Ocular Pain after Refractive Surgery: Interim Analysis of Frequency and Risk Factors.

PURPOSE: To examine the frequency and risk factors for ocular pain after laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). DESIGN: Prospective study of individuals undergoing refractive surgery at 2 different centers. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred nine individuals undergoing refractive surgery: 87% LASIK and 13% PRK. METHODS: Participants rated ocular pain on a numerical rating scale (NRS) of 0 to 10 before surgery and 1 day, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. A clinical examination focused on ocular surface health was performed 3 and 6 months after surgery. Persistent ocular pain was defined as an NRS score of 3 or more at both 3 and 6 months after surgery (patients), and this group was compared with individuals with NRS scores of < 3 at both time points (control participants). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Individuals with persistent ocular pain after refractive surgery. RESULTS: The 109 patients who underwent refractive surgery were followed up for 6 months after surgery. Mean age was 34 ± 8 years (range, 23-57 years); 62% self-identified as female, 81% as White, and 33% as Hispanic. Eight patients (7%) reported ocular pain (NRS score ≥ 3) before surgery, with the frequency of ocular pain increasing after surgery to 23% (n = 25) at 3 months and 24% (n = 26) at 6 months. Twelve patients (11%) reported an NRS score of 3 or more at both time points and constituted the persistent pain group. Factors that predicted persistent pain after surgery in a multivariable analysis were (1) ocular pain before surgery predicated persistent pain after surgery (odds ratio [OR], 1.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-3.31), (2) symptom report of depression before surgery (Patient Health Questionnaire-9: OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.6; P = 0.01), (3) use of an oral antiallergy medication before surgery (OR, 13.6; 95% CI, 2.1-89.3; P = 0.007), and (4) pain intensity day 1 after surgery (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.2; P = 0.005). There were no significant associations between ocular surface signs of tear dysfunction and ocular pain, P > 0.05 for all ocular surface signs. Most individuals (> 90%) were completely or somewhat satisfied with their vision at 3 and 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Eleven percent of individuals reported persistent ocular pain after refractive surgery, with several preoperative and perioperative factors predicting pain after surgery. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Practical management of ocular surface disease in patients with atopic dermatitis, with a focus on conjunctivitis: A review.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that can significantly decrease quality of life. AD is commonly associated with comorbidities including ocular surface disease (OSD). Conjunctivitis is the most common OSD associated with AD and can increase in incidence with use of monoclonal antibody biologics that target the type 2 inflammatory pathway. The objective of this review is to raise awareness of comorbid OSD in AD patients that dermatologists may encounter, with a focus on conjunctivitis, and equip dermatologists to address mild ocular concerns. We provide background on the subtypes and pathogenesis of comorbid OSD in AD patients and describe OSD associated with type 2 inflammation-inhibiting AD biologics. We also discuss screening and diagnosis, recommended treatment options for dermatologists, and when to refer to an eye care specialist. This multispecialty approach aims to support the overall health of AD patients and provide optimal patient care.

Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty in complex eyes.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the current literature on Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in complex eyes. RECENT FINDINGS: DMEK surgery has become a standardized procedure in Fuchs endothelial dystrophy and simple bullous keratopathy. But eyes with more complex disease present unique intraoperative and postoperative challenges to the DMEK surgeon. Poor visualization during surgery, complex anterior segment anatomy, altered anterior chamber dynamics, glaucoma shunts, and congenital or iatrogenic missing or altered iris and lens make DMEK surgery extremely difficult to accomplish. SUMMARY: DMEK is feasible in complex eyes, including advanced bullous keratopathy, eyes with history of glaucoma or vitreoretinal surgery, previous penetrating keratoplasty, uveitis, pediatric, and congenital anterior segment disorders. The tools and methods reported in the literature to accomplish DMEK in complex eyes vary widely with no particular consensus or standardization of techniques. The outcomes noted for some of these conditions demonstrate the difficulty of the surgery and the uncertainty of long-term graft survival in complex eyes. Both surgical standardization and randomized prospective data will better help elucidate DMEK's role in the corneal rehabilitation of complex eyes.

