Ultraviolet B-induced Senescence Model Using Corneal Fibroblasts and the Anti-aging Effect of Angiogenin

Purpose@#To establish a corneal-fibroblast senescence model induced by ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure and to investigate the anti-senescence effect of angiogenin (ANG). @*Methods@#Fibroblasts were exposed to UVB (1 mJ/cm 2 ) and then cultured with ANG-containing solution for 24 hours. The 24-hour culture procedure was repeated for three days after UVB irradiation. Cell viability was evaluated using the 3-[4, 5–dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The degree of senescence was assessed using the ratio of senescence-associated (SA)-β-gal-stained cells to total cells. The expression of age-related factors and degree of DNA damage were assessed via Western blot. Samples were divided into a non-UVB group, a UVB group without ANG treatment, and a UVB group with ANG treatment after irradiation (UVB + ANG). @*Results@#Cell viability in the UVB + ANG group was 11% higher than that in the UVB group (p < 0.05). The UVB + ANG group exhibited a 10% lower degree of SA-β-gal staining compared with the UVB group (p < 0.05). Western blot analysis showed that there was reduced expression of p53, p21, p16, and RB in the UVB + ANG group compared with the UVB group. The expression of phosphorylated histone (Y-H2AX) and p38 in the UVB + ANG group was less than that in the UVB group. @*Conclusions@#Senescence in corneal fibroblasts is induced by UVB, and ANG may exert an anti-aging effect by regulating the cell cycle through p53, p21, p16, and RB and reducing DNA damage.

Cellular Senescence in Pterygium

Purpose@#To determine cellular senescence in pterygium by studying the expression of senescence-related markers. @*Methods@#Impression cytology was performed on 28 eyes of 28 patients diagnosed with pterygium or pinguecula from August2019 to January 2020. From the obtained specimen, the expression of senescence-associated beta galactosidase (SA-β-gal),p16, and interleukin (IL)-1β was examined. @*Results@#The average percentage of SA-β-gal positive cells was significantly higher for the pterygium group (67.63 ± 16.61%)compared to the control group (32.64 ± 8.98%) (p< 0.01). The fluorescent expression intensity of IL-1β was higher in the pterygiumgroup (22.53 ± 19.21) compared to the control group (11.38 ± 6.30) (p= 0.02), and the p16 fluorescence expression intensitywas also higher in the pterygium group, showing 42.79 ± 23.65, compared to the control group values (26.73 ± 18.34)(p = 0.01). @*Conclusions@#Cellular senescence specific markers, SA-β-gal, IL-1β, and p16, were expressed in pterygium, indicating a newpossible framework for the development and progression of pterygium.

Effect of Chronic Benzalkonium Chloride Exposure on Senescence in Trabecular Meshwork Cells

PURPOSE: To determine the possible effects of chronic exposure of low dose benzalkonium chloride (BAK) on trabecular meshwork cells, and to characterize the pathways involved in the effects. METHODS: Trabecular meshwork cells were treated with 0.0005%, 0.00075%, 0.001%, and 0.0025% BAK for 10 minutes; then, the cells were transferred to a new medium for 24 hours. This process was repeated three times. Cell survival was assessed using the MTT assay to determine the non-apoptotic BAK concentration. Senescence-associated (SA)-β-gal staining was performed to compare quantitatively the cellular senescence of BAK-treated cells with the control group. Cells treated with BAK were analyzed by western blot to determine whether the expressions of cell cycle regulators were affected. RESULTS: Two concentrations (0.0005% and 0.00075%) showed persistent cell viability and were chosen for further experiments. After SA-β-gal staining, cells treated with 0.0005% and 0.00075% BAK showed 28% (± 2.08), 37% (± 2.08) increases in cellular senescence expression, respectively, when compared with control cells (p < 0.05). To identify the molecular pathways involved in cell cycle arrest via BAK, western blot analysis was performed on trabecular meshwork cells, resulting in decreased expressions of cyclin E/CDK2, and increased expressions of the upper stream control molecules, p53 and p21. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic exposure to low dose BAK accelerated cell senescence through cell cycle arrest. Because senescent cells of the trabecular meshwork can inhibit its outflow pathway function and ultimately worsen the glaucomatous process, long-term usage of topical glaucoma medications containing BAK should be conducted with caution.

