Ocular parameters associated with visual performance of enhanced monofocal intraocular lens.

BACKGROUND: An enhanced monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) (Tecnis Eyhance ICB00 and Tecnis Eyhance Toric DIU) has been developed to enhance intermediate vision while avoiding the disadvantages of multifocal IOLs. Although many studies have demonstrated the improvement of intermediate visual acuity with enhanced monofocal IOLs, it is not known specifically for which patients these IOLs should be recommended or avoided. In this study, we aim to find out which ocular parameters affect vision performance and photic phenomenon of ICB00 or DIU at different distances. METHODS: Patients who underwent cataract surgery with ICB00 or DIU, performed by a single surgeon, were included. Before surgery, the patients' age, gender, axial length, anterior chamber depth, spherical aberration Z (4,0), vertical coma, horizontal coma, angle kappa (κ), angle alpha (α), and other ocular parameters were investigated. One month after surgery, uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA at 40 cm), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA at 66 cm), uncorrected distance logMAR visual acuity (UDVA), IOL decentration, and quality of vision (QoV) questionnaires were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients (58 eyes) were included. The results of the univariate linear regression analyses showed a negative correlation between spherical aberration and logMAR UNVA and UIVA (p = 0.003, ß=-0.51 and p = 0.018, ß=-0.23, respectively) and a positive correlation between angle α and logMAR UIVA (p = 0.036, ß = 0.19). Deeper anterior chamber depth (ACD) was associated with poorer total QoV (p = 0.018, ß = 14.43), particularly in glare, halo, blur, and fluctuation perception. A higher degree of IOL decentration tended to decrease UNVA and UIVA (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = 0.336 and r = 0.221, respectively); however, no significant effect was observed on UDVA (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: In enhanced monofocal IOLs, a higher level of spherical aberration is associated with better performance in UNVA and UIVA, whereas a larger angle α has a negative impact. A deeper ACD negatively affects the QoV.

Evaluation of the meibomian glands using the tear interferometer wearing orthokeratology lenses.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the impact of orthokeratology wear on meibomian glands in Korean pediatric population using the tear interferometer. METHODS: Fifty-three orthokeratology wearers and 79 non-lens wearers were evaluated using the LipiView® II ocular surface interferometer which shows incomplete blink rate, average lipid layer thickness, and meiboscores. RESULTS: No significant differences in the incomplete blink rate and meiboscores for upper eyelids, but the lipid layer thickness and meiboscores for lower eyelids were significantly higher in the Ortho-K group than in the control group (p = 0.024 and 0.007, respectively). Correlation analysis showed no significant correlation between the duration of orthokeratology wear and the parameters measured by LipiView® (p > 0.05 for all). Among subgroups based on average duration of lens wear, the longer duration (≥ 24 months) subgroup showed higher meiboscores of lower eyelids (p = 0.011), but no other significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Ortho-K wearers showed no significant differences in the incomplete blink rate and meiboscores of upper eyelids, but they were associated with increased LLT and higher meiboscores of lower eyelids. Thorough examination and close monitoring of orthokeratology wearers is necessary. Prospective and observational studies are needed to further elucidate the relationship between Orthokeratology and meibomian glands.

Relationship between meibomian gland loss in infrared meibography and meibum quality in dry eye patients.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, we evaluated the correlation between meibomian gland dropout and meibum quality in the same central 8 meibomian glands of the eyelid. METHODS: Ninety-nine eyes of 91 patients with dry eye were included in the study. Dropout of the 8 central meibomian glands of the eyelids was graded as 0, 1, 2, or 3, according to the dropout area. The meibum quality was graded as follows: grade 0, no secretion; 1, inspissated/toothpaste consistency; 2, cloudy liquid secretion; and 3, clear liquid secretion. For 68 eyes of 68 patients, correlation analysis between dropout and meibum quality was performed. To precisely analyze the direct correlation between meibomian gland dropout in meibography and meibum quality, we evaluated 31 eyes of 23 patients with focal dropout in meibography. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) meiboscore was 1.0 (2.0) in the upper eyelids and 0.0 (1.0) in the lower eyelids. The median (interquartile range) meibum quality grade was 3.0 (1.0) in the upper eyelids and 1.0 (1.0) in the lower eyelids. No significant correlation between the meiboscore and meibum quality grade was detected in the upper (p =0.746) or lower (p =0.551) eyelids. Analysis of the direct correlation between meibomian gland dropout in meibography and meibum quality in patients with focal dropout (loss of 1 or 2 adjacent meibomian glands), however, indicated that meibomian glands with dropout secreted little to no meibum. CONCLUSIONS: Overall analysis revealed no relationship between meibomian gland dropout and meibum quality, but more detailed investigation of each meibomian gland alone revealed that meibomian glands with dropout secrete little to no meibum.

