Clinical associations of corneal neuromas with ocular surface diseases

Corneal neuromas,also termed microneuromas,refer to microscopic,irregula rly-shaped enlargements of terminal subbasal nerve endings at sites of nerve damage or injury.The formation of corneal neuromas results from damage to corneal nerves,such as following corneal pathology or corneal or intraocular surge ries.Initially,denervated areas of sensory nerve fibers become invaded by sprouts of intact sensory nerve fibers,and later injured axons regenerate and new sprouts called neuromas develop.In recent years,analysis of corneal nerve abnormalities including corneal neuromas which can be identified using in vivo confocal microscopy,a non-invasive imaging technique with microscopic resolution,has been used to evaluate corneal neuropathy and ocular surface dysfunction.Corneal neuromas have been shown to be associated with clinical symptoms of discomfort and dryness of eyes,and are a promising surrogate biomarker for ocular surface diseases,such as neuropathic corneal pain,dry eye disease,diabetic corneal neuropathy,neurotrophic keratopathy,Sjogren's syndrome,bullous keratopathy,post-refra ctive surgery,and others.In this review,we have summarized the current literature on the association between these ocular surface diseases and the presentation of corneal microneuromas,as well as elaborated on their pathogenesis,visualization via in vivo confocal microscopy,and utility in monitoring treatment efficacy.As current quantitative analysis on neuromas mainly relies on manual annotation and quantification,which is user-dependent and labor-intensive,future direction includes the development of artificial intelligence software to identify and quantify these potential imaging biomarkers in a more automated and sensitive manner,allowing it to be applied in clinical settings more efficiently.Combining imaging and molecular biomarkers may also help elucidate the associations between corneal neuromas and ocular surface diseases.

Silicone oil as a corneal lubricant to reduce corneal edema and improve visualization during

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of silicone oil(SO)as a corneal lubricant to improve visualization during vitrectomy.METHODS:Patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery were divided into two groups.Group 1 was operated on with initial SO(Oxane 5700)as a corneal lubricant.Group 2 was operated on with initial lactated ringer’s solution(LRS)and then replaced with SO as required.Fundus clarity was scored during the surgery.Fluorescein staining was performed to determine the damage to corneal epithelium.RESULTS:Totally 114 eyes of 114 patients were included.Single SO use maintained a clear cornea and provided excellent visualization of surgical image.In group 1,the fundus clarity was grade 3 in 41/45 eyes and grade 2 in 4/45 eyes.In group 2,corneal edema frequently occurred after initial LRS use.The fundus clarity was grade 3 in 19/69 eyes,2 in 37/69 eyes and 1 in 13/69 eyes(P<0.05).SO was applied in 29 eyes of initial LRS use with subsequent corneal edema,which eliminated the corneal edema in 26 eyes.Corneal fluorescein staining score in group 1 was 0 in 28 eyes,1 in 11 eyes and 2 in 6 eyes,and 40,20 and 9,respectively,in group 2(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION:The use of SO as a corneal lubricant is effective and safe for preserving and improving corneal clarity and providing clear surgical field during vitrectomy.

Small-diameter acellular porcine corneal stroma for peripheral corneal ulceration treatment

AIM:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of small-diameter acellular porcine corneal stroma(SAPS)for the treatment of peripheral corneal ulceration(PCU).METHODS:This retrospective clinical study included 18 patients(18 eyes)with PCU between April 2018 and December 2020.All patients had PCU and underwent lamellar keratoplasty with SAPS.Observation indicators included preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and transparency of SAPS.The infection control rate in the surgical eye-lesion area was also calculated.RESULTS:Eighteen patients underwent lamellar keratoplasty with SAPS to treat PCU.None of the patients experienced rejection after 6mo(18/18)and 12mo(16/16)of follow-up.The BCVA(0.47±0.30)at the 6mo followup after operation was significantly improved compared with the baseline(0.99±0.80),and the difference was statistically significant(Z=-3.415,P<0.05).The BCVA at the 12mo follow-up after operation was not statistically significant compared to the 6mo(Z=0,P=1).With time,the SAPS graft gradually became transparent.At the 6mo(18/18)and 12mo(16/16)follow-up,none of the patients had recurrent corneal infection.CONCLUSION:SAPS is clinically effective in the treatment of PCU,improving the patient’s BCVA and reducing the incidence of rejection after keratoplasty.