Angiogenin for the Diagnosis and Grading of Dry Eye Syndrome

PURPOSE: To investigate the properties of angiogenin (ANG) as a potential tool for the diagnosis and grading of dry eye syndrome (DES) by analyzing tear protein profiles. METHODS: Tear samples were collected with capillary tubes from 52 DES patients and 29 normal individuals as controls. Tear protein profiles were analyzed with an immunodot blot assay as a screening test. To confirm that the tear ANG levels were in inverse proportion to the disease severity grade, the ANG and lactoferrin (LF) tear contents of normal controls and DES patients were compared in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: In the immunodot blot assay, the ANG area was lower in patients with grades 3 and 4 DES than in normal controls. The areas of basic fibroblast growth factor, transforming growth factor β2, and interleukin 10 were significantly greater than those of normal controls only in grade 4 DES patients, but these proteins were not linearly correlated with dry eye severity. Upon enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis, the mean concentrations of ANG and LF decreased significantly as dry eye severity increased, except between grades 1 and 2. In addition, the ratios of ANG and LF to total tear proteins were correlated significantly with DES severity. CONCLUSIONS: ANG level was significantly lower in DES patients than in normal controls, and was significantly correlated with the worsening severity of DES, except between grades 1 and 2, as was LF. Therefore, ANG may be a useful measure of DES severity through proteomic analysis.

Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty Using Irradiated Acellular Cornea with Amniotic Membrane Transplantation for Intractable Ocular Surface Diseases

PURPOSE: To report the clinical outcomes of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) when sterile gamma-irradiated acellular corneal tissues (VisionGraft) are used in combination with amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) for intractable ocular surface diseases. METHODS: The medical records of fifteen patients who had DALK with AMT were retrospectively reviewed. Indications for surgery included ocular burn, bacterial keratitis, herpes simplex virus keratitis, corneal opacity with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Mooren's ulcer, idiopathic myxoid degeneration of corneal stroma, and recurrent band keratopathy. DALK was performed using partial-thickness acellular corneal tissue and a temporary amniotic membrane patch was added at the end of the operation. RESULTS: All cases that underwent DALK with AMT became epithelialized within 2 postoperative weeks. Twelve patients showed favorable outcomes without graft rejection, corneal opacification, or neovascularization. The other three grafts developed corneal opacification and neovascularization, and required additional penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Unlike the results of previous PKs, there were no graft rejections and the graft clarity was well-maintained in these three cases for at least 8 months after PK. CONCLUSIONS: DALK using sterile acellular corneal tissues in combination with AMT may be a good therapeutic strategy for treating intractable ocular surface diseases because of lowered immune rejection, fibroblast activation, and facilitation of epithelialization. Furthermore, DALK can help stabilize the ocular surface, prolong graft survival, and may allow better outcomes when combined with subsequent PK.

Treatment of an 8-mm Myxoma Using Acellular Corneal Tissue

A myxoma is a benign tumor found in the heart and in various soft tissues; however, a corneal myxoma is rare. A mucinous mass of unknown etiology was observed on the left cornea of a 32-year-old male patient. We performed deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty using acellular corneal tissue and concurrent amniotic membrane transplantation. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed vacuolation of the parenchyma and myxoid change in the corneal tissue that occurred in the anterior half of the corneal parenchyma. We identified a myxoid stroma by Alcian blue staining and observed collagen fibers with denatured stroma by Masson trichrome staining. The patient's visual acuity improved from light perception to 20 / 200, and the intraocular pressure remained within the normal range for one year after surgery. The transplanted cornea survived successfully with well-maintained transparency, and recurrence was not observed one year after surgery.

Treatment of an 8-mm Myxoma Using Acellular Corneal Tissue

A myxoma is a benign tumor found in the heart and in various soft tissues; however, a corneal myxoma is rare. A mucinous mass of unknown etiology was observed on the left cornea of a 32-year-old male patient. We performed deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty using acellular corneal tissue and concurrent amniotic membrane transplantation. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed vacuolation of the parenchyma and myxoid change in the corneal tissue that occurred in the anterior half of the corneal parenchyma. We identified a myxoid stroma by Alcian blue staining and observed collagen fibers with denatured stroma by Masson trichrome staining. The patient's visual acuity improved from light perception to 20 / 200, and the intraocular pressure remained within the normal range for one year after surgery. The transplanted cornea survived successfully with well-maintained transparency, and recurrence was not observed one year after surgery.