Corneal Higher-Order Aberrations in Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty versus Ultrathin DSAEK in the Descemet Endothelial Thickness Comparison Trial: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare corneal higher-order aberrations (HOA) after ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). DESIGN: Patient- and outcome-masked randomized controlled clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with damaged or diseased endothelium from Fuchs endothelial dystrophy or pseudophakic bullous keratopathy who were good candidates for DMEK or ultrathin DSAEK. METHODS: Corneal anterior and posterior surface HOA were measured with Scheimpflug imaging before surgery and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. HOA after ultrathin DSAEK and DMEK were compared; correlation was performed between best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) and HOA at each time point. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Higher-order aberrations of the anterior and posterior cornea, expressed as the root mean square deviation from a best fit sphere reference surface. RESULTS: At 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, the posterior corneal surface had significantly less coma (P ≤ 0.003) and total HOA (P ≤ 0.001) in DMEK compared with ultrathin DSAEK (4.0- and 6.0-mm OZ). Posterior trefoil (P ≤ 0.034), secondary astigmatism (P ≤ 0.042), and tetrafoil (P ≤ 0.045) were lower in DMEK than ultrathin DSAEK at 3, 6, or 12 months (either 4.0- or 6.0-mm OZ). There were no significant differences in anterior surface HOA between DMEK and ultrathin DSAEK at any post-surgical time. Compared with baseline, total posterior HOA was increased (P ≤ 0.036) in ultrathin DSAEK at 3, 6, and 12 months, in contrast to DMEK, where it was decreased (P ≤ 0.044) at 6 and 12 months (4.0- or 6.0-mm OZ, or both). At 6 and 12 months, posterior corneal total HOA correlated with BSCVA (ρ ≤ 0.635, P ≤ 0.001; 4.0- and 6.0-mm OZ). There were no moderate or strong correlations between anterior or combined corneal surface HOA at any time point after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty results in less posterior corneal HOA compared with ultrathin DSAEK. Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty decreases and ultrathin DSAEK increases posterior corneal HOA compared with presurgical values. Total posterior corneal HOA correlates with 6- and 12-month postoperative visual acuity and may account for the better visual acuity observed after DMEK.

Descemet Endothelial Thickness Comparison Trial: A Randomized Trial Comparing Ultrathin Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty with Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical outcomes of ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in the treatment of corneal endothelial dysfunction. DESIGN: Patient and outcome-masked, randomized controlled clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with damaged or diseased endothelium from Fuchs endothelial dystrophy or pseudophakic bullous keratopathy who were considered good candidates for DMEK or UT-DSAEK. METHODS: Study eyes were randomized by the eye bank to UT-DSAEK or DMEK 1 to 2 days before surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome of the trial was best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included 3- and 12-month BSCVA; 3-, 6-, and 12-month endothelial cell counts; intraoperative and postoperative complications; and change in pachymetry. RESULTS: A total of 216 patients with endothelial dysfunction were screened, and 50 eyes of 38 patients were enrolled by 2 surgeons at Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon, and at Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. Overall, we found DMEK to have better visual acuity outcomes compared with UT-DSAEK after correcting for baseline visual acuity: compared with UT-DSAEK, those randomized to DMEK had 1.5 lines better BSCVA at 3 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5-0.6 lines better; P = 0.002), 1.8 lines better BSCVA at 6 months (95% CI, 2.8-1.0 lines better; P < 0.001), and 1.4 lines better BSCVA at 12 months (95% CI, 2.2-0.7 lines better; P < 0.001). Average endothelial cell counts were 1963 cells/mm2 in DMEK and 2113 cells/mm2 in UT-DSAEK at 6 months (P = 0.17) and 1855 cells/mm2 in DMEK and 2070 cells/mm2 in UT-DSAEK at 12 months (P = 0.051). Intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty had superior visual acuity results compared with UT-DSAEK at 3, 6, and 12 months in patients with isolated endothelial dysfunction with similar complication rates.