Study on the Corneal Higher-Order Aberrations and Correlation in Patients with Different Degrees of Myopia Suitable for Wavefront-Guided FS-LASIK

Background: Individualized corneal refractive surgery requires an understanding of the basis of higher-order aberrations before surgery. To investigate the characteristics and distribution of anterior surface wavefront aberrations in patients suitable for corneal refractive surgery. Methods: A total of 121 myopic patients (121 eyes, 18 - 45 years old) who underwent corneal refractive surgery were recruited from January to May 2016 at Affiliated Hospital, Yanbian University. Patients were randomly selected by the Pentacam anterior segment analysis system with a spherical equivalent (SE) of -0.25 to -10.00 D. The corneal anterior aberrations (total higher-order aberration;spherical aberration;Coma;Trefoil) and Q and K values were detected, and a correlation analysis of the relevant parameters was carried out. Results: The root-mean-square (RMS) of the third to sixth order aberrations of the corneal anterior wavefront aberrations at a 6 mm analysis diameter showed a decreasing trend in patients suitable for the corneal refractive surgery, and the RMS of the third order aberrations accounted for 62.92% of the total HOAs. The coma ratio (coma/total cornea higher-order aberrations) was increased with the increasing diopters, while the spherical aberration ratio (spherical aberration/total cornea higher-order aberrations) was not changed. In addition, the spherical aberration was 0.203 ± 0.082 μm (range: 0.061 to 0.503 μm), and the Q30 was -0.19 ± 0.03 (range: -0.58 to 0.31). There were significant differences in the coma aberrations of preoperative corneal anterior surface (3, 1) between the low, middle and high myopia groups (P = 0.013). The spherical equivalent was positively correlated with the corneal coma of the anterior corneal surfaces (R =?-0.241, P = 0.009), and the Q value was positively correlated with the total higher-order aberrations (R = 0.326, P Conclusions: Individual wavefront aberrations on the anterior surfaces of the cornea are comparatively different, and the Zernike coefficients are related to the degree of myopia. Spherical aberrations are the most overriding aberrations of the cornea.

Corneal collagen cross-linking in patients with keratoconus from the Dresden protocol to customized solutions:theoretical basis

Keratoconus is an ectatic condition characterized by gradual corneal thinning,corneal protrusion,progressive irregular astigmatism,corneal fibrosis,and visual impairment.The therapeutic options regarding improvement of visual function include glasses or soft contact lenses correction for initial stages,gas-permeable rigid contact lenses,scleral lenses,implantation of intrastromal corneal ring or corneal transplants for most advanced stages.In keratoconus cases showing disease progression corneal collagen crosslinking(CXL)has been proven to be an effective,minimally invasive and safe procedure.CXL consists of a photochemical reaction of corneal collagen by riboflavin stimulation with ultraviolet A radiation,resulting in stromal crosslinks formation.The aim of this review is to carry out an examination of CXL methods based on theoretical basis and mathematical models,from the original Dresden protocol to the most recent developments in the technique,reporting the changes proposed in the last 15y and examining the advantages and disadvantages of the various treatment protocols.Finally,the limits of non-standardized methods and the perspectives offered by a customization of the treatment are highlighted.

