Abstract:AIM: To examine the genetic profile of primary uveal melanoma (UM) as compared to UM in immune escape. METHODS: Dendritic cells (DC) loaded with lysates of UM cells of high metastatic potential were used to stimulate CTLs(CTLs). When CTLs co-cultured with the UM cells, most UM cells could be eliminated. Survival UM cells grew slowly and were considered to be survival variants and examined by a microarray analysis. These differential genes were analyzed further with Venn Diagrams and functions related to immune escape. We additionally examined transcriptional changes of manually selected survival variants of UM cells and of clinical UM samples by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and analyzed the correlation of these expressions and patients’ survival. RESULTS: Gene expression analyses revealed a marked up-regulation of SLAMF7 and CCL22 and a significant down-regulation of KRT10, FXYD3 and ABCC2. The expression of these genes in the relapsed UM was significantly greater than those in primary UM. UM patients with overexpression of these genes had a shorter survival period as compared with those of their underexpression. CONCLUSION: Gene expression, in particular of SLAMF7, CCL22, KRT10, FXYD3 and ABCC2, differed between primary UM cells and survival variants of UM cells.

Abstract:AIM: To explore the effects of retinoic acid receptor-γ (RARγ) on innate immune responses against Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) in cultured human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). METHODS: The HCECs were stimulated with A. fumigatus hyphae for 0, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16h. RARγ mRNA and protein levels were tested by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Then HCECs were pretreated with or without BMS961 (RARγ agonist, 1 μg/mL). The mRNA and protein expression of Dectin-1 and the downstream cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) were determined by qRT-PCR, Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The expression of RARγ was upregulated after stimulation with A. fumigatus. RARγ mRNA began to rise at 4h and peaked at 8h (P<0.001). The protein of RARγ reached to the peak at 16h (P<0.001). Pretreated with BMS961 before A. fumigatus hyphae stimulation, expression of Dectin-1, TNF-α and IL-6 decreased dramatically at mRNA and protein levels. CONCLUSION: HCECs can express RARγ and A. fumigatus hyphae infection can increase RARγ expression. BMS961 can inhibit the expression of Dectin-1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and play an anti-inflammatory role in innate immune responses against A. fumigatus.

Abstract:AIM: To determine the role of microRNA (miRNA)-29a and miRNA-29c in the regulation of apoptosis in early rat diabetic cataract formation. METHODS: Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used in the study. The expression level of miRNA-29a, miRNA-29c, and BCL2-modifying factor (BMF) in lens epithelial cells (LECs) samples were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Prediction algorithms of miRanda, TargetScan 6.2, and mirRDB to perform a miRNA gene network analysis were used for the potential miRNA-29a and miRNA-29c targets. RESULTS: The miRNA-29a and miRNA-29c expression levels were all significantly lower in the control group compared to the 2 and 4wk diabetic samples (P<0.01). The network analysis indicated that one miRNA-29a and miRNA-29c targets was BMF. There was significantly higher expression of BMF mRNA compared to the normal controls (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Apoptosis occurs in rat LECs following high blood glucose exposure. It is likely that apoptosis during diabetic cataract formation involves the decreased expression of miRNA-29a and miRNA-29c and the increased expression of BMF.

Abstract:AIM: To explore whether resveratrol (Res) can inhibit human retinal pigment epithelial cell (ARPE-19 cell) proliferation and migration, and to research the molecular mechanisms. METHODS: ARPE-19 cells were pretreated with various concentrations at 0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 300 μmol/L of Res, and with 0 μmol/L Res as the control for 24, 48 and 72h. The cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration were measured with cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, and wound-healing and Transwell assays, respectively. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), P21 and P27, as well as matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38MAPK) was identified by Western blot. RESULTS: Cell proliferation was effectively inhibited by Res (P<0.05). When pretreated with Res, cells arrested in S-phase increased remarkably (P<0.05), but the apoptosis ratios showed no significant difference between the treatment and control groups (P>0.05). Cell migration was suppressed by Res both in wound-healing assay and Transwell migration assay (P<0.05). Decreases of PCNA, MMP-9 and p38MAPK, as well as increases of P21 and P27 were detected by Western blot (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Res can inhibit APRE-19 cell proliferation and migration in a concentration-dependent manner with up-regulation of the expression of P21 and P27, and down-regulation of PCNA, MMP-9 and p38MAPK.