Effect of mesenchymal stromal cells encapsulated within polyethylene glycol-collagen hydrogels formed in situ on alkali-burned corneas in an ex vivo organ culture model.

BACKGROUND AIMS: Corneal inflammation after alkali burns often results in vision loss due to corneal opacification and neovascularization. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their secreted factors (secretome) have been studied for their anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties with encouraging results. However, topical instillation of MSCs or their secretome is often accompanied by issues related to delivery or rapid washout. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and collagen are well-known biomaterials used extensively in scaffolds for tissue engineering. To effectively suppress alkaline burn-induced corneal injury, the authors proposed encapsulating MSCs within collagen gels cross-linked with multi-functional PEG-succinimidyl esters as a means to deliver the secretome of immobilized MSCs. METHODS: Human MSCs were added to a neutralized collagen solution and mixed with a solution of four-arm PEG-N-hydroxysuccinimide. An ex vivo organ culture was conducted using rabbit corneas injured by alkali burn. MSCs were encapsulated within PEG-collagen hydrogels and injected onto the wounded cornea immediately following alkali burn and washing. Photographs of the ocular surface were taken over a period of 7 days after the alkali burn and processed for immunohistochemical evaluation. Samples were split into three groups: injury without treatment, MSCs alone, and MSCs encapsulated within PEG-collagen hydrogels. RESULTS: All corneas in ex vivo organ culture lost their transparency immediately after alkali burn, and only the groups treated with MSCs and MSCs encapsulated within PEG-collagen hydrogels recovered some transparency after 7 days. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased expression of vimentin in the anterior corneal stroma of the group without treatment indicative of fibrotic healing, whereas less stromal vimentin was detected in the group containing MSCs encapsulated within the PEG-collagen hydrogels. CONCLUSIONS: PEG-collagen hydrogels enable the encapsulation of viable MSCs capable of releasing secreted factors onto the ocular surface. Encapsulating MSCs within PEG-collagen hydrogels may be a promising method for delivering their therapeutic benefits in cases of ocular inflammatory diseases, such as alkali burn injuries.

Development of a novel multifocal lens using a polarization directed flat lens: possible candidate for a multifocal intraocular lens.

BACKGROUND: A polarization-directed flat (PDF) lens acts as a converging lens with a focal length (f) > 0 and a diverging lens with f < 0, depending on the polarization state of the incidental light. To produce a multifocal lens with two focal lengths, a PDF and a converging lens having shorter focal length were combined. In this study, we tested a bifocal PDF to determine its potential as a new multifocal intraocular lens (IOL). METHODS: Constructed a multifocal lens with a PDF lens (f = +/- 100 mm) and a converging lens (f = + 25 mm). In an optical bench test, we measured the defocus curve to test the multifocal function. The multifocal function and optical quality of the lens in various situations were tested. An Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart as a near target and a building as a distant target were photographed using a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. Both lenses (multifocal and monofocal) were tested under the same conditions. RESULTS: For the 0 D and - 20 D focal points, the multifocal lens showed sharp images in the optical bench test. In the DSLR test using the multifocal lens, the building appeared slightly blurry compared with the results using the monofocal lens. With the multifocal lens, the ETDRS chart's images became blurry as the ETDRS chart's distance decreased, but became very clear again at a certain position. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed the multifocal function of the multifocal lens using a PDF lens. This lens can be used as a multifocal IOL in the future.

Quantification of Blood Flow Velocity in the Human Conjunctival Microvessels Using Deep Learning-Based Stabilization Algorithm.

The quantification of blood flow velocity in the human conjunctiva is clinically essential for assessing microvascular hemodynamics. Since the conjunctival microvessel is imaged in several seconds, eye motion during image acquisition causes motion artifacts limiting the accuracy of image segmentation performance and measurement of the blood flow velocity. In this paper, we introduce a novel customized optical imaging system for human conjunctiva with deep learning-based segmentation and motion correction. The image segmentation process is performed by the Attention-UNet structure to achieve high-performance segmentation results in conjunctiva images with motion blur. Motion correction processes with two steps-registration and template matching-are used to correct for large displacements and fine movements. The image displacement values decrease to 4-7 µm during registration (first step) and less than 1 µm during template matching (second step). With the corrected images, the blood flow velocity is calculated for selected vessels considering temporal signal variances and vessel lengths. These methods for resolving motion artifacts contribute insights into studies quantifying the hemodynamics of the conjunctiva, as well as other tissues.