Femtosecond laser-assisted deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A survey of the recent literature of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty using femtosecond laser technology. RECENT FINDINGS: There are several recent reports in the literature assessing technique and outcomes of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty done with a femtosecond laser trephination. Most of these reports are laboratory studies and small case series with short-term outcomes. The laser technology is expensive and may not produce better results than conventional manual techniques. However, there are several theoretical advantages to femtosecond laser incisions in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty that should be explored, including possible increased success of Descemet's membrane separation from stroma during surgery as well as postsurgical astigmatism benefits, earlier suture removal, and increased wound strength and healing. SUMMARY: Femtosecond laser trephination in the setting of DALK may improve the technique by decreasing the number of descemet's membrane ruptures and improving short-term and long-term outcomes as compared with manual techniques. However, there is no consensus on a standardized approach for wound design or postoperative management. The literature would benefit from a prospective randomized controlled trial.

Podcast on Cross-speciality Perspectives on Practical Management of Atopic Dermatitis-Associated Ocular Surface Diseases.

There is a growing awareness among dermatology providers of ocular comorbidities in patients with the chronic inflammatory skin disease atopic dermatitis (AD). For example, the prevalence of ocular surface diseases (OSD) such as conjunctivitis is higher in patients with AD than in the general population, and the use of some AD treatments may be associated with OSD. In a recent review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, dermatologists and ophthalmologists provided an overview of the different types, etiology, pathophysiology, and practical management of OSD associated with AD. This review included a suggested treatment algorithm that champions a partnership between dermatology providers and eye care providers for optimal screening, diagnosis, and care. In this podcast article, a dermatologist and ophthalmologist who were authors on this review are joined by a nurse practitioner moderator to discuss how these concepts can be adapted to clinical practice, inclusive of dermatologists, eye care providers, and relevant advanced practice providers. This podcast focuses on the authors' clinical experiences and highlights the key aspects of optimal care, including exploring additional questions to answer with future research.

Effect of Simultaneous Endothelial Keratoplasty and Cataract Surgery: A Secondary Analysis of the Descemet Endothelial Thickness Comparison Trial.

PURPOSE: Combining cataract surgery with endothelial keratoplasty (triple EK) is a common practice and may be safer because it commits the patient to only one surgery. This study aimed to determine whether outcomes of pseudophakic endothelial keratoplasty and triple EK have similar outcomes. METHODS: This was a non-prespecified secondary analysis of a multicenter, double-masked, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Enrollment centers included the Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health and Sciences University and the Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University. Patients with damaged or diseased endothelium and were considered good candidates for either Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty or ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty were randomized to one of the two surgeries 1-2 days prior to surgery. If the patient had a cataract, they underwent simultaneous cataract surgery. The primary outcome was visual acuity at 6 months. Visual acuity at 3, 12, and 24 months, 3, 6, 12, and 24 month endothelial cell density and intraoperative and postoperative complications were also recorded. RESULTS: Those who had pseudophakic EK generally were older, more likely to be male, and more likely to have worse baseline vision with higher corneal densitometry values. After controlling for baseline visual acuity and type of keratoplasty, those that underwent Triple-EK had 0.09 better LogMAR lines better visual acuity at 6 (95% CI -0.17 to -0.10; P = 0.02) and 12 months (95% CI -0.21 to -0.07; P = 0.03). Although those receiving Triple- EK had nearly one-half LogMAR line better visual acuity at 24 months, it was no longer statistically significant (95% CI -0.20 to -0.05; P = 0.36). There was no statistically significant difference in ECD between groups at any timepoint. Those undergoing triple EK were more likely to have at least one adverse event (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Earlier intervention with Triple-EK may improve visual acuity outcomes after endothelial keratoplasty compared with staged procedures, but may also increase the risks of adverse events including the need for re-bubble.

Landolt Ring-Shaped Epithelial Keratopathy: A Novel Corneal Disease in a Non-Japanese White Patient.

