A Systematic Review of Potential Therapeutic Use of Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides in Disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides in the treatment and/or prevention of diseases of different etiologies and systems. METHODS: We performed an Entrez PubMed literature search using keywords "lycium", "barbarum", "polysaccharides", "anti-fibrotic", "anti-apoptotic", "anti-oxidizing", "anti-aging", "neuroprotection", "metabolism", "diabetes", "hyperlipidemia", "neuroprotection", and "immunomodulation" on the 14th of August 2018, resulting in 207 papers, of which 20 were chosen after filtering for 'English language' and 'published within 10 years' as well as curation for relevance by the authors. RESULTS: The 20 selected papers included 2 randomized control trials (1 double-blinded RCT and 1 double-blinded placebo-controlled RCT), 11 in vivo studies, 5 in vitro studies, 1 study with both in vivo and in vitro results, and 1 chemical study. There is good evidence from existing studies on the antifibrotic, antioxidizing, neuroprotective, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides. However, there is a need for further studies in the form of large-scale clinical trials to support its use in humans. There is also significant potential for LBP as a safe and effective topical treatment in ocular surface diseases, owing to promising in vitro results and a lack of demonstrated toxic effects to corneal epithelial cells. CONCLUSION: Results from existing studies suggest that LBP is a promising therapeutic agent, particularly in the management of liver disease, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. One major limitation of current research is a lack of standardization and quality control for the LBP used. The availability of research-grade LBP will inevitably promote future research in this field worldwide.

Delay of cone degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa using a 12-month treatment with Lycium barbarum supplement.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lycium barbarum L. (also known as "Goji berry"), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been a common herb in the traditional Chinese pharmacopoeia for centuries. The main active component is the Lycium barbarum polysaccharides and its antioxidative effect has been widely shown to provide neuroprotection to the eye, and it would, therefore, be interesting to determine if Lycium barbarum help delay vision deterioration in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. AIM OF THE STUDY: Cone rescue is a potential method for delaying deterioration of visual function in Retinitis pigmentosa (RP). This study aimed to investigate the treatment effect of Lycium barbarum L. (LB) supplement on retinal functions and structure in RP patients after a 12-month intervention trial. METHODS: The investigation was a double-masked and placebo-controlled clinical study. Each of forty-two RP subjects who completed the 12-month intervention (23 and 19 in the treatment and placebo groups respectively) received a daily supply of LB or placebo granules for oral administration. The primary outcome was change of best corrected visual acuity (VA) (90% and 10% contrast) from the baseline to the end of treatment. The secondary outcomes were sensitivity changes of the central visual field, amplitude of full-field electroretinogram (ffERG) (including scotopic maximal response and photopic cone response), and average macular thickness. RESULTS: The compliance rates for both groups exceeded 80%. There were no deteriorations of either 90% or 10% contrast VA in the LB group compared with the placebo group (p = 0.001). A thinning of macular layer was observed in the placebo group, which was not observed in the LB group (p = 0.008). However, no significant differences were found in the sensitivity of visual field or in any parameters of ffERG between the two groups. No significant adverse effects were reported in the treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: LB supplement provides a neuroprotective effect for the retina and could help delay or minimize cone degeneration in RP. CLASSIFICATIONS: Clinical Studies (1.05). TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT02244996.

Management of Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma.

Primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) is a progressive optic nerve degeneration and is defined as a glaucomatous optic neuropathy with associated characteristic enlargement of optic disc cupping and visual field loss that is secondary to ocular hypertension caused by closure of the drainage angle. Angle closure is caused by appositional approximation or adhesion between the iris and the trabecular meshwork. The main treatment strategy for PACG lies in the reduction of intraocular pressure, reopening of the closed angle, and possible prevention of further angle closure. There is no universally agreed best surgical treatment for PACG. Trabeculectomy, goniosynechialysis (GSL), glaucoma implant, and cyclodestructive procedures are effective surgical options. Each of them plays an important role in the management of PACG with its own pros and cons. Accumulating evidence is available to show the effectiveness of visually significant and visually nonsignificant cataract extraction in the treatment of PACG. Trabeculectomy and GSL are often combined with cataract extraction, which may offer additional pressure control benefits to patients with PACG. This review article will discuss laser peripheral iridotomy, argon laser peripheral iridoplasty, and surgeries such as GSL, phacoemulsification, and phaco plus glaucoma surgeries that lower intraocular pressure and also alter the anterior segment and/or drainage angle anatomy. Currently, glaucoma implants and cyclodestruction are mainly reserved for PACG patients who have failed previous filtering operations. Their role as initial surgical treatment for PACG will not be discussed.