Abstract:AIM: To characterize whether a glaucoma model with chronic elevation of the intraocular pressure (IOP) was able to be induced by anterior chamber injection of microbeads in rabbits. METHODS: In order to screen the optimal dose of microbead injection, IOP was measured every 3d for 4wk using handheld applanation tonometer after a single intracameral injection of 10 μL, 25 μL, 50 μL or 100 μL microbeads (5×106 beads/mL; n=6/group) in New Zealand White rabbits. To prolong IOP elevation, two intracameral injections of 50 μL microbeads or phosphate buffer saline (PBS) were made respectively at days 0 and 21 (n=24/group). The fellow eye was not treated. At 5wk after the second injection of microbeads or PBS, bright-field microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to assess the changes in the retina. The expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the retina was evaluated by immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot at 5wk after the second injection of microbeads. RESULTS: Following a single intracameral injection of 10 μL, 25 μL, 50 μL or 100 μL microbead, IOP levels showed a gradual increase and a later decrease over a 4wk period after a single injection of microbead into the anterior chamber of rabbits. A peak IOP was observed at day 15 after injection. No significant difference in peak value of IOP was found between 10 μL and 25 μL groups (17.13±1.25 mm Hg vs 17.63±0.74 mm Hg; P=0.346). The peak value of IOP from 50 μL group (23.25±1.16 mm Hg) was significantly higher than 10 μL and 25 μL groups (all P<0.05). Administration of 100 μL microbead solution (23.00±0.93 mm Hg) did not lead to a significant increase in IOP compared to the 50 μL group (P=0.64). A prolonged elevated IOP duration up to 8wk was achieved by administering two injections of 50 μL microbeads (20.48±1.21 mm Hg vs 13.60±0.90 mm Hg in PBS-injected group; P<0.05). The bright-field and TEM were used to assess the changes of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Compared with PBS-injected group, the extended IOP elevation was associated with the degeneration of optic nerve, the reduction of RGC axons (47.16%, P<0.05) and the increased GFAP expression in the retina (4.74±1.10 vs 1.00±0.46, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Two injections of microbeads into the ocular anterior chamber of rabbits lead to a prolonged IOP elevation which results in structural abnormality as well as loss in RGCs and their axons without observable ocular structural damage or inflammatory response. We have therefore established a novel and practical model of experimental glaucoma in rabbits.

Abstract:AIM: To investigate the morphological changes of meibomian glands in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: Of 118 eyes (118 patients) with type 2 DM (DM group) and 100 eyes of 100 control subjects (control group) were enrolled. After completing an ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, the non-invasive tear film break-up time (NI-BUT) and the structure of the meibomian glands (MGs, meibography) were assessed by the Keratograph 5M system. Partial or complete loss of MG was scored for each eyelid from grade 0 (no loss) to grade 3 (lost area was >2/3 of the total MG area), which were also examined by laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). The primary outcomes were meibomian gland acinar unit density (MGAUD), meibomian gland acinar longest diameter (MGALD) and meibomian gland acinar shortest diameter (MGASD). RESULTS: Compared with control group, the OSDI was significantly higher in DM group (Z=-5.916; P<0.001), while the NI-BUT was significantly lower (Z=-7.765; P<0.001). Keratograph showed that there were more MGs dropout in DM group than that in control group. The meiboscore was significantly higher in DM group compared with control group (Z=-3.937; P<0.001). LSCM revealed that there were cytological alterations of MGs in DM group compared with control group, which included enlargement of MG acinar units and decreased in density of MG acinar units. Specifically, there were lower MGAUD, larger MGALD and MGASD in DM group than control group (Z=-10.120, -9.4442, -7.771; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Compared with the normal control participants, the patients with type 2 DM had more unstable tear films and severe symptoms of dry eye. Using Keratograph 5M system and LSCM, we found that the patients with type 2 DM had more significant morphological and cytological changes and dysfunction in MGs.

