Improving the training abilities of ophthalmic educators: the Ophthalmology Foundation’s initiatives

Our goal as medical educators is for our students to learn what they need to know and competently perform ophthalmic procedures.In addition,the students need to have good communication skills and behave professionally and ethically(1,2).Most medical educators are not taught how to teach but rather learn by role-modeling their mentors.This can be good or bad depending on the mentor!In addition,the amount of knowledge and numbers of surgical procedures is ever increasing and yet,in most countries,the amount of time to train and become competent is not changing.Thus,our goal of creating competent ophthalmologists is ever more challenging.

Resistant corneal ulcers in a tertiary care ophthalmic center in Egypt: 10 years epidemiological study

AIM:To investigate the magnitude of problem caused by resistant corneal ulcers and its epidemiological characteristics.METHODS:Patients with corneal lesions were selected and carefully examined and cases with resistant corneal ulcers were further investigated and data were recorded using a specific data sheet designed in hospital.Then,collected data from patients were statistically analyzed.RESULTS:Totally 1939 cases were included in the study,including 816 fungal cases(42.1%)and 1123(57.9%)non-fungal cases.Age of the participants ranged from 18 to 73y.Fungal cases were more common in middle age(35-55y).Men were more affected(53.5%)of cases included in the study.Keratomycosis affected more unskilled personnel(75.1%),large families with small houses(higher crowding index 73.9%),rural(64.5%)residence.Patients with sanitary water sources(34.8%)and waste disposal(24.4%)were less affected.CONCLUSION:Keratomycosis is more frequent in unskilled personnel,rural locations,outdoor water sources and insanitary waste disposal systems.Corneal trauma and contact lens are common risk factors.

Neuroimaging in atypical normal tension glaucoma:debating routine implementation in the absence of classic neurological findings

●AIM:To assess the necessity of neuroimaging in patients with neurological or atypical findings of normal tension glaucoma(NTG)who do not exhibit typical glaucoma manifestations.●METHODS:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 90 atypical NTG patients who underwent cranial magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)due to atypical symptoms.The demographic characteristics,clinical parameters,and radiological findings were recorded.●RESULTS:Among the patients,66.7%had abnormal radiology results,with the most common findings being gliosis(34.4%),sequelae of cerebrovascular events and vascular malformations(14.4%),and benign intracranial mass lesions(11%).Non-glaucomatous visual field defects were more frequently observed in patients with abnormal neuroimaging results.However,there were no significant differences in intraocular pressure,optic disc parameters,retinal nerve fiber layer thickness,and visual field indices between patients with normal and abnormal radiological results.The mean age of the patients was 58.74y.Interestingly,there was a significant age difference,with the abnormal radiology group having a higher median age(P=0.021).●CONCLUSION:The study highlights the importance of cranial imaging in older NTG patients to detect underlying pathologies and prevent misdiagnosis.It suggests that neuroimaging may be warranted in NTG patients with atypical visual field defects incompatible with glaucoma.However,routine neuroimaging in all NTG patients without classic neurological signs may not be necessary.

Consequences of early life stress on the structure and function of the adult mouse retina

Early-life stress(ELS)refers to a period of environmental/social deprivation,physica l,sexual or emotional abuse,neglect,severe and/or chronic trauma in the prenatal/early postnatal stage,which is closely related to many adverse psychiatric disorders later in life,such as depressive disorder,substance abuse,dysthymia,panic,anxiety,and suicidal behavior in adulthood(Waters and Gould,2022).

Ocular biometric characteristics of Han ethnicity in Tianjin and Uyghur ethnicity in Xinjiang undergoing cataract surgery