Evaluation of corneal parameter changes under different accommodative stimuli with Scheimpflug imaging-based tomography

AIM:To evaluate the reliability of measurements of corneal changes with accommodation in healthy eyes using a Scheimpflug imaging-based system and how these measurements distribute in the normal population.METHODS:Prospective,non-randomized,comparative study including 27 healthy subjects(54 eyes),including emmetropia(13 eyes),myopia(17 eyes),hyperopia(4 eyes)and astigmatism(20 eyes)groups.In all cases,a complete eye examination was performed,including the analysis of corneal changes with different accommodative stimuli(+2.00,0.00 and-3.00 D)using the Pentacam AXL system.The investigation was structured in 2 phases:repeatability analysis and characterization of accommodation-related corneal changes in healthy populations.RESULTS:In the repeatability analysis,the index of height asymmetry(IHA)showed the greatest variability with the three accommodative stimuli,being the results for the rest of parameters acceptable.The group of emmetropes showed significant differences with accommodative changes in the position of maximum keratometry(Kmax;P<0.05),whereas in the astigmatism group,significant changes were not only observed in the position of Kmax,but also in minimum corneal thickness(MCT),corneal spherical aberration,and total and low order aberration root mean square(all P<0.05).Likewise,a significant difference was found in the displacement of the X position of Kmax with+2.00 D and-3.00 D in the myopia group(P=0.033)as well as in changes with+2.00 D and-3.00 D in the magnitude of the position vector of Kmax in the emmetropia group(P<0.05).No significant changes were found between accommodative stimuli in the displacement of coordinates of MCT(P≥0.109).CONCLUSION:The position of Kmax and MCT in healthy corneas can change significantly when presenting different accommodative stimuli using the accommodation mode of the Pentacam system,with different trends in these accommodation-related corneal changes between refractive errors.Likewise,the consistency of the measurements obtained with Scheimpflug has been confirmed.

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.

Stromal lenticule addition keratoplasty with corneal crosslinking for corneal ectasia secondary to FS-LASIK:a case series

●AIM:To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of stromal lenticule addition keratoplasty(SLAK)with corneal crosslinking(CXL)on patients with corneal ectasia secondary to femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis(FS-LASIK).●METHODS:A series of 5 patients undertaking SLAK with CXL for the treatment of corneal ectasia secondary to FS-LASIK were followed for 4-9mo.The lenticules were collected from patients undertaking small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)for the correction of myopia.Adding a stromal lenticule was aimed at improving the corneal thickness for the safe application of crosslinking and compensating for the thin cornea to improve its mechanical strength.●RESULTS:All surgeries were conducted successfully with no significant complications.Their best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)ranged from 0.05 to 0.8-2 before surgery.The pre-operational total corneal thickness ranged from 345-404μm and maximum keratometry(Kmax)ranged from 50.8 to 86.3.After the combination surgery,both the corneal keratometry(range 55.9 to 92.8)and total corneal thickness(range 413-482μm)significantly increased.Four out of 5 patients had improvement of corneal biomechanical parameters(reflected by stiffness parameter A1 in Corvis ST).However,3 patients showed decreased BCVA after surgery due to the development of irregular astigmatism and transient haze.Despite the onset of corneal edema right after SLAK,the corneal topography and thickness generally stabilized after 3mo.●CONCLUSION:SLAK with CXL is a potentially beneficial and safe therapy for advanced corneal ectasia.Future work needs to address the poor predictability of corneal refractometry and compare the outcomes of different surgical modes.

Corneal and intraocular pressure changes associated to the circadian rhythms:a narrative review

AIM:To synthesize the current body of research regarding the diurnal variations in intraocular pressure(IOP)and corneal biomechanical and morphological parameters,highlighting their significance in various eye conditions.METHODS:A comprehensive review of studies on the diurnal variations of IOP and corneal parameters was conducted.Tonometry findings from various studies were assessed,including the Goldmann applanation tonometry(GAT)and non-contact tonometers.Data on the variations in central corneal thickness(CCT),corneal curvature,and corneal biomechanics measured by the Ocular Response Analyzer system across different population groups was extracted and analyzed.RESULTS:In both healthy subjects and those with Fuchs dystrophy,IOP and CCT demonstrate marked diurnal declines.GAT remains the gold standard for tonometry,with the highest reliability.However,its measurements are influenced by CCT.Keratoconus patients and those with pseudoexfoliation showed significant diurnal variations in IOP.The biomechanical parameters,especially corneal hysteresis(CH)and the corneal resistance factor(CRF),largely remain stable throughout the day for most of eye conditions,with some exceptions.Notably,the corneal morphology diurnal variation,particularly curvature,yielded mixed conclusions across studies.CONCLUSION:Circadian rhythms significantly influence various corneal parameters,most notably IOP and CCT.Further studies should emphasize standardized approaches larger sample sizes,and delve deeper into less-explored areas,such as the effects of orthokeratology lenses on diurnal biomechanical shifts.

