Equatorial wrinkles in the human lens capsule.

Equatorial wrinkles, or crenations, have been previously observed around the equator in coronal images of the human ocular lens. However, wrinkles are typically not apparent when the lens is viewed from saggital directions. In the current paper, the existence and geometry of these wrinkles is shown to be consistent with a mechanical model of the isolated lens, in which the capsule is held in a state of residual tension by a spatially uniform internal pressure. The occurrence of equatorial wrinkles is therefore seen to be a mechanical consequence of the spheroidal shape of the lens capsule and an excess intralenticular pressure. New observations are made, on post mortem lenses, on the geometric arrangement of these equatorial wrinkles. These observations indicate a well-defined pattern in which wrinkles exists along meridional lines in the equatorial regions of the lens. A preliminary 'puncture test' is used to demonstrate that the residual stresses within the capsule in the equatorial region of the lens are broadly consistent with the proposed mechanical model of the lens capsule. It is suggested that the presence of equatorial wrinkles may have an influence on the mechanical performance of the capsule during the accommodation process.

Crystalline lens alterations in congenital aniridia.

Congenital aniridia is a rare genetic disease associated with mutations in the PAX6 gene. Changes in the lens in aniridia can be alterations of size and shape, of position - which generally reveal zonular weakness and determines subluxation of the lens - and mainly changes in transparency, cataracts, with variable morphology of polar, cortical, subcapsular, lamellar, and more rarely, nuclear cataract. Visual acuity and quality of vision in patients with congenital aniridia complicated by cataracts can be improved by carefully planned surgery, when lack of media transparency justifies surgical indication. Most patients have some improvement in visual acuity and quality of retinal image. Cataract surgery with aniridia is complicated by pathological changes due to the underlying cause of the aniridia. Challenges include corneal opacification, friable capsule and, above all, iris and pupil reconstruction. It can also determine late complications, such as secondary glaucoma or deterioration of pre-existent glaucoma, and corneal endothelial decompensation. After crystalline lens surgery in these patients, either by cataract or dislocation, for visual rehabilitation there are various techniques such as keratopigmentation, prosthetic iris devices or Morcher intraocular lenses with a black diaphragm. An appropriate individualised surgical plan should be selected depending on patient and surgical experience, in order to minimise complications and give the best chance of postoperative success.

Crystalline lens alterations in congenital aniridia. / Alteraciones del cristalino en la aniridia congénita.

Congenital aniridia is a rare genetic disease associated with mutations in the PAX6 gene. Changes in the lens in aniridia can be alterations of size and shape, of position - which generally reveal zonular weakness and determines subluxation of the lens - and mainly changes in transparency, cataracts, with variable morphology of polar, cortical, subcapsular, lamellar, and more rarely, nuclear cataract. Visual acuity and quality of vision in patients with congenital aniridia complicated by cataracts can be improved by carefully planned surgery, when lack of media transparency justifies surgical indication. Most patients have some improvement in visual acuity and quality of retinal image. Cataract surgery with aniridia is complicated by pathological changes due to the underlying cause of the aniridia. Challenges include corneal opacification, friable capsule and, above all, iris and pupil reconstruction. It can also determine late complications, such as secondary glaucoma or deterioration of pre-existent glaucoma, and corneal endothelial decompensation. After crystalline lens surgery in these patients, either by cataract or dislocation, for visual rehabilitation there are various techniques such as keratopigmentation, prosthetic iris devices or Morcher intraocular lenses with a black diaphragm. An appropriate individualised surgical plan should be selected depending on patient and surgical experience, in order to minimise complications and give the best chance of postoperative success.

Evaluation of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery after 10 years of clinical application. / Evaluación de la cirugía de la catarata asistida con láser femtosegundo tras 10 años de aplicación clínica.

INTRODUCTION: Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) has been considered a technological advance in modern cataract surgery. After years of experience, it has been observed that clinical outcomes had more complications than expected at the beginning. The aim of this study is to compare the benefits and disadvantages of the FLACS technique with conventional cataract surgery. METHOD: The PubMed and Web of Science platforms were used to search for scientific literature. RESULTS: The FLACS has currently improved the surgical technique in terms of the shorter ultrasound time used and the lower loss of endothelial cells. Likewise, the centration of capsulotomy and the correction of astigmatism with arcuate incisions have also been improved. As disadvantages, are the high cost of the laser, the intraoperative capsular complications, the induction of intraoperative myosis, and the learning curve of the technique. CONCLUSIONS: The FLACS technique is considered beneficial for specific cases, such as patients with scheduled premium surgery, or with low endothelial cell count. However, it is believed that given the technological cost it is not a cost effective technique for most standard cases in our daily clinical practice.