A Case of Autologous Tragal Perichondrium Graft in a Patient with Mooren's Ulcer

PURPOSE: To report the effectiveness of an autologous tragal perichondrium graft for an active Mooren's ulcer. CASE SUMMARY: A 49-year-old male was referred to our clinic with Mooren's ulcer in his left eye. On the first visit, the ulcer involved the entire 360 degrees of the peripheral cornea and the visual acuity was 0.04. As the ulcer did not respond to medical treatment and progressed rapidly, the authors decided on surgical treatment. First, the involved cornea and nearby conjunctiva were removed and the defect was successfully reconstructed with autologous tragal perichondrium and allogenic limbal graft. The progression of corneal ulceration ceased after surgery and the patient's symptoms remarkably improved. Additionally, the graft showed rapid vascularization and engraftment within a week. However, as the opacity evolved and progressed to the central cornea, penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) was performed 5 months after the perichondrial graft. There was no rejection and corneal translucency was kept clear with low-dose steroid eye drops until 6 months after PKP without any sign of limbal deficiency. The patient's final best corrected visual acuity was 0.125. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that autologous tragal perichondrium graft is an effective method of treatment for active Mooren's ulcer by defect reconstruction and results in survival of the co-transplanted graft as well as maintaining corneal functions.

Two Cases of Superior Limbic Keratoconjunctivitis Treated with Bevacizumab and Triamcinolone Injection

PURPOSE: To report two cases of intractable superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis (SLK) treated with bevacizumab and triamcinolone injection. CASE SUMMARY: A 69-year-old female visited our clinic with pain in the left eye for 3 days and was diagnosed with SLK in her left eye. After 3 months of using steroid eye drops, artificial tears, and oral steroid intermittently, there was no improvement in symptoms and signs, thus this case was considered intractable with the conventional therapy. A mixture of bevacizumab (0.15 cc) and triamcinolone (0.05 cc) was injected into the sub-tenon's capsule of the left eye. After 1 week, all symptoms and signs disappeared, and there was no recurrence for 6 months. A 55-year-old female was transferred to our clinic due to SLK that did not respond to artificial tears, steroid eye drops, punctal occlusion, and botox injection for 3 months. A mixture of bevacizumab (0.15 cc) and triamcinolone (0.05 cc) was injected into the sub-tenon's capsule of the left eye. After 2 weeks, all symptoms and signs were improved, and there was no recurrence for 4 months. CONCLUSIONS: The presented 2 SLK cases are meaningful, because neovascularization disappeared and controlled inflammation was obtained following sub-tenon injection with both bevacizumab and triamcinolone.

Clinical Efficacy of Polyhexamethylene Biguanide Lid Scrub on Demodex Blepharitis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the treatment efficacy of polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) lid scrub on Demodex blepharitis. METHODS: Thirty-one patients diagnosed with Demodex blepharitis were evaluated every 2 weeks during 8 weeks of lid scrub treatment with 0.4% PHMB. Patients underwent epilation of 4 eyelashes in each eye, and the number of Demodex lesions was counted. The patients answered questionnaires regarding ocular surface discomfort and underwent ophthalmologic exams including slit lamp and tear breakup time (TBUT). Compliance was recorded as 1 of 3 stages (good, moderate, poor). RESULTS: One patient was excluded for poor compliance. After PHMB lid scrub for 8 weeks, Demodex count was reduced in 28 of 30 patients (pre-PHMB 7.9 +/- 3.6 counts, post-PHMB 2.2 +/- 2.4 counts, p < 0.01). In addition, TBUT showed a statistically significant increase after PHMB lid scrub (pre-PHMB 2.7 +/- 0.8 seconds, post-PHMB 3.4 +/- 0.9 seconds, p < 0.01). Ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score was reduced in 28 of 30 patients (pre-PHMB 22.0 +/- 10.7 points, post-PHMB 7.4 +/- 6.0 points, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Eight weeks of treatment with polyhexamethylene biguanide lid scrub on Demodex blepharitis had good treatment efficacy for reducing Demodex counts and OSDI scores and increasing TBUT.

