NLRP3 inflammasome plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of age-related diseases in the eye and brain

Key points:With aging,there is increased nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-(NOD-)like receptor(NLR) protein-3(NLRP3) activation in neural and ocular tissues.Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome appears to be a common denominator in the pathogenesis of age-related diseases of the eye and brain.Pharmacological inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome may be a potent therapy for preventing the development and progression of age-related eye and brain diseases.

Fat or fillers:The dilemma in eyelid surgery

The aging of the periocular region has always aroused great interest.A fresh,young,and attractive sight determined an ever-greater attention to surgical and non-surgical techniques to obtain this result.In particular,the change in the concept of a young look,considered then“full”,led to the increasing use of surgical(fat grafting)or medical(hyaluronic acid)filling techniques.Eyelid rejuvenation became increasingly popular in the field of cosmetic treatments,with a focus on achieving a youthful and refreshed appearance.Among the various techniques available,the choice between using fat grafting or fillers presented a clinical dilemma.In particular,what surgery considered of fundamental importance was a long-lasting result over time.On the other hand,aesthetic medicine considered it fundamental not to have to resort to invasive treatments.But what was the reality?Was there one path better than the other,and above all,was there a better path for patients?The minireview aims to explore the physiopathology,diagnosis,treatment options,prognosis,and future studies regarding this dilemma.We analyzed the literature produced in the last 20 years comparing the two techniques.Current literature reveals advancements in biomaterials,stem cell research and tissue engineering held promise for further enhancing the field of eyelid rejuvenation.The choice between fat grafting and fillers in eyelid cosmetic treatments presented a clinical dilemma.Understanding physiopathology,accurately diagnosing eyelid aging,exploring treatment options,assessing prognosis,and conducting future studies were essential for providing optimal care to patients seeking eyelid rejuvenation.

Response of L V Prasad Eye Institute to COVID-19 outbreak in India:experience at its tertiary eye care centre and adoption to its Eye Health Pyramid

AIM:To summarize the experience of response to COVID-19 outbreak at a tertiary eye care institute and its network of health facilities in India.METHODS:Our responses are based on the principles of social distancing,hand hygiene,respiratory etiquettes,surface disinfection protocol,and rational use of appropriate personal protective equipment(PPE).We describe our response in terms of administrative controls,clinical protocols,staff protection,environmental controls,and social distancing measures.We also discuss our communication strategies and monitoring systems,to ensure compliance to protocols.RESULTS:Administrative control is mainly related to formation of task force and its functions.Clinical protocols are related to patient triaging methods and clinical examination guidelines in Outpatient,Inpatient and Operating Room.Staff protection is focused on training staff on the protocols to be followed in hospital as well as at home,and use of PPE.Environmental protocol is focused on cleaning and disinfectant methods to be used in the hospital.In addition,there are systems for communication as well as monitoring compliance to protocols.CONCLUSION:We hope that these protocols and our experience would help the ophthalmic community globally and serve as a guide to protect ophthalmologists and ophthalmic care personnel,and their patients across the world.

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.

Herpes simplex keratitis:A brief clinical overview

The aim of our minireview is to provide a brief overview of the diagnosis,clinical aspects,treatment options,management,and current literature available regarding herpes simplex keratitis(HSK).This type of corneal viral infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus(HSV),which can affect several tissues,including the cornea.One significant aspect of HSK is its potential to cause recurrent episodes of inflammation and damage to the cornea.After the initial infection,the HSV can establish a latent infection in the trigeminal ganglion,a nerve cluster near the eye.The virus may remain dormant for extended periods.Periodic reactivation of the virus can occur,leading to recurrent episodes of HSK.Factors triggering reactivation include stress,illness,immunosuppression,or trauma.Recurrent episodes can manifest in different clinical patterns,ranging from mild epithelial involvement to more severe stromal or endothelial disease.The severity and frequency of recurrences vary among individuals.Severe cases of HSK,especially those involving the stroma and leading to scarring,can result in vision impairment or even blindness in extreme cases.The cornea's clarity is crucial for good vision,and scarring can compromise this,potentially leading to visual impairment.The management of HSK involves not only treating acute episodes but also implementing long-term strategies to prevent recurrences and attempt repairs of corneal nerve endings via neurotization.Antiviral medications,such as oral Acyclovir or topical Ganciclovir,may be prescribed for prophylaxis.The immune response to the virus can contribute to corneal damage.Inflammation,caused by the body's attempt to control the infection,may inadvertently harm the corneal tissues.Clinicians should be informed about triggers and advised on measures to minimize the risk of reactivation.In summary,the recurrent nature of HSK underscores the importance of both acute and long-term management strategies to preserve corneal health and maintain optimal visual function.

