Epithelial and stromal thickness profile and lens decentration in myopic orthokeratology / Perfil de espesor epitelial y estromal y descentrado del cristalino en ortoqueratología miope

Purpose: To study topographic epithelial and total corneal thickness changes in myopic subjects undergoing successful orthokeratology treatment in connection with the objective assessment of contact lens decentration. Methods: A prospective-observational and non-randomized study in 32 Caucasian myopic eyes undergoing Ortho-k for 3 months. Total, epithelial, and stromal thicknesses were studied before and after Ortho-k treatment, using optical coherence tomography with anterior segment application software. Central, paracentral, and mid-peripheral values are taken along 8 semi-meridians. Results: The central average total corneal thickness was 4.72 ± 1.04 μm thinner after Ortho-K. The paracentral corneal thickness showed no significant changes (p = 0.137), while the mid-peripheral corneal thickness was increased by 3.25 ± 1.6 μm associating this increase exclusively to the epithelial plot (p<0.001). When lens centration was assessed, a lens fitting decentration less than 1.0 mm was found for the whole sample, predominantly horizontal-temporal (87.5%) and vertical-inferior (50%) decentring. Corneal topographical analysis revealed a horizontal and vertical epithelial thickness asymmetric change profile with paracentral temporal thinnest values, and mid-peripheral nasal thickest values. Conclusions: The present study found a central corneal thinning induced by Ortho-k lenses in subjects with moderate myopia, only associated with a change in epithelial thickness, as well as mid-peripheral thickening, that seems to be mainly epithelial in origin. The authors also found a tendency of contact lens decentration toward temporal and inferior areas conditioning an asymmetric epithelial redistribution pattern.(AU)

Precision in IOL Calculation for Cataract Patients with Prior History of Combined RK and LASIK Histories.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of 12 intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulae for eyes that have undergone both radial keratotomy (RK) and laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery to determine the efficacy of various IOL calculations for this unique patient group. Currently, research on this surgical topic is limited. Methods: In this retrospective study, 11 eyes from 7 individuals with a history of RK and LASIK who underwent cataract surgery at Hoopes Vision were analyzed. Preoperative biometric and corneal topographic measurements were performed. Subjective refraction was obtained postoperatively. Twelve different intraocular lens (IOL) power calculations were used: Barrett True K No History, Barrett True K (prior LASIK, Prior RK history), Barrett Universal 2, Camellin-Calossi-Camellin (3C), Double K-Modified Holladay, Haigis-L, Galilei, OCT, PEARL-DGS, Potvin-Hill, Panacea, and Shammas. Results: The rankings of mean arithmetic error (MAE), from least to greatest, were as follows: 3C (0.088), Haigis-L-L (-0.508), Shammas (-0.516), OCT Average (-0.538), Barrett True K (-0.557), OCT RK (-0.563), Galilei (-0.570), IOL Master (-0.571), OCT LASIK (-0.583), Barrett True K No History (-0.597), Pearl-DGS (-0.606), Potvin-Hill SF (-0.770), Potvin-Hill TNP (-0.778), Panacea (-0.876), and Barrett Universal 2 (-1.522). The 3C formula achieved the greatest percentage of eyes within ±0.25 D of target range (91%), while Haigis-L, Shammas, Galilei, Potvin Hill, Barrett True K, IOL Master, PEARL-DGS, and OCT formulae performed similarly, achieving 45% of eyes within ±0.75D of target refraction. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the accuracy of the lesser known 3C formula in IOL calculation, particularly for patients who have undergone both RK and LASIK. Well-known formulae, such as Haigis-L, Shammas, and Galilei, which are used by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), are viable options, although 3C formulae should be considered in this patient population. Furthermore, larger studies can confirm the best IOL power formulas for post-RK and LASIK cataract patients.

Sestrin2 Protects Human Lens Epithelial Cells (HLECs) Against Apoptosis in Cataracts Formation: Interaction Between Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Stress and Oxidative Stress (OS) is Involved.