AIM:To analyze and compare the differences among ocular biometric parameters in Han and Uyghur populations undergoing cataract surgery.METHODS:In this hospital-based prospective study,410 patients undergoing cataract surgery(226 Han patients in Tianjin and 184 Uyghur patients in Xinjiang)were enrolled.The differences in axial length(AL),anterior chamber depth(ACD),keratometry[steep K(Ks)and flat K(Kf)],and corneal astigmatism(CA)measured using IOL Master 700 were compared between Han and Uyghur patients.RESULTS:The average age of Han patients was higher than that of Uyghur patients(70.22±8.54 vs 63.04±9.56y,P<0.001).After adjusting for age factors,Han patients had longer AL(23.51±1.05 vs 22.86±0.92 mm,P<0.001),deeper ACD(3.06±0.44 vs 2.97±0.37 mm,P=0.001),greater Kf(43.95±1.40 vs 43.42±1.69 D,P=0.001),steeper Ks(45.00±1.47 vs 44.26±1.71 D,P=0.001),and higher CA(1.04±0.68 vs 0.79±0.65,P=0.025)than Uyghur patients.Intra-ethnic male patients had longer AL,deeper ACD,and lower keratometry than female patients;however,CA between the sexes was almost similar.In the correlation analysis,we observed a positive correlation between AL and ACD in patients of both ethnicities(rHan=0.48,rUyghur=0.44,P<0.001),while AL was negatively correlated with Kf(rHan=-0.42,rUyghur=-0.64,P<0.001)and Ks(rHan=-0.38,rUyghur=-0.66,P<0.001).Additionally,Kf was positively correlated with Ks(rHan=0.89,rUyghur=0.93,P<0.001).CONCLUSION:There are differences in ocular biometric parameters between individuals of Han ethnicity in Tianjin and those of Uyghur ethnicity in Xinjiang undergoing cataract surgery.These ethnic variances can enhance our understanding of ocular diseases related to these parameters and provide guidance for surgical procedures.

Superior rectus/levator complex in acquired anophthalmic socket repaired with spheric implant—a computed tomography scan and topographic study

AIM:To determine whether the levator palpebrae superioris(LPS)/superior rectus(SR)muscle complex,can influence the position of the upper lid and fornix in acquired anophthalmic sockets.METHODS:This comparative non-randomized and non-interventional study included retrospective data of 21 patients with unilateral acquired anophthalmic sockets repaired with spheric implants.High-resolution computed tomography(CT)measurements of the LPM/SR muscle complex and clinical topographic position of the upper lid,superior and inferior fornix depth in primary gaze position were evaluated.Demographic data were presented as frequency and percentage proportions and quantitative variables comparing the socket measurements with the normal contralateral orbit was statistically analyzed using non-parametric tests considering P<0.05.RESULTS:The anophthalmic orbits had a significantly shorter LPS length(P=0.01)and significantly thicker SR(P=0.02)than the normal orbit.Lagophthalmos was present in anophthalmic sockets but not in normal orbits(P=0.002),while levator function was normal in both(P>0.05,all comparisons).The superior fornix depth was similar in the anophthalmic socket and the contralateral normal orbit(P=0.192)as well the inferior fornix depth(P=0.351).CONCLUSION:Acquired anophthalmic sockets repaired with spheric implants have shorter LPS,thicker SR,and more lagophthalmos than normal orbits.The relationship of the LPS and SR with other orbital structures,associated with passive or active forces acting in the final position of the lids and external ocular prosthesis should be further investigated.

The Incidence of Endophthalmitis Cases in an Island Nation

Endophthalmitis is a severe ocular infection which can have sight threatening complications and should be treated urgently. Malta is an archipelago in the middle of the Mediterranean sea, with one main hospital (Mater Dei Hospital), where all emergency ophthalmic cases are referred during the years audited. This allowed the authors to review all the cases of endophthalmitis which presented to Mater Dei Hospital from 2009 to 2020 and to be able to reliably compare incidence of local endophthalmitis cases with worldwide quoted incidence rates. All theatre logbooks documenting procedures locally from 2009 to 2020 were reviewed and patients undergoing intravitreal tap and antibiotics injections were included in this audit. This was based on the assumption that all endophthalmitis cases which presented underwent these procedures. Data was analyzed and the average incidence of endophthalmitis cases noted and compared with international numbers. The local numbers are higher than the accepted average, taking into consideration sources of error during data collection for this audit. The authors suggest that a local standard operating procedure in terms of response of suspected endophthalmitis is needed as well as a register for local endophthalmitis cases.