Intraocular pressure and gonioscopic findings in primary angle-closure disease in India—a big data study

AIM:To describe the gonioscopic profile and intraocular pressure(IOP)in primary angle-closure(PAC)disease in patients presenting to a tertiary eye care network in India.METHODS:A cross-sectional hospital-based study that included 31484 new patients presenting between 2011 and 2021.Patients with a clinical diagnosis of PAC/suspect/glaucoma were included.The data was collected from an electronic medical record system.RESULTS:PAC glaucoma(PACG)(47.55%)was the most common diagnosis followed by PAC(39.49%)and PAC suspect(PACS;12.96%).Female preponderance(54.6%)was noted with higher mean age at presentation among males(P<0.0001).PACS and PAC showed the highest prevalence in 6th decade but PACG was higher at 7th decade.The probability of angle opening was 95.93%,90.32%and 63.36%in PACS,PAC and PACG eyes respectively post peripheral iridotomy(PI).Plateau iris syndrome(PIS)was noted in 252 eyes and all showed post dilated rise of IOP.A post dilated IOP rise was also noted with 8.86%,33.95%and 57.19%eyes with PACS,PAC and PACG respectively with IOP rise between 6-8 mm Hg across the disease spectrum.CONCLUSION:The superior quadrant is the narrowest angle and difficult to open with indentation and post PI.The probability of angle opening is less in PIS especially the complete variety along with post dilated IOP rise.The post dilated IOP rise in angle closure eyes warrants a careful dilatation,especially with PIS.

Relationship between age and subfoveal choroidal thickness and its clinical implications

The retrospective study by Lei et al is an investigation of the relationship between age and subfoveal choroidal thickness(SFCT)in Chinese patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.Elements of the study design prevent the generalizability of the study findings,limiting their clinical implications.We recommend consideration of stricter eligibility criteria,other variables like duration of diabetes,interpretation of gender-differences in SFCT,longitudinal follow-up,use of newer choroidal flow indices,comparison of values with normal controls,subgroup analysis to determine the effect of prior treatment,as well as consideration of various real-world scenarios in future studies.

Treatment of uveitis and scleritis patients in Malaysia

●AIM:To determine the common causes and visual outcome after treatment among uveitis and scleritis patients.●METHODS:This is a retrospective cohort observational study.All consecutive clinical records of patients with newly diagnosed uveitis and scleritis over a 4-year period,from Jan.1,2017 to Dec.31,2020,were analysed.Data was collected at the presentation and included a follow-up period of one year.●RESULTS:A total of 288 patients were recruited during the study period.Anterior uveitis was the most common anatomical diagnosis(50.0%)followed by panuveitis(25.0%),scleritis(13.5%),posterior uveitis(6.9%),and intermediate uveitis(4.5%).Viral Herpes was the most common cause of infectious cases,while Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada(VKH)disease and human leucocyte antigen(HLA)B27 spondyloarthropathy were the leading causes of identifiable non-infectious cases.Majority of patients presented with unilateral,non-granulomatous uveitis with an absence of hypopyon.Anatomical locations like posterior uveitis and panuveitis,and visual acuity worse than 3/60 at presentation were the factors associated with poor visual outcomes(P<0.05).About 60%of patients had an identifiable cause for the uveitis and scleritis,with nearly equal distribution of infectious(n=85,29.5%)and noninfectious causes(n=84,29.2%).About 14.5%of patients were clinically blind at 1y of follow-up.The most common complication in our uveitis patients was glaucoma(47.5%),followed by cystoid macula oedema(18.9%)and cataract(13.9%).●CONCLUSION:Uveitis and scleritis are important causes of ocular morbidity.They are potentially blinding diseases which can have a good outcome if diagnosed and treated early.