PURPOSE: To explore the correlation of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and oxidative stress (OS), and the protective effect of Sestrin2 (SESN2) on human lens epithelial cells (HLECs). METHODS: Tunicamycin (TM) was used to induce ERS in HLECs. 4-Phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) was used to inhibit ERS. Eupatilin applied to HLECs as SESN2 agonist. SESN2 expression was knocked down via si-RNA in HLECs. The morphological changes of HLECs were observed by microscope. ER-tracker to evaluate ERS, ROS production assay to measure ROS, flow cytometry to calculate cell apoptosis rate. Immunofluorescence to observe Nrf2 translocation, and effects of TM or EUP on SESN2. Western blot and qPCR were used to evaluate the expression of GRP78, PERK, ATF4, CHOP, Nrf2, and SESN2 expression in HLECs with different treatment groups. RESULTS: ERS can elevate the expression of ROS and Nrf2 to induce OS. Upregulation of SESN2 was observed in ERS-mediate OS. Overexpression of SESN2 can reduce the overexpression of ERS-related protein GRP78, PERK, ATF4, proapoptotic protein CHOP, OS-related protein Nrf2, as well as ROS, and alleviate ERS injury at the same time. Whereas knockdown of SESN2 can upregulate the expression of GRP78, PERK, ATF4, CHOP, Nrf2, ROS, and deteriorate ERS damage. CONCLUSIONS: ERS can induce OS, they form a vicious cycle to induce apoptosis in HLECs, which may contribute to cataract formation. SESN2 could protect HLECs against the apoptosis by regulating the vicious cycle between ERS and OS.

Reviving Vision: A Case Report of Prosthetic Eye Restoration.

Prosthetic eye implantation is a significant intervention for individuals facing ocular trauma or congenital defects. We present the case of an eight-year-old boy who underwent prosthetic eye implantation following enucleation due to a severe injury. The patient had suffered from impaired vision and psychological distress due to the visible absence of his natural eye. The prosthetic eye not only restored his facial symmetry but also revitalized his self-esteem and confidence. This case report highlights the successful outcome of prosthetic eye implantation in pediatric patients and underscores the importance of addressing both physical and psychological aspects of ocular trauma in young individuals.

Image- and impression-based technology for scleral lens fitting for keratoconus: Efficiency of the fitting process.

PURPOSE: This study describes efficiency of diagnostic, image-based, and impression-based fitting methods by eye care providers who prescribe scleral lenses (SL) for patients with keratoconus. METHODS: An electronic survey was distributed to eye care providers with an interest in SL fitting. Demographic data including practice modality, country of residence, and fitting volume were collected. Efficiency of each fitting method (diagnostic, image, and impression-guided) was queried including time required for initial evaluation, number of lenses ordered, and number of office visits required. Practitioners with access to image and impression-based technology were also asked time required to acquire data and to estimate the percentage of time a lens could be manufactured from the initial images or impressions. RESULTS: 423 practitioners who prescribe SL for patients with keratoconus reported completing a median [IQR] 100 [280] SL fittings. There was no difference in the median time required for initial evaluation (30 min; p = 0.5) or median number of lenses ordered during the fitting process (2 lenses; p = 0.2) between diagnostic, image-based, or impression-based SL fitting methods. Median time to acquire initial images was 10 [7] minutes and 15 [10] minutes to obtain impressions. Images obtained were adequate to order an initial lens 80 [45]% of the time while initial impressions were adequate 90 [40]%. CONCLUSION: In this study, practitioner-reported efficiency of SL fitting was similar between diagnostic, image-based and impression-based methods for patients with keratoconus.

Immediate versus Delayed sequential bilateral ICL implantation: a retrospective comparison of vault height and visual outcomes.

