Identification of corneal and intra-epidermal axonal swellings in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: In patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), axonal spheroids in motor axons have been identified in post-mortem studies. In this study, axonal spheroids and swellings on C-fibers of ALS patients were investigated using corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) and skin biopsy, respectively. METHODS: Thirty-one ALS patients and 20 healthy subjects were evaluated with CCM to assess corneal nerve-fiber length (CNFL), -fiber density (CNFD), -branch density (CNBD), dendritic cell (DC) density, and axonal spheroids originating from C-fibers (>100 µm2 ). In addition, intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) and axonal swellings (>1.5 µm) were assessed in skin biopsies obtained from the arms and legs of 22 patients and 17 controls. RESULTS: In ALS patients, IENFD, CNFD, CNFL, and CNBD were not different from controls. The density of DCs and the number of patients with increased DC density were higher in ALS patients than controls (p = .0005 and p = .008). The number of patients with axonal spheroids was higher than controls (p = .03). DISCUSSION: Evaluation of DCs and axonal bulbs in C-fibers of ALS patients could provide insights into pathophysiology or potentially serve as biomarkers in ALS.

A comparison of conventional and accelerated corneal crosslinking: corneal epithelial remodeling and in vivo confocal microscopy analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of conventional and accelerated corneal crosslinking (CXL) on visual acuity, corneal topography, corneal epithelial thickness, and subbasal nerve morphology in progressive keratoconus patients. METHODS: In this prospective and randomized study, twenty eyes of 20 patients were treated with conventional CXL (3 mW/cm2, 30 min, C-CXL) and 19 eyes of 19 patients were treated with accelerated CXL (9 mW/cm2, 10 min, A-CXL). The spherical equivalent, uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity, keratometric measurements, demarcation line measurement and epithelial thickness mapping analyses, and subbasal nerve morphology with in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCCM) were evaluated at baseline and at postoperative months 1, 3 and 6. RESULTS: At postoperative 6 months, a significant improvement was observed in all keratometric values in both treatment groups (p < 0.05). All epithelial thickness indices, except central, temporal, and inferotemporal thickness, were reduced at 1 month postoperatively in both treatment groups. The epithelial map uniformity indices (standard deviation and difference between min-max thickness) were significantly lower than the baseline values at all time points after CXL in both treatment groups (p < 0.001). Compared with the preoperative values, there was a significant decrease in all IVCCM parameters at 1 month postoperatively (p < 0.05). At 6 months postoperatively, corneal nerve fiber density and corneal nerve branch density recovered to preoperative values in the A-CXL group, whereas corneal nerve regeneration was not complete in the C-CXL group. CONCLUSION: Both conventional and accelerated CXL treatments appear to be effective in halting the progression of KC. Corneal epithelial irregularity slightly improves after CXL. The regeneration of subbasal nerves is faster after A-CXL treatment.

Corneal nerve fiber involvement in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.

BACKGROUND: Despite the primary myelin-related pathophysiology, small fiber neuropathy (SFN) and axonal degeneration are also considered to be involved and associated with disabling symptoms and impaired quality of life in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Demonstration of SFN usually requires complex or invasive investigations. OBJECTS: In vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCCM) has evolved as a non-invasive, easily applied method for quantification of small fiber involvement in peripheral nerve disorders. We aimed to investigate the potential role of IVCCM in CIDP. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 15 patients with CIDP underwent assessment with clinical disability scales, neuropathic pain (NP) and autonomic symptom questionnaires, nerve conduction studies, and IVCCM. IVCCM parameters were analyzed and compared to those from 32 healthy controls. RESULTS: Corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD) and corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) were significantly decreased in the CIDP group, compared to those in controls (p = 0.03 and p = 0.024, respectively). Langerhans cells and fiber tortuosity were increased in CIDP patients (p = 0.005 and p = 0.001, respectively). IVCCM parameters were significantly lower in patients with NP compared to those in patients without NP. CONCLUSION: IVCCM shows promise as a non-invasive complementary biomarker in the assessment of demyelinating polyneuropathies, providing insights into the potential pathophysiology of these non-length-dependent neuropathies.