The Difference in Filaments between Corneal Occlusion and Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

PURPOSE: To examine histopathological findings of filamentary keratitis due to corneal occlusion. METHODS: We analyzed filamentary keratitis in 11 eyes with corneal occlusion due to blepharospasm, ptosis and paralytic strabismus, 11 eyes with keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and 13 eyes with both corneal occlusion and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The following protocols were used for filament analyses: slit lamp examination for counting filament numbers, impression cytology for grading mucin content, and histopathology (hematoxylin and eosin staining) and immunohistochemistry (with AE1/AE3, MUC1, 5AC, 16) for histological analysis. RESULTS: Slit lamp biomicrosopy showed a significantly smaller number of filaments in the corneal occlusion group (11 eyes, 2.7 +/- 1.4) than the keratoconjunctivitis sicca group (11 eyes, 5.1 +/- 2.2, p = 0.009). In impression cytology, the standard photograph grade of mucin content was significantly higher in the corneal occlusion group (2.7 +/- 0.9) than the keratoconjunctivitis sicca group (1.9 +/- 0.8, p = 0.034). On pathological exam, filaments showed a central filament with peripheral mucin. The central filaments were composed of core and cortex, and the core contained multiple deformed nuclei. However, the cortex was not stained by AE1/AE3, MUC1, 5AC, 16. CONCLUSIONS: Filamentary keratitis due to corneal occlusion showed a smaller number of filaments and higher mucin content than filamentary keratitis induced by keratoconjunctivitis sicca and should be considered during treatment.

Evaluation of Stem Cell Components in Retrocorneal Membranes

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the origin and cellular composition of retrocorneal membranes (RCMs) associated with chemical burns using immunohistochemical staining for primitive cell markers. Six cases of RCMs were collected during penetrating keratoplasty. We examined RCMs with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and immunohistochemical analysis using monoclonal antibodies against hematopoietic stem cells (CD34, CD133, c-kit), mesenchymal stem cells (beta-1-integrin, TGF-beta, vimentin, hSTRO-1), fibroblasts (FGF-beta, alpha-smooth muscle actin), and corneal endothelial cells (type IV collagen, CD133, VEGF, VEGFR1). Histologic analysis of RCMs revealed an organized assembly of spindle-shaped cells, pigment-laden cells, and thin collagenous matrix structures. RCMs were positive for markers of mesenchymal stem cells including beta-1-integrin, TGF-beta, vimentin, and hSTRO-1. Fibroblast markers were also positive, including FGF-beta and alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA). In contrast, immunohistochemical staining was negative for hematopoietic stem cell markers including CD34, CD133 and c-kit as well as corneal endothelial cell markers such as type IV collagen, CD133 except VEGF and VEGFR1. Pigment-laden cells did not stain with any antibodies. The results of this study suggest that RCMs consist of a thin collagen matrix and fibroblast-like cells and may be a possible neogenetic structure produced from a lineage of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

A Case of Corneal Opacity Improved by Treatment of Demodex Blepharitis

PURPOSE: To report a case of corneal opacity improved by treatment of demodex blepharitis. CASE SUMMARY: A 50-year-old female who received sub-laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap surgery was referred to our clinic with corneal opacity and neovascularization in her left eye. Her visual acuity was 0.5. Telangiectasis of the eyelid margin and meibomian gland dysfunction were observed. Seven Demodex folliculorum were found in 4 eyelashes of the left eye. Lid scrub with 0.4% polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) and ointment containing dexamethasone was started for demodex blepharitis treatment. After 6 months of treatment, the number of Demodex folliculorum was decreased to 2 and the best corrected visual acuity was 0.8. Corneal opacity and neovascularization were also improved. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that demodex blepharitis can induce atypical corneal opacity and neovascularization after LASIK surgery. Evaluation and treatment of demodex blepharitis in these patients is important.

The Wound Healing Effects of AmniSite-Lens in Rabbits

PURPOSE: The effects of AmniSite-Lens on wound healing were evaluated for a burn wound on a rabbit cornea. METHODS: A chemical burn was inflicted on the cornea of rabbits using 0.1N NaOH and a superficial keratectomy with trephine was performed. The control group consisted of rabbits with a bandage contact lens (Focus Lens) after the operation. In the other group, the AmniSite-Le was applied on the rabbits' cornea. The rabbits were evaluated for the following: 1) the time of epithelialization; 2) the grade of corneal opacity; and 3) the histological analysis by evaluation of inflammatory reaction and apoptotic keratocytes. RESULTS: In the alkali-burn model, the time of epithelialization in the AmniSite-Lens group was not statistically significant compared with the bandage contact lens group. There was no difference of corneal opacity at postoperative week 1. The corneal opacity in the AmniSite-Lens group was clearer than the bandage contact lens group at postoperative weeks 4 and 8 and the difference of corneal opacity was statistically significant. In the keratectomy model, the time of epithelialization in the AmniSite-Lens group was not statistically significant compared with the bandage contact lens group. The corneal opacity in the AmniSite-Lens group was clearer than the bandage contact lens group at postoperative weeks 1 and 4 and the difference of corneal opacity was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The AmniSite-Lens has both the wound healing effect of an amniotic membrane and the convenience of a bandage contact lens.