Phakic intraocular lenses: Recent advances and innovations. / Lentes intraoculares fáquicas: recientes avances e innovaciones.

Phakic intraocular lenses (pIOL) are recommended when counselling refractive surgery candidates presenting with high ametropia or ocular surface and/or corneal conditions that contraindicate corneal refractive surgery. This review aims to present the state-of-the-art regarding pIOL models currently available in Europe, addressing their newer indications and recent design innovations. These include, in the case of posterior chamber pIOLs, the addition of a central hole to improve aqueous humour circulation, the availability of larger optical zones, and multifocal optics for the compensation of presbyopia. The review also highlights their good safety and efficacy results, as well as the role of patient education to ensure adequate outcomes in the medium-long term. The indications of pIOLs in special situations, as well as bi-lensectomy, a procedure that most pIOL patients may eventually require as they age and develop cataracts, are also addressed.

Adenoma of the nonpigmented ciliary epithelium.

PURPOSE: To report the clinicopathologic features of an adenoma of the nonpigmented ciliary epithelium. DESIGN: Single interventional case report. METHODS. A nonpigmented iris and ciliary body tumor was diagnosed in a 66-year-old woman who complained of blurred vision related to a unilateral cataract. A combined cataract surgery and partial lamellar sclerouvectomy was performed. RESULTS: Histopathologic findings disclosed an adenoma of the nonpigmented ciliary epithelium. CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral cataract in an adult patient can be rarely related to a tumor growing from the ciliary epithelium. Adenoma of the non pigmented ciliary epithelium may mimic an amelanotic melanoma. Partial lamellar sclerouvectomy is an effective method to manage this condition and to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment resistant fungal keratitis caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.

CASE REPORT: A 56 year old woman suffered corneal injury from a branch of an orange tree. Forty days later she suffered a severe ocular infection, positive to Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (C. gloeosporioides). The patient did not respond to traditional treatment or crosslinking, and had to be treated with keratoplasty, suffering intraoperative and postoperative complications. DISCUSSION: Ocular infections due to C. gloeosporioides can occasionally be refractory to traditional and new treatments, such as crosslinking.

Bradykinin decreases outflow facility in perfused anterior segments and induces shape changes in passaged BTM cells in vitro.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of bradykinin (BK) on the outflow facility (C) of human and bovine perfused anterior segments, the [Ca2+]i of cultured bovine trabecular meshwork (BTM) cells, and the area and major axis of BTM cells. METHODS: Cellular studies were performed using first- through third-passage cultures of BTM cells. For [Ca2+]i and shape change assessment, BTM cells were loaded with fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester, and individual fluorescence images were analyzed after the different experimental manipulations. C studies were performed in vitro using human and bovine anterior segments perfused at constant pressure. RESULTS: Bradykinin at 10(-6) M elicited a [Ca2+]i increase of 8 to 10 times the basal levels in 90% of the studied cells. From the responder cells, 60% elicited a 15%+/-1% reduction of the initial cell area, and 37% showed a 13%+/-2% reduction of their major axis. Bradykinin failed to induce any effect in the presence of the BK-B2 receptor antagonist HOE-140. Zero [Ca2+]o the depletion of intracellular stores with thapsigargin, or the presence of the calmodulin antagonist W13, decreased the BK response significantly (P < 0.001; P < 0.001; and P < 0.05). A second application of BK elicited a significantly lower (P < 0.001) response than the previous one. Perfusion with 10(-6) M BK decreased CD, calculated as the area under the curve, by 13%+/-4% (P < 0.05) in human anterior segments and 12%+/-4% (P < 0.05) in bovine anterior segments. The presence of 10(-6) M HOE-140, a BK-B2 receptor antagonist, completely blocked the decrease in C after perfusion with BK. CONCLUSIONS: The C of human and bovine trabecular meshwork (perfused anterior segments) is decreased by BK, acting through BK-B2 receptors. Primary cultured BTM cells respond to BK stimulation by increasing their [Ca2+]i by mobilization of extracellular and intracellular Ca2+. Moreover, these cells are reduced in area and their major axis shortened after the [Ca2+]i peak elicited by BK through BK-B2 receptors. The [Ca2+]i mobilization and shape changes are calmodulin dependent. Taking into account the [Ca2+]i mobilization, the BTM shape changes, the decrease of C, and the temporal sequence of these parameters, a contraction of trabecular meshwork cells related to the functional role of trabecular meshwork is discussed.