Eyelid Wounds: Epidemiological, Clinical and Etiological Aspects

Purpose: The aim is to show epidemiological, clinical and etiological characteristics of palpebral wounds. Methodology: This was a retrospective study focusing on patients with an eyelid wound, over a 10-year period from 2012 to 2021. We collected and analyzed the data using Excel. Results: The frequency of eyelid wounds was 0.1%. The average age of our patients was 19.38 years with a range of 1 and 62 years. The sex ratio was 3.7. Eighty-one percent of patients lived in Dakar. Fifty-seven percent (57%) of patients consulted less than 24 hours after the trauma and 7% of patients on D1. The circumstances were brawls (11%), domestic accidents (9%), road accidents (6%), and work accidents (6%). We noted 1 case of dog bite. Thirteen patients presented with post-traumatic decreased visual acuity. Involvement of the isolated upper eyelid was noted in 40% of cases and both eyelids in 15% of cases. Involvement of the lacrimal ducts was noted in 17% of cases, and that of the free edge in 21% of cases. Eyelid wounds were associated with eyeball damage in 21% of cases. Various associated lesions were observed. Ninety-one percent of patients received surgical treatment. Three cases of superinfections, 1 case of conjunctival granuloma and 1 case of phthysis of the eyeball with postoperative retinal detachment were noted. Conclusion: Eyelid sores are relatively common in our context. They require rapid surgical treatment in order to preserve the functional and aesthetic prognosis. .

Epidemio-Clinical-Histopathological Aspects and Therapeutics of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Conjunctival at the University Hospital Center of Bouake

Introduction: Squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva is one of the most common malignancies in the elderly. Purpose: To describe the specific aspects of squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva and to determine the therapeutic modalities. Materials and Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional retrospective study carried out at the University Hospital Center of Bouake over a period of 9 years (From January 2015 to December 2023). We identified all malignant oculo-adnexal and orbital tumors whose histopathological diagnosis was confirmed;monitoring the sorting of squamous cell carcinomas of the conjunctiva among these cancers and studying the different parameters linked to them. Results: The average age of patients is 44.3 years. Male predominance with a sex ratio of 1.12. HIV was the majority ATCD with 64.7%. The main reason for consultation was exophthalmos (36.11%). The average consultation time was 10 months 13 days. Invasive differentiated conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma was predominant at 55.56%. Enucleation was the most performed surgical method. Conclusion: Squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva is a malignant ocular tumor of the elderly whose frequency increases in young adults infected with HIV-AIDS. Invasive differentiated forms are increasingly encountered, limiting treatment to mutilating surgery.

Cost of Medical Treatment for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma in Relation to Patients’ Income and Its Impact on the Prognosis of the Disease, in Bouaké University Hospital

Introduction: Medical treatment for POAG is continuous and lifelong treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the cost of this treatment and patients’ income and the impact of this relationship on treatment compliance. Materials and Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study with a descriptive aim covering sociodemographic data, average incomes, and direct and indirect costs of treatment of 57 patients followed for POAG during the period from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2016 (5 years). Results: The patients were aged 25 to 77 years (mean = 54.4 years) with a male predominance (sex ratio = 1.5). Retirees were the most represented (26.32%), followed by workers in the informal sector (14.04%) and housewives (12.28%). Patients who had an annual income less than or equal to 900,000 CFA francs (€1370.83) per year represented 56.14% and those who did not have health coverage represented 57.89%. The treatment was monotherapy (64.91%), dual therapy (31.58%) or triple therapy (3.05%) and the average ratio of “annual cost of treatment to annual income” was 0.56 with for maximum 2.23 and 0.02 as minimum. Patients who considered the cost of treatment unbearable for their income represented 78.95%. Conclusion: Prevention of blindness due to glaucoma requires early detection but also the establishment of health coverage mechanisms to improve compliance with medical treatment. In addition, consideration should be given to the development of glaucoma surgery in our country, the indication of which could be the first intention in certain patients, considering for those patients, the geographical and financial accessibility of medical treatment. .