How does the world appear to patients with multifocal intraocular lenses?: a mobile model eye experiment.

BACKGROUND: To show how the world appear to patients with multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) using a novel mobile model eye. METHODS: The mobile model eye was composed of an artificial cornea, IOL, IOL chamber, and a camera. A monofocal IOL (Tecnis monofocal IOL) and two diffractive multifocal IOL (ReSTOR, Tecnis multifocal IOL) were used in the study. We went outside to take a picture of the scenery. At night, we stood on a road and took pictures to see how the traffic lights and headlights of cars looked. For an indoor analysis, we approached the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart to the model eye from a distance of 95 cm to check the multifocal function of the lenses. In the car, we took pictures of the street and a cell phone in turn to check the multifocal function of the lenses. RESULTS: Two multifocal IOLs showed definite multifocal function. Far objects appeared either similarly clear or slightly hazier (depending on the IOL model) than those with the monofocal IOL. In the night vision, there was a mild or severe halo around light sources compared to those with the monofocal IOL. CONCLUSION: We believe that this mobile model eye can be used to evaluate how the real world appear to a patient with a multifocal IOL, to explain multifocal function of the IOLs, and possible complications in the patients, before performing a surgery.

Association between pterygium, sun exposure, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin in a nationally representative sample of Korean adults.

PURPOSE: Ultraviolet-B (UVB) light exposure is the major risk factor for developing a pterygium, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level is an objective measure of UVB light exposure. In this study, we investigated the association between pterygium, sun exposure, and serum 25(OH)D. METHODS: This population-based, cross-sectional study comprised 12,258 adults (aged ≥19 years) participating in the fifth annual Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2010 to 2012. The enrolled subjects underwent interviews, clinical examinations, and laboratory investigations. The serum 25(OH)D levels were measured, and pterygium was examined by using a slit lamp. We used three adjusted logistic regression models and selected covariates as potential confounders. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of pterygium was 7.09, and 53.1% of these subjects were women. The prevalence of pterygium was higher in elderly subjects and those who lived at low latitudes. In multivariate analysis with adjustment for confounding factors, subjects with a serum 25(OH)D level > 30 ng/mL, 25-30 ng/mL, and 15-20 ng/mL had an odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of 1.565 (1.035-2.366), 1.545 (1.086-2.198), 1.8 (1.358-2.386), and 1.535 (1.216-1.938), respectively, compared to those with a serum 25(OH)D level < 15 ng/mL. Subjects with a daily sun exposure > 5 h had an OR (95% CI) of 1.761 (1.395-2.223) compared to subjects with a daily sun exposure < 2 h. CONCLUSION: The present study provides epidemiological evidence of an association of daily sun exposure and serum 25(OH)D levels with pterygium in a representative Korean population.

Changes of meibomian glands in the early stage of post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the most effective cure for hematologic malignancies. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major complication following allogeneic HSCT, which significantly affects non-relapse mortality. And ocular manifestations of GVHD are known to occurin 60-90% of patients with chronic GVHD. Although the pathogenesis of ocular GVHD is not clearly known, it is known to progress into inflammation and fibrosis through presentation of antigens on CD4 and CD8 T cells. There is much evidence that the ocular surface and meibomian glands are severely damaged in ocular GVHD patients, and there are few observational studies on the early changes. In this review, we will discuss the various changes in the meibomian glands and ocular surface, and tear dynamics in the early stage following HSCT. These results show that tear film break-up time (TFBUT) decreased and the corneal staining score was significantly higher 2-3 months after HSCT. The upper eyelid and total eyelid meiboscore increased after 3 months following HSCT. The information of the early changes of meibomian glands morphology would be helpful to further examine the pathogenesis of meibomian gland dysfunction.

Morphological evaluation for diagnosis of dry eye related to meibomian gland dysfunction.

The evaluation of morphological changes of the acini in the meibomian glands is important for the diagnosis and management of dry eye related to meibomian gland dysfunction. While several tools have been developed to detect meibomian gland structure, infrared imaging is generally used in clinical settings. Unlike the lipid component analysis of tear film in which quantitative analysis is possible, the meibomian glands are limited to qualitative analysis because of the low image quality of the diagnostic tools. This review describes diagnostic tools, especially in terms of morphological evaluation of the acini, which are visualized by the existence of lipid within them.