Comparison of reading performance with low add bifocal and extended depth of focus intraocular lenses implanted with mini-monovision.

PURPOSE: To evaluate reading performance, preferred reading distance, and spectacle independence in patients implanted with a low add multifocal or an extended depth of focus (EDOF) intraocular lens (IOL) after phacoemulsification. METHODS: In this prospective study, patients were randomized into two groups: the diffractive multifocal Tecnis + 2.75 D (ZKB00) IOL (Tecnis + 2.75 group; 15 patients) or the EDOF Tecnis Symfony (ZXR00) IOL (Symfony group; 14 patients) for bilateral implantation with mini-monovision. Reading performance parameters (reading acuity [RA], critical print size [CPS], and maximum reading speed [MRS]) were evaluated with MNREAD acuity charts at 40 cm, and preferred reading distances and spectacle independence for near activities were assessed preoperatively and at the postoperative 1st, 3rd, and 6th months. RESULTS: At the postoperative 6th month, binocular logMAR UNVA and DCNVA were significantly better in the Symfony group than in the Tecnis + 2.75 group (UNVA: 0.15 ± 0.07 vs. 0.22 ± 0.08, p = 0.046; DCNVA: 0.21 ± 0.05 vs. 0.28 ± 0.07, p = 0.043; respectively). There was no significant difference in reading performance parameters between the groups; however, the Symfony group preferred significantly closer reading distance than the Tecnis + 2.75 group (42.00 ± 4.67 cm; 45.87 ± 5.32 cm, respectively, p = 0.030). At the postoperative 6th month, 14.3% and 26.7% of patients reported that they needed spectacles, rarely or occasionally, for near activities in the Symfony and Tecnis + 2.75 groups, respectively (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When implanted with mini-monovision, although functional near visual acuity and a high degree of spectacle independence at near distances were achieved with both IOLs, patients implanted with the EDOF IOL preferred closer reading distance than those implanted with the low add diffractive multifocal IOL.

Impact of Changes in the Optical Density of Postlens Fluid on the Clinical Performance of Miniscleral Lenses.

PURPOSE: To determine the impact of optical density changes in postlens fluid on clinical performance and to quantify these changes over time during miniscleral lens wear. METHODS: Twenty-three eyes of 13 patients with keratoconus were fitted with a miniscleral lens (scleral Misa lenses; Microlens Contactlens Technology, Arnhem, Netherlands). The lens fit was evaluated using the fluorescein pattern and also through anterior segment optical coherence tomography imaging. The optical density changes were measured using Scheimpflug tomography at 30 min, 1, 2, 3, and 4 hr. High- and low-contrast visual acuity (VA), subjective performance with comfort and vision (5-point Likert scale), and overall satisfaction with the lens (100-mm visual analog scale) were measured before and after lens-wear. RESULTS: The mean Snellen high-contrast VA (best spectacle-corrected VA: 0.4±0.2 vs. VA with the scleral lens: 0.8±0.1, P<0.0001) and low-contrast VA (best spectacle-corrected VA: 1.2±0.2 vs. VA with the scleral lens: 1.3±0.2, P=0.019) significantly improved with dispensed scleral lens. Patients reported high scores for comfort (3.8±0.8), vision (3.8±0.6), and overall satisfaction with the lens (68.7±19.1). Compared with preoperative values, optical density significantly increased over time (P<0.0001). High-contrast VA remained stable, whereas low-contrast VA significantly decreased at 2 hr (P=0.035). CONCLUSION: This study shows that the optical density of postlens fluid increases over time with miniscleral lens wear, and it has a negative impact on low-contrast VA.

A case of conjunctival MALT lymphoma: successfully treated with solely extended rituximab therapy.

