Explore the vast range of titles available.

To characterize the early ocular-surface changes or tear inflammatory-mediators levels following small-incision lenticule extraction (ReLEx smile) and femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK). Forty-seven myopic subjects were recruited for this prospective study. Fifteen underwent ReLEx smile and thirty-two underwent FS-LASIK. Corneal fluorescein (FL) staining, tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer I test (SIT), ocular surface disease index (OSDI) and central corneal sensitivity were evaluated in all participants. Tears were collected and analyzed for interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nerve growth factor (NGF) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) levels using multiplex magnetic beads. All measurements were preformed preoperatively and 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months postoperatively. FL scores in ReLEx smile group were lower than those of FS-LASIK group 1 week postoperatively (P = 0.010). Compared to the FS-LASIK group, longer TBUT were observed in ReLEx smile group 1 month (P = 0.029) and 3 months (P = 0.045) postoperatively. No significant differences were found in tear secretion for the two groups (P>0.05). OSDI scores were higher in FS-LASIK group 1 month after surgery (P = 0.020). Higher central corneal sensitivity was observed in ReLEx smile group 1 week, 1 month and 3 months (P<0.05) postoperatively. Compared to FS-LASIK group, lower and faster recovery of IL-6 and NGF levels in tears was observed in ReLEx smile group postoperatively (P<0.05). Tears TNF-α and ICAM-1 concentrations were not significantly different between the two groups at any follow-up time (P>0.05). Moreover, IL-6 and NGF levels correlated with ocular surface changes after ReLEx smile or FS-LASIK. In the early postoperative period, ReLEx smile results in milder ocular surface changes than FS-LASIK. Furthermore, the tear inflammatory mediators IL-6 and NGF may play a crucial role in the ocular surface healing process following ReLEx smile and FS-LASIK.

To compare femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery with standard phacoemulsification concerning the incidence of postoperative clinical or subclinical macular edema and the correlation between macular thickness and postoperative intraocular inflammation values. One hundred four eyes of 104 patients were treated by laser-assisted cataract surgery and the fellow 104 eyes underwent phacoemulsification using pulsed ultrasound energy and intraocular lens implantation in this prospective randomized study. Laser flare photometry was measured preoperatively and at 2 hours, 3 to 4 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Retinal thickness was measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Two hundred two eyes (97%) were included and analyzed at 6 months postoperatively. The mean center thickness in the laser group was 210 ± 24 μm at 4 days postoperatively, 214 ± 22 μm at 1 month postoperatively, 219 ± 20 μm at 3 months postoperatively, and 215 ± 22 μm at 6 months postoperatively. The mean center thickness in the standard group was 211 ± 32 μm at 4 days postoperatively, 210 ± 34 μm at 1 month postoperatively, 217 ± 29 μm at 3 months postoperatively, and 209 ± 30 μm at 6 months postoperatively. Laser flare photometry showed higher levels in the standard group at the first postoperative visit 2 hours after surgery compared with the laser group. Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery did not obviously influence the incidence of postoperative macular edema.

To evaluate anterior chamber biometric factors and intraoperative metrics associated with the intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction after phacoemulsification in non-glaucomatous pseudoexfoliative syndrome (PXS) eyes. Thirty-three patients were enrolled in this prospective interventional study. Images were excluded if they had poor quality, poor perpendicularity or inability to locate sclera spurs. Anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber area (ACA), iris thickness, iris area, iris curvature, lens vault, angle opening distance (AOD500, AOD750) and trabecular iris space area (TISA500, TISA750) were measured in qualified images using the Zhongshan Angle Assessment Program and compared preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. Cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), aspiration time and infusion fluid usage during cataract surgery were obtained from the phacoemulsification machine's metrics record. Postoperative IOP change was compared with these anatomical and intraoperative metric parameters. Mean IOP was 18.1±3.4 mm Hg preoperatively and decreased by 3.3 mm Hg (18%) to 14.8±3.6 mm Hg at 3 months postoperatively (p<0.001). All angle parameters, ACD and ACA increased significantly postoperatively (p<0.001 for all) and iris curvature decreased (p<0.001). In univariate analysis, preoperative IOP (B=-0.668, p=0.002), infusion fluid usage (B=-0.040, p=0.04) and aspiration time (B=-0.045, p=0.003) were negatively associated with IOP decrease after phacoemulsification. Changes in IOP did not demonstrate significant associations with CDE measurements or anterior segment optical coherence tomography measurements, including preoperative angle, iris or anterior segment parameters. In the final multivariate regression model, preoperative IOP (B=-0.668, p=0.002) and infusion fluid usage (B=-0.041, p=0.04) were significantly associated with IOP drop and together can predict 45.1% (p=0.002) of the variability in IOP change. Non-glaucomatous patients with PXS experience moderate IOP reduction following phacoemulsification, and this effect is correlated with preoperative IOP, aspiration time and infusion fluid used intraoperatively.