Abstract:AIM: To evaluate the surgical scars of external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) cosmetically. METHODS: Totally 50 consecutive cases of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) were included in the study. Surgical scars were assessed by the patients and two independent observers at 2, 6 and 12wk postoperatively on the basis of visibility of the scars and still photographs respectively and were graded from 0-3. Kappa test was utilised to check the agreement of scar grading between the two observers. Wilcoxan signed ranks test was used to analyse the improvement of scar grading. RESULTS: Thirty-four (68%) patients graded their incision site as very visible (grade 3) at 2wk. At 6 and 12wk, incision site was observed as grade 3 by 7 (14%) and 1 (2%) patients respectively. Photographic evaluation of patients by 2 observers showed an average score of 2.75, 1.94 and 0.94 at 2, 6 and 12wk respectively. Change in scar grading from grade 3 to grade 0 in consecutive follow-up (2, 6 and 12wk) was found to be highly significant both for the patient as well for the observers (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The external DCR is a highly effective and safe procedure and in view of low percentage of cases who complained of marked scarring in the present study, thus scarring should not be the main ground for deciding the approach to DCR surgery, even in young cosmetically conscious patients.

Abstract:AIM: To investigate the etiology, diagnosis, management and outcome of epiphora referrals to an oculoplastic practice. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients referred for epiphora to an oculoplastic clinic between 2005 and 2009. Patient demographics, past history, ophthalmic examination, treatment and outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 237 subjects with a primary complaint of epiphora. They included 130 (55%) females and 107 (45%) males with an average age of 55.9±25.9y. The most common cause of epiphora was lacrimal obstruction (46%); followed by multifactorial epiphora (22%), reflex tearing (22%) and eyelid malposition (11%). Differences in prevalence of etiology were noted in terms of age and gender distribution. Of the 182 (77%) patients who returned for follow up, 41 (23%) reported a complete resolution and 102 (56%) reported a significant improvement in their symptoms. CONCLUSION: Epiphora is a common condition with many causes. A thorough history and examination are required to provide the appropriate treatment tailored to the underlying cause.

Abstract:AIM: To summarize preoperative evaluation and outcome of corneal transplantation for limbal dermoids for ten years. METHODS: Eighty-five patients diagnosed with limbal dermoids and treated with corneal transplantation were analyzed retrospectively. All patients were further divided into two groups according to absence or presence of neovascularization surrounding the dermoids in the corneal stroma. Eighty-two eyes were treated with tumor excision combined with partial lamellar sclerokeratoplasty, and the other three eyes were performed by penetrating keratoplasty. The size and location of the tumor, the associated ocular and systemic anomalies, the depth of the corneal penetration of tumor tissues, the preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), graft survival and cosmetic outcome, and surgical complications were recorded respectively. RESULTS: The average age at surgery was 5.3y (range, 3mo-36y). The mean size of dermoids was 6.1±1.6 mm. The 43.5% of eyes (37/85) were present with hair at the surface of the dermoid and 72.9% of dermoids were located inferotemporal of the eye. Amplyopia was present in 34.1% of patients (29/85) and 9.4% of patients (8/85) had lipodermoids. Eighteen patients suffered from Goldenhar’s syndrome with an accessory ear. The 75% of patients in group 1 had involvement of the corneal deep stroma down to Descemet’s membrane without involving it, but 71.4% of patients had Descemet’s membrane involvement in group 2. Preoperative BCVA ranged from counting fingers to 20/20. Postoperatively 81.1% had a BCVA of 20/800 or better. There was no significant difference between the post-surgical BCVA of the two groups (t=1.584, P>0.05). The grafts of 70.5% patients were present as 1+ opacity, 21.1% as 2+ opacity, 8.2% as 3+ opacity and none as 4+ opacity. Surgical complications included graft rejection, microperforation, prolonged reepithelialization, steroid glaucoma, interface neovascularization, and interface hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: The dermoids with neovascularization surrounding them in the corneal stroma invaded deeper tissues in the cornea than those with no neovascularization surrounding them in the corneal stroma. Therefore, surgeons should take care to avoid corneal perforation during the corneal transplantation operation. The majority of patients markedly improved their cosmetic appearance after surgery.

