Effect of Diquafosol on Hyperosmotic Stress-induced Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Interleukin-6 Expression in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells

The Effectiveness of Topical Chemotherapy for the Primary Treatment of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia

PURPOSE: In the present study, the effectiveness of topical chemotherapy for the primary treatment of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) was evaluated. METHODS: We enrolled 10 patients (10 eyes) diagnosed with OSSN who received both clinical examination and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) imaging. The patients were administered topical 0.02% mitomycin-C (MMC) 4 times/day in the affected eye. The patients with MMC-resistant OSSN received topical 1% 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 4 times/day. AS-OCT imaging was performed before and after the treatment. Clinical examination and AS-OCT were used to monitor the efficacy of topical chemotherapy, recurrence and side effects. RESULTS: The mean age of the 10 patients (8 males, 2 females) was 76.7 years. The proportion of complete remission resulting from topical treatment with MMC was 80.0% (8 eyes) and 20.0% (2 eyes) when 5-FU was changed to MMC. The average duration of complete remission was 4.3 weeks and the average duration of no recurrence was 17.5 months. The epithelial thickness of the lesions, measured using AS-OCT, significantly decreased from 315.0 µm (pretreatment) to 105.3 µm (after complete remission). Additionally, the epithelial lesion appeared normal after treatment. The most common side effect was conjunctival hyperemia (60.0%, 6 eyes), followed by ocular allergy (30.0%, 3 eyes), superficial punctate keratitis (30.0%, 3 eyes) and corneal erosion (20%, 2 eyes). No serious complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Topical chemotherapy is as effective and well tolerated as a primary treatment for OSSN. Additionally, AS-OCT is a useful noninvasive adjunctive tool in the diagnosis and management of OSSN.

Efficacy and Safety of a Large Conjunctival Autograft for Recurrent Pterygium

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pterygium excision using a large conjunctival autograft for the treatment of recurrent pterygium. METHODS: The medical records of 120 patients (126 eyes) with recurrent pterygium were reviewed. For each affected eye, pterygium excision with a large conjunctival autograft was performed. The graft was harvested from the superior bulbar area and measured more than 8 × 10 mm in size. Only patients who completed at least six months of follow-up were included. Postoperative clinical outcomes, recurrence rate, and complications were analyzed. Patients with any evidence of recurrence after surgery received a subconjunctival bevacizumab injection. RESULTS: The average patient age was 56.5 ± 10.2 years, and 45 out of 120 patients were male. The mean study follow-up period was 17.7 ± 17.6 months. Most patients were satisfied with the cosmetic outcome. