic mechanisms. In our review, we aim to explore the complex equilibrium among multiple mediators which prevents neovascularization in the resting cornea, as well as to unveil the evolutive process which leads to corneal angiogenesis in response to different injuries.

Laser flare and cell photometry to measure inflammation after cataract surgery: a tool to predict the risk of cystoid macular edema.

PURPOSE: To review the current adoption of laser flare and cell photometry (LFCP) in the setting of modern cataract surgery to analyze inflammation aiming to identify evidence of a correlation between LFCP values and the risk of cystoid macular edema (CME) development. METHODS: An extensive PubMed literature search was performed to review all the published studies investigating inflammation by LFCP after uncomplicated phacoemulsification. The following keywords were used: cataract surgery, cystoid macular edema, anterior chamber inflammation, laser flare, and cell photometry. RESULTS: Seventy-eight original articles investigating inflammation by LFCP were selected. Macula alterations were searched in 12 (15%) trials, by optical coherence tomography or fluorescein angiography in 11 (14%) and 1 (1%) studies, respectively. Among them, 9 (12%) papers investigated the correlation between LFCP values and cystic changes to the macula: 7 (9%) and 2 (3%) studies identified a positive and negative correlation, respectively. Three (4%) papers did not perform any correlation analysis. CONCLUSION: CME, as a consequence of uncontrolled postoperative inflammation, is a common cause for unfavorable visual outcomes following uncomplicated phacoemulsification with IOL implantation. After surgery, intraocular inflammation is generally assessed by qualitative methods. Although well-established and practical in uveitis, they are inadequate to detect the modest inflammatory response that usually occurs after uneventful phacoemulsification. LFCP correlate with the chance of macula alteration after surgery and higher the values higher the risk of CME. The quantitative analysis of intraocular inflammation by LFCP after cataract surgery might be a tool to predict the risk of pseudophakic CME.

A global perspective of pediatric non-viral keratitis: literature review.

PURPOSE: This focused review aims to explore pediatric non-viral keratitis and to compare associated risk factors, etiologies, antibiotic susceptibilities, empiric treatments and outcomes. METHODS: The authors performed a literature research for articles, published on PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and Embase online library, relevant to pediatric keratitis etiology, risk factors, antibiotic susceptibilities, treatment and outcomes. From the bibliography of selected articles, additional relevant articles were also considered. Of 34 articles identified, 21 were suitable for the purpose of this review. RESULTS: Several risk factors are noted in the field of pediatric keratitis. Trauma is the most common in developing countries, while contact lenses wear is seen in developed economies. Previous ocular conditions and systemic diseases also contribute. Associated malnourishment and vitamin A deficit are fraught with a catastrophic prognosis. Among causative organisms, bacteria are more common than fungi and protozoa. Gram-positive organisms are predominant where contact lenses use is infrequent. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is often the leading pathogen in developed countries and is strongly associated with contact lens wear or malnourishment. Fungi are common in the tropics and associated with trauma. Levofloxacin seems the more effective empirical treatment when bacteria are suspected, but there is no agreement on a standard of care. CONCLUSION: There are differences in etiologic patterns between developing and developed countries and different regions globally. Risk factors follow the same trend; however, there is no standard regimen being followed for empirical treatment of pediatric infectious keratitis. Associated malnourishment and vitamin A deficiency result in poorer outcomes.

One-port vs. three-port diagnostic vitrectomy for posterior segment diseases of unknown origin.

PURPOSE: To compare the safety and the effectiveness of one-port vs. three-port diagnostic vitrectomy in undiagnosed cases of posterior segment inflammation. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data from 80 consecutive diagnostic vitrectomies performed using a one-port (n = 40) or a three-port approach (n = 40). Cases of suspected postoperative endophthalmitis were not included in the study. Several variables were compared among groups, including length of surgery, postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), diagnostic success and surgical complications. RESULTS: The mean duration of surgery was shorter in the one-port group when compared to the three-port group (15 ± 8 min vs. 49 ± 30; p = 0.0001). The patients were observed for a mean follow-up of 19 months (range 1-84). In the one-port group, the mean BCVA improved from 1.31 ± 0.96 to 0.57 ± 0.59 logarithm of minimum resolution (LogMAR) (p = 0.0009). In the three-port group, BCVA improved from 0.98 ± 0.76 to 0.51 ± 0.76 LogMAR (p = 0.0005). The difference in mean postoperative BCVA between groups was not significative at the last follow-up. One-port vitrectomy yields to a final diagnosis in 80% of the cases, and three-port vitrectomy in 48%. Most of the one-port vitrectomies were carried out under topical anesthesia. After surgery, in both groups three eyes developed a retinal detachment. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, the one-port diagnostic vitrectomy has proven to be as effective and safe as the three-port approach, allowing a reduction in surgical times. One-port diagnostic vitrectomy might be considered as the first option for those cases where more complex surgical procedures are not needed.

Lamellar macular holes: surgical outcome of 106 patients with long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: To determine long-term results of vitrectomy for lamellar macular holes (LMH). To evaluate how the type of lamellar macular hole (tractional vs. degenerative) and the crystalline lens status might influence visual outcomes. METHODS: We collected data from 106 patients with symptomatic lamellar macular hole that underwent pars plana vitrectomy with membranectomy and internal limiting membrane peeling. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography appearance were determined preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: Most of the lamellar holes were of tractional type (65%). Mean follow-up after surgery was 36 months. Mean BCVA increased from 20/50 to 20/43 at 6 months and 20/33 at last follow-up visit (p < 0.001). Vision improved in 74 (70%), remained stable in 11 (10%), and decreased in 21 (20%) eyes. Subgroup analysis showed that visual acuity significantly increased in the tractional but not in the degenerative forms of LMH. Thirteen eyes lost two or more ETDRS lines after surgery. Preoperative phakic/pseudophakic status influenced the functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery may be effective in some subsets of patients with lamellar macular hole, but postoperative visual loss is not uncommon and prospective controlled studies are warranted.

Impact of Upadacitinib on Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis Exacerbated by Dupilumab Treatment in Atopic Dermatitis Patients: A Prospective Dermatological and Ophthalmological Clinical Evaluation in Common Clinical Practice.

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin condition with a substantial impact on patients, particularly due to ocular involvement known as atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC). Current therapeutic approaches, such as dupilumab, often lead to conjunctivitis, prompting exploration of alternative treatments like upadacitinib. Methods: We collected dermatological and ophthalmological prospective clinical evaluations of six adults with moderate-to-severe AD, undergoing treatment with upadacitinib after discontinuation of dupilumab due to the onset of AKC during therapy and the worsening of dermatitis in particular in the head and neck region. Clinical evaluations, including EASI scores, itch and sleep NRS, DLQI, and ocular parameters, were performed at baseline (during screening assessment before switching to upadacitinib) and then at week 12 and week 24. Clinical evaluation of AKC was performed by a team of ophthalmologists. Results: Upadacitinib not only improved atopic dermatitis in terms of EASI, itching, and sleep NRS, but also demonstrated a notable reduction in ocular signs and symptoms, as indicated by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Efron scale, and the Ocular Surface Disease Index Symptom Severity (OSDISS) scores. Discussion: Our observation of common clinical practice underscores the substantial impact of biological and small-molecule therapies on AD, emphasizing the limitation posed by dupilumab-associated conjunctivitis. Switching to upadacitinib significantly improved both clinical and functional ocular outcomes, suggesting its potential as an alternative therapeutic option for AD patients with ocular involvement. Conclusion: The presented data provides insights into the complex interplay between systemic therapies and ocular manifestations in AD. Upadacitinib emerges as a promising option to address dupilumab-associated conjunctivitis, offering improved quality of life for patients.

Customized Scleral Lenses: An Alternative Tool for Severe Dry Eye Disease-A Case Series.

Purpose: Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial condition significantly impacting patients' quality of life (QoL). This study aims to present a case series highlighting the effectiveness of customized scleral lenses in managing severe DED and improving patient outcomes. Methods: This case series includes three patients with severe DED refractory to conventional treatments. Customized scleral lenses were fitted for each patient, and clinical outcomes were evaluated over a period of two months. Assessments included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp examination findings, and corneal National Eye Institute (NEI) scores. Results: All three patients demonstrated significant improvements in BCVA, reductions in ocular symptoms, and enhanced ocular surface health. Patient 1, with secondary Sjögren's syndrome and suspected mucous membrane pemphigoid, showed resolution of conjunctival hyperemia and epithelial defects. Patient 2, with graft versus host disease, exhibited resolution of punctate keratitis and the absence of thread mucus. Patient 3, post-oncologic surgery, achieved complete resolution of keratoconjunctivitis sicca and the restoration of vision. Conclusions: Customized scleral lenses are a useful therapeutic option for severe DED, providing significant symptomatic relief and enhancing patients' quality of life. Their use should be considered in refractory cases to optimize ocular surface health and visual outcomes.

HYPERACUTE PSEUDOPHAKIC MACULAR EDEMA VANISHING WITHIN 72 HOURS: A CASE SERIES.

PURPOSE: To report three cases of massive pseudophakic macular edema occurring the day after uneventful cataract surgery and resolving in 24 to 72 hours. METHODS: Observational case series. RESULTS: A 68-year-old woman affected by systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome displayed massive macular edema on optical coherence tomography scan one day after uneventful cataract surgery. Routine postoperative topical eye drops (chloramphenicol/betamethasone 4 times a day and bromfenac 2 times a day) were continued without additional medications. Three days later, optical coherence tomography showed a completely recovered, normal fovea. Two similar cases were documented. A 73-year-old man and a 53-year-old man underwent cataract surgery and started the mentioned topical postoperative therapy. Severe macular edema was diagnosed the day after surgery and resolved in 24 and 48 hours, respectively. CONCLUSION: Massive macular edema may occur immediately after uncomplicated cataract and then disappear within 1 to 3 days, without invasive therapies. This is a very significant event that may follow cataract surgery, and that was previously unreported.

Ocular Surface Disease as Extraesophageal Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Manifestation: A Specific Therapeutic Strategy.

PURPOSE: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) are common gastrointestinal disorders with extraesophageal manifestations (EGERD). Studies showed a correlation between GERD/LPR and ocular discomfort. Our aim was to report the prevalence of ocular involvement in patients with GERD/LPR, describe clinical and biomolecular manifestations, and provide a treatment strategy for this novel EGERD comorbidity. METHODS: Fifty-three patients with LPR and 25 healthy controls were enrolled in this masked randomized controlled study. Fifteen naive patients with LPR were treated with magnesium alginate eye drops and oral therapy (magnesium alginate and simethicone tablets) with a 1-month follow-up. Clinical ocular surface evaluation, Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire, tear sampling, and conjunctival imprints were performed. Tear pepsin levels were quantified by ELISA. Imprints were processed for human leukocyte antigen-DR isotype (HLA-DR) immunodetection and for HLA-DR, IL8, mucin 5AC (MUC5AC), nicotine adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) transcript expression (PCR). RESULTS: Patients with LPR had significantly increased Ocular Surface Disease Index ( P < 0.05), reduced T-BUT ( P < 0.05), and higher meibomian gland dysfunction ( P < 0.001) compared with controls. After treatment, tear break-up time (T-BUT) and meibomian gland dysfunction scores improved to normal values. Pepsin concentration increased in patients with EGERD ( P = 0.01) and decreased with topical treatment ( P = 0.0025), significantly. HLA-DR, IL8, and NADPH transcripts were significantly increased in the untreated versus controls and comparable significant values were obtained after treatment ( P < 0.05). MUC5AC expression significantly increased with treatment ( P = 0.005). VIP transcripts were significantly higher in EGERD than in controls and decreased with the topical treatment ( P < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in NPY. CONCLUSIONS: We report an increase in prevalence of ocular discomfort in patients with GERD/LPR. The observations of VIP and NPY transcripts demonstrate the potential neurogenic nature of the inflammatory state. Restoration of the ocular surface parameters suggests the potential usefulness of topical alginate therapy.

Dupilumab-associated ocular surface disease or atopic keratoconjunctivitis not improved by dupilumab? Upadacitinib may clarify the dilemma: A case report.