Late Diagnosis of Congenital Optic Disc Abnormalities

Purpose: To show epidemiological and imaging aspects of congenital optic disc abnormalities diagnosed late. Method: It was a retrospective study, including all patients with congenital optic disc abnormalities diagnosed at a late age between January 2020 and October 2022 at the eye center of Abass Ndao Hospital. Complete ophthalmological examination was performed with eye imaging according to the cases. Results: 09 patients (10 eyes) were diagnosed with congenital optic disc abnormalities. The mean age was 29 years, with a sex ratio of 0.8. Three patients had consulted for unilateral decreased visual acuity since childhood, two for sudden vision loss and in four cases the diagnosis was fortuitous. Visual acuity was ranged from 1/200 to 20/20. Fundus examination showed myelinated retinal nerve fibers in four eyes, optic disc pit in three eyes including two complicated by maculopathy, two cases of morning glory syndrome and a case of pseudoduplication of the optic disc. Optical coherence tomography, ocular ultrasound B and OCT-Angiography were performed according to the cases. Conclusion: Congenital optic disc abnormalities are often diagnosed late. They are potentially amblyogenic and complications are not rare, worsening the visual prognosis. Their screening should be systematic by ophthalmological examination in newborns.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Diabetic Eye Disease among General Population in Medina City, Saudi Arabia

Background: Diabetic eye disease is known as a group of eye problems that diabetic patients may develop as a complication of diabetes and can lead to blindness. They may include Diabetic retinopathy (DR), Cataracts, and Glaucoma. Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) around diabetic eye disease in the general population including patients with DM and non-diabetic people in Medina City, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving 385 participants via a self-administered online Questionnaire started in January 2023 in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Results: In total, 339 participants with ages ranged from 18 to more than 60 years with a mean age of 26.8 ± 12.6 years old completed the questionnaire. The majority were females (74.6%), singles (67.8%), and had a university level of education (54.6%). Most of the study participants were found to have poor knowledge levels (67%) in comparison to 33% who had an overall good knowledge of diabetic eye diseases. Knowledge level was found to be higher among old-aged participants and those with a family history of DM (P = 0.001, P = 0.049) respectively. Regarding participants’ attitudes and practices, the study showed good attitudes toward eye care practice for diabetics with half of the participants (50%) reporting self-awareness as a reason that made them undergo the first eye screening. Conclusion: Participants in the present study have poor knowledge and awareness level of diabetic eye disease. Furthermore, positive attitudes and perceptions have been revealed by the participants toward the practice of providing eye care for diabetics. .

Prevalence of Refractive Errors among School Children Aged 5 to 15 Years Old at CHU-IOTA

Introduction: Undetected refractive errors constitute a health problem among school children who cannot take advantage of educational opportunities. The authors studied the prevalence of refractive errors in school children aged 5 to 15 at CHU-IOTA. Patients and Method: This is a prospective, descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in the ophthalmic-pediatrics department of CHU-IOTA, from October to November 2023. Results: We received 340 school children aged 5 to 15, among whom 111 presented ametropia, i.e. a prevalence of 32.65%. The average age was 11.42 ± 2.75 years and a sex ratio of 0.59. The average visual acuity was 4/10 (range 1/10 and 10/10). We found refractive defects: astigmatism 73.87%, hyperopia 23.87% of cases and myopia 2.25%. The decline in distance visual acuity was the most common functional sign. Ocular abnormalities associated with ametropia were dominated by allergic conjunctivitis (26.13%) and papillary excavation (6.31%) in astigmatics;allergic conjunctivitis (9.01%) and papillary excavation (7.20%) in hyperopic patients;turbid vitreous (0.90%), myopic choroidosis (0.45%) and allergic conjunctivitis (0.45%) in myopes. Conclusion: Refractive errors constitute a reality and a major public health problem among school children.