POSTERIOR EYE SEGMENT COMPLICATIONS RELATED TO ALLOGENEIC HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION.

PURPOSE: To identify complications in the posterior eye segment in patients who have undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study enrolled 747 patients with hematologic disease who had undergone allogeneic HSCT at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital from January 2009 to December 2012. The posterior eye segment complications were evaluated by reviewing information in medical records at the Department of Hematology and Ophthalmology, including the types, onset times, locations, and resolution times of the complications according to the treatment periods for HSCT; in addition, a subgroup analysis was performed. RESULTS: Among the 635 included patients, 48 (7.6%) experienced complications related to HSCT in the posterior eye segment. Twenty patients were diagnosed with retinal hemorrhage, 16 with cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, and 5 with uveitis. Six patients (37.5%) with retinal hemorrhage had a lesion in Zone 1 and took more time to recover from this complication. Retinal tear (1/16, 6.3%) and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (2/16, 12.5%) were observed in the patients with CMV retinitis. Among the 20 patients with retinal hemorrhage, 18 (90.0%) had thrombocytopenia, 14 (70.0%) had pancytopenia, and 7 (35.0%) had profound cytopenia. Cytomegalovirus viremia was detected in 16 (72.7%) of the 22 patients with inflammation-associated complications. CONCLUSION: Understanding of each patient's general condition, which is affected by the specific procedures used for HSCT, is important for the diagnosis and management of transplantation-related complications in the posterior eye segment.

Clinical Features of Infectious Keratitis Caused by Propionibacterium Acnes.

PURPOSE: Propionibacterium acnes is a commensal bacteria whose pathogenicity in infectious keratitis is unclear. In this study, we report infectious keratitis cultured with P. acnes and evaluate its clinical characteristics. METHODS: All cases of infectious keratitis submitted to the microbiology laboratory of St. Mary's Hospital of Seoul between January 2013 and April 2014 were reviewed. Nonpretreated cases that were positive for P. acnes were identified, and clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes were studied. RESULTS: Of 132 cultures submitted to the microbiology laboratory, 89 (67.4%) were positive for growth, and a total of 16 (17.9%) of the 89 cases yielded P. acnes in culture medium. Infectious keratitis that was positive for P. acnes was generally small (62.5%) with deep stromal infiltration (81.25%) and a peripheral location (56.25%). The average incubation period was 11.06±5.76 days, and the average time to reepithelialization was 23.50+13.52 days. All the cases of P. acnes evaluated in this report responded well to medical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Infectious keratitis with P. acnes is not uncommon and can be confused with other Gram-positive cocci. Thus, P. acnes should be suspected in small-sized keratitis with an unusually long incubation period.

The Influence of Overnight Orthokeratology on Ocular Surface and Meibomian Glands in Children and Adolescents.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of overnight orthokeratology (OOK) on ocular surface and meibomian glands in children and adolescents. METHODS: Prospective, noncomparative study included the ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear osmolarity, corneal and conjunctival fluorescein staining, tear film breakup time (TBUT), the Schirmer I test, and meiboscore using noncontact meibography. Immunofluorescence confocal microscopy of interleukin-1ß (IL1ß), interleukin-6 (IL6), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 using impression cytology filter paper was performed. The tests were performed before and at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after OOK wear. RESULTS: Fifty-eight subjects using OOK were observed. Significant increases in OSDI score (P=0.0009) and corneal and conjunctival staining score (P<0.0001) were observed compared with baseline values at 36 and 24 months, respectively. Ocular surface and meibomian changes were noted in 2 patients (3.5%). One patient exhibited an increase in OSDI score, concurrent with a decrease in TBUT at 36 months and minor loss of the meibomian gland at the distal portion of the lower lid at 24 months. The other patients exhibited the development of papillary hypertrophy and meibomian gland distortion at 24 months. No significant changes were detected in IL1ß, IL6, EGF, or MMP expression after OOK use. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings, OOK was a relatively safe modality. However, given the potential changes in the meibomian gland and tear film stability, special attention must be paid to children with baseline meibomian gland distortions or a history of allergic conditions.

Wakayama symposium: interface between innate and adaptive immunity in dry eye disease.