The Clinical Effect of Micro-Multiporous Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Insertion for Recurrent Pterygium

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical effect of micro-multiporous e-PTFE insertion for severe recurrent pterygium with symblepharon. METHODS: The present study included a total of 13 cases of recurrent pterygium associated with symblepharon, motility restriction and diplopia which had undergone micro-multiporous e-PTFE insertion after pterygium excision, 0.02% mitomycin C application, human amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) and/or conjunctivo-limbal autograft (CLAU) between September 2010 and February 2011. One month after surgery, the inserted e-PTFE was removed. Recurrence of pterygium and symblepharon, motility restriction, diplopia and injection of ocular surface were evaluated for 11.92 +/- 1.32 months of mean follow-up period. RESULTS: Pterygial recurrence was not observed in 12 out of 13 eyes, and the 1 eye which recurred showed conjunctival recurrence. No postoperative symblepharon recurrence was observed in any of the 13 eyes. Diplopia and motility restriction disappeared in 11 out of 13 eyes, and were improved in the other 2 eyes. VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) injection scores in the wound site decreased after surgery in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Micro-multiporous e-PTFE insertion combined with mitomycin C application, AMT and CLAU can be a useful surgical method to lower the postoperative recurrence rate and to improve the pterygium-related symptoms in severe recurrent pterygium.

The Pathologic Characteristics of Pingueculae on Autofluorescence Images

PURPOSE: To analyze the autofluorescence (AF) properties of pinguecula using cobalt-blue and yellow filters and to investigate the nature and pathogenesis of pingueculae using histochemical and immunohistochemical staining. METHODS: Fifty pingueculae in 40 patients were included in this study. AF of the pingueculae was observed and analyzed using a cobalt-blue filter with an additional yellow filter on a slit-lamp. Hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical stainings were performed on surgical specimens of pingueculae that were prepared from each patient. Immunohistochemical staining included Congo red, Oil Red O, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), Masson's trichrome, transglutaminase-2 (TG-2), mesenchymal stem cell markers CD29 (beta-1-integrin), and CD34. RESULTS: AF images revealed hyper-AF in the pinguecula area. The AF lesions of pingueculae showed superficial punctuate erosions and avascular lesions. Deposition of eosinophilic and amorphous materials in the subepithelial layer of the pinguecula were observed on hematoxylin-eosin staining. Historeactivities to Congo red, PAS, Oil Red O, alcian blue, and Masson's trichrome were not detected, but immunoreactivities to CD29, CD34, and TG-2 were detected in the pingueculae with AF. However, CD29, CD34, and TG-2 were not detected in the pingueculae without AF. CONCLUSIONS: The AF of pingueculae may be related to CD29, CD34, and TG-2. We suggest that pingueculae with AF have a different pathogenesis compared to pingueculae without AF.

Autologous Tragal Perichondrium Transplantation: A Novel Approach for the Management of Painful Bullous Keratopathy

PURPOSE: To introduce autologous tragal perichondrium transplantation as a novel surgical modality for the management of intractable symptomatic bullous keratopathy. METHODS: In three eyes of three patients with painful bullous keratopathy, autologous tragal perichondria were transplanted on the corneal surface with the human amniotic membrane transplanted above. We included an additional three eyes of three patients with painful bullous keratopathy who received amniotic membrane transplantation only to serve as controls. Clinical symptom outcomes were assessed using a visual analogue scale at postsurgical months 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. In addition, transplanted tragal perichondrium and amniotic membrane complex tissue button obtained from one patient who underwent penetrating keratoplasty was evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis of CD34, vimentin, and alcian blue staining. RESULTS: All three patients who underwent autologous tragal perichondrium and human amniotic membrane co-transplantation showed improvements in pain and tearing. However, all three patients in the control group experienced aggravation of tearing and no further improvement of pain 3 months after surgery. In addition, one patient in the control group developed premature degradation of the amniotic membrane. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis showed intact surface epithelization and positive CD34, vimentin and alcian blue staining of transplanted tragal perichondria. CONCLUSIONS: The tragal perichondrium has a high mechanical structural force and high potency due to well-organized epithelization and the presence of mesenchymal stem cells. Autologous tragal perichondrium transplantation may be an effective modality for the management of painful bullous keratopathy.