Phenotypical Aspects of a Familial Syndromic Retinitis Pigmentosa

Aim: To report a familial case of syndromic retinitis pigmentosa identified at Aristide Le Dantec Hospital in Dakar and to describe their clinical characteristics ophthalmic. Observation: We report a sibling group of nine children, four died at a young age from unknown causes. Three children were affected by retinitis pigmentosa, two cases were syndromic. A history of nyctalopia was found in all three affected children. The mean age of onset of decreased visual acuity was 6.6 years. Patient 1 affected by syndromic retinitis pigmentosa had an extraocular sign of cystic dilation of the main bile duct. Patient 2 had myoclonic epilepsy, psychomotor retardation, and the molar tooth sign on cerebral MRI (highly suggestive of Joubert syndrome). The third child had isolated retinitis pigmentosa. Ophthalmological examinations (fundus examination, electroretinogram, and visual evoked potentials) and pediatric examinations in the remaining two children were normal. Discussion and Conclusion: Retinitis pigmentosa is a rare degenerative disease that can be associated with several other malformations, highlighting the importance of screening for associated conditions. It presents a grim functional prognosis and a life prognosis dependent on extraocular manifestations. Molecular biology (karyotyping, next-generation sequencing) could have identified the implicated genes and allowed for a formal diagnosis and genetic counseling.

Endonasal Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy with the Use of Radiofrequency (RF) Surgical Technique

Endonazal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with radiofrequency (RF) surgical technique is a procedure selected for nasolacrimal duct obstruction and chronic dacryostenosis in the setting of patent canaliculi and a functional lacrimal pump. Two major approaches are utilized: external, via a transcutaneous incision and endonasal endoscopically guided. The surgery has the high success rate via both approaches. We review the history, evolution, current techniques, complications and future directions of DCR radiofrequency RF operative technique. The modified endonasal RF-coagulation technique was performed in patients aged 18 - 85 (women-80, men-35) from 2017 to 2023. All patients suffered from chronic dacryocystitis. They had been administered the course of traditional conservative treatment and were provided with the ophthalmologist’s and otorhinolaryngology’s consultations prior to the surgery. In order to verify the diagnosis, the patients were conducted the CT-scan examination of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses as well as the endoscopy of nasal cavity. Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy with RF coagulator proved to be effective in 80% of patients;Over 3 - 4 years following the surgery, the recurrence was manifested in 8 patients after 6 months and in 12 patients, after a year. The above mentioned surgical treatment is administered by minimally invasive surgical method. At the same time, the long-term, for about 1 year, implantation of silicone drainage in the nasolacrimal ducts significantly reduces the risk of recurrence. At the present stage, the endoscopic Endo-DCR surgery is being improved, and the diverse treatment methods, including radiofrequency (RF) in endonasal endoscopic microsurgical techniques, are being studied and introduced into practice.

Toxoplasmic Chorioretinitis: About a Case in an Immunocompetent Adult at the Renaissance University Hospital Centre (UHC) in N’Djamena (Chad) and Review of the Literature

Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis also known as ocular toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection caused by the obligately intracellular multiplying protozoan called Toxoplasma gondii. Active toxoplasmic chorioretinitis is a rare condition in immunocompetent people. We report a case of a 47-year-old patient who received reduced right visual acuity, left hemiparesis and eye pain. Examination of the right anterior segment of the eye is unremarkable. In the fundus of the right eye, there was a focus of active toxoplasmic chorioretinitis located in the macula at 1.5 mm papillary diameter next to old scar lesions. The ophthalmological examination of the left eye was unremarkable. The paraclinical assessment carried out on the patient shows a positive Remington test on two occasions three weeks apart. The clinical outcome after initiation of treatment was favorable with a healing of the active site within four weeks.

Efficacy of Cyanoacrylate Tissue Adhesive Application in the Management of Corneal Perforations at Preah Ang Duong Hospital in Cambodia