Abstract:AIM: To investigate the effect of posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) on circulation of pathologic myopia eyes with posterior staphyloma by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: The study included 30 pathologic myopia eyes with posterior staphyloma which underwent PSR (PSR group) for 6 to 18mo ago, and 30 age and myopia matched eyes without PSR surgery as control group. Macular, choriocapillaris and radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) flow density were measured by OCTA, and the measurements were compared between groups. RESULTS: OCTA found no significant differences in macular flow density between PSR and control groups. For the superficial flow, whole enface flow density (WED), fovea density (FD), and parafoveal density (PD) were 46.55%±5.19% vs 47.29%±4.12% (P=0.542), 31.45%±6.35% vs 31.17%±4.48% (P=0.841), and 48.82%±5.66% vs 49.21%±4.15% (P=0.756) in PSR and control groups, respectively. For the deep flow, WED, FD, and PD were 52.07%±5.78% vs 53.95%±4.62% (P=0.168), 29.62%±6.55% vs 29.50%±6.38% (P=0.940), and 56.93%±6.17% vs 58.15%±5.13% (P=0.407) in PSR and control groups, respectively. The choriocapillary flow density was 61.18±3.25% in PSR group vs 60.88%±2.56% in control group (P=0.692). Also, OCTA found no significant differences in RPCs flow density between PSR and control groups. The optic disc WED, inside disc flow density and peripapillary flow density were 48.47%±4.77% vs 48.11%±4.57% (P=0.813), 45.47%±11.44% vs 46.68%±9.02% (P=0.709), 54.32%±5.29% vs 52.47%±6.62% (P=0.349) in PSR and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: OCTA provides a non-invasive and quantitative approach for monitoring macular and papillary blood flow in pathologic myopia. PSR can not improve but may maintain the circulation of pathologic myopia eyes with posterior staphyloma.

Abstract:AIM: To assess the binocular visual function in bilateral cataract patients with unilateral astigmatism after combined implantations of Toric with multifocal intraocular lens (IOL), and to compare with that of Toric and monofocal IOL implantation. METHODS: All the 30 patients with unilateral astigmatism suffered bilateral cataract were randomly divided into two groups: Toric plus multifocal IOL group and Toric plus monofocal IOL group. Uncorrected and corrected visual acuity at distance (5.0 m), intermediate distance (0.6 m), and near (0.33 m), contrast sensitivity, and stereopsis were assessed 6mo after surgery. Patients were also surveyed for visual disturbances and spectacle dependence. RESULTS: Binocular uncorrected visual acuity (LogMAR) of Toric/multifocal IOL eyes at distance, intermediate, near were 0.05±0.05, 0.24±0.10, and 0.14±0.06 respectively. The values of Toric plus monofocal IOL eyes were 0.06±0.07, 0.26±0.08, and 0.37±0.10 respectively. These values did not indicate significant differences between two groups with exception of near visual acuity. In the photopic condition (with or without glare), the contrast sensitivity of multifocal IOL eyes was significant lower than the monofocal IOL eyes in 18 cpd. In the mesopic condition, the contrast sensitivity of multifocal group was significant lower than monofocal group in 12 cpd, and in mesopic glare condition, this significant difference was found both in 6 cpd and 12 cpd. The stereopsis of Toric/multifocal IOL eyes decreased slightly (100±80 seconds of arc, t=2.222, P=0.136). Mean near vision for patient satisfaction was statistically significantly higher in Toric/multifocal IOL group patients versus than that in Toric/monofocal IOL group (80% vs 25.5%, P=0.000). Visual disturbance was not noticed in either group. CONCLUSION: Although the combination of Toric and multifocal IOL implantation results in compromising stereoacuity, it can still provide patients with high levels of spectacle freedom and good overall binocular visual acuity.