PURPOSE: Primary ocular adnexal lymphomas are cured by radiotherapy; however, complications are frequent and relapses may occur. In this case, we aimed to report the efficacy and safety of extended systemic rituximab (anti-CD 20 monoclonal antibody) therapy of conjunctival mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. METHODS: In the standard regimen, rituximab is used as four consecutive weekly infusions of 375 mg/m2 in patients with low-grade lymphomas. We treated a patient who had bilateral conjunctival MALT lymphoma with rituximab 375 mg/m2 intravenously once weekly for 10 weeks as a first-line therapy. RESULTS: During the examination of the sixth week, we observed partial response of the lesions in both eyes. At the end of the tenth cure, complete remission was achieved. No local or systemic adverse effect was observed. The patient has no signs of recurrence during the 22-months follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Extended rituximab therapy may be an effective and well-tolerated first-line treatment option for bilateral conjunctival MALT lymphoma.

Postoperative Evaluation of Bilateral Reading Performance With Two Intraocular Lenses: Twelve-Month Results.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the bilateral reading performances within the first 12 months after the implantation of two intraocular lens (IOL) models. METHODS: The patients involved in this research had bilateral phacoemulsification and implantation of the Acriva Reviol MFM 613 IOL (group 1) or AcrySof ReSTOR SN6AD1 apodized multifocal IOL (group 2). The bilateral reading performance was evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively using the MNREAD acuity charts. The reading speed, critical print size, and reading acuity were measured binocularly at 40 and 60 cm. In addition, the binocular uncorrected visual acuities (far, UDVA; intermediate, UIVA; and near, UNVA) were also measured. RESULTS: Each IOL model was implanted in 30 eyes (15 patients), and 30 patients were included in this study. Overall, there were no statistically significant postoperative differences in the mean UDVA, UIVA and mean (P>0.05). There were statistically significant postoperative differences in the mean reading acuity (group 1, 0.07±0.10 logMAR; group 2, 0.02±0.08 logMAR; P=0.019) at 40 cm. When tested at 60 cm, the reading acuity (0.13±0.10 logMAR and 0.21±0.11 logMAR, respectively; P=0.021) and critical print size (0.25±0.13 logMAR and 0.39±0.16 logMAR, respectively; P=0.005) were significantly better in group 1 than in group 2. CONCLUSION: Both of the IOLs achieved good visual performances. However, the Acriva Reviol MFM 613 IOL performed better than the AcrySof ReSTOR SN6AD1 at an intermediate distance, whereas the AcrySof ReSTOR SN6AD1 provided better near distance results.

Efficacy and safety of low-concentration, bisulphite-containing, intracameral epinephrine and topical atropine treatments for the prevention of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical atropine and topical atropine combined with intracameral low-concentration, bisulphite-containing epinephrine treatment for the prophylaxis of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two eyes of 55 male patients who were treated with alpha-adrenergic antagonist medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia were included in this study. Standard premedication with topical cyclopentolate, phenylephrine, tropicamide and ketorolac was applied to all of the patients. In 22 cases no further prophylactic method was used (Group-NP), while in 29 cases topical atropine drops was instilled 12 h and 30 min before surgery (Group-A) and in 21 cases 1:16 000 epinephrine was injected to the anterior chamber at the beginning of surgery (Group-EA) in addition to topical atropine prophylaxis. RESULTS: In Group-NP, 62.8% of the cases developed IFIS, while development of IFIS was significantly lower in Group-A (17.2%, p = 0.0004) and Group-EA (9.5%, p < 0.0001). Posterior capsule rupture was observed in two cases (9.1%) in Group-NP, in one case (3.4%) in Group-A and was not observed in Group-EA. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for the development of surgical complications. We did not observe any adverse events or significant endothelial cell loss (p = 0.462). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that preoperative use of topical atropine reduces the incidence of IFIS. Use of low-concentration, bisulphite-containing epinephrine is more effective in the prevention of IFIS and does not cause preservative related endothelial damage. This prophylaxis may be preferred when preservative free epinephrine is not available.