ExPRESS Mini-Shunt as a Treatment Alternative for Medically Uncontrolled Steroid-Induced Glaucoma in a Pediatric Patient.

This case report illustrates the use of ExPRESS mini-shunt in a pediatric glaucoma patient. We describe the management of steroid-induced glaucoma with ExPRESS mini-shunt in a 9-year-old boy with allergic keratoconjunctivitis. The intraocular pressure of both of his eyes was uncontrolled with medical and laser treatment. Both eyes were treated with ExPRESS mini-shunt and mitomycin-C. Transient overfiltration with postoperative hypotony occurred in both eyes and resolved after 2 weeks. One year postoperatively, intraocular pressure was maintained below 21 mm Hg without medication in 1 eye. Bleb needling with mitomycin-C was done to maintain filtration. The fellow eye received cataract extraction but developed bleb failure a few months afterwards. The intraocular pressure was controlled medically. To conclude, ExPRESS mini-shunt is a new surgical option in selected patients. Bleb failure developed after cataract extraction. Postoperative inflammation should be minimized. Patient selection, such as those with stable ocular condition, is important to increase surgical success.

Detection of Glaucoma and Its Association With Diabetic Retinopathy in a Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Program.

PURPOSE: To determine the type of glaucoma in subjects with diabetes mellitus detected during a diabetic retinopathy screening program and to determine any association between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and glaucoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a population-based prospective cross-sectional study, in which subjects with diabetes mellitus underwent screening for DR in a primary care outpatient clinic. Digital fundus photographs were taken and graded for presence/absence and severity of DR. During this grading, those fundus photographs showing increased cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) (≥0.6) were identified and these patients were referred to the specialist ophthalmology clinic for detailed examination. The presence of glaucoma was established based on CDR and abnormal visual field (VF) defects according to Hodapp-Parrish-Anderson's criteria. An elevation of intraocular pressure was not required for the diagnosis of glaucoma. The patients said to have definite glaucoma were those with vertical CDR>/=0.6, glaucomatous defects on VF examination, or retinal nerve fiber thinning if VF was unreliable. RESULTS: Of the 2182 subjects who underwent screening, 81 subjects (3.7%) had increased CDR and 40 subjects (1.8%) had confirmed glaucoma. Normal-tension variant of primary open-angle glaucoma was the most prevalent type (1.2%) We did not find any evidence that DR is a risk factor for glaucoma [odds ratio for DR vs. no DR=1.22 (95% confidence interval, 0.59-2.51)]. CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of glaucoma in this diabetic population, based on finding increased cupping of optic disc in a teleretinal screening program was 1.8% (95% confidence interval, 1.0-3.0).

The role of electrical stimulation therapy in ophthalmic diseases.

INTRODUCTION: Electrical stimulation therapy (EST) involves the use of a low-intensity electrical current in the treatment of neuromuscular conditions. During the recent two decades, EST has emerged as a potential neuroprotective strategy in certain ophthalmic diseases, aided by a lack of effective management for these conditions. PURPOSE: The aim of this review is to summarize and discuss current available evidence for the use of EST in ophthalmic diseases in the laboratory setting and in human trials. METHODS: The compilation and review of published English-language reports on the use of EST in human ophthalmic disease and animal models of ophthalmic disease. RESULTS: From published reports, research work on the use of EST in ophthalmic diseases began in the last 20 years. Different methods of electrical stimulation have been devised, with varying levels of invasiveness. Results from human trials have favored earlier and repeated treatment after insults to the optic nerve, while EST has shown transient effectiveness in degenerative diseases of photoreceptors. Patients also reported no serious adverse effects from EST in the clinical trials. Results from animal studies have further confirmed survival benefits of EST in retinal cell survival, with the underlying mechanism likely multifactorial, but involving Müller cell modulation. CONCLUSIONS: Results from human and animal studies have demonstrated the relevance and potential effectiveness of EST in ophthalmic disease. However, optimal disease and species-specific stimulation settings need to be defined.