PURPOSE: Landolt ring-shaped epithelial keratopathy is a corneal disease that has only been reported in 11 Japanese patients in 2014.1 We describe the first case of Landolt ring-shaped epithelial keratopathy in the United States in a patient of European background. METHODS: This is a single case report with longitudinal care. RESULTS: A 35-year-old White patient presented with a history of ocular burning, photophobia, and decreased vision. Corneal examination showed bilateral and asymmetric microcystic lesions in a unique Landolt ring (or the letter "C") shape, distributed randomly in the epithelium. Confocal microscopy revealed cellular ballooning and hyperreflective opacities in the basal layer of the corneal epithelium. The patient has had multiple recurrences of her symptoms year-round, each lasting 4 to 8 days. Topical treatment with cyclosporine, steroids, and lubrication resolved her symptoms but without complete resolution of signs on examination. CONCLUSIONS: Our patient's clinical signs and symptoms are similar to those described previously in 11 Japanese patients. However, unlike those patients, our patient demonstrates symptomatic response to topical treatment, no seasonal association to her condition, and to date, incomplete resolution of her disease after more than 2 years. This case highlights that Landolt ring-shaped epithelial keratopathy, a novel corneal disease of unclear origin, has relevance outside of the Japanese population.

Eyelid margin disease (blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction): clinical review of evidence-based and emerging treatments.

Blepharitis is a common ophthalmic condition with multiple etiologies and no definitive, universal treatment. The treatment modalities for managing lid margin diseases vary depending on the disease's cause, location, and severity. For anterior blepharitis, management options include eyelid hygiene with warm compresses, eyelid scrubs, baby shampoo, and over-the-counter eyelid cleansers. Topical antibiotics and antibiotic-steroid combination drops/ointments for the eye and eyelid may accompany these. For posterior blepharitis/meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), at-home warm compress or in-office administration of heat therapy/thermal pulsation treatment that aims to clear obstruction in the meibomian glands and restore meibum secretions to maintain a healthy tear film is recommended. In addition to the above treatment strategies, various other compounds to manage lid margin diseases are in the late stages of development. This review summarizes the available treatment modalities or those in the pipeline for treating blepharitis and MGD.

Prospective cohort study investigating frequency and risk factors for acute pain 1 day after refractive surgery.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To examine demographic and clinical factors associated with ocular pain 1 day after refractive surgery. METHODS: Prospective study of individuals undergoing refractive surgery. Participants rated their ocular pain on a 0-10 numerical rating scale (NRS) presurgery and 1 day after surgery. Presurgery, participants completed questionnaires on demographics, comorbidities, medications and dry eye and ocular pain symptoms; and an anaesthetised Schirmer test was performed. Acute ocular pain 1 day after surgery was defined as an NRS score of worst pain since surgery ≥3 and this group was compared with individuals with NRS scores<3. RESULTS: 251 individuals underwent refractive surgery (89% laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, n=222; 11% PRK, n=29). Mean age was 35±8 years (range 19 to 60); 60% (n=150) self-identified as female, 80% (n=203) as White, and 36% (n=89) as Hispanic. Thirteen (5%) individuals reported ocular pain (NRS ≥3) prior to surgery and 67% (n=168) reported ocular pain 1 day after surgery (nine individuals had pain at both time points). Factors that were associated with pain 1 day after surgery included Hispanic ethnicity (adjusted relative risk (aRR) 1.42, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.68, p<0.001) and the presence of eye pain presurgery (aRR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.18, p=0.02). CONCLUSION: A majority of individuals report moderate or greater pain within 24 hours of refractive surgery. Hispanic ethnicity and eye pain prior to surgery were associated with self-reported acute postsurgical pain.

Current state and future perspectives in the diagnosis of eyelid margin disease: clinical review.