Abstract:AIM: To evaluate the effects of panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) compared with PRP plus intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) in patients with high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study criteria. METHODS: The data were collected retrospectively from the eyes of high-risk PDR patients, which were divided into two groups. After treated with standard PRP, the eyes were randomly assigned to receive only PRP (PRP group) or PRP plus intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg of bevacizumab (PRP-Plus group). Patients underwent complete ophthalmic evaluation, including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and new vessel size in fluorescein angiography (FA) and optical coherence tomography for the assessment of central subfield macular thickness (CSMT) at baseline and at weeks 12 (±2), 16 (±2), 24 (±2) and 48 (±2). Main outcome measures also included vitreous clear-up time and neovascularization on the disc (NVD) regression time. Adverse events associated with intravitreal injection were investigated. RESULTS: Thirty consecutive patients (n=36 eyes) completed the 48-week follow-up. There was no significant difference between the PRP and PRP-Plus groups with respect to age, gender, type or duration of diabetes, area of fluorescein leakage from active neovascularizations (NVs), BCVA or CSMT at baseline. The mean vitreous clear-up time was 12.1±3.4wk after PRP and 8.4±3.5wk after PRP combined with IVB. The mean time interval from treatment to complete NVD regression on FA examination was 15.2±3.5wk in PRP group and 12.5±3.1wk in PRP-Plus group. No significant difference in CSMT was observed between the groups throughout the study period. However, the total area of actively leaking NVs was significantly reduced in the PRP-Plus group compared with the PRP group (P<0.05). Patients received an average of 1.3 injections (range: 1-2). Ten eyes (27.8%) underwent 2 injections. Two eyes had ocular complication of PDR progression to dense vitreous hemorrhage (VH). No major adverse events were identified. CONCLUSION: The adjunctive use of IVB with PRP is associated with a greater reduction in the area of active leaking NVs than PRP alone in patients with high-risk PDR. Short-term results suggest combined IVB and PRP achieved rapid clearance of VH and regression of retinal NV in the treatment of high-risk PDR. Further studies are needed to determine the effect of repeated intravitreal bevacizumab injections and the proper number of bevacizumab injections as an adjuvant.

Abstract:AIM: To study the various morphological patterns of fundus autofluorescence (FAF) images in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Indian population. METHODS: Totally 179 eyes of 104 patients with clinical diagnosis of AMD were recruited into the study. Autofluorescence images were captured using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope and the patterns of FAF were classified. RESULTS: Of 179 eyes, 27 (15.08%) were early AMD, 58 (32.41%) were intermediate AMD, 94 eyes (52.51%) were late AMD. Of 94 eyes with late AMD, 79 (84.04%) were neovascular AMD and 15 (15.96%) were central geographic atrophy. In eyes with early and intermediate AMD, 9 patterns of FAF were noted. Six patterns (normal, minimal change, focal increased, patchy increased, linear, reticular) were similar to that in the published classification. Two patterns (lacelike and speckled) described in the published classification were not found. Three new patterns (focal hypo-fluorescence, patchy hypo-fluorescence, mixed focal hypo-fluorescence and hyper-fluorescence) were detected. In eyes with neovascular AMD, 6 morphological patterns of FAF were noted. Two patterns (mixed hypo-fluorescence and hyper-fluorescence, central hypo-fluorescence with hyper-fluorescent rim) were similar to that in published classification. Two patterns (normal, near normal or normal background fluorescence in the centre of hypo-fluorescent area) described in the published classification were not found. Four new patterns (minimal change, hypo-fluorescent patch, central hypo-fluorescence with surrounding reticular, bull’s eye) were recognized. In eye with central geographic atrophy 5 morphological patterns were noted and these were similar to that in published classification. CONCLUSION: Phenotypic differences in the pattern of FAF exist in the study population compared to existing classification systems.