PURPOSE: To compare the visual outcomes and risks of suboptimal vault-related complications between immediate sequential bilateral ICL surgery (ISBICLS) and delayed sequential bilateral ICL surgery (DSBICLS). DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Patients who underwent bilateral ICL implantation between November 2014 and December 2021 at the Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University (Shanghai, China) were included and divided into two groups: (1) ISBICLS: both eye surgeries performed on the same day, and (2) DSBICLS: second eye surgery performed <7 days following the first one. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to compare the visual outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of the suboptimal vaults. RESULTS: Finally, 10,985 eyes were included. After PSM, 204 first surgery eyes and 162second surgery eyes with complete postoperative data were matched. The safety and efficacy indices did not statistically differ between groups (all > 1.00), except that ISBICLS first surgery eyes achieved better efficacy index than DSBICLS group (1.03 ± 0.26 vs. 1.08 ± 0.23, P = 0.034). Excessive vault was observed in eight (4.06%) ISBICLS first eyes, one (0.50%) DSBICLS first eye, and none in the second surgery eye in either group. An insufficient vault was observed in one second eye and one DSBICLS second eye. We found no evidence of differences in the rate of excessive vault (OR = 0.831, 95% CI: 0.426-1.622, P = 0.588) or insufficient vault (OR = 0.609, 95% CI:0.062-5.850, P = 0.668). CONCLUSION: ISBICLS provided safety, efficacy, and refraction predictability comparable to DSBICLS without increasing the risk of suboptimal vault-related complications.

BCLA CLEAR presbyopia: Mechanism and optics.

With over a billion adults worldwide currently affected, presbyopia remains a ubiquitous, global problem. Despite over a century of study, the precise mechanism of ocular accommodation and presbyopia progression remains a topic of debate. Accordingly, this narrative review outlines the lenticular and extralenticular components of accommodation together with the impact of age on the accommodative apparatus, neural control of accommodation, models of accommodation, the impact of presbyopia on retinal image quality, and both historic and contemporary theories of presbyopia.

Comparison of Barrett TK Universal II and Barrett Universal II TCRP Formulas in Power Calculations for 3 Presbyopia-Correcting Intraocular Lenses.

Purpose: To compare Barrett TK Universal II and Barrett Universal II TCRP calculations in the power calculations for 3 presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses (PC-IOL). Methods: This observational study involved 64 eyes from 64 patients who prepared to undergo extraction of crystalline lenses combined with PC-IOL (Symfony ZXR00, PanOptix TFNT00, or AT LISA tri 839MP) implantation. All eyes underwent ocular biometric measurements with IOLMaster 700 and Pentacam HR, and the interdevice agreement of measurements including total keratometry (TK, IOLMaster 700) and total corneal refractive power (TCRP, Pentacam HR) was evaluated. IOL power calculations were performed using TK-based Barrett TK Universal II and TCRP-based Barrett Universal II calculations, respectively. Results: Paired t-tests showed that the differences in white-to-white diameter, central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, and mean TK between IOLMaster 700 and Pentacam HR were slight but significant (all P<0.05), and the differences in recommended IOL power for emmetropia between two Barrett calculations were also significant in 3 PC-IOLs (all P<0.05). The ROC curve showed that the AUC was 0.917 (95% CI, 0.820-0.971) for the absolute value of the difference between TK and TCRP in discriminating the difference of ≥ ±0.5 D in predicted IOL power with best cutoff values of 0.4 D. Conclusion: The novel Barrett TK Universal II formula built in IOLMaster 700 is comparable to TCRP-based Barrett Universal II calculation for IOL power calculation of PC-IOLs, and the convenience of using the Barrett TK Universal II formula should be founded on measurement consistency between devices.

Effect of backscatter radiation on the occupational eye-lens dose.

We quantified the level of backscatter radiation generated from physicians' heads using a phantom. We also evaluated the shielding rate of the protective eyewear and optimal placement of the eye-dedicated dosimeter (skin surface or behind the Pb-eyewear). We performed diagnostic X-rays of two head phantoms: Styrofoam (negligible backscatter radiation) and anthropomorphic (included backscatter radiation). Radiophotoluminescence glass dosimeters were used to measure the eye-lens dose, with or without 0.07-mm Pb-equivalent protective eyewear. We used tube voltages of 50, 65 and 80 kV because the scattered radiation has a lower mean energy than the primary X-ray beam. The backscatter radiation accounted for 17.3-22.3% of the eye-lens dose, with the percentage increasing with increasing tube voltage. Furthermore, the shielding rate of the protective eyewear was overestimated, and the eye-lens dose was underestimated when the eye-dedicated dosimeter was placed behind the protective eyewear. We quantified the backscatter radiation generated from physicians' heads. To account for the effect of backscatter radiation, an anthropomorphic, rather than Styrofoam, phantom should be used. Close contact of the dosimeter with the skin surface is essential for accurate evaluation of backscatter radiation from physician's own heads. To assess the eye-lens dose accurately, the dosimeter should be placed near the eye. If the dosimeter is placed behind the lens of the protective eyewear, we recommend using a backscatter radiation calibration factor of 1.2-1.3.