CRIM1 haploinsufficiency causes defects in eye development in human and mouse.

Colobomatous macrophthalmia with microcornea syndrome (MACOM, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) 602499) is an autosomal dominantly inherited malformation of the eye, which is characterized by microcornea with increased axial length, coloboma of the iris and of the optic disc, and severe myopia. We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) in two affected individuals from the 2p23-p16-linked MACOM family, which includes 13 affected individuals in 3 generations. As no shared novel variation was found on the linked haplotype, we performed copy number variation (CNV) analysis by comparing the coverage of all exons in the WES data sets of the 2 patients with the coverage of 26 control exomes. We identified a heterozygous deletion predicted to span 22 kb including exons 14-17 of CRIM1 (cysteine-rich transmembrane bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) regulator 1). Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis confirmed the deletion, which was present in 11 affected individuals. Split-read analysis of WES data followed by breakpoint PCR and Sanger sequencing determined both breakpoints flanked by a 4-bp microhomology (CTTG). In the mouse, Crim1 is a growth-factor-binding protein with pleiotropic roles in the development of multiple organs, including the eye. To investigate the role of Crim1 during eye development in mice, we crossed a Crim1(flox) mouse line with the Ap2α-cre mouse line, which expresses Cre in the head surface ectoderm. Strikingly, we observed alterations of eye development in homozygous mice leading to severe anatomical and morphological changes overlapping with the anomalies observed in MACOM patients. Taken together, these findings identify CRIM1 as the causative gene for MACOM syndrome and emphasize the importance of CRIM1 in eye development.

Influence of Apical Clearance on Mini-Scleral Lens Settling, Clinical Performance, and Corneal Thickness Changes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to define the timing and magnitude of scleral contact lens settling, the factors influencing settling, and to examine whether the amount of apical clearance has an impact on clinical performance or is associated with hypoxia-induced corneal changes. METHODS: Eleven patients (22 eyes) with keratoconus were fitted with a mini-scleral lens (Esclera, Brazil). Three different lenses with successively greater sagittal depths were applied to achieve 3 levels of initial apical clearance: 100 to 200 µm (low), 200 to 300 µm (medium), and greater than 300 µm (high). Corneal apical clearance was measured at 15 min, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hr with optical coherence tomography (OCT). Central corneal thickness was measured with OCT and Pentacam, in the morning and immediately after removal of the contact lens. RESULTS: Mean settling was 26.8±18.8 µm (42.7%) at 1 hr, 39.5±26.5 µm (62.9%) at 2 hr, 50.7±31.6 µm (80.8%) at 4 hr, 57.4±34.6 µm (91.4%) at 6 hr, and 62.8±38.4 µm (100%) at 8 hr. Settling rate was significantly lower in low apical clearance group (P=0.01). The smaller diameter lenses settled more (P=0.03). There was a slight statistically significant increase of 1.3% in central corneal thickness measured with OCT (P=0.03). Central corneal thickness measured with Pentacam at three locations increased slightly (P=0.001). Settling showed significant intrasubject and intersubject variations. The amount of corneal swelling and comfort scores did not differ significantly according to apical clearance. CONCLUSIONS: The average amount of settling was 62.8 µm after 8 hr, 80% of which occurred during the first 4 hr. Slight corneal swelling (1.3%) occurred after 8 hr of wear.