Interconnections between diabetic corneal neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy:diagnostic and therapeutic implications

Diabetic corneal neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy are ocular complications occurring in the context of diabetes mellitus.Diabetic corneal neuropathy refers to the progressive damage of corneal nerves.Diabetic retinopathy has traditionally been considered as damage to the retinal microvasculature.However,growing evidence suggests that diabetic retinopathy is a complex neurovascular disorder resulting from dysfunction of the neurovascular unit,which includes both the retinal vascular structures and neural tissues.Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness and is frequently screened for as part of diabetic ocular screening.However,diabetic corneal neuropathy is commonly overlooked and underdiagnosed,leading to severe ocular surface impairment.Several studies have found that these two conditions tend to occur together,and they share similarities in their pathogenesis pathways,being triggered by a status of chronic hyperglycemia.This review aims to discuss the interconnection between diabetic corneal neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy,whether diabetic corneal neuropathy precedes diabetic retinopathy,as well as the relation between the stage of diabetic retinopathy and the severity of corneal neuropathy.We also endeavor to explore the relevance of a corneal screening in diabetic eyes and the possibility of using corneal nerve measurements to monitor the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Treatment of superficial corneal opacities with corneal stromal lenticule obtained through SMILE surgery

AIM:To evaluate the clinical efficacy and feasibility of superficial corneal opacities treated by excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy(PTK)combined with small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)-derived corneal stromal lenticule transplantation.METHODS:A retrospective interventional case series of nine patients aged 12-59y with superficial corneal opacity caused by different pathologies who underwent standardized PTK combined with SMILE-derived corneal stromal lenticule transplantation was examined.Lenticule patches were fixed with fibrin glue.All patients underwent pre-and post-operative clinical assessments at different times for up to 12mo.Slit lamp microscopy,corneal density,uncorrected distance visual acuity(UDVA),corrected distance visual acuity(CDVA),and anterior segment optical coherence tomography(AS-OCT)were examined.RESULTS:The patients’mean age was 36.00±5.80(12-59)y.Seven eyes(77.8%)gained UDVA and CDVA at the last measurement compared to their preoperative levels.The densities of the total cornea,the total anterior corneal layer,and the anterior corneal layers of 0-2 and 2-6 mm decreased significantly by 12.4%,27.5%,46.7%,and 32.8%,respectively.After human allogeneic transplantation,the implanted lenticules of all eyes were clearly visible by AS-OCT and remained transparent without displacement or graft rejection.The thickness of the central cornea and corneal lenticule transplants were stable throughout the entire postoperative period.One case experienced the postoperative complication of delayed corneal epithelial healing.CONCLUSION:PTK combined with SMILE-derived corneal lenticule transplantation improves long-term visual acuity.Therefore,it is a new,safe,and effective method for treating superficial corneal opacity.