Refractive power profiles of commercially available soft multifocal contact lenses for myopia control.

PURPOSE: Lens power profiles can provide valuable insights on the imposed optical defocus and visual experience of contact lens wearers, especially in the context of myopia control. This study measured the refractive power profiles of multifocal soft contact lenses (MFCLs) currently used or that have the potential for use in myopia control using high spatial resolution aberrometry. The instrument's repeatability for determining MFCLs power profiles was also assessed. METHOD: The power profiles of 10 MFCLs of various designs (centre-distance, centre-near and extended depth of focus) were measured using the Lambda-X NIMOEVO, a phase shifting Schlieren-based device. Power profiles were graphically expressed as measured power at each chord position and the maximum add power was calculated. The repeatability of the NIMOEVO was expressed as the within-subject standard deviation at each chord position for a subset of five MFCLs. RESULTS: The measured distance powers differed from nominal powers for more than half of the MFCLs with a definable distance zone. There were variations in the chord position of the distance and near correction zones, rate of power transitions and calculated maximum add between the MFCLs which did not depend on lens design. For half of the MFCLs, the power profile shape was inconsistent between different nominal back vertex powers of the same design. The repeatability of the NIMOEVO was dependent on the lens design, with designs featuring faster rates of power change exhibiting worse repeatability. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences in MFCL power profiles were found which were not adequately represented in labelling. This is likely due to the small number of parameters used to define lens power characteristics. Eye health care practitioners should be aware of potential differences in power profiles between different MFCLs, which will impact the retinal defocus introduced during lens wear and the wearer's visual experience.

Diagnostic and prognostic performances of GALAD score in staging and 1-year mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The GALAD score has improved early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) detection rate. The role of the GALAD score in staging and predicting tumor characteristics or clinical outcome of HCC remains of particular interest. AIM: To determine the diagnostic/prognostic performances of the GALAD score at various phases of initial diagnosis, tumor features, and 1-year mortality of HCC and compare the performance of the GALAD score with those of other serum biomarkers. METHODS: This prospective, diagnostic/prognostic study was conducted among patients with newly diagnosed HCC at the liver center of Vajira Hospital. Eligible patients had HCC staging allocation using the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) categorization. Demographics, HCC etiology, and HCC features were recorded. Biomarkers and the GALAD score were obtained at baseline. The performance of the GALAD score and biomarkers were prospectively assessed. RESULTS: Exactly 115 individuals were diagnosed with HCC. The GALAD score increased with disease severity. Between BCLC-0/A and BCLC-B/C/D, the GALAD score predicted HCC staging with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.868 (95%CI: 0.80-0.93). For identifying the curative HCC, the AUC of GALAD score was significantly higher than that of Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (0.753) and Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive fraction of AFP-L3 (0.706), and as good as that of Protein induced by vitamin K absence-II (PIVKA-II) (0.897). For detecting aggressive features, the GALAD score gave an AUC of 0.839 (95%CI: 0.75-0.92) and significantly outperformed compared to that of AFP (0.761) and AFP-L3 (0.697), with a trend of superiority to that of PIVKA-II (0.772). The performance to predict 1-year mortality of GALAD score (AUC: 0.711, 95%CI: 0.60-0.82) was better than that of AFP (0.541) and as good as that of PIVKA-II (0.736). The optimal cutoff value of GALAD score was ≥ 6.83, with a specificity of 72.63% for exhibiting substantial reduction in the 1-year mortality. CONCLUSION: The GALAD model can diagnose HCC at the curative stage, including the characteristic of advanced disease, more than that by AFP and AFP-L3, but not PIVKA-II. The GALAD score can be used to predict the 1-year mortality of HCC.

miR-92b-3p protects retinal tissues against DNA damage and apoptosis by targeting BTG2 in experimental myopia.