The eyelid margin is vital to ocular surface integrity. Much peer-reviewed literature has been established in eyelid margin inflammation, better known as blepharitis. The purpose was to review and understand the impact of eyelid margin disease. Anterior blepharitis causes inflammation at the eyelash base, ciliary follicles, and the palpebral skin. Posterior blepharitis occurs when there is inflammation with the posterior eyelid margin disease. In common usage, the term "blepharitis" used alone almost always refers to anterior blepharitis. Classification of eyelid margin disease should be based on etiopathogenesis, location, primary vs secondary, and chronicity. Blepharitis has several etiopathologies (infectious, inflammatory, and squamous). Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) can refer to the functional and/or structural problems with the meibomian gland. Meibomitis (or meibomianitis) occurs when there is inflammation associated with the MGD. The presence of blepharitis and/or MGD (with or without inflammation) can affect the ocular surface and thereby affect anterior segment and cataract surgeries. This review article evaluates the differential diagnoses of eyelid margin disease, including various forms of blepharitis, MGD, and meibomitis.

Descemet Endothelial Thickness Comparison Trial 1 (DETECT 1): outcome masked, placebo-controlled trial comparing two types of corneal transplant surgeries and effect of rho kinase inhibitors on endothelial cell loss protocol.

BACKGROUND: It remains uncertain which endothelial keratoplasty (EK) technique yields the best outcomes while maintaining safety, particularly in eyes with coexisting ocular conditions. Moreover, the impact of endothelial cell loss (ECL) on long-term graft survival requires further investigation. Adjuvant ripasudil, a rho kinase inhibitor, may address the challenge of ECL in corneal transplantation. This paper presents the protocol for the Descemet Endothelial Thickness Comparison Trial 1 (DETECT 1), a multicentre, outcome-masked, randomised, placebo-controlled, four-arm clinical trial. METHODS: A total of 160 eligible patients with endothelial dysfunction will be enrolled from five participating sites in the USA. The patients will be randomly assigned in a 2×2 factorial design to one of the following treatment groups: group 1-ultrathin Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) plus topical ripasudil 0.4%; group 2-UT-DSAEK plus topical placebo; group 3-Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) plus topical ripasudil 0.4% and group 4-DMEK plus topical placebo. Primary outcomes include the best spectacle-corrected visual acuity at 12 months and ECL at 12 months. Secondary outcomes include visual acuity at different time points, vision-related quality of life, endothelial cell morphology and cost-effectiveness. RESULTS: The study outcomes will be analysed using mixed effects linear regression models, taking into account the treatment arms and relevant covariates. Adverse events, including rebubble procedures, graft failure and graft rejection, will be documented and analysed using appropriate statistical methods. CONCLUSION: DETECT I aims to provide evidence on the comparative effectiveness of UT-DSAEK and DMEK, as well as the potential benefits of adjuvant topical ripasudil in reducing ECL. The results of this trial will contribute to optimising corneal transplantation techniques and improving long-term graft survival, while also exploring the cost-effectiveness of these interventions. Dissemination of findings through peer-reviewed publications and national/international meetings will facilitate knowledge translation and guide clinical practice in the field of corneal transplantation. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: A data and safety monitoring committee (DSMC) has been empaneled by the NEI.All study protocols will be subject to review and approval by WCG IRB as the single IRB of record.This study will comply with the National Institute of Health (NIH) Data Sharing Policy and Policy on the Dissemination of NIH-Funded Clinical Trial Information and the Clinical Trials Registration and Results Information Submission rule. Data from the trial will be made available on reasonable request.