Changes in posterior corneal elevation after small incision lenticule extraction for different myopic diopters

●AIM:To study the changes and effect factors of posterior corneal surface after small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)with different myopic diopters.●METHODS:Ninety eyes of 90 patients who underwent SMILE were included in this retrospective study.Patients were allocated into three groups based on the preoperative spherical equivalent(SE):low myopia(SE≥-3.00 D),moderate myopia(-3.00 D>SE>-6.00 D)and high myopia(SE≤-6.00 D).Posterior corneal surfaces were measured by a Scheimpflug camera preoperatively and different postoperative times(1wk,1,3,6mo,and 1y).Posterior mean elevation(PME)at 25 predetermined points of 3 concentric circles(2-,4-,and 6-mm diameter)above the best fit sphere was analyzed.●RESULTS:All surgeries were completed uneventfully and no ectasia was found through the observation.The difference of myopia group was significant at the 2-mm ring at 1 and 3mo postoperatively(1mo:P=0.017;3mo:P=0.018).The effect of time onΔPME was statistically significant(2-mm ring:P=0.001;4-mm ring:P<0.001;6-mm ring:P<0.001).The effect of different corneal locations onΔPME was significant except 1wk postoperatively(1mo:P=0.000;3mo:P=0.000;6mo:P=0.001;1y:P=0.001).Posterior corneal stability was linearly correlated with SE,central corneal thickness,ablation depth,residual bed thickness,percent ablation depth and percent stromal bed thickness.●CONCLUSION:The posterior corneal surface changes dynamically after SMILE.No protrusion is observed on the posterior corneal surface in patients with different degrees of myopia within one year after surgery.SMILE has good stability,accuracy,safety and predictability.

Characteristics of corneal aberration in patients with bilateral keratoconus and unilateral corneal Vogt’s striae

AIM:To assess the corneal high-order aberration(HOA)and its correlation with corneal morphological parameters in patients with bilateral keratoconus(KCN)and unilateral Vogt’s striae.METHODS:A total of 168 eyes of 84 patients with KCN,whose corneas had definite signs of unilateral Vogt’s striae,were enrolled.Corneal HOA and morphological parameters were measured using Pentacam HR.RESULTS:The corneal morphological parameters between KCN eyes with and without Vogt’s striae were evidently different(P<0.001).The 3rd coma 90°,4th spherical aberration,5th coma 90°,root-mean-square(RMS)(total),and RMS(HOA)in the front,back surfaces and total cornea in KCN eyes with Vogt’s striae were significantly higher than those in KCN eyes without Vogt’s striae(P<0.001).In KCN eyes with Vogt’s striae,the 3rd coma 90°and 4th spherical aberration in the front surface and total cornea were negatively correlated with flat keratometry value(K1),steep keratometry value(K2),mean keratometry value(Km),maximum keratometry value(Kmax),anterior corneal elevation(ACE),and posterior corneal elevation(PCE;P<0.05).The 3rd coma 90°,4th spherical aberration in back surface and RMS(total),RMS(HOA)in the front,back surfaces,total cornea were positively correlated with K1,K2,Km,Kmax,ACE,and PCE(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Corneal HOA especially vertical coma and spherical aberration may increase when Vogt’s striae appeared in KCN eyes.The scale of increase is significantly related with changes in corneal shapes.

Early changes in corneal densitometry after FS-LASIK combined with accelerated corneal cross-linking for correction of high myopia

AIM:To observe the effects of femtosecond laserassisted excimer laser in situ keratomileusis combined with accelerated corneal cross-linking(FS-LASIK Xtra)on corneal densitometry after correcting for high myopia.METHODS:In this prospectively study,130 patients underwent FS-LASIK or FS-LASIK Xtra for high myopia.Their right eyes were selected for inclusion in the study,of which 65 cases of 65 eyes in the FS-LASIK group,65 patients with 65 eyes in the FS-LASIK Xtra group.Patients were evaluated for corneal densitometry at 1,3,and 6mo postoperatively using Pentacam Scheimpflug imaging.RESULTS:Preoperative differences in corneal densitometry between the FS-LASIK and FS-LASIK Xtra groups in different ranges were not statistically significant(P>0.05).Layer-by-layer analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the anterior(120μm),central,and total layer corneal densitometry between the FS-LASIK and FS-LASIK Xtra groups at 1 and 3mo postoperatively(all P<0.05),the FS-LASIK Xtra group is higher than that of the FS-LASIK group.Analysis of different diameter ranges showed statistically significant differences between the FS-LASIK group and the FS-LASIK Xtra group at 1mo postoperatively in the ranges of 0–2,2–6,and 6–10 mm(both P<0.05);At 3mo postoperatively,the FS-LASIK Xtra group is higher than that of the FS-LASIK group in the ranges of 0–2 and 2–6 mm(P<0.05).At 6mo postoperatively,there were no statistically significant differences in corneal densitometry between the FS-LASIK group and the FS-LASIK Xtra group in different diameter ranges(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION:There is an increase in internal corneal densitometry during the early postoperative period after FS-LASIK Xtra for correction of high myopia.However,the densitometry values decreased to the level of conventional FS-LASIK at 6mo after surgery,with the most significant changes observed in the superficial central zone.