BACKGROUND: Myopia is one of the eye diseases that can damage the vision of young people. This study aimed to explore the protective role of miR-92b-3p against DNA damage and apoptosis in retinal tissues of negative lens-induced myopic (LIM) guinea pigs by targeting BTG2. METHODS: Biometric measurements of ocular parameters, flash electroretinogram (FERG), and retinal thickness (RT) were performed after miR-92b-3p intravitreal injection in LIM guinea pigs. The apoptotic rate was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, and the change in mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by JC-1 staining. Retinal apoptosis and expression of p53, BTG2, and CDK2 were explored by TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick labeling (TUNEL) and immunofluorescence staining assays, respectively. BTG2 and its upstream and downstream molecules at gene and protein levels in retinal tissues were measured by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with normal controls (NC), the ocular axial length of LIM guinea pig significantly increased, whereas refraction decreased. Meanwhile, dMax-a and -b wave amplitudes of ERG declined, retinal thickness was decreased, the number of apoptotic cells and apoptotic rate in LIM eyes was exaggerated, and the mitochondrial membrane potential significantly decreased. In addition, results of qPCR and Western blot assays showed that the expression levels of p53, BTG2, CDK2, and BAX in LIM guinea pigs were higher than the levels of the NC group, whereas the BCL-2 expression level was decreased. By contrast, the miR-92b-3p intravitreal injection in LIM guinea pigs could significantly inhibit axial elongation, alleviate DNA damage and apoptosis, and thus protect guinea pigs against myopia. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, p53 and BTG2 were activated in the retinal tissue of myopic guinea pigs, and the activated BTG2 could elevate the expression of CDK2 and BAX, and attenuate the expression of BCL-2, which in turn promote apoptosis and eventually lead to retinal thinning and impaired visual function in myopic guinea pigs. The miR-92b-3p intravitreal injection can attenuate the elongation of ocular length and retinal thickness, and inhibit the CDK2, BAX, and p53 expression by targeting BTG2, thereby ameliorating DNA damage and apoptosis in LIM guinea pigs and protecting ocular tissues.

Zwitterionic modified and freeze-thaw reinforced foldable hydrogel as intraocular lens for posterior capsule opacification prevention.

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a predominant postoperative complication, often leading to visual impairment due to the aberrant proliferation and adhesion of lens epithelial cells (LECs) and protein precipitates subsequent to intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. To address this clinical issue, a foldable and antifouling sharp-edged IOL implant based on naturally-derived cellulose hydrogel is synthesized. The mechanical strength and transparency of the hydrogel is enhanced via repeated freeze-thaw (FT) cycles. The incorporated zwitterionic modifications can remarkably prevent the incidence of PCO by exhibiting proteins repulsion and cell anti-adhesion properties. The graft of dopamine onto both the haptic and the periphery of the posterior surface ensures the adhesion of the hydrogel to the posterior capsule and impedes the migration of LECs without compromising transparency. In in vivo study, the zwitterionic modified foldable hydrogel exhibits uveal and capsular biocompatibility synchronously with no signs of inflammatory response and prevent PCO formation, better than that of commercialized and PEG-modified IOL. With foldability, endurability, antifouling effect, and adhesive to posterior capsule, the reported hydrogel featuring heterogeneous surface design displays great potential to eradicate PCO and attain post-operative efficacy after cataract surgery.

Analysis of intraocular lens decentration and tilt after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery using swept-source anterior optical coherence tomography.