Changes in Corneal Power up to 2 Years After Endothelial Keratoplasty: Results From the Randomized Controlled Descemet Endothelial Thickness Comparison Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare changes in corneal power measurements after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) vs ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK). DESIGN: Post hoc subanalysis of the randomized controlled Descemet Endothelial Thickness Comparison Trial. METHODS: A total of 50 eyes (38 patients) with endothelial dysfunction from Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy or pseudophakic bullous keratopathy were randomized to DMEK or UT-DSAEK 1 to 2 days before surgery. Total corneal refractive power (TCRP) and anterior/posterior simulated keratometry were obtained using Scheimpflug imaging preoperatively (baseline) and postoperatively at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Spectacle refractions were performed at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. SETTING: Hospital centers. RESULTS: The mean hyperopic shift of TCRP from baseline to 12 months was 0.80 ± 1.1 (P = .002) in the DMEK group and 0.69 ± 0.84 (P < .001) in the UT-DSAEK group. Posterior corneal curvature (average K from simulated keratometry) steepened (more negative dioptric power) by 0.42 ± 0.10 (P < .001) in DMEK and 0.54 ± 0.09 (P < .001) in UT-DSAEK. The mean change in TCRP and posterior corneal curvature did not differ between DMEK and UT-DSAEK (TCRP, P = .71; posterior average K from simulated keratometry, P = .36). CONCLUSIONS: Sustained steepening in posterior corneal curvature with loss in total corneal power contributes to hyperopic shifts after endothelial keratoplasty. Changes in corneal measurements do not differ between DMEK and UT-DSAEK. NOTE: Publication of this article is sponsored by the American Ophthalmological Society.

Mediators of Visual Acuity in Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty and Ultrathin Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate mediators of visual acuity in ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) compared with Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). METHODS: This was a prespecified secondary analysis of the Descemet Endothelial Thickness Comparison Trial, a prospective, randomized controlled trial comparing UT-DSAEK with DMEK. Subjects with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy or pseudophakic bullous keratopathy presenting to 2 academic centers were enrolled and randomized to either UT-DSAEK (n = 25 eyes) or DMEK (n = 25 eyes). Higher order aberrations (HOAs) and corneal densitometry were measured with Pentacam Scheimpflug imaging at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS: The posterior corneal surface at the 6.0-mm optical zone had significantly less total HOAs (P <0.001) in the DMEK group compared with UT-DSAEK at 24 months. Anterior and posterior corneal densitometry improved from baseline to 24 months for both UT-DSAEK and DMEK, but there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. Corneal densitometry and posterior HOAs were both associated with best-corrected visual acuity (P <0.05). DMEK had 1.3 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution better visual acuity compared with UT-DSAEK at 24 months. Approximately 64% of this effect was mediated through posterior HOAs, whereas none was mediated through anterior HOAs or densitometry. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased posterior HOAs mediate better visual acuity and account for improved vision after DMEK compared with UT-DSAEK. Corneal light scatter as measured by densitometry is similar between UT-DSAEK and DMEK, indicating that the increased thickness and stromal-stromal interface in UT-DSAEK do not significantly affect visual acuity.

Human MPox (Monkeypox) Virus Membranous Keratoconjunctivitis With Transient Corneal Hypoesthesia and Late Symblepharon Formation: A Novel Case and Clinical Implications.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe a case of corneal involvement as an early manifestation of ocular disease in the 2022 human mpox (monkeypox) virus outbreak. METHODS: This is a single case report with longitudinal care. RESULTS: A 47-year-old immunocompetent man presented with viral conjunctivitis before development of skin lesions or systemic symptoms. Subsequently, he developed membranous keratoconjunctivitis and a corneal epithelial defect. Orthopoxvirus-positive polymerase chain reaction test from his ocular surface was positive. The epithelial defect did not heal with conservative treatment but was successfully treated with amniotic membrane transplantation over 8 days. Reduced corneal sensation was noted after epithelial healing, and polymerase chain reaction from the ocular surface remained positive at 17 days from symptom onset, with slowly recovering conjunctivitis at 21 days. Continued membrane formation required repeated removal but significantly improved with topical corticosteroid treatment after epithelial healing by 29 days of symptom onset. Corneal sensation normalized by 87 days from symptom onset at which time symblepharon were noted but PCR testing from the ocular surface was negative. CONCLUSIONS: Early corneal involvement of human monkeypox virus is possible. Transient corneal hypoesthesia may be due to acute inflammation. Chronic inflammatory changes can result in symblepharon. These findings have potential implications in patient care and corneal donation.

Experimental design considerations for studies of human tear proteins.