Efficacy of Autologous Tragal Perichondrium Graft after Proper Antifungal Treatment in Fungal Necrotizing Scleritis

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of an autologous tragal perichondrium graft after proper antifungal treatment between 2 cases of fungal necrotizing scleritis. CASE SUMMARY: A 58-year-old female was referred to our clinic with fungal necrotizing scleritis of the left eye which had occurred after pterygium removal. Scleral melting around calcification was observed. After proper treatment with antifungal agents, the authors performed autologous tragal perichondrium graft; however, 3 months after surgery, a necrosis of sclera recurred and the, patient underwent additional treatment with antifungal agents. No complication has been observed up to 3 months postoperatively. A 36-year-old male visited our clinic with ocular pain and decreased visual acuity associated with necrotizing scleritis which occurred after local conjunctival resection. After 4 weeks of antifungal treatments, scleral lesions were stabilized and the authors confirmed negative findings with repetitive fungus smear test. Therapeutic autologous tragal perichondrium graft was performed, and no complication was observed 3 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: When treating a patient with fungal necrotizing scleritis, preoperative antifungal therapy and confirmation of negative findings in repetitive fungus smear test are important. Autologus tragal perichondrium graft accompanied with proper antifungal therapy is an effective treatment of fungal necrotizing scleritis.

Two Clinical Manifestations of Anterior Segment Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

PURPOSE: To report the clinical course and results of two cases of anterior segment manifestations associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). CASE SUMMARY: The first case was a 63-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with corneal ulcer and symblepharon on her left eye and dry eye in both eyes. Although the patient was treated with topical antibiotics, autologous serum and artificial tears, amniotic membrane transplantation and symblepharon removal were subsequently required. At 1 month after medical and surgical treatment, the corneal ulcer improved, but a descemetocele was formed because of persistent corneal thinning. The second case was a 24-year-old female patient diagnosed with filamentary keratitis and recurrent corneal erosion in both eyes and uveitis in her left eye. After treatment with therapeutic contact lenses, topical antibiotics and steroids, her symptoms were slightly improved. After 6 months of treatment, filamentary keratitis and corneal erosion recurred to being intractable. The patient received systemic evaluation and was diagnosed with SLE. After a combined therapy of oral and topical treatments, filamentary keratitis and recurrent corneal erosion improved significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical manifestations of anterior segment associated with SLE rarely respond to topical treatment and are apt to recur easily; therefore, systemic treatment should be applied for better prognosis. Thus, the therapeutic strategy in intractable ocular diseases should be designed with consideration of accompanying systemic diseases.

Ocular Surface Discomfort and Demodex: Effect of Tea Tree Oil Eyelid Scrub in Demodex Blepharitis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between ocular discomfort and ocular Demodex infestation, and therapeutic effects of tea tree oil (TTO) in Demodex blepharitis patients. Three hundred and thirty-five patients with ocular discomfort were evaluated for ocular Demodex infestation and subjective symptoms with ocular surface discomfort index (OSDI) score. Among them, Demodex-infested patients were randomized to receive either eyelid scrubbing with TTO (TTO group,106 patients) or without TTO (Control group, 54 patients) for 1 month. Demodex were found in 84% of patients with ocular discomfort. The number of Demodex was significantly correlated with age (P = 0.04) and OSDI score (P = 0.024). After eyelid scrub treatment, Demodex count was reduced from 4.0 +/- 2.5 to 3.2 +/- 2.3 in the TTO group (P = 0.004) and from 4.3 +/- 2.7 to 4.2 +/- 2.5 in the control group (P = 0.27). Also, OSDI score was reduced from 34.5 +/- 10.7 to 24.1 +/- 11.9 in the TTO group (P = 0.001) and from 35.3 +/- 11.6 to 27.5 +/- 12.8 in the control group (P = 0.04). In conclusion, Demodex number showed a significant positive correlation with age and subjective ocular discomfort. The tea tree oil eyelid scrub treatment is effective for eliminating ocular Demodex and improving subjective ocular symptoms.