Retinoscopes:Past and present

BACKGROUND Retinoscopy is arguably the most important method in the eye clinic for diagnosing and managing refractive errors.Advantages of retinoscopy include its noninvasive nature,ability to assess patients of all ages,and usefulness in patients with limited cooperation or communication skills.AIM To discuss the history of retinoscopes and examine current literature on the subject.METHODS A search was conducted on the PubMed and with the reference citation analysis(https://www.referencecitationanalysis.com)database using the term"Retinoscopy,"with a range restricted to the last 10 years(2013-2023).The search string algorithm was:"Retinoscopy"(MeSH Terms)OR"Retinoscopy"(All Fields)OR"Retinoscopes"(All Fields)AND[(All Fields)AND 2013:2023(pdat)].RESULTS This systematic review included a total of 286 records.Publications reviewed iterations of the retinoscope into autorefractors,infrared photo retinoscope,television retinoscopy,and the Wifi enabled digital retinoscope.CONCLUSION The retinoscope has evolved significantly since its discovery,with a significant improvement in its diagnostic capabilities.While it has advantages such as non-invasiveness and broad applicability,limitations exist,and the need for skilled interpretation remains.With ongoing research,including the integration of artificial intelligence,retinoscopy is expected to continue advancing and playing a vital role in eye care.

Possible viral agents to consider in the differential diagnosis of blepharoconjunctivitis

BACKGROUND Blepharoconjunctivitis poses a diagnostic challenge due to its diverse etiology,including viral infections.Blepharoconjunctivits can be acute or chronic,selflimiting,or needing medical therapy.AIM To review possible viral agents crucial for accurate differential diagnosis in cases of blepharoconjunctivitis.METHODS The PubMed database was searched for records relating to viral blepharoconjunctivitis.The search string generated was“("virally"[All Fields]OR"virals"[All Fields]OR"virology"[MeSH Terms]OR"virology"[All Fields]OR"viral"[All Fields])AND"Blepharoconjunctivitis"[All Fields]".RESULTS A total of 24 publications were generated from the search string.Reference lists from each relevant article were also searched for more information and included in this review.Viral etiologies such as adenovirus,herpes simplex virus(HSV),varicella-zoster virus(VZV),and Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)are frequently implicated.Adenoviral infections manifest with follicular conjunctivitis and preauricular lymphadenopathy,often presenting as epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.HSV and VZV infections can result in herpetic keratitis and may exhibit characteristic dendritic corneal ulcers.EBV,although less common,can cause unilateral or bilateral follicular conjunctivitis,particularly in immunocompromised individuals.Other potential viral agents,such as enteroviruses and molluscum contagiosum virus,should also be considered,especially in pediatric cases.CONCLUSION Prompt recognition of these viral etiologies is essential for appropriate management and prevention of complications.Thus,a thorough understanding of the clinical presentation,epidemiology,and diagnostic modalities is crucial for accurate identification and management of viral blepharoconjunctivitis.

Bleb needling outcomes for failed trabeculectomy blebs in Asian eyes: a 2-year follow up

·AIM: To describe the outcomes of bleb needling in primary glaucoma in an Asian tertiary eye centre over a2 y period. To compare the success rates between primary angle-closure glaucoma(PACG) and primary open angle glaucoma(POAG). Lastly, to identify factors associated with success of bleb needling.·METHODS: This was a retrospective review of 227 patients who underwent bleb needling between June2009 and June 2011 in Singapore National Eye Centre.The 5-fluorouracil(5-FU) augmented bleb needling was performed either at the slit lamp or in the operating theatre. Repeat bleb needlings were performed as necessary. Complete success was defined as maintenance of intraocular pressure(IOP) ≥6 mm Hg and ≤21 mm Hg, in the absence of further surgery or use of antiglaucoma medication. Qualified success met the above criteria with or without use of antiglaucoma medications.· RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-five eyes completed the two-year follow up. Sixty-nine percent of participants had POAG and 31% had PACG. The mean interval between filtering surgery and bleb needling was299.9 ±616.4d for POAG and 167.1 ±272.2d for PACG.Mean needling attempts were 1.9±1.4 and 2±1.6 for POAG and PACG respectively. In general, there was a statistically significant reduction of IOP ranging from21.9% to 26.8% from month 1 through to month 24. The complete success rates at month 6 were 70.0% for POAG and 65.7% for PACG. At month 12, this decreased to62.2% for POAG and PACG and at month 24, 57.9% for POAG and 63.0% for PACG respectively. The qualified success rates at month 6 for POAG and PACG were23.8% and 29.9% respectively, 32.2% and 29.2% at month12, and 34.7% and 29.6% at month 24. The success ratesbetween POAG and PACG were not significantly different(P 】0.05 for complete and qualified success at months 6,12 and 24). An increased number of needlings and higher pre-needling IOP were associated with failure.·CONCLUSION: The 5-FU augmented bleb needling within one year of trabeculectomy in Asian eyes can provide clinically significant IOP lowering of more than20% for 2y. POAG and PACG had similar complete success rates(58% and 63% respectively). Factors associated with greater risk of procedure failure included increased number of needlings and higher pre-needling IOP. Asian eyes have a greater propensity for scarring but bleb needling, if performed in a timely manner can rescue bleb function.