Abstract:AIM: To evaluate the effect of incision types for Artisan phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) implantation on ocular higher-order aberrations (HOAs). METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of the patients who had undergone Artisan PIOL implantation for the correction of myopia and followed up for at least 6mo. Patients are classified into 2 groups considering the incision type: cornea group with patients undergone clear corneal incision; sclera group with patients undergone sclera tunnel incision. All patients with postoperative astigmatism of under 1 diopter (D) were included to minimize the effect of residual astigmatism on postoperative HOAs. Visual acuity, special equivalents, astigmatism, predictability (±1 D from target refraction), HOAs (coma, trefoil, spherical aberration), and corneal endothelial counts were analyzed preoperatively and 6mo postoperatively. RESULTS: At the postoperative 6mo, all patients of both groups achieved uncorrected visual acuity of 16/20 or better, and significantly decreased the spherical equivalents compared with preoperative values. The predictability of refractive correction was 96% in the former, and 94% in the latter. Unlike the sclera group, preoperative astigmatism decreased significantly in cornea group at postoperative 6mo. The HOAs increased significantly at postoperative 6mo compared to the preoperative values in both groups, and the root mean square (RMS) total and trefoil wavefront aberration of cornea group were significantly higher than those of sclera group. CONCLUSION: Although corneal incision significantly reduces preexisting astigmatism, the postoperative 6mo of total RMS and trefoil aberration change may deteriorate the visual quality after Artisan PIOL implantation.

Abstract:AIM: To assess the outcomes of posterior chamber implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation in Chinese pediatric patients with unilateral high myopic amblyopia. METHODS: Eleven eyes of 11 amblyopic patients aged 11.02±3.34y underwent ICL (model V4, Staar Surgical Inc.) implantation to treat unilateral anisometropia were studied. Visual acuity, cycloplegic refraction, contrast sensitivity, stereopsis, intraocular pressure (IOP), vaulting, corneal endothelial cell count and complications were evaluated. Patients completed follow-up at 3d, 1, 3mo and the last follow-up time (mean 8.18±2.82mo) after surgery. RESULTS: The mean myopic anisometropia was -13.70±3.25 D preoperatively and +0.69±2.63 D at 8mo postoperatively. The logMAR corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of the amblyopic eye was 1.51±0.72 preoperatively and 0.75±0.40 at 8mo postoperatively. The logMAR CDVA at 3d, 1, 3 and 8mo postoperatively improved by a mean of 0.64, 1.55, 1.82 and 2.64 lines and gained more than 2 lines accounted for 18%, 45%, 45%, 64%, respectively. The contrast sensitivity of 0.5, 1 and 2 cpd in amblyopic eyes was significantly increased after surgery. No patient had near stereopsis recovery. The vaulting at 3 and 8mo was significantly lower than that at 1mo postoperatively. No other intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed, except an acute pupillary block glaucoma happened in a patient at two weeks postoperatively. CONCLUSION: This short-term results indicate that ICL implantation can be a promising alternative therapy for high myopic anisometropic amblyopia in pediatric patients who have failed with conventional treatments and not suitable to corneal refraction surgery.

Abstract:AIM: To assess the loss of contrast sensitivity (CS) function for INTRACOR or intrastromal femtosecond laser presbyopia procedure to conventional LASIK procedures. METHODS: Patients were recruited from a refractive surgery center for either INTRACOR or conventional LASIK. INTRACOR was performed on 8 eyes and LASIK was performed for 40 eyes in an overlapping period. Pre-operative evaluation and post-operative follow up for up to three months was done. Drops of CS in 4 spatial frequency (3 cpd, 6 cpd, 12 cpd and 18 cpd) right before and 3mo after the surgery were compared by Wilcoxon signed ranks test. RESULTS: For INTRACOR, CS threshold showed significant drop at both glare and non-glare condition, the drop was seen in all 4 spatial frequency. The averaged loss over the 4 spatial frequencies 3mo after surgery was 1.18 for non-glare and 0.71 for glare. For LASIK the CS threshold drop was most significant in 12 cpd for glare. CONCLUSION: INTRACOR procedure produces a gain of near vision for presbyopia patients but also introduces a high lost of contrast sensitivity plus worsen of vision quality. Pre-surgical patient selection and advise should be given with specific regards to night driving and glare conditions.