Dupilumab-associated ocular surface disease is a common clinical sign appearing in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) just few months after dupilumab treatment start, developing in about 25% of patients. Atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) is a well-identified clinical entity, defined as a chronic inflammatory disease of eye that affects 25%-40% of patients with AD. Most clinical signs of ocular involvement in AD patients treated with dupilumab overlaps the AKC symptoms and signs. We supposed that Dupilumab-associated ocular surface disease and AKC represent the same disease but differently called by dermatologists and ophthalmologists. AKC-like disease may develop during dupilumab therapy as a consequence of alternative cytokines pathway activation (e.g. IL33) secondary to IL-4/13 pathway block. The novel upadacitinib drug may bypass ILs pathway through Janus Kinases selective inhibition, avoiding positive or negative ILs feedback at the ocular surface level. In this case report, molecular analysis on conjunctival samples showed a lower ocular surface inflammation (lower expression of HLADR) although higher levels of IL4 and IL13 in a patient with AD and AKC during upadacitinib therapy, compared to prior dupilumab treatment. Target therapies in patients suffering from AD may prevent ocular and dermatological comorbidities improving quality of life before quality of skin and vision.

A Functional and Immunologic Point of View on Corneal Endothelial Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: To systematically review and meta-analyze the immunologic aspects and outcomes of various endothelial keratoplasty (EK) techniques, specifically comparing Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK), Ultra-Thin Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK), and Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK). Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Main outcomes were the proportion of patients achieving a best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) of 20/20 at 6 months after keratoplasty, rejection rate one year after surgery, BSCVA at last follow up, and postoperative immunomodulating regimen. Results: A higher proportion of DMEK patients achieved a BSCVA of 20/20 after 6 months. UT-DSAEK and DMEK showed similar rejection rates with a lower risk of re-bubbling for UT-DSAEK (4% vs. 20%). Conclusions: DMEK showed faster visual recovery than UT-DSAEK but a similar rejection rate and long-term visual acuity. One-year postoperative slow tapering steroid regimen has a positive but not (yet) significant effect on rejection risk and visual outcomes.

Prophylactic Therapy for Long-Term Ocular Discomfort After Cataract Surgery.

PURPOSE: The cataract surgery dissatisfaction rate is 20% to 35% due to ocular surface discomfort. We investigate the ocular surface discomfort after surgical failure as a consequence of age-related parainflammation. We also aim to prevent it by immune-modulating prophylactic management. METHODS: Monocentric clinical trial realized in a teaching hospital. Prospective, randomized, open-label, unmasked clinical trial. One hundred patients diagnosed with cataracts underwent phacoemulsification surgery. Groups A (<65 years; n = 25) and B (>75 years; n = 25) received surgery only. Groups C and D (both >75 years and both n = 25) used cyclosporine A 0.1% cationic emulsion (CE) eye drops or CE lubricating eye drops (both twice daily), respectively, for 30 days before surgery. Patients were followed up 90 days after surgery. The primary outcome was postoperative ocular surface failure; secondary outcomes examined the influence of prophylactic cyclosporine A 0.1% CE therapy on ocular surface outcomes. RESULTS: Group B demonstrated greater severity regarding ocular surface signs and symptoms throughout the study period, versus all other groups. Signs/symptoms were typically lower in Group A. Group C achieved significant reductions in conjunctival Symptom Assessment in Dry Eye values ( P < 0.05), conjunctival hyperemia severity ( P < 0.01), and meibomian gland dysfunction ( P < 0.001) at Day 45, versus Group B, and tear break-up time was increased ( P < 0.001). Ocular surface inflammatory marker transcription (HLADR, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 [ICAM-1], and interleukin 6 [IL-6]) was significantly downregulated in Group C, versus Group B, at 90 days ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Cataract surgery induced ocular surface system failure with a clinically significant persistent inflammatory status (InflammAging) in patients older than 75 years. Prophylactic cyclosporine A 0.1% CE eye drops were associated with improved ocular surface homeostasis and reductions in inflammatory markers.

Potential applications of mesenchymal stem cells in ocular surface immune-mediated disorders.

We explore the interaction between corneal immunity and mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and their potential in treating corneal and ocular surface disorders. We outline the cornea's immune privilege mechanisms and the immunomodulatory substances involved. In this realm, MSCs are characterized by their immunomodulatory properties and regenerative potential, making them promising for therapeutic application. Therefore, we focus on the role of MSCs in immune-mediated corneal diseases such as dry eye disease, corneal transplantation rejection, limbal stem cell deficiency, and ocular graft-versus-host disease. Preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate MSCs' efficacy in promoting corneal healing and reducing inflammation in these conditions. Overall, we emphasize the potential of MSCs as innovative therapies in ophthalmology, offering promising solutions for managing various ocular surface pathologies.