Inflammation and dry eye disease——where are we?

The presence of inflammation in dry eye disease(DED)results in increased patient symptomatology,ocular surface damage and worsening tear dysfunction.It also affects the health of meibomian glands and their secretions which further aggravates ocular surface disease.This article reviews current knowledge regarding ocular surface inflammation in DED and explores the relationships between the vicious cycles of DED,inflammation and meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD).The clinical evaluation of eyes with such changes,markers that identify the presence of inflammation on the ocular surface and current treatment options are discussed.

Treatment of refractory diabetic macular edema with a fluocinolone acetonide implant in vitrectomized and non-vitrectomized eyes

AIM: To report real-life data on the use of an intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide implant in the treatment of refractory diabetic macular edema(DME) in pars plana vitrectomized(PPV) and non-PPV eyes.METHODS: This was a comparative retrospective observational study of 23 eyes with chronic DME. Bestcorrected visual acuity(BCVA) and central macular thickness(CMT) were recorded at baseline, 1, 4 and 12 mo. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were performed to analyze and compare PPV and non-PPV eyes. RESULTS: Seven PPV and 16 non-PPV eyes were included in the study. Median BCVA in the non-PPV group varied from 0.65 logMAR [Interquartile range(IQR): 0.40] at baseline to 0.42 logMAR(IQR: 0.40) at 12 mo. Median CMT varied from 430 μm(IQR: 131.3) at baseline to 317 μm(IQR: 107.5) at 12 mo. Median BCVA in the PPV group varied from 0.60 logMAR(IQR: 0.62) at baseline to 0.74 logMAR(IQR: 0.34) at 12 mo. Median CMT varied from 483 μm(IQR: 146) at baseline to 397 μm(IQR: 132) at 12 mo. Of 0/7 eyes and 1/16 eyes in the PPV and non-PPV eyes respectively had a baseline visual acuity of 6/12 or better(0.3 logMAR). At last follow up, 1/7 and 5/16 eyes in the PPV and non-PPV group respectively achieved a visual acuity of 6/12 or better.CONCLUSION: Visual outcomes are modest following the use of the fluocinolone acetonide implant for chronic DME. The steroid implant is a useful treatment option in the management of refractory DME in vitrectomized and non-vitrectmized eyes.

Prevalence and associations of non-retinopathy ocular conditions among older Australians with self-reported diabetes:The National Eye Health Survey

AIM:To determine the prevalence and associations of non-retinopathy ocular conditions among older Australian adults with diabetes.METHODS:Multistage random-cluster sampling was used to select 3098 non-indigenous Australians aged 50 y or older(46.4%male)and 1738 indigenous Australians aged 40 y or older(41.1%male)from all levels of geographic remoteness in Australia.Participants underwent a standardised questionnaire to ascertain diabetes history,and a clinical examination to identify eye disease.We determined the prevalence of uncorrected refractive error,visually significant cataract,cataract surgery,age-related macular degeneration,glaucoma,ocular hypertension,retinal vein occlusion and epiretinal membrane among those with and without self-reported diabetes.RESULTS:Participants with self-reported diabetes had a higher prevalence of cataract surgery than those without diabetes(28.8%vs 16.9%,OR 1.78,95%CI:1.35-2.34 among non-indigenous Australians,and 11.3%vs 5.2%,OR 1.62,95%CI:1.22-2.14 among indigenous Australians).Diabetic retinopathy(DR)increased the odds of cataract surgery among self-reported diabetic indigenous and nonindigenous Australians(OR 1.89,P=0.004 and OR 2.33,P<0.001 respectively).Having diabetes for≥20 y and having vision-threatening DR increased the odds of cataract surgery among indigenous Australians with diabetes(OR 3.73,P=0.001 and 7.58,P<0.001,respectively).CONCLUSION:Most non-retinopathy ocular conditions are not associated with self-reported diabetes.However,to account for Australia’s worsening diabetes epidemic,interventions to reduce the impact of diabetes-related blindness should include increased cataract surgery services.