Purpose: The study was to evaluate the efficacy of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (CTA) application in corneal perforations. Method: This was a prospective study on 20 patients of corneal perforations who received cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive application as treatment between March 2021 and March 2022 at Preah Ang Duong Hospital. The primary outcome measure was success rate of CTA application, while the secondary outcome was to measure postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and ocular complications. Results: The mean age of patients was 44.15 ± 16.05 years old and 7 (35%) were female. Causes of perforation were microbial infection in 12 patients (60%), trauma in 5 patients (25%), and sterile melting in 3 patients (15%). The perforation of size smaller than 1.5 mm was in 8 patients (40%) while 12 patients (60%) had perforated size between 1.5 mm to 3 mm. The perforation was 60% (12 patients) central, 25% (5 patients) paracentral, and 15% (3 patients) peripherally. Out of 20 patients, 5 patients (25%) received CTA application more than 1 time. The mean glue retention was 57.60 ± 31.84 days. Success rate of glue application (defined as intact globe without surgical intervention regardless of number of CTA applications) was 85%. At the last visit, 7 patients (35%) had BCVA of 6/120 or better. Common complications were uveitis (45%), ocular hypertension (30%), cataract (25%) and neovascularization (20%). No serious complications were found. Conclusion: Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive is an effective treatment option in sealing corneal perforations with no serious complications. .

Prevalence of Ocular Trauma at the Reference Health Center (CSREF) of Kati

Introduction: The authors wanted to study the prevalence of ocular trauma in the ophthalmology unit of the CSREF of Kati. Patients and method: This is a retrospective study, covering the period from January to December 2015, carried out in the ophthalmology unit of the CSREF in Kati. Results: The sample consisted of 568 patients, or 6.82% of ophthalmological consultations. Children aged 0 to 14 years accounted for 154 (27.11%) of the trauma cases. Bruises constitute the main circumstance (58.1%) of eye trauma, followed by domestic accidents (15.6%). Closed globe ocular trauma was the main type of trauma (61.6%), followed by ocular adnexal trauma (30.1%) and open globe trauma (8.3%) in which the penetrating wound was the lesion, the least common (2.6%) but the most serious. Medical treatment was the most used therapeutic modality in 82.4% of cases, followed by surgery with 17.6% of cases. The evolution of the lesions after treatment was favorable in 85.6% of cases and unfavorable in 14.4% of cases. Complications were observed in 5.8% of cases and sequelae in 8.6% of cases. Conclusion: Ocular trauma constitutes an important reason for ophthalmological consultation at the CSREF of Kati. The severity of some of these lesions requires frequent recourse to surgery. The complexity of the treatment should encourage us to favor preventive measures.

Retinoblastoma: The Situation in Burkina Faso over Ten Years

Context: In Burkina Faso, there is only one retinoblastoma treatment center located in the capital. Nowadays, the treatment of retinoblastoma has benefited from the contribution of scientific progress. Objective: The aim was to take stock of the situation of retinoblastoma in the pediatric oncology department from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2019. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection over a 10-year period, based on records of patients admitted to pediatric oncology department of CHU-YO. Data were analysed using CS Pro version 7.2 software. Categorical variables were compared using Pearsons Chi-square test at the 5% significance level. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Operational definitions were used for lost to follow-up, consultation and diagnosis delays. Results: We collected a total of 204 cases in 10 years, i.e. an annual average of 20.4 cases/year. The mean age at diagnosis was 37.5 months for unilateral cases and 26.4 months for bilateral cases. Male predominance was noted, with a sex ratio of 1.31. The majority of patients came from disadvantaged backgrounds (72% farming fathers and 91% housewives). Clinically, leukocoria and exophthalmos were the main presenting features. The average time to consultation was long (8.73 months) and unilateral localization was predominantly unilateral at 77%. In terms of treatment, 102 patients were eligible for curative treatment and 80 for palliative treatment. The prognosis was poor, with 41% death and numerous cases of lost to follow-up (18%). Overall survival was estimated at 32%. The factor associated with the lethality of retiniblastoma was the extension of the tumor to other organs. Conclusion: Recognition of the early clinical signs of retinoblastoma can anticipate the occurrence of this cancer. Health professionals should be encouraged to perform the Buckner test every time they come into contact with children aged 0 to 5, and the public should be encouraged to examine their childrens eyes.

Overexpression of TRPV1 activates autophagy in human lens epithelial cells under hyperosmotic stress through Ca^(2+)-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 autophagyrelated genes,while Western blotting detected the targeted protein expression.The transfection of stub-RFP-sens-GFPLC3 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 Ca^(2+)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 Ca^(2+)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 Ca^(2+)-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.