Efficacy of Epithelium-Off and Epithelium-On Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking in Pediatric Keratoconus.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of riboflavin/ultraviolet A epithelium-off (epi-off) and epithelium-on (epi-on) corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in progressive pediatric keratoconus. METHODS: Thirty-six eyes of 27 patients aged 18 years or younger (12-18 years) diagnosed with progressive keratoconus and treated with epi-off (n=18 eyes) or epi-on (n=18 eyes) CXL were included in this study. All patients were followed up for 24 months postoperatively. RESULTS: At 24-month follow-up, the mean corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) improved from 0.24±0.17 to 0.17±0.11 logMAR in the epi-off group (P=0.032). In the epi-on group, CDVA improved from 0.33±0.23 to 0.26±0.20 logMAR (P=0.012), but the improvement was not significantly different between groups (P>0.05). In the epi-off group, all mean K values improved: K1 (Δ=-0.63 D, P=0.024), K2 (Δ=-0.73 D, P=0.008), and Kmax (Δ=-1.4 D, P=0.035), whereas in the epi-on group, Kmax and K2 did not change significantly and K1 (Δ=0.68 D, P=0.029) significantly worsened. Postoperative mild corneal haze occurred in 5 eyes (28%) in the epi-off group. No postoperative complications were observed in the epi-on group. In 94.4% of the epi-off group, keratoconus regressed (44.4%) or stabilized (50.0%), whereas in the epi-on group, only 66.6% regressed (33.3%) or stabilized (33.3%), and the difference was significant (P=0.038). CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of the epi-on procedure in terms of its ability to halt keratoconus progression appears to be 0.70 of the efficacy of epi-off CXL.

Predictive Accuracy of Intraocular Lens Power Calculation: Comparison of Optical Low-Coherence Reflectometry and Immersion Ultrasound Biometry.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation using an optical low-coherence reflectometry (OLCR) biometer and to compare the results with those obtained with an immersion ultrasound biometry (IUB). METHODS: Biometric measurements were obtained with OLCR and IUB combined with automated keratometry before cataract surgery. The mean prediction error (MPE) and the mean absolute error (MAE) were calculated for five various IOL formulas (SRK II, SRK/T, Holladay, Hoffer Q, and Haigis), and the two different biometry methods were compared. RESULTS: Optical low-coherence reflectometry measured a slightly longer axial length (mean difference, 0.05 mm; P<0.001) and a shallow anterior chamber depth (mean difference, 0.12 mm; P<0.001). With OLCR, the MPEs (±SD) calculated by the SRK II, SRK/T, Holladay, Hoffer Q, and Haigis formulas were -0.04 ± 0.53, -0.04 ± 0.56, -0.03 ± 0.53, -0.04 ± 0.56, and -0.02 ± 0.56, respectively (P<0.0001). The mean differences (± SD) for MAE were statistically significant between OLCR and IUB; SRK II (0.47 ± 0.44 vs. 0.61 ± 0.49, P<0.0001), SRK/T (0.39 ± 0.4 vs. 0.49 ± 0.45, P=0.0004), Holladay (0.37 ± 0.37 vs. 0.47 ± 0.41, P<0.0001), Hoffer Q (0.4 ± 0.39 vs. 0.5 ± 0.43, P<0.0001), and Haigis (0.4 ± 0.39 vs. 0.7 ± 0.51, P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The OLCR produces a more predictable refractive outcome than IUB, with patients' spherical equivalent being more likely to be closer to their target refraction.

In Vivo Corneal Confocal Microscopy in Multiple Sclerosis: Can it Differentiate Disease Relapse in Multiple Sclerosis?