Ultrasound biomicroscopic imaging demonstrate thinner ciliary body thickness in eyes with angle closure

·AIM:To compare the ciliary body thickness between eyes with primary angle closure(PAC)and primary angle-closure glaucoma(PACG)with the normal eyes,and to investigate the association between ciliary body thickness and ciliary processes situation.·METHODS:In this cross-sectional study,57 patients with PAC/PACG were matched to 57 normal subjects after propensity score matching(PSM)adjusting for age and gender.All subjects underwent conventional ocular examinations and ultrasound biomicroscopy(UBM)examination,among which the patients with PAC/PACG performed the examinations one month after laser peripheral iridotomy(LPI).Quantitative parameters were measured,which included ciliary body thickness at the position of 1 mm posterior to the scleral spur(CBT1),trabecular-ciliary process distance(TCPD)and trabecularciliary process angle(TCA).·RESULTS:Eyes with PAC/PACG presented significantly thinner CBT1,shorter TCPD and smaller TCA(P<0.001)than the normal eyes,both in comparison of the means of four quadrants and in comparisons of each quadrant.After removing images with peripheral anterior synechia(PAS),the same results were also found in comparisons between the two groups.Significant correlations were found between TCPD(R~2=0.537,P<0.001)and TCA(R~2=0.517,P<0.001)with CBT1.·CONCLUSION:Eyes with PAC/PACG have thinner ciliary body thickness and more anteriorly situated ciliary processes.Thinner ciliary body thickness is associated with anterior situation of the ciliary processes.

Unilateral visual impairment in rural south India-Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study(APEDS)

AIM： To report the prevalence and causes of unilateral visual impairment（UVI） in rural population of all ages in rural Andhra Pradesh, India.·METHODS： A population-based cross sectional study using a multi-stage cluster sampling methodology was carried out in West Godavari, Adilabad and Mahbubnagar districts in south India. A comprehensive eye examination that included presenting and best corrected visual acuity and dilated fundus examination was conducted by trained professionals. UVI is defined as presenting visual acuity 6/18 in one eye but ≥6/18 in other eye. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to test association of UVI with socio-demographic risk factors.· RESULTS： Data were analyzed for 6634/7771 participants after excluding those with bilateral visual impairment. The mean age of the participants was 27.4y（Standard deviation： 17.9y）, 51.9% were women and49.1% were educated. The prevalence of UVI was 7.8%（95% CI： 7.2%- 8.5%）. Uncorrected refractive error（60.8%）, cataract（17.4%） and retinal causes（6.6%） were the leading causes of UVI. On multiple logistic regression analyses, older age, not having education, living in welloff district had significantly higher odds of being associated with UVI. UVI was not associated with gender.·CONCLUSION： UVI is common in rural south India.Most of it is due to cataract and refractive errors, both of which can be addressed at primary and secondary levelsof eye care. Burden of UVI should also be considered in planning eye care services.

Hydrophobic Acrylic Intraocular Lens in Both Eyes

Purpose:To report on the clinical findings of a case of late opacification of the hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens (IOLs) in both eyes after cataract surgery. Methods: A 79-year-old man with a history of decreased visual acuity and complaints of glare and blurred vision in both eyes over the past 3 years..He had received an uneventful phacoemulsification combined with posterior chamber IOL implantation for senile cataract in both eyes 13 years ago,.and had undergone neodymium:YAG(Nd:YAG).laser posterior capsulotomy on both eyes 6 years ago,.for posterior capsular opacification.(PCO)..The optical portion of the IOLs showed uniform gray haze..Binocular posterior capsular laser holes were clearly noted. Results:.IOL exchange was performed by the same surgeon on both eyes, three days apart. Postoperatively, the patient's visual acuity was elevated to 6/12 (OD) and 6/9 (OS) at 6 months, and intraocular pressure (IOP) reached 16.8 mmHg (OD) and 18.4 mmHg (OS). Neither glare or blurred vision were observed in either eye. Conclusion: IOL exchange can be used to effectively manage clinically significant optic opacification.

