Polymers and Biomaterials for Posterior Lamella of the Eyelid and the Lacrimal System.

The application of biopolymers in the reconstruction of the posterior lamella of the eyelid and the lacrimal system marks a significant fusion of biomaterial science with clinical advancements. This review assimilates research spanning 2015 to 2023 to provide a detailed examination of the role of biopolymers in reconstructing the posterior lamella of the eyelid and the lacrimal system. It covers the anatomy and pathophysiology of eyelid structures, the challenges of reconstruction, and the nuances of surgical intervention. This article progresses to evaluate the current gold standards, alternative options, and the desirable properties of biopolymers used in these intricate procedures. It underscores the advancements in the field, from decellularized grafts and acellular matrices to innovative natural and synthetic polymers, and explores their applications in lacrimal gland tissue engineering, including the promise of 3D bioprinting technologies. This review highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration between material scientists and clinicians in enhancing surgical outcomes and patient quality of life, emphasizing that such cooperation is pivotal for translating benchtop research into bedside applications. This collaborative effort is vital for restoring aesthetics and functionality for patients afflicted with disfiguring eyelid diseases, ultimately aiming to bridge the gap between innovative materials and their clinical translation.

Case report of the family transmission of Streptococcus pyogenes orbital cellulitis.

PURPOSE: This is a case report of an unusual case of the family transmission of Streptococcus pyogenes infection in three siblings. One brother contracted the infection which resulted in orbital cellulitis of two of his siblings, in the absence of anatomical or immunological predisposing factors. OBSERVATIONS: A young boy contracted an uncomplicated S pyogenes upper respiratory tract infection. The twin brother closely followed by the older sister both developed a S pyogenes orbital cellulitis a couple of days later. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: To our knowledge, this is the first case ever reported of family transmission of orbital cellulitis. This highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of S pyogenes, and the role of throat cultures as means of diagnosis even in the absence of symptoms or signs of pharyngitis.

Factors associated with outcomes of pneumatic retinopexy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachments: a retrospective review of 422 cases.

BACKGROUND: To determine the factors associated with anatomical and visual outcomes, and complications when using pneumatic retinopexy in the management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments. METHODS: On a whole, 406 patients having undergone 422 primary pneumatic retinopexies for the management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment at a tertiary care hospital, between January 2004 and December 2009, with a minimum follow-up of 3 months were included in this case series. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate associations of demographic and clinical factors with anatomical and visual outcomes. RESULTS: The single operation success rate was 60.7%, and final anatomical success was 99.5%. Male gender and the presence of complications were associated with single operation failure, whereas age over 65 years, poor preoperative visual acuity, the presence of complications were associated with poorer visual outcomes. Better preoperative visual acuity and absence of complications were associated with obtaining both a good visual outcome and anatomical success after a single intervention. The most common complications included new or missed tears (16.3%), delayed subretinal fluid reabsorption (12.1%), and epiretinal membrane (10.2%). CONCLUSION: Several factors are associated with pneumatic retinopexy outcomes for rhegmatogenous retinal detachments. These factors should be taken into consideration when identifying patients who would benefit from pneumatic retinopexy and those who are at risk of requiring additional interventions.

Model systems for experimental studies: retinal ganglion cells in culture.

Glaucomatous optic neuropathy is the most common optic nerve disease. The mechanisms by which retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) die in glaucoma are becoming better understood, but are still poorly defined. Elucidating the pathways that connect risk factors for glaucoma (e.g., elevated intraocular pressure) and RGC death is difficult in patients because of ethical and practical constraints. Even in experimental animals, single-cell observations and cell-cell interactions can be tricky to tease apart. For these reasons, it is helpful to use cell and tissue culture models for studying RGCs and other cellular constituents of the optic nerve. This chapter describes the advantages and disadvantages of several commonly used methods for preparing and studying these cultures, including those most relevant to glaucomatous optic neuropathy.