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the role of in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCCM) in the detection of corneal inflammatory activity and subbasal nerve alterations in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to further determine whether IVCCM can be used to detect (acute) disease relapse. DESIGN: Prospective cross-sectional study, with a subgroup follow-up. METHODS: This single-center study included 58 patients with MS (MS-Relapse group [n = 27] and MS-Remission group [n = 31]), and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. Patients with a history of optic neuritis or trigeminal symptoms were excluded. Corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), and dendritic cell (DC) density were evaluated in all patients with MS and control subjects by IVCCM. Patients in the MS-Relapse group who were in remission for ≥6 months after the MS incident underwent a repeat IVCCM. RESULTS: No statistical difference was observed between the MS-Relapse and MS-Remission groups regarding age, sex, MS duration, and the number of relapses (P > .05). Compared with healthy control subjects, all subbasal nerve parameters were significantly lower (CNFD: P < .001, CNFL: P < .001, CNBD: P < .001), and the DC density was significantly higher (P = .023) in patients with MS. However, no significant difference was observed between MS-Relapse and MS-Remission groups in terms of CNFD (mean [SE] difference -2.05 [1.69] fibers/mm2 [95% confidence interval {CI} -1.32 to 5.43]; P < .227), CNFL (mean [SE] difference -1.10 [0.83] mm/mm2 [95% CI -0.56 to 2.75]; P < .190), CNBD (mean [SE] difference -3.91 [2.48] branches/mm2 [95% CI -1.05 to 8.87]; P < .120), and DC density (median [IQR], 59.38 [43.75-85.0] vs 75.0 [31.25-128.75]; P = .596). The repeat IVCCM in relapse patients (n = 16 [59.3%]) showed a significant increase in CNFD (P = .036) and CNBD (P = .018), but no change was observed in CNFL (P = .075) and DC density (P = .469). CONCLUSION: Although increased inflammation and neurodegeneration can be demonstrated in patients with MS compared with healthy control subjects, a single time point evaluation of IVCCM does not seem to be sufficient to confirm the occurrence of relapse in patients with MS. However, IVCCM holds promise for demonstrating early neuroregeneration in patients with MS.

Clinical outcomes with a low add multifocal and an extended depth of focus intraocular lenses both implanted with mini-monovision.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the visual acuity, contrast sensitivity (CS), spectacle needs, photic phenomena, and quality of life parameters of patients bilaterally implanted with a low add multifocal (MIOL) or an extended depth of focus (EDOF) intraocular lens (IOL), both with intended mini-monovision. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, comparative study, patients were randomized to receive either Tecnis +2.75 D (ZKB00) (MIOL Group, n = 15) or Tecnis Symfony (ZXR00) (EDOF Group, n = 14) for bilateral implantation with mini-monovision (-0.50 D). Binocular logMAR uncorrected visual acuities (UVA), monocular defocus curves, CS with CSV 1000-E, and Pelli-Robson Test (PRT), spectacle needs and quality of life parameters with NEI RQL-42 questionnaire were evaluated at postoperative 1, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS: Results of MIOL and EDOF Groups at postoperative month 6 are as follows: distance (6 m) UVA -0.03 ± 0.05 and -0.05 ± 0.06 (p = 0.938), intermediate (60 cm) UVA, 0.04 ± 0.08 and -0.03 ± 0.07 (p = 0.046); near (40 cm) UVA, 0.22 ± 0.08 and 0.15 ± 0.07 (p = 0.046); near spectacle needs, 26.7% and 14.3% (p > 0.05), respectively. Better visual acuity was achieved in the EDOF Group between the defocus range of -0.50 and -1.75 D (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found regarding photic phenomena and CS evaluated with CSV 1000-E between the two IOL groups at 6 months after surgery (otherwise there are differences at 1 and 3 months in favor of EDOF). However, EDOF Group performed better in mesopic CS evaluated with PRT (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When implanted with mini-monovision better binocular uncorrected visual performance at intermediate and near distances achieved with EDOF than low add MIOL.

Hydroxychloroquine improves dry eye symptoms of patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome.