Visual sensation during phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation using topical and regional anesthesia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate patients' visual sensations at different stages of phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) implantation under topical and regional anesthesia. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, United Christian Hospital and Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China. METHODS: Seventy-six consecutive patients having phacoemulsification were randomized to a topical anesthesia group (n = 35) or regional anesthesia group (n = 41). The topical anesthesia group received lidocaine hydrochloride 2% gel (Xylocaine) and the regional anesthesia group, a peribulbar or retrobulbar injection of lignocaine 2%. The patients' visual sensations, including light and color sensations, shape of objects, and visual patterns, were evaluated at different stages of surgery. RESULTS: Two patients (4.9%) in the regional anesthesia group and none in the topical anesthesia group experienced total loss of light sensation throughout surgery (P =.50). There was a significant association between color perception and the type of anesthesia at stages 1 and 2 (P<.05) but not at stages 3, 4, and 5 (P>.05). The perception of objects and visual patterns had no association with the type of anesthesia at any stage (P>.05). Of all patients in the study, 56 (73.7%) reported color changes as surgery proceeded. Both groups saw waves, defined as curves with periodic fluctuations in amplitude, at all stages. The perception of some colors and a rectangular moving object was significantly associated with the type of anesthesia at some or all stages (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients having phacoemulsification and PC IOL implantation under topical or regional anesthesia had a wide spectrum of visual sensations that were similar at most stages of surgery. Patients in the topical anesthesia group perceived more colors at the early stages and more blue throughout surgery than patients in the regional anesthesia group.

Nausea and vomiting after phacoemulsification using topical or retrobulbar anesthesia.

PURPOSE: To determine and compare the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients having phacoemulsification under topical or retrobulbar anesthesia. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong, China. METHODS: In this prospective randomized clinical trial, patients scheduled for routine phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation under local anesthesia without sedation were randomized to receive topical anesthesia or retrobulbar anesthesia. One hundred seven eyes of 107 Chinese patients were included. There were 49 patients and 58 patients of similar age and sex distribution in the retrobulbar group and topical group, respectively. Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), the need for an antiemetic, and intraocular pressure (IOP) were recorded 1 day after surgery. Also recorded were the patient's preexisting risk factors for PONV (if any), fasting time, duration of surgery, and intraoperative complications or need for supplementary anesthesia or analgesia. RESULTS: The overall incidence of PONV in the entire study group was 3.7% (4 patients). No statistically significant differences in PONV were found between the 2 anesthesia techniques, although 6.1% (3 of 49) in the topical group had nausea compared with 1.7% (1 of 58) in the retrobulbar group. No significant differences were found in the fasting time, duration of surgery, or postoperative IOP between patients who had PONV and those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: Topical and retrobulbar anesthesia were associated with a low incidence of PONV in routine phacoemulsification. There were no statistically significant differences in PONV between the 2 anesthesia techniques. No significant correlation was found between the incidence of PONV and the duration of surgery, presence of complications, fasting time, postoperative IOP, or history of PONV or motion sickness.

Intracameral lidocaine in trabeculectomy. A preliminary safety and efficacy study.

PURPOSE: To study the safety and efficacy of intracameral lidocaine as anaesthesia in trabeculectomy for primary open-angle glaucoma. METHODS: Trabeculectomy under intracameral anaesthesia using 1% preservative-free lidocaine was performed in 10 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Intraoperative pain score, postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) and endothelial cell count at 3 months were recorded. RESULTS: The mean pain score was 1.70 +/- 1.34. The mean IOP was lowered from 24.60 +/- 8.28 mmHg preoperatively to 14.1 +/- 3.11 mm Hg postoperatively. There was no significant decrease in the mean endothelial cell count 3 months after the surgery (P = 0.375). CONCLUSION: Intracameral lidocaine may be a safe and effective alternative anaesthesia method in trabeculectomy for uncomplicated primary open-angle glaucoma.