Ultrastructural and molecular analysis of Bowman's layer corneal dystrophies: an epithelial origin?

PURPOSE: Two mutations (R555Q and R124L) in the BIGH3 gene have been described in anterior or Bowman's layer dystrophies (CDB). The clinical, molecular, and ultrastructural findings of five families with CDB was reviewed to determine whether there is a consistent genotype:phenotype correlation. METHODS: Keratoplasty tissue from each patient was examined by light and electron microscopy (LM and EM). DNA was obtained, and exons 4 and 12 of BIGH3 were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and single-stranded conformation polymorphism/heteroduplex analysis. Abnormally migrating products were analyzed by direct sequencing. RESULTS: In two families with type I CDB (CDBI), the R124L mutation was defined. There were light and ultrastructural features of superficial granular dystrophy and atypical banding of the "rod-shaped bodies" ultrastructurally. Patients from three families with "honeycomb" dystrophy were found to carry the R555Q mutation and had characteristic features of Bowman's dystrophy type II (CDBII). CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong genotype:phenotype correlation among CBDI (R124L) and CDBII (R555Q). LM and EM findings suggest that epithelial abnormalities may underlie the pathology of both conditions. The findings clarify the confusion over classification of the Bowman's layer dystrophies.

Fixed-dose combination of 0.1% diclofenac plus 0.3% tobramycin ophthalmic solution for inflammation after cataract surgery: a randomized, comparative, active treatment-controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy, tolerance, and ocular tolerability of a fixed-dose combination of 0.1% diclofenac plus 0.3% tobramycin ophthalmic solution compared with 0.1% diclofenac (Voltaren) and 0.3% tobramycin (Tobrex) in patients undergoing cataract extraction by either nuclear expression (extracapsular) or ultrasound-assisted aspiration (phacoemulsification) with intraocular lens implantation. METHODS: Eighty-eight patients undergoing cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation participated in a randomized, parallel, observer-masked trial, in which the clinical usefulness of a fixed-dose combination of 0.1% diclofenac plus 0.3% tobramycin ophthalmic solution, two eyedrops every 6 hours (n = 44) was compared with Voltaren and Tobrex, one drop of each every 6 hours (n = 44) in a 22-day course. Efficacy was assessed from changes of the sum of anterior chamber cell count plus flare, conjunctival hyperemia and edema, and ciliary congestion, by means of slit lamp biomicroscopy on days 1, 7, 14, and 21. Tolerance and ocular tolerability were assessed by recording intraocular pressure (IOP), side effects, and the patient's and investigator's opinions. RESULTS: Anterior chamber cell count plus flare showed no differences in the two treatment groups at any evaluation point. The study treatment was associated with a significantly higher score for conjunctival edema on day 1 (p = 0.015), conjuncitval hyperemia on day 14 (p = 0.009) and anterior chamber cell count on day 21 (p = 0.04), but these differences had no clinical relevance. No side effects related to the study treatment were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Efficacy, tolerance, and ocular tolerability of a fixed-dose combination of 0.1% diclofenac plus 0.3% tobramycin ophthalmic solution were comparable to Voltaren plus Tobrex for the control of anterior chamber inflammation after cataract surgery, with the advantage that both active principles are supplied in a single container.