A case of herpesviral corneal endotheliitis presenting with corneal endothelial defect

Dear Editor,Corneal endotheliitis,first reported in 1982 as an autoimmune disorder by Khodadoust and Attarzadeh[1],is now recognized to be frequently induced by viral infections,including varicella zoster virus(VZV),cytomegalovirus(CMV)and herpes simplex virus(HSV),that can cause inflammatory and immune-related injuries or direct damages to corneal endothelial cells[2-3].In cases with this type of endotheliitis of viral origin,manifestations may include conjunctival ciliary congestion or mixed congestion,corneal subepithelial bulla,localized corneal edema,keratic precipitates(KP)characteristic to the edema area,puckered posterior elastic lamina,mild anterior chamber reaction,intraocular pressure(IOP)elevation in presence of inflammation in trabecular meshwork,and endothelial decompensation[3-4].Accurate diagnosis of viral corneal endotheliitis is challenging due to its complex presentation,leading to a high misdiagnosis rate.To the best of our knowledge,there was no previous report of viral corneal endotheliitis presenting with corneal endothelial defects in the English literature.

Trans-PRK for recurrent epithelial corneal erosion induced by cooking oil accidentally after EVO ICL

Dear Editor,We report a case with trans-photorefractive keratectomy(PRK)for recurrent epithelial corneal erosion caused by cooking oil after EVO-implantable contact lens(ICL)(EVO Visian ICL;STAAR Surgical AG,Switzerland),which should be distinguished from postoperative complications of EVO-ICL.Most corneal burns are classified as chemical and thermal burns,referring to direct contact injury to the cornea.

Bilateral iridocorneal endothelial syndrome-Chandler’s syndrome:a case report and literature review

Dear Editor,I ridocorneal endothelial syndrome(ICE)is a rare ocular disease first proposed by Eagle et al[1]in 1979.It is mainly characterized by corneal endothelial abnormalities,accompanied by iris atrophy,iris pigmented nodules and peripheral anterior synechiae.ICE syndrome is typically unilateral,and classified into three clinical variants based on the changes of the cornea and iris,including progressive iris atrophy,Chandler’s syndrome,and Cogan-Reese syndrome.

Thiel-Behnke Corneal Dystrophy in a Young Man in Denmark—A Case Report

Background: This case report presents a case of bilateral Thiel-Behnke corneal dystrophy in Denmark. Thiel-Behnke is an autosomal dominant inherited epithelial-stromal TGFBI dystrophy causing visual impairment. Methods and Results: This case study presents a 24-year-old Lithuanian man, with no previous ocular history, who had experienced slowly progressive visual impairment since his childhood. He was examined at the Department of Ophthalmology at Vejle Hospital and Aarhus University Hospital, where he was diagnosed with bilateral Thiel-Behnke corneal dystrophy. Histology confirmed the diagnosis. A lamellar corneal transplantation was performed in the right eye;however, due to epithelial growth under the corneal graft, it was later decided to redo the operation. Following the operations, the patient experienced a visual improvement in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from 0.1 (20/25 Snellen equivalent) to 0.3 (20/40 Snellen equivalent) in his right eye. Conclusions: This case of Thiel-Behnke corneal dystrophy is to our knowledge the first reported case in Denmark.