Aim:To evaluate the reliability of lens density measurement with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) and its association with the Lens Opacity Classification System Version III (LOCS III) grading.Methods:Fifty-five eyes from 55 age-related cataract patients were included. One eye from each subject was selected at random for lens evaluation. After dilation, lens photographs were taken with a slit lamp and graded against the LOCS III standardised condition. Anterior segment OCT imaging was performed on the same eyes with a high-resolution scan. The association between the anterior segment OCT nucleus density measurement and LOCS III nuclear opalescence (NO) and nuclear colour (NC) scores was evaluated with the Spearman correlation coefficient. Anterior segment OCT measurement precision, coefficient of variation (CVw), and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated.Results:The mean NO and NC scores were 3.39 (SD 1.10) and 3.37 (SD 1.27), respectively. Significant correlations were found between anterior segment OCT nuclear density measurements and the LOCS III NO and NC scores (r = 0.77 and 0.60, respectively, both with p<0.001). The precision, CVw and ICC of anterior segment OCT measurement were 2.05 units, 4.55% and 0.98, respectively.Conclusion:Anterior segment OCT nucleus density measurement is reliable and correlates with the LOCS III NO and NC scores.

PurposeTo compare the effect of argon laser peripheral iridoplasty (ALPI) and conventional medical therapy in the immediate treatment of acute primary angle closure (APAC) using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT).MethodsIn this single tertiary centre, prospective comparative study, we randomised 30 consecutive patients with unilateral APAC into two groups: ALPI and medical treatment (n=15 each). Immediately before and 1 h after either intervention, ASOCT imaging was performed. Custom software was used to measure pupil diameter, anterior chamber depth, iris curvature (I-Curv), iris area (I-Area), and the angle opening distance (AOD750), trabecular iris space area (TISA750) and the iris thickness at 750 µm from the scleral spur. The main outcome measure was the change in anterior segment biometrical parameters.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 62.8±7.7 years; 13 (43.3%) were male. APAC eyes treated with ALPI had a larger increase in AOD750 (p=0.002) and TISA750 (p=0.006); a smaller increase in I-Area (p=0.004) and a decrease in I-Curv (p=0.001) after treatment compared with those eyes which received medical therapy. An optimal model consisting of age, gender, pretreatment and post-treatment pupil diameter, treatment modality and pretreatment I-Curv explained 53.2% of the variance in AOD750 change after treatment, with the treatment modality accounting for 35.0% and I-Curv accounting for 12.4% of the variability.ConclusionsWe observed a greater increase in angle width after ALPI compared with after medical treatment in eyes with APAC. Treatment modality and pretreatment I-Curv were the most significant predictors of angle width change after treatment.

Purpose: To compare the uniformity and accuracy of LASIK flaps created with a femtosecond laser versus a mechanical microkeratome using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: A prospective study was performed on 72 consecutive patients who underwent LASIK in both eyes in alternating fashion with either the AMO IntraLase FS60 (72 eyes) or the Moria M2 microkeratome (72 eyes). One month after surgery, anterior segment OCT was performed on each eye to measure flap thickness at 20 locations and the results were assessed for uniformity and accuracy. Results: At 1 month after surgery, the microkeratome group flap ranges were greater than those found in the femtosecond laser group (At 1 month after surgery, the microkeratome group flap ranges were greater than those found in the femtosecond laser group ( P <.05). The meridian and radial flap uniformity in the femtosecond laser group were better, showing an almost planar configuration, than the meniscus-shaped flaps created with the microkeratome. Comparison of the nasal and temporal flap thickness revealed more regularity in the femtosecond laser group than the microkeratome group. The maximum deviation from the intended flap thicknesses was 7 μm in the femtosecond laser group compared to 26 μm in the microkeratome group. During the 1440 measurements of the 72 eyes, a difference >20 μm was observed in 0.42% of eyes in the femtosecond laser group and 15% of eyes in the microkeratome group. Conclusions: LASIK flaps made with the IntraLase FS60 were more uniform with more accurate thickness than those created by the Moria M2 microkeratome.