Although the mechanism of dry eye disease is not clearly understood, it is certain that inflammation and the immune response play a major role in determining the health of the ocular surface in dry eye patients. Accurate ocular surface characterization during the early stages of dry eye disease is critical for successful treatment, because there exists no single standard, objective test to diagnose the early phase of dry eye disease. The treatment target should be direct to prevent the perpetuation of chronic inflammation and immune responses. Numerous studies have categorized dry eye disease as an autoimmune-related inflammatory disease. However, relatively little is known about how innate immune mechanisms act following a local insult, why some patients are particularly vulnerable, and why local inflammation fails to resolve in these patients. Within this review, particular attention will be given to the very early events and corresponding defense mechanism in dry eye disease. The transition from innate to adaptive immunity will also be discussed.

Ex vivo human corneal epithelial cell expansion from a xeno-feeder-free system.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to establish a simple, xeno-feeder-free method for cultivating human corneal epithelial cells. METHODS: Limbal tissue explants from a cadaver were cultured in Iscove's modified Dulbecco's medium and low-calcium Panserin 801 medium in a 1:1 ratio. The outgrowing cells were characterized by flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR (rtPCR). Limbal epithelial cells were expanded in a xeno-feeder-free, low-calcium medium and airlifted for 2 weeks each. RESULTS: Migration of fibroblast-like stromal cells initially occurred from the limbal explants, and then epithelial cells migrated and grew on the stromal cells as an autofeeder layer. After airlifting, the cultured epithelium consisted of two to three layers. The cultured cells expressed stem cell-associated markers (ABCG2 and ΔNp63), differentiation markers (CK3 and CK12) and extracellular matrix-associated markers (lumican and decorin). rtPCR showed increased expression of markers for epithelial progenitor cells compared to fresh limbal tissue. Side population cells comprised 0.43 ± 0.04% of the cells (n = 5) in the primary culture. Flow cytometry showed that 49.12, 40.44 and 44.55% of the cells from the explants expressed E-cadherin, ΔNp63 and ABCG2, respectively. CONCLUSION: This explant culture system using stromal cells as an autofeeder layer was useful in expanding human corneal epithelial cells. This system may offer clinical insight for the expansion of limbal progenitor cells for the reconstruction of the ocular surface.

Relation between change of effective lens position and toric IOL rotation after toric IOL implantation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between change of effective lens position (ELP) and toric intraocular lens (IOL) rotation in patients with increasing postoperative refractive astigmatism after successful toric IOL implantation. METHODS: The subjects include 61 people (61 eyes) with increasing residual astigmatism >0.5 D 3 months after successful toric IOL implantation. Clinical measurements included preoperative, 1-week, and 1-, 2-, and 3-month postoperative visual acuity; refraction; keratometer; anterior and posterior corneal astigmatism; ELP by Scheimpflug camera imaging; and IOL axis by slit-lamp biomicroscopic photograph with pupil dilation. RESULTS: Residual astigmatism in postoperative month 3 (0.81 ± 0.50 D) is higher than that at postoperative week 1 (0.41 ± 0.38 D; p < 0.05). ELP decreased by 264.44 ± 163.25 µm, and the IOL rotated by 2.91 ± 1.44 degrees from week 1 to month 3 (p < 0.05). The ELP change had a positive correlation with IOL rotation (R2 = 0.383; p = 0.006), and the postoperative refractive astigmatic change had a positive correlation with ELP change (R2 = 0.272; p = 0.027) and IOL rotation (R2 = 0.272; p = 0.0001) from week 1 to month 3. CONCLUSION: ELP change can influence toric IOL rotation and increase residual astigmatism after toric IOL implantation.

The combined effect of epidermal growth factor and keratinocyte growth factor delivered by hyaluronic acid hydrogel on corneal wound healing.

This study strategically incorporates epidermal growth factor (EGF) and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) within a hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel to enhance corneal wound healing. The controlled release of EGF and KGF from the HA hydrogel is engineered to promote the regeneration of both the epithelial and stromal layers. Specifically, EGF plays a pivotal role in the regeneration of the epithelial layer, while KGF exhibits efficacy in the regeneration of the stromal layer. The combination of these growth factors facilitates efficient regeneration of each layer and demonstrates the capability to modulate each other's regenerative effects. The interplay between EGF and KGF provides an understanding of their cooperative influence on the dynamics of corneal wound healing. The results of this study contribute to the development of advanced strategies for corneal wound management and offer insights into the complex process of corneal regeneration.