PURPOSE: Human tears contain abundant, diverse sets of proteins that may serve as biomarkers of ocular surface health. There is a need for reproducible methods that consider multiple factors influencing the tear proteome, in addition to the variable of interest. Here we examined a workflow for proteomic analysis of tear proteins without the need to pool tear samples from multiple individuals, thus allowing for analyses based on individual factors, and increasing opportunities for protein biomarker discovery. METHODS: Tears were collected by Schirmer strip following topical ocular anesthetic application then individually stored at -80 °C prior to processing for proteomics. Tear proteins were extracted from Schirmer strips, digested using suspension trapping spin columns (S-Trap), and labeled with high multiplicity tandem mass tags (TMT). Peptide digests were then extensively fractionated by two-dimensional chromatography and analyzed by mass spectrometry to identify and measure changes in protein abundance in each sample. Analysis of select samples was performed to test protocols and to compare the impact of clinically relevant parameters. To facilitate comparison of separate TMT experiments, common pool samples were included in each TMT instrument run and internal reference scaling (IRS) was performed. RESULTS: Differences in subsets of tear proteins were noted for: geographic site of tear collection, contact lens use, and differences in tear fluid volume among individuals. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that proteomic analysis of human tear proteins can be performed without the need to pool samples, and that development of analytic workflows must consider factors that may affect outcomes in studies focused on diverse clinical samples.

Detection of Corneal Ectasia Using OCT Maps of Pachymetry and Posterior Surface Mean Curvature.

PURPOSE: To quantify the abnormal corneal thinning and posterior surface steepening that is observed in keratoconus with an Ectasia Index. METHODS: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to image the corneas of normal individuals and patients with varying stages of keratoconus (manifest, subclinical, and forme fruste). Maps of corneal pachymetry and posterior surface mean curvature were generated, and an Ectasia Index was calculated by multiplying Gaussian fits obtained from the two types of maps. Repeated five-fold cross-validation was used to evaluate the ability of the Ectasia Index to differentiate between normal and keratoconic eyes. The classification performance of the Ectasia Index was compared to minimum pachymetry and maximum posterior mean curvature. RESULTS: Thirty-two eyes from 16 normal individuals, 89 eyes from 63 patients with manifest keratoconus, 16 eyes from 15 patients with subclinical keratoconus, and 26 eyes from 26 patients with forme fruste keratoconus were included in the study. During cross-validation, 100% of the eyes with manifest (89 of 89) and subclinical (16 of 16) keratoconus were correctly classified by the Ectasia Index. The average classification accuracy for the forme fruste keratoconus group was 63 ± 21% (16.4 of 26). The specificity for the normal group was 91 ± 10% (29.1 of 32). The Ectasia Index had a higher sensitivity for keratoconus detection and similar specificity in comparison to minimum pachymetry and maximum posterior mean curvature. CONCLUSIONS: The Ectasia Index could be a valuable additional metric for clinicians to consider when screening for keratoconus. [J Refract Surg. 2022;38(8):502-510.].

Cyclodialysis Cleft After Secondary Intraocular Lens Placement With Yamane Technique.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report a rare case of cyclodialysis cleft after secondary intraocular lens (IOL) placement using the Yamane flanged intrascleral haptic fixation technique. METHODS: This study is an observational case report. RESULTS: A 74-year-old man with an ocular history of spontaneously dislocated IOL and subsequent anterior chamber IOL (ACIOL) placement presented with monocular diplopia secondary to ACIOL subluxation. The patient underwent explantation of the subluxed ACIOL and placement of a scleral-fixated IOL using the Yamane technique. The postoperative course was complicated by persistent hypotony, prompting ultrasound biomicroscopy, which revealed a cyclodialysis cleft adjacent to one of the externalized IOL haptics. The haptic was discovered in the involved supraciliary space while performing direct cyclopexy. The cyclodialysis cleft closed with return to physiologic intraocular pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Cyclodialysis cleft formation is a possible complication of scleral IOL fixation and should be suspected in cases of prolonged postoperative hypotony. Extended longitudinal tracking of the needle and haptic through the supraciliary space may be one mechanism for cyclodialysis cleft formation in the Yamane technique.