Advancements in Nanosystems for Ocular Drug Delivery: A Focus on Pediatric Retinoblastoma.

The eye's complex anatomical structures present formidable barriers to effective drug delivery across a range of ocular diseases, from anterior to posterior segment pathologies. Emerging as a promising solution to these challenges, nanotechnology-based platforms-including but not limited to liposomes, dendrimers, and micelles-have shown the potential to revolutionize ophthalmic therapeutics. These nanocarriers enhance drug bioavailability, increase residence time in targeted ocular tissues, and offer precise, localized delivery, minimizing systemic side effects. Focusing on pediatric ophthalmology, particularly on retinoblastoma, this review delves into the recent advancements in functionalized nanosystems for drug delivery. Covering the literature from 2017 to 2023, it comprehensively examines these nanocarriers' potential impact on transforming the treatment landscape for retinoblastoma. The review highlights the critical role of these platforms in overcoming the unique pediatric eye barriers, thus enhancing treatment efficacy. It underscores the necessity for ongoing research to realize the full clinical potential of these innovative drug delivery systems in pediatric ophthalmology.

Novel superior oblique anterior fiber plication with or without adjustable sliding knot for extorsion.

PURPOSE: To report a novel surgical technique to correct excyclotropia, consisting of a superior oblique anterior fibers plication (SOAFP) with or without a hemihangback anterior knot, allowing access for postoperative adjustment. METHODS: A retrospective interventional case series was conducted. Fourteen patients, 21-92 years of age, underwent SOAFP (18 eyes, 14 eyes on adjustable), at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. SOAFP was the only procedure performed in 12 eyes; in 6 it was performed in conjunction with up to four horizontal rectus muscle recession, resection, and/or plication. Ocular alignment was assessed with prism and alternate cover and double Maddox rod tests; preoperatively, at initial and final (closest to 6-8 weeks) postoperative visits. RESULTS: Preoperative torsion ranged from 2° to 30° of extorsion (mean, 10.14 ± 7.01). A SOAFP of 2-30 mm (mean, 8.93 ± 5.63) was performed. At the initial postoperative examination, mean intorsional shift was 11.18 ± 7.37, accounting for 1.86° ± 1.04° of correction per millimeter of plication. Three eyes were adjusted after the initial visit to obtain a stronger plication effect targeting of 5° intorsion. At the final visit, 61 ± 23 days postoperatively, mean extorsion was 1.21° ± 2.29°, ranging from 5° of extorsion to 3 of intorsion. Mean final intorsional shift was 9.14 ± 7.53°, accounting for a 1.16 ± 0.50° of correction per millimeter of plication. Of our 14 patients, 13 had improvement in diplopia. CONCLUSIONS: In our study cohort, SOAFP allowed for targeted and easily adjustable correction of extorsion.

Nonaccidental trauma: bilateral corneal abrasions as only initial presentation.

We report a case of nonaccidental trauma in a child who presented emergently with bilateral corneal abrasions of unclear etiology. It was later discovered that these lesions were actually caused by the newborn's father, who had forcefully pressed his thumbs against the child's orbits. Although uncommon, such types of anterior segment pathology should raise suspicion of nonaccidental trauma.

Usefulness of Prestorage Corneal Swab Culture in the Prevention of Contaminated Corneal Tissue in Corneal Transplantation.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of the prestorage corneal swab (PCS) culture to screen for corneal graft contamination after storage in Optisol-GS. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all PCS cultures was performed at the Eye Bank of Québec in Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont from September 2013 to June 2016. Whole corneal culture was performed on rejected grafts because of a positive PCS, and a contamination rate was calculated. In addition, contamination rates of corneoscleral rims were compared between corneas tested with PCS and those of imported corneas which did not have PCS. RESULTS: Among the 1966 PCS cultures performed, 814 (41.4%) were positive for growth. Pathogenic bacteria were present in 144 (7.3%) corneas, including Staphylococcus aureus (n = 96, 11.8% of all positive cultures), Enterobacteriaceae (n = 14, 1.7%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 6, 0.7%). After preservation in Optisol-GS, only 7 (6.9%) corneas remained contaminated (95% confidence interval 5.1-9.3). The sensitivity of the PCS culture was 87.5% (95% confidence interval 47.4-99.7). There was no significant difference in corneoscleral rim contamination between corneas tested with PCS (1/388; 0.2%) compared with imported, nonswabbed corneas (3/214; 1.4%) (P = 0.131). Therefore, the cost to recover the loss of tissue rejected because of false-positive PCS by purchasing corneal tissue was calculated to be $142,884 (CAD) per year. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high sensitivity of PCS cultures, there was no significant reduction of infection after corneal transplantation using this technique. In consequence, 93% of the corneas possibly suitable for transplantation were rejected. This suggests that the PCS culture alone is a poor test for detecting clinically relevant corneal contamination.