Post-surgical visual outcome and complications in Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the visual outcome of patients who underwent Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis (KPro1) implantation, and describe serious sight-threatening post-operative complications. METHODS: We performed an analysis of the clinical records of all patients who underwent Boston keratoprosthesis implantation (BKI)in our institution from May 2006 to February 2011. RESULTS: A total of 41 eyes of 37 patients were included in the final analysis, of whom 22 (59.45%) were male and 15 were (40.54%) female. The mean age was 56.44 years (range 2-90). The most frequent diagnoses were bullous keratopathy, autoimmune diseases, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/Lyell syndrome (LS), and aniridic keratopathy. The mean number of previous keratoplasties (PK) was 2.36 (range 0-8), the mean number of previous non-PK surgeries was 1.58 (range 0-9). The mean follow-up time was 22.17 months (range 3-46). The mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) logMAR before surgery was 2.05 (range 1.10-2.52), and the mean best corrected visual acuity achieved after surgery was 1.16 (range 0.08- 2.70). The most frequent complication was the formation of retroprosthetic membrane (RPM) which appeared in 22 (53.65%) eyes. Of these, 6 (27.27%) appeared after another surgery. Fourteen (63.63%) RPM required treatment, an average of 1.71 (range 1-4) laser YAG applications were performed, and surgical membranectomy was performed in 3 patients. Eleven (26.82%) eyes showed chorioretinal adhesion problems, 6 (14.63%) of which occurred after follow-up of BKI surgery. Infectious complications occurred in 7 (17.07%) cases; 2 (4.87%) patients had infectious keratitis and 5 (12.19%) endophthalmitis. CONCLUSIONS: Visual function improved in most patients. Those with prior multiple ocular surgeries and alterations of systemic immunity such as SJS, LS, and diabetes mellitus are at increased risk for serious sight-threatening complications, such as RPM, chorioretinal detachment and infection. Nevertheless, we consider KPro as an effective alternative in patients with multiple ocular pathology and imminent risk of rejection of a new KP.

Late in-the-bag intraocular lens dislocation requiring explantation: risk factors and outcomes.

PURPOSE: To study the predisposing factors for late in-the-bag intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation and to analyze the outcomes after explantation surgery. METHODS: In this retrospective multicentre study, 61 eyes were enrolled. The main inclusion criterion was in-the-bag spontaneous IOL dislocation after uneventful phacoemulsification cataract extraction. Only eyes with serious dislocation that required IOL explantation were eligible. Follow-up after explantation surgery of at least 3 months was required. Exclusion criteria were complicated cataract surgery, out-of-the-bag IOL dislocation, and dislocations that occurred in the first year after the cataract surgery. The main outcome measures were predisposing factors for dislocation, interval between cataract surgery and dislocation, surgical treatment at the time of explantation, preoperative and postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and postoperative complications. RESULTS: High myopia was detected in 12 cases (19.7%) and it was the main predisposing factor. Mean time interval from cataract surgery to dislocation was 7.5 (SD 5.2) years. The dislocated in-the-bag IOL was replaced with a scleral fixated IOL (36.1%), angle-supported anterior chamber IOL (31.1%), sulcus repositioning (18%), or posterior chamber iris sutured IOL (4.9%). Finally, 9.8% of the patients were left aphakic. Mean CDVA improved significantly after surgery (P=0.005). Final CDVA of 20/40 or better was achieved in 29 cases (47.5%). CONCLUSIONS: High myopia was the main risk factor for late in-the-bag IOL dislocation. Surgical treatment significantly improved the CDVA in our sample and was associated with a low complication rate.

[Interferon alpha 2ß, partial keratectomy and amniotic membrane transplant for the treatment of a recurrent conjunctival squamous carcinoma]. / Interferón alfa 2-ß, queratectomía parcial y trasplante de membrana amniótica para el tratamiento de un carcinoma escamoso conjuntival recidivante.

CASE REPORT: An 80-year-old woman diagnosed with a recurrent squamous conjuctival carcinoma treated with surgical excision of the lesion, zonal reconstruction and topical Interferon alpha 2-ß. DISCUSSION: Squamous conjunctival carcinoma is the most frequent neoplasm of the ocular surface. Surgical removal of the lesion is the traditional treatment, but this technique has a high recurrence rate. Interferons are glycoproteins that trigger intracellular pathways with antiviral and antitumoral properties. Recent studies have proven their activity against conjunctival carcinoma.

Storage, surgery, outcome, complications, and new developments in corneal and conjunctival grafts.

This review covers last year's literature on corneal, limbal, and conjunctival transplantation including tissue storage and eye banking. In this area, the main themes were related to a better evaluation of tissue viability and the exclusion of disease transmission. An analysis of the changing indications for penetrating keratoplasty shows the differences between American and European series. Most efforts in relation to surgical techniques are oriented toward obtaining better refractive results, whereas the study of large series sheds new light on the risk factors for graft failure and other complications. Limbal transplants have acquired the status of a new field in the surgical treatment of ocular surface disease, particularly in relation to corneal stem cell deficiencies.

[Angiogenesis factor in intraocular tumors]. / El factor angiogenético en los tumores intraoculares.

The method of the angiogenic response of the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane is applied to study the tumor angiogenic factor, that was present in the aqueous humor but not in the vitreous humor of patients with choroidal melanoma or retinoblastoma.