Argon laser peripheral iridoplasty versus conventional systemic medical therapy in treatment of acute primary angle-closure glaucoma : a prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To study whether argon laser peripheral iridoplasty (ALPI) is as effective and safe as conventional systemic medications in treatment of acute primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) when immediate laser peripheral iridotomy is neither possible nor safe. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-three eyes of 64 consecutive patients with their first presentation of acute PACG, with intraocular pressure (IOP) levels of 40 mmHg or more, were recruited into the study. INTERVENTION: The acute PACG eye of each consenting patient received topical pilocarpine (4%) and topical timolol (0.5%). The patients were then randomized into one of two treatment groups. The ALPI group received immediate ALPI under topical anesthesia. The medical treatment group was given 500 mg of intravenous acetazolamide, followed by oral acetazolamide 250 mg four times daily, and an oral potassium supplement until IOP levels normalized. Intravenous mannitol also was administered to the latter group if the presenting IOP was higher than 60 mmHg. The acute PACG eye of both groups continued to receive topical pilocarpine (1%) until peripheral iridotomy could be performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraocular pressure profile, corneal clarity, symptoms, visual acuity, angle status by indentation gonioscopy, and complications of treatment. RESULTS: Thirty-three acute PACG eyes of 32 patients were randomized to receive immediate ALPI, whereas 40 acute PACG eyes of 32 patients had conventional systemic medical therapy. Both treatment groups were matched for age, duration of attack, and IOP at presentation. The ALPI-treated group had lower IOP levels than the medically treated group at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 1 hour after the start of treatment. The differences were statistically significant. The difference in IOP levels became statistically insignificant from 2 hours onward. The duration of attack did not affect the efficacy of ALPI in reducing IOP in acute PACG. No serious laser complications occurred, at least in the early postlaser period. CONCLUSIONS: Argon laser peripheral iridoplasty significantly is more effective than conventional systemic medications in reducing IOP levels in acute PACG in eyes not suitable for immediate laser peripheral iridotomy within the first 2 hours from the initiation of treatment. Argon laser peripheral iridoplasty is a safe and more effective alternative to conventional systemic medications in the management of acute PACG not amenable to immediate laser peripheral iridotomy.

Topical anesthesia in phacotrabeculectomy.

PURPOSE: To study the safety and efficacy of topical anesthesia alone, without systemic sedation, in phacotrabeculectomy for cataract and primary open-angle glaucoma. METHODS: In this prospective study, topical anesthesia with 2% lidocaine hydrochloride jelly without systemic sedation was used for combined phacoemulsification, posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation, and trabeculectomy in consecutive patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and concurrent cataract at the United Christian Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong, from September 2000 to May 2001. Visual analog pain score and change in vital signs were used to assess the intraoperative pain experience. Other outcome measures included postoperative visual acuity and intraocular pressure at 3 months. RESULTS: Twenty-two eyes of 22 consecutive patients were included in the study. The mean intraoperative pain score was 0.9 (range, 0-3). Three patients reported discomfort intraoperatively. No injection of supplementary anesthetic was required in any of the eyes. None of the patients had significant increase of pulse rate or blood pressure during the whole surgical procedure. Six patients required oral analgesic for postoperative discomfort. The mean preoperative medically treated IOP was 20.3 +/- 5.9 mm Hg and the mean postoperative IOP at 3 months was 14.4 +/- 4.7 mm Hg. All except two patients had improved visual acuity. There was no serious intraoperative or postoperative complication. CONCLUSION: Topical 2% lidocaine hydrochloride jelly without systemic sedation may be a safe and effective anesthetic method in phacotrabeculectomy for patients with primary open-angle glaucoma with coexisting cataract.