Objective: To evaluate and compare the magnitude of intraocular lens (IOL) decentration and tilt following conventional and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) using swept-source anterior optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Methods: In this retrospective observational study, we enrolled patients who underwent conventional cataract surgery or FLACS with the implantation of hydrophobic 1-piece monofocal IOL. The magnitude of IOL decentration and tilt were measured using SS-OCT. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, spherical equivalent, axial length, contrast sensitivity, and satisfaction questionnaire were evaluated before and one-month post-surgery. Additionally, postoperative internal cylinder measurements were obtained using a wavefront aberrometer. Correlation factors between each parameter and IOL decentration or tilt were analyzed. Results: This study included 100 eyes from 100 patients. Mean IOL decentration and tilt were 0.21 ± 0.13 mm and 5.01 ± 1.49°, respectively. Conventional cataract surgery (versus FLACS, P = 0.001) and male sex (versus female, P = 0.047) were significantly correlated with higher postoperative decentration. Preoperative lens diameter (P < 0.001), preoperative lens tilt (P = 0.007), and preoperative intraocular pressure (P = 0.027) were correlated with higher postoperative tilt. Fifty eyes that underwent FLACS demonstrated mean postoperative decentration of 0.21 ± 0.13 mm and tilt of 4.64 ± 1.48°. Compared with the conventional surgery group, the FLACS group significantly differed in postoperative decentration (0.30 ± 0.12 mm, P < 0.001) but not in tilt (5.03 ± 1.35°, P = 0.173). Postoperative visual acuity did not significantly differ between the two groups. Conclusion: Patients who underwent FLACS demonstrated better IOL decentration and tilt than those who underwent conventional cataract surgery one-month post-surgery. However, differences in IOL decentration and tilt did not affect postoperative visual acuity.

Retinal image quality through an operating microscope with wavefront shaping extended depth of focus intraocular lens in model eye.

PURPOSE: To compare the quality of images of gratings placed in a model eye viewed through an extended depth of focus (EDoF) intraocular lens (IOL) to that of diffractive bifocal IOL or monofocal IOL. DESIGN: Experimental laboratory investigation. METHODS: Non-diffractive wavefront shaping EDoF (CNAET0, Alcon laboratories), echelette-designed EDoF (ZXR00V, Johnson & Johnson Vision), diffractive bifocal IOL with low power addition (SV25T, Alcon Laboratories), or monofocal IOL (CNA0T0, Alcon laboratories) was placed in a fluid-filled model eye. A USAF Resolution Grating Target was glued to the posterior surface of the model eye and viewed through a flat or a wide-angle contact lens. The contrast of the gratings viewed through the EDoF or multifocal IOLs was compared to that through the monofocal IOL. A wavefront analyzer was used to measure the spherical power of the central 4.5 mm optics of the EDoF, multifocal, and monofocal IOLs. The distribution of the dioptric power and the dioptric power map were compared. RESULTS: The gratings observed through the flat contact lens with the CNAET0, ZXR00V, or SV25T were slightly blurred when viewed through the multifocal optics. The blurred area was in the circumferential area of the CNAET0, the central area of SV25T, and the peripheral area of ZXR00V. The mean contrast was 0.258±0.020 for CNAET0, 0.227±0.025 for ZXR00V, and 0.221±0.020 for SV25T for the 16.0 cyc/mm grating. The contrast was significantly lower for ZXR00V (P=0.004) and SV25T (P=0.004) than the 0.303±0.015 for CNA0T0 but the differences were not significant. For the wide-angle contact lens, the contrast for CNAET0 was 0.182±0.009, for ZXR00V was 0.162±0.011, and for SV25T was 0.163±0.007 for the 16.0 cyc/mm grating, and none was significantly different from the 0.188±0.012 for CNA0T0. The dioptric variations of the CNAET0 indicated a ring-shaped area of higher power corresponding to the circumferential blurred zone observed through the flat contact lens. CONCLUSION: The wavefront shaping and echelette-designed EDoF-IOLs reduce the contrast of the grating more than the monofocal IOL when viewed through the flat contact lens. The degree of reduction depended on the design of the extended-focus optics. The difference was less through the wide-angle contact lens.

Improvement of digital Gabor holographic microscopy using a lens in plankton studies.