αB-crystallin mini-peptides support corneal healing in vitro and in vivo in rabbit model

AIM:To evaluate if topical use of αB-crystallin minipeptides supports corneal healing following flap surgery.METHODS:Cultured corneal cells were treated with fluorescent taggedαB-crystallin mini-peptides to assess its internalization.Cultured corneal cells pre-treated with or without the mini-peptides were exposed to H_(2)O_(2) and cell viability was examined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT)assay.Elongation of neurites of cultured trigeminal neurones was examined following treatment either withαB-crystallin mini-peptides or protein.Cultured trigeminal neurones were pre-treated either with αB-crystallin mini-peptides or crystallin protein and exposed to H_(2)O_(2) and presence of beading in the dendrites and axons was assessed.Corneal flap surgery was conducted on rabbit cornea and treated topically either withαB-crystallin peptide(0.5 mg/mL thrice daily for 14d)or phosphate-buffered saline(PBS).Corneal healing was evaluated under slit-lamp biomicroscope,mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines were assessed and the corneas were evaluated by histopathology.RESULTS:Internalization ofαB-crystallin mini-peptides was ascertained by the detection of fluorescence within the corneal cells.The MTT assay revealed that treatment withαB-crystallin mini-peptide reduced cell death induced by H_(2)O_(2) treatment.The mini-peptides did not influence the elongation of trigeminal neurites,but significantly(P<0.05)reduced beading in the neurites.In rabbit eye,the treated corneas showed reduced hyper-reflective zones(P<0.05)and suppression in the expression of inflammatory cytokines.Histopathological examination also revealed reduction of inflammatory response in treated corneas.CONCLUSION:TheαB-crystallin mini-peptides restrict the damage to corneal cells and neurons and aids in corneal healing.

Late corneal ectasia after penetrating and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus

AIM:To investigate tomographic features of late corneal ectasia after keratoplasty for keratoconus and compare penetrating keratoplasty(PK)and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty(DALK)in terms of incidence,time of onset and risk factors of corneal ectasia.METHODS:Sixty eyes with PK and 30 eyes with DALK operated between 1999 and 2021 were analyzed.Final Pentacam scans were evaluated together with vision and previous topographies.Main outcome measures were vision,K values,apparent thinning on graft-host cornea and the difference between opposing quadrants in the thinnest point measurements.Anterior segment optic coherence tomography was performed for further evaluation.RESULTS:Mean follow-up was 127.2mo(24–282mo)in PK,and 64.3mo(24–144mo)in DALK.K max was higher in DALK(60.6 vs 56.7 D,P=0.012).Inferior recipient was thinner(595.9μm)in PK than DALK(662.2μm,P=0.021),due to longer follow-up.Overall corneal ectasia rate was 20.0% within 24y.Ectasia rate was the same(6.7%)in DALK 2/30 and in PK 4/60 in 10y and 13.3%in 12y(4/30 and 8/60,respectively).It increased to 23.3%(14/60)in PK over 24y.While ectasia was not seen before 7y in PK,it could be seen in DALK starting from the 5^(th) year.The intervals between keratoplasty and ectasia were 144.5mo in PK and 99mo in DALK.Inferior recipient was significantly thinner in 18 eyes with ectasia(502.7μm)compared to 76 non-ectasia(649.1μm,P=0.000).Inferior graft was thinner(561.0 vs 620.4μm,P=0.006),K max(63.3 vs 56.5 D,P=0.000),and anterior elevation was higher in ectasia(89.1 vs 48.6μm,P=0.002).Accelerated crosslinking was performed on 5 eyes.CONCLUSION:Inferior-superior recipient and inferior graft thinning on tomography,with high K max and anterior elevation emerge as the most reliable criteria for the diagnosis of late ectasia.The incidence of corneal ectasia increases with the time.