Corneal Cross Linking with Riboflavin for Progressive Keratoconus in Paediatric Eyes

Purpose: To report visual, refractive and topographic outcomes after corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) for progressive keratoconus in paediatric eyes. Methods: In this prospective interventional study, twenty eyes of eighteen patients with progressive keratoconus were included. All eyes underwent CXL with riboflavin after documented progression of the disease. Informed, written consent was taken from the parents of the patients. The patients were followed up for 6 months. Complete ophthalmic examination and Scheimpflug imaging were performed at each visit. Reduction of the mean refractive cylinder, and corneal flattening were the main outcome measures. Results: The mean age of the patients was 13.55 years, (range: 9 - 16 yrs). The mean refractive cylinder reduced from a preoperative value of -5.26D to -4.66D (p = 0.10), -4.31D (p = 0.009), and, -4.10D (p = 0.003) at one, three and six months (postoperative) respectively. The mean average K value increased from 51.88D to 52.18D (p = 0.64) at one month postoperatively and reduced thereafter to 51.28D (p = 0.32) and 51.54D (p = 0.02) at three and six months respectively. Thinnest pachymetry reduced very significantly from a mean preoperative value of 459.15 μm to 400.8 μm (p < 0.001), 405.9 μm (p < 0.001) and 413.6 μm (p < 0.001) postoperatively at one, three and six months respectively. Best corrected visual acuity (decimal units) improved insignificantly from a preoperative value of 0.43 to 0.49 (p = 0.42) at six months postoperatively. Conclusion: Short term results of corneal collagen crosslinking with riboflavin for progressive keratoconus in children are promising in terms of reduction in the mean refractive cylinder and flattening of the cornea, and appears effective in halting the progression of the disease in the paediatric age group. Long term follow up is required to assess the lasting effect of CXL in this age group.

In vitro eye embryogenesis from induced pluripotent stem cells for ocular surface disease treatment

In their letter to Nature,Hayashi et al.describe a new method for the generation of ocular surface epitheliumlike cells by incubating human induced pluripotent stem cells(iPS)into four defined concentric zones mimicking the developing eye,which the authors named as self-formed ectodermal autonomous multi-zone(SEAM)(1).

Utilization of eye care services among those with unilateral visual impairment in rural South India：Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study(APEDS)

AIM：To report on the utilization of eye care services and its associated factors among those with unilateral visual impairment（VI）in a rural South Indian population.METHODS：A population based cross-sectional study was conducted in three districts（Adilabad,Mahbubnagar and West Godavari）in the state of Andhra Pradesh,India.A detailed interview and a comprehensive eye examination were conducted. Those with unilateral VI were asked questions about noticing any change in vision and on utilization of eye care services. The most important reason reported by the participant for not utilizing the services was used for the analysis. Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the association between noticing a change in vision and socio-demographic variables such as age,gender,education and area of residence,severity and causes of VI.RESULTS：Among the 4456 participants aged ≥16y who were administered the questionnaire,53.2% were women,and 54.7% had no education. Of the 489（11%; 95% CI：10.1-11.9）people with unilateral VI,399（81.6%）participants reported noticing a change in their vision over the last five years but only 136（34.1%）participants had soughteye care consultation. Those who had any education（OR：1.9; 95% CI：1.1-3.2）,had blindness（OR：2.7; 95% CI：1.4-5.2）,and cataract（OR：2.1; 95% CI：1.0-4.3）as a cause of unilateral VI were more like to seek eye care consultations. The most commonly reported reasons for not seeking eye care services were ＂do not have money for eye checkup＂ in 30.7% of the participants followed by ＂do not have a serious problem＂（30.0%）.CONCLUSION：A large proportion of rural population though noticed a change in their vision did not seek eye care due to financial and person-related reasons. Eye care service providers need to address these barriers to enhance the uptake of eye care services among those with unilateral VI.