This work utilizes a Gabor Holographic Optical Scheme integrated with a microscope objective and a thin convex plane lens. This bi-telecentric lens system corrects spherical aberration from the objective, maintains consistent magnification across various reconstruction distances, and ensures a plane incidence on CMOS. Depending on the focal lengths of the objective and lens, the final image can be enlarged or reduced compared to the classic Gabor system, resulting in high-quality reconstructed phase images without spherical aberration. This setup was employed to capture phase distribution and intensity images of planktonic objects, such as copepods, achieving superior image quality.

Overexpression of TRPV1 activates autophagy in human lens epithelial cells under hyperosmotic stress through Ca2+-dependent AMPK/mTOR pathway.

AIM: To explore whether autophagy functions as a cellular adaptation mechanism in lens epithelial cells (LECs) under hyperosmotic stress. METHODS: LECs were treated with hyperosmotic stress at the concentration of 270, 300, 400, 500, or 600 mOsm for 6, 12, 18, 24h in vitro. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed for the mRNA expression of autophagy-related genes, while Western blotting detected the targeted protein expression. The transfection of stub-RFP-sens-GFP-LC3 autophagy-related double fluorescence lentivirus was conducted to detect the level of autophagy flux. Scanning electron microscopy was used to detect the existence of autolysosome. Short interfering RNA of autophagy-related gene (ATG) 7, transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) 1 overexpression plasmid, related agonists and inhibitors were employed to their influence on autophagy related pathway. Flow cytometry was employed to test the apoptosis and intracellular Ca2+ level. Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by JC-1 staining. The cell counting kit-8 assay was used to calculate the cellular viability. The wound healing assay was used to evaluate the wound closure rate. GraphPad 6.0 software was utilized to evaluate the data. RESULTS: The hyperosmotic stress activated autophagy in a pressure- and time-dependent manner in LECs. Beclin 1 protein expression and conversion of LC3B II to LC3B I increased, whereas sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1) protein expression decreased. Transient Ca2+ influx was stimulated caused by hyperosmotic stress, levels of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation decreased, and the level of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation increased in the early stage. Based on this evidence, autophagy activation through the Ca2+-dependent AMPK/mTOR pathway might represent an adaptation process in LECs under hyperosmotic stress. Hyperosmotic stress decreased cellular viability and accelerated apoptosis in LECs and cellular migration decreased. Inhibition of autophagy by ATG7 knockdown had similar results. TRPV1 overexpression increased autophagy and might be crucial in the occurrence of autophagy promoted by hyperosmotic stress. CONCLUSION: A combination of hyperosmotic stress and autophagy inhibition may be a promising approach to decrease the number of LECs in the capsular bag and pave the way for improving prevention of posterior capsular opacification and capsular fibrosis.

Effectiveness and safety of early lens extraction during par plana vitrectomy for proliferative diabetes retinopathy with mild cataract: a randomized clinical trial.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of early lens extraction during pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) compared to those of PPV with subsequent cataract surgery. METHODS: This multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted in three Chinese hospitals on patients with PDR, aged >45y, with mild cataracts. The participants were randomly assigned to the combined (PPV combined with simultaneously cataract surgery, i.e., phacovitrectomy) or subsequent (PPV with subsequent cataract surgery 6mo later) group and followed up for 12mo. The primary outcome was the change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline to 6mo, and the secondary outcomes included complication rates and medical expenses. RESULTS: In total, 129 patients with PDR were recruited and equally randomized (66 and 63 in the combined and subsequent groups respectively). The change in BCVA in the combined group [mean, 36.90 letters; 95% confidence interval (CI), 30.35-43.45] was significantly better (adjusted difference, 16.43; 95%CI, 8.77-24.08; P<0.001) than in the subsequent group (mean, 22.40 letters; 95%CI, 15.55-29.24) 6mo after the PPV, with no significant difference between the two groups at 12mo. The overall surgical risk of two sequential surgeries was significantly higher than that of the combined surgery for neovascular glaucoma (17.65% vs 3.77%, P=0.005). No significant differences were found in the photocoagulation spots, surgical time, and economic expenses between two groups. In the subsequent group, the duration of work incapacity (22.54±9.11d) was significantly longer (P<0.001) than that of the combined group (12.44±6.48d). CONCLUSION: PDR patients aged over 45y with mild cataract can also benefit from early lens extraction during PPV with gratifying effectiveness, safety and convenience, compared to sequential surgeries.