The objective of the study is to investigate the effect of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) on subjective and objective parameters of dry eye in patients with primary Sjogren's disease and to evaluate the association of tear fluid B-cell activating factor (BAFF) level with the response. Thirty-two patients with primary Sjogren's disease were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients included in the study completed at least a 48-month run-in period of using hydroxychloroquine. Patients were then instructed to drop the treatment for 3 months. Baseline and post cessation of treatment (baseline and 3 months) evaluations included, subjective symptom scoring, fluorescein and lissamine green staining, Schirmer's test, tear break-up time (BUT) and tear fluid BAFF assessments. Significant worsening was observed in, tear break up-time (TBUT) (7.9 ± 3.4 vs. 5.9 ± 2.9, P < 0.001) lissamine green of staining of the ocular surface (1.3 ± 0.9 vs. 1.8 ± 0.8, P < 0.01) and corneal fluorescein staining scores (2.2 ± 2.1 vs. 4.6 ± 3.3, P < 0.003) between on and off HCQ treatment, respectively. Similarly, gritty sensation and burning sensation were significantly changed at week 12 compared to baseline evaluation (1.18 ± 1.02 vs. 1.7 ± 1.05, P < 0.007 and 1.1 ± 1.0 vs. 1.6 ± 1.2, P < 0.0, respectively). Disease duration significantly correlated with baseline OSDI (r = 0.38, P < 0.04) and the average daily use of artificial tears (r = 0.36, P < 0.04). The mean BAFF levels were 0.8 ± 0.5 and 4.0 ± 0.7 ng/ml for baseline and week 12 evaluation, respectively (P < 0.0001). The results of this study suggest that HCQ may alleviate symptoms and signs of dry eye in pSS and decreases tear fluid BAFF levels.

Daily Disposable Contact Lens use in Adolescents and its Short-term Impact on Self-Concept.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the short-term effect of contact lens (CL) wear on the self-concept of adolescents. METHODS: In this open-label trial, first-time CL wearing adolescents were prescribed Delefilcon A (DAILIES TOTAL1,® Alcon, USA) daily disposable CL. To determine the self-concept level of the subjects at dispensing and after one month, the Turkish adapted version of the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale (PHCSCS) was used. The subject-reported outcomes included lens wettability, vision quality, comfort, and overall satisfaction. Self-concept was evaluated under six categories. RESULTS: The mean age of the 21 subjects was 16.5 ± 1.5 years. All subjects had normal biomicroscopic assessments and best corrected visual acuity was 20/20. The mean spherical equivalent was -2.90 ± 1.18 (range, -4.75 to -1.75). Spectacle use was causing dissatisfaction with their appearance in 90% of subjects (n = 19), the others defined it as uncomfortable. Most subjects had acquired information about CLs from their peers and friends (57%, n = 12). Most of the subscales in the PHCSCS showed increased but statistically insignificant scores after one month. The mean overall satisfaction was 95%. CONCLUSION: Prescription of CLs may be a good option in adolescents even if the self-concept did not show significant improvement in the short term.

Early detection of neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes with or without microalbuminuria in the absence of peripheral neuropathy and retinopathy.

PURPOSE: Our goal is early detection of neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes with or without microalbuminuria in the absence of diabetic retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy by using in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCCM). METHODS: A total of 60 type-2 diabetic patients, assigned to either a diabetes mellitus (DM) with microalbuminuria group (DM/MA+, n=30) or a DM without microalbuminuria group (DM/MA-, n=30), and 30 age-matched control subjects were enrolled in this study. All cases underwent evaluation of blood glucose level, HbA1c, lipid fractions, body mass index (BMI), and corneal sensitivity (CS). Corneal nerve fiber length (NFL), nerve fiber density (NFD), nerve branch density (NBD), and tortuosity coefficient (TC) were quantified by IVCCM. None of the patients had peripheral neuropathy or retinopathy. RESULTS: Compared with the healthy subjects, NFL and NFD were reduced in both diabetic groups (P<0.0001), while NBD was significantly reduced in the DM/MA+ group. Between the diabetic groups, NFL, NFD, and NBD were significantly higher in the DM/MA- group (all P's<0.001). CS was significantly lower in DM/MA+ compared with DM/MA- and controls (both P's<0.0001). NFD and NFL were inversely correlated with age, triglyceride level, and BMI. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that significant damage to small nerves, quantified using IVCCM, can be detected in the absence of retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy or microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetic patients. The severity of corneal nerve involvement may further increase in the presence of nephropathy. This feature may also be valuable for early detection of microvascular complications of DM, allowing for the prevention of progression of life threatening microvascular complications.