Background To compare the in-the-bag stability and visual function of single-piece intraocular lenses (IOLs) and three-piece IOLs. Methods A total of 65 patients with age-related cataracts (80 eyes) were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive in-the-bag implantation of either a single-piece IOL (40 eyes) or a three-piece IOL (40 eyes). Follow-up visits were conducted at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months postoperatively. Visual acuity, refraction and total aberration were examined. IOL position stability (including axial movement, decentration and tilt) was measured using a Scheimpflug imaging system. Results At the 3-month follow-up visit, single-piece IOLs did not exhibit significant axial movement (0.07 ± 0.30 mm, p  = 0.13) compared with their axial position at 1 week postoperatively, whereas three-piece IOLs displayed forward axial movement of −0.22 ± 0.23 mm ( p  < 0.0001). The mean manifest spherical equivalence (SE) of eyes with single-piece IOL was 0.15 ± 0.18D, whereas in eyes with three-piece IOLs, the mean manifest SE was −0.34 ± 0.15D ( p  < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in IOL decentration, tilt, uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity or total spherical aberration between the two groups. Conclusions Three months after implantation, single-piece IOLs exhibit better axial stability and more stable refractive outcome than three-piece IOLs, but both IOLs perform equally well in terms of decentration, tilt, visual acuity and total aberration. Trial registration ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT02609997 , 11/18/2015, retrospectively registered.

Topical drug delivery is one of the most challenging aspects of eye therapy. Eye drops are the most prevalent drug form, especially for widely distributed anterior segment eye diseases (cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, inflammatory diseases, etc.), because they are convenient and easy to apply by patients. However, conventional drug formulations are usually characterized by short retention time in the tear film, insufficient contact with epithelium, fast elimination, and difficulties in overcoming ocular tissue barriers. Not more than 5% of the total drug dose administered in eye drops reaches the interior ocular tissues. To overcome the ocular drug delivery barriers and improve drug bioavailability, various conventional and novel drug delivery systems have been developed. Among these, nanosize carriers are the most attractive. The review is focused on the different drug carriers, such as synthetic and natural polymers, as well as inorganic carriers, with special attention to nanoparticles and nanomicelles. Studies in vitro and in vivo have demonstrated that new formulations could help to improve the bioavailability of the drugs, provide sustained drug release, enhance and prolong their therapeutic action. Promising results were obtained with drug-loaded nanoparticles included in in situ gel.

Purpose To assess corneal edema after torsional phacoemulsification using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and Scheimpflug photography (Pentacam). Methods Seventy-six eyes with cataract surgery were randomized into 2 groups: a 2.2 mm micro-coaxial incision group ( n = 37) and a 2.8 mm standard incision group ( n = 39). Patients were examined preoperatively and at 1 day, 1 week and 1 month postoperatively. Incision architecture and pachymetry at the wound level were measured by AS-OCT. The corneal volume within 3.0 and 10.0 mm circles of the cornea was measured using Pentacam. Results The cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) was lower in the micro-coaxial incision (2.2 mm) group than in the standard incision (2.8 mm) group ( P = 0.043). Corneal edema measurements showed less corneal thickness at the endothelial side of the incision on postoperative day 1 in the micro-incision group (1061 ± 76 vs. 1153 ± 97 μm, P = 0.041). The corneal volume within the 10.0 mm circle was less on postoperative day 1 in the micro-incision group (63.75 ± 4.83 vs. 65.97 ± 4.52 mm 3 , P = 0.035). The endothelial cell count did not change significantly throughout the study. Conclusion The micro-coaxial 2.2 mm incision may incur slightly less damage than the 2.8 mm standard incision in the context of torsional phacoemulsification. Observation of corneal morphology and damage using AS-OCT and Pentacam can be helpful in the evaluation and quantification of fine corneal edema.

With the advancement of computational power, refinement of learning algorithms and architectures, and availability of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) technology, particularly with machine learning and deep learning, is paving the way for ‘intelligent’ healthcare systems. AI-related research in ophthalmology previously focused on the screening and diagnosis of posterior segment diseases, particularly diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. There is now emerging evidence demonstrating the application of AI to the diagnosis and management of a variety of anterior segment conditions. In this review, we provide an overview of AI applications to the anterior segment addressing keratoconus, infectious keratitis, refractive surgery, corneal transplant, adult and paediatric cataracts, angle-closure glaucoma and iris tumour, and highlight important clinical considerations for adoption of AI technologies, potential integration with telemedicine and future directions.