Abstract:AIM: To evaluate long term follow-up (10y) of 6 muscle surgical approach in essential infantile esotropia (EIE). METHODS: A 6 muscle approach to EIE was retrospectively evaluated in patients with inferior oblique (IO) hyperfunction and lateral rectus (LR) pseudoparalysis, who underwent surgery at different ages. Different clinical characters were analyzed pre- and postoperatively, in patients who underwent a 6 muscles approach ≤4 years of age. All patients underwent a multiple muscles approach: bilateral medial recti (MR) recession (4-5 mm), bilateral LR resection (lower than 7 mm) and bilateral IO recession and anteroposition. Of 108 children with preoperative angle ≥+30 prism diopters (PD) and IO hyperfunction were selected from larger cohort of patients (n=213, 103 females and 110 males) after excluding patients with: angle variability, who underwent reoperation and with incomplete follow up. Preoperative assessment and complete orthoptic examination were performed. Follow-up was performed 3mo, 2, 5 and 10y after surgery. Statistical analysis was performes using SAS statistical software package (version 9.1, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). RESULTS: Ten years follow up data analysis showed the following percentage of orthotropic patients: (0 PD): 3mo, 22.2%; 2y, 16.7%; 5y, 25.0% and 10y, 27.8%. A slight, significant (P<0.01), increase of 2y follow up residual deviation was found when compared to 3mo one. Stationary surgical results is reported during time, with a trend of mean residual deviation reduction (P=0.04). CONCLUSION: Our results confirm the reliability of multiple muscles surgical approach in the treatment of patients affected by EIE with OI hyperfunction.

Abstract:AIM: To determine the types and incidence of tumors affecting the orbit, conjunctiva and lacrimal glands and to study the trend line of these tumors in the United States from 1973 to 2009. METHODS: We used the publicly available Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database registries to determine the incidence rates. Age was adjusted to the 2000 US Standard Population. Patients were stratified according to age group, gender, race and histological grouping of tumor lesions. Three age groups were defined: 0-19, 20-49 and ≥50y. Annual percentage changes were calculated to examine trends. RESULTS: The overall age adjusted incidence rate was 3.39 (95%CI: 3.27-3.52) per million person-years. The tumors were more prevalent in age group ≥50 counting 9.51 (95%CI: 9.11-9.92) per million person-years. Most of the soft tissue sarcomas occurred in the young age with incidence rate of 0.35 (95%CI: 0.28-0.42) per million person-years. Lymphomas were the dominant subtype in the adult population with incidence rate of 5.74 (95%CI: 5.43-6.06) per million person-years. Incidence rates were higher in males than females with an overall rate ratio of 1.31 (95%CI: 1.21-1.41) mainly caused by the increase in carcinoma subtypes. White race had a higher tumor incidence with a rate ratio of 1.47(95%CI: 1.25-1.73) driven by the higher incidence of most histological subtypes. Orbital tumors showed a higher incidence rate followed by conjunctival and lacrimal gland tumors with incidence rates of 1.59, 1.37 and 0.43 per million person-years respectively. The trend line of overall incidence of tumors showed a significant increase (APC=3.11, 95%CI: 2.61-3.61) mainly due to increase of lymphomas. This increase was higher than the increase of lymphomas at other sites. CONCLUSION: Orbital, conjunctival and lacrimal gland malignant tumors differ among children and adults. Over the years there has been a noticeable increase in incidence rates of orbital and lacrimal gland tumors mainly caused by an increase in lymphomas and an apparent increase due to advances in diagnostic techniques. ICD-O-3 topographical coding should be improved to consider the different orbital bones and ocular structures.