Clinical Performance of Samfilcon A Contact Lenses in Intensive Digital Device Users: A Multicenter, Prospective Clinical Study.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate patient satisfaction with samfilcon A contact lenses (CLs) in intensive digital device users with myopia and to compare patient satisfaction with samfilcon A lenses to prior experience with senofilcon A or lotrafilcon B CLs. METHODS: This was a comparative, prospective, national study conducted at 14 centers in Turkey. Subjects were adults aged 18 and 45 years with myopia (range -0.25 D to -6.00 D) who spend a minimum of 3 hours viewing digital devices (e.g., computer, smartphone). A subgroup of patients were habitual lens wearers (senofilcon A or lotrafilcon B lens wear for at least 6 months prior to enrollment). The primary assessment was patient satisfaction with samfilcon A lenses (0-100 Likert scale). Secondary assessments included patient satisfaction with samfilcon A lenses compared to patients' habitual lenses, investigator satisfaction with samfilcon A lenses and investigator-evaluated slit lamp examination findings. RESULTS: Samfilcon A lenses were given high overall ratings from both patients and investigators, with a low incidence of ocular symptoms. Overall, patients were highly satisfied with samfilcon A lenses for comfort, vision and overall performance, and stated that they would consider wearing these lenses in the future. Among habitual senofilcon A or lotrafilcon B lens wearers, samfilcon A lenses were rated significantly better than the habitual lenses in regard to comfort, vision and overall performance. Investigator assessments were also highly favorable, both at initial fit and after 4 weeks of follow-up, with no significant findings noted on slit lamp examination. CONCLUSION: Samfilcon A lenses were rated highly by investigators in regard to fit, handling and slit lamp findings, and by novice and habitual lens wearers in regard to comfort, vision and overall performance. These results support the use of samfilcon A lenses among digital device users who seek day-long comfort and good visual acuity.

Use of a Mini-Scleral Lens in Patients with Keratoconus.

Objectives: To assess the visual performance of a mini-scleral lens in patients with keratoconus and to evaluate its fit by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Materials and Methods: Twenty-nine eyes of 24 patients with keratoconus were fitted with a mini-scleral lens (Esclera; Mediphacos Inc., Belo Horizonte, Brazil). Diagnostic lenses were used in the initial fitting process. The lens fit was evaluated by the fluorescein pattern and also by anterior segment OCT (RTVue, Optovue Inc., Fremont, CA). Within 30-45 minutes after insertion, the lens fit parameters including central corneal and limbal clearance, and peripheral landing zone alignment were evaluated by OCT. High- and low-contrast visual acuity (VA), subjective performance for comfort and vision (5-point Likert scale), and overall satisfaction with the lens (100 mm visual analog scale [VAS]) were measured before and after lens wear. Results: The mean decimal high-contrast VA (best spectacle-corrected VA: 0.40±0.14 vs VA with the scleral lens: 0.93±0.12, p<0.0001) and low-contrast VA (best spectacle-corrected VA: 0.60±0.24 vs VA with the scleral lens: 1.15±0.18, p<0.0001) significantly improved with lens wear. The mean central corneal clearance was 120.7±24.5 µm. There were no correlations between the keratometric values and the sagittal depth of the scleral lens. The mean number of trial lenses required for ideal fit was 2.2 lenses (range: 1-8). Patients reported high scores for comfort (mean score: 4.69; range: 4-5), vision (mean score: 4.62; range: 3-5) and overall satisfaction with the lens (mean VAS score: 88.1; range: 70-100). Conclusion: The mini-scleral lens provided good high- and low-contrast visual acuity and high patient satisfaction in patients with keratoconus. Anterior segment OCT imaging facilitated the evaluation of the fit.