Intraoperative quantitative crystalline lens nuclear opacities analysis based on crystalline lenSx platform.

PURPOSE: The main objective is to quantify the lens nuclear opacity using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and to evaluate its association with Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS-III) system, lens thickness (LT), and surgical parameters. The secondary objective is to assess the diagnostic model performance for hard nuclear cataract. METHODS: This study included 70 eyes of 57 adults with cataract, with 49 (70%) and 21 (30%) in training and validation cohort, respectively. Correlations of the average nuclear density (AND) /maximum nuclear density (MND) with LOCS-III scores, LT, and surgical parameters were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic curves and calibration curves were performed for the diagnostic of hard nuclear cataract. RESULTS: The pre-operative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), mean axial length (AL), and LT were 1.20 ± 0.47 log MAR, 15.50 ± 2.87 mmHg, 27.34 ± 3.77 mm and 4.32 ± 0.45 mm, respectively. The average nuclear opalescence (NO) and nuclear colour (NC) scores were 3.61 ± 0.94 and 3.50 ± 0.91 (ranging from 1.00 to 6.90), respectively. The average AND and MND were 137.94 ± 17.01 and 230.01 ± 8.91, respectively. NC and NO scores both significantly correlated with the AND (rNC = 0.733, p = 0.000; rNO = 0.755, p = 0.000) and MND (rNC = 0.643, p = 0.000; rNO = 0.634, p = 0.000). In the training cohort, the area under the curve (AUC) of the model was 0.769 (P < 0.001, 95%CI 0.620-0.919), which had a good degree of differentiation (Fig. 2a). The calibration curve showed good agreement between predicted and actual probability. CONCLUSION: The nuclear density measurement on SD-OCT images can serve as an objective and reliable indicator for quantifying nuclear density.

The effect of blue-light filtering intraocular lenses on the development and progression of macular atrophy in eyes with nAMD.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of blue-light filtering (BLF) intraocular lenses (IOLs) on the development and progression of macular atrophy (MA) in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). DESIGN: Retrospective clinical cohort study. METHODS: nAMD patients with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections who underwent uneventful cataract surgery between 2007 and 2018 with follow-up until June 2023. Subsequent MA rates were compared between subjects who received a BLF IOL or a non-BLF IOL. All OCT scans were manually reviewed in a masked manner regarding patient baseline variables and IOL status by an experienced research technician. Using the Heidelberg software, the area of MA was manually evaluated and calculated (mm2) by the program. The overall risk of developing new-onset MA and the effect of IOL type on disease progression were assessed. Death was included as a censoring event. RESULTS: Included were 373 eyes of 373 patients (mean age 78.6±6.7 years at surgery, 67.4% females). 206 eyes were implanted with BLF IOLs and 167 with non-BLF IOLs with comparable follow-up times (3164±1420 days vs. 3180±1403 days, respectively, P=0.908), and other baseline parameters (age, gender, corrected distance visual acuity, macular thickness, cumulative number of anti-VEGF injections). Nine pre-existing and 77 new-onset MA cases were detected, with similar distribution between BLF and non-BLF eyes (P=0.598 and P=0.399, respectively). Both univariate Kaplan-Meier (P=0.366) and multivariate Cox regression analysis adjusted for age and gender showed that BLF-IOLs were comparable to non-BLF IOLs regarding hazard for new-onset MA (HR 1.236, 95% CI 0.784-1.949, P=0.363). Final MA area at the last visit was 5.14±4.71mm2 for BLF IOLs and 8.56±9.17mm2 for non-BLF IOLs (P=0.028), with the mean annual MA area increase of 0.78±0.84mm2 and 1.26±1.32mm2, respectively (P=0.042). CONCLUSIONS: BLF IOLs did not show added benefit over non-BLF IOLs in terms of MA-free survival but were associated with less progression over time in a cohort of nAMD patients.