Abstract:AIM: To evaluate the advantage of canaloplasty compared to trabeculectomy for patients with open angle glaucoma. METHODS: Potentially relevant studies were systematically searched using various databases from inception until December 2015. The outcome analyses performed automatically using Revman 5.3 included intraocular pressure reduction (IOPR), postoperative success rate, anti-glaucoma medications reduction and the incidence of adverse events. RESULTS: We included four qualified studies incorporating a total of 215 eyes for quantitative synthesis. The weighted mean difference (WMD) of IOPR between canaloplasty and trabeculectomy from baseline to 12mo was -2.33 (95%CI: -4.00, -0.66). There was not significant improvement in the complete or qualified success rate (OR: 0.58, 95%CI: 0.26, 1.31; OR: 0.50, 95%CI: 0.10, 2.44, respectively). Similarly, no statistically significance was observed in anti-glaucoma mediations reduction (WMD: -0.54, 95%CI: -1.18, 0.09). Sensitivity analysis of the primary outcome estimate confirmed the stability of the Meta-analysis result. CONCLUSION: Trabeculectomy seems to be more effective in lowering IOP up to 12mo when comparing with canaloplasty. Canaloplasty does not seem to be inferior to trabeculectomy considering the postoperative success rate or the number of postoperative anti-glaucoma medications. Meanwhile, it has an advantage of less bleb related complications.

Abstract:The corneal crosslinking (CXL) with riboflavin and ultraviolet-A (UVA) is a new therapy method to successfully treat infectious keratitis in clinical practice. However, there are rare reports on the complications of CXL such as the secondary keratitis. The diverse clinical outcomes on keratitis have highlighted the necessity to further evaluate the efficacy and complications of CXL. We reviewed the positive and negative reports on UVA/riboflavin related with keratitis and provided our opinion on the therapeutic and side effect of UVA/riboflavin crosslinking on keratitis.

Abstract:Accumulating evidence indicates that glaucoma is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGC), resulting in gradual and progressive permanent loss of vision. Reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) remains the only proven method for preventing and delaying the progression of glaucomatous visual impairment. However, the specific role of IOP in optic nerve injury remains controversial, and little is known about the biomechanical mechanism by which elevated IOP leads to the loss of RGC. Published studies suggest that the biomechanical properties of the sclera and scleral lamina cribrosa determine the biomechanical changes of optic nerve head, and play an important role in the pathologic process of loss of RGC and optic nerve damage. This review focuses on the current understanding of biomechanics of sclera in glaucoma and provides an overview of the possible interactions between the sclera and IOP. Treatments and interventions aimed at the sclera are also discussed.

Abstract:In the United Kingdom, newborn assessment incorporates a screening eye examination for any structural abnormalities, observation of neonate’s visual behaviour and direct ophthalmoscopy examination looking for red reflex. Early identification and immediate management of eye related pathologies should commence soon after birth as early diagnosis and prompt intervention may have significant impact on the prognosis for many potentially blinding but treatable disorders such as congenital cataracts and retinoblastoma. If left undetected and untreated, such problems may potentially lead to irreversible damage to the vision which persists into adulthood resulting in lack of self-confidence together with difficulties in educational attainment and job opportunities.

Abstract:Descemet’s membrane detachments (DMD) are relatively common after cataract surgery and most do not require any treatment. However, if large DMD are not treated appropriately, significant visual morbidity can ensue. We aim to develop a guideline for the management of DMD post cataract surgery based on a retrospective review of all cases encountered at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia over a 4-year period from 2010 to 2014. We suggest conservative management if the visual axis is not involved; however, after 3mo surgical intervention may be warranted to prevent corneal sequelae. In cases where the visual axis is involved we suggest early intervention with air tamponade. The main risk factor for irreversible corneal oedema and subsequent endothelial transplant appears to be direct endothelial trauma rather than the DMD itself.

Abstract:

Abstract:Letter to the Editor

Abstract:Letter to the Editor

Abstract:Letter to the Editor