Current status of contact lenses usage in Korea: A population-based cohort study 2021.

PURPOSE: To investigate trends in contact lens usage in a nationally representative sample of the Korean population in 2021. METHODS: For this retrospective study, we analyzed data of 3,601 Korean participants aged 10-59 years, from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES 2021 version), who underwent eye examination, of whom 1,136 individuals (274 men and 862 women) were contact lens users. The demographic trend among Korean contact lens wearers was examined using statistical analyses to investigate the changes in their contact lens-wearing experience, duration of lens use, type of lens used, location of purchase, presence of an Eye Care Practitioner(ECP)'s prescription, lens-related ophthalmic complications, and type of lenses worn at the time of complications, according to sex. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association of each variable with the rate of complications and use of soft lenses. RESULTS: The average age of the contact lens users was 33.42±0.33 years, with 70.36% (weighted percentage) of users being women who used contact lenses for significantly longer periods than men (p<0.001). Additionally, only wearing of cosmetic lenses was significantly correlated with the occurrence of complications (p = 0.006), and 6.76% of users purchased lenses without a prescription. Multivariate analysis among the contact lens users revealed a significant relationship between the complication rate and female sex (p = 0.002), pre-existing eye disease diagnosed by ECPs (p = 0.0288), and duration of contact lens use (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: We identified sex differences in contact lens usage trends in Korea. The main changes observed were an increase in middle-aged lens users and a decrease in female users compared to that in the early 2000s. In addition, contact lens complications were significantly associated with sex and pre-existing eye disease. Therefore, those wearing contact lenses for extended periods should exercise caution and consult eye care specialists in the presence of any symptoms.

Retrospective Analysis of a New Intrastromal Dissection Technique Using the Retinal Reflex for Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe a new surgical technique for deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty. METHODS: All pupils in the recipient eyes were dilated preoperatively. Vertical grooving was performed using a crescent blade with a width of 5 mm and a depth of one-third to half corneal thickness on the temporal side of the limbus. Stromal dissection was performed as close as possible to Descemet membrane by observing the gap between the gold line by retinal reflex and the front edge of the crescent blade. Lamellar dissection was performed along the lamellar plane using corneal dissectors. The ophthalmic viscoelastic device was injected into the intrastromal pocket to separate the anterior and posterior stroma and an anterior corneal lamella was excised. A donor cornea was sutured into the recipient bed. RESULTS: In 18 eyes, none of the patients had Descemet membrane rupture during surgery. The mean postoperative residual stromal thickness was 80 ± 31 µm. The mean central corneal thickness after surgery was 660 ± 69 µm. At the last follow-up, the cornea was cleared in all 18 eyes on slit-lamp examination. CONCLUSIONS: We estimated the residual stromal thickness based on the gap between the gold line by the retinal reflex and crescent blade, and intrastromal lamellar dissection was performed using a smooth corneal dissector. Consequently, the surface of stromal dissection was smooth, and the residual stromal thickness was even.

In Vivo Human Lacrimal Gland Imaging Using an Ultrasound Biomicroscopy.

PURPOSE: In the present study, we introduce human lacrimal gland imaging using an ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) with a soft cover and show their findings. METHODS: The representative UBM findings of palpebral lobes in seven subjects (four with non-Sjögren dry eye syndrome, one with Sjögren syndrome, and two healthy subjects) were described in this study. To prolapse the palpebral lobe, the examiner pulled the temporal part of the upper eyelid in the superotemporal direction and directed the subject to look in the inferonasal direction. We scanned the palpebral lobes longitudinally and transversely using UBM. We used an Aviso UBM with a 50 MHz linear probe and ClearScan. RESULTS: In UBM of two healthy subjects, the echogenicity of the lacrimal gland was lower than that of the sclera and homogeneous. But the parenchyma of a patient with Sjögren dry eye syndrome was quite inhomogeneous compared to the healthy subjects. In two patients with dry eye syndrome, we were able to observe some lobules in the parenchyma. We could find excretory ducts running parallel at the surface of the longitudinal section in some subjects. In the longitudinal UBM scan of a subject, we observed a tubular structure at a depth of 1,500 µm that was considered a blood vessel. It ran from the superonasal to the inferotemporal direction. In a subject, we observed a large cyst beneath the conjunctiva. CONCLUSIONS: Lacrimal gland imaging using UBM has both advantages of optical coherence tomography and sonography, and could be useful for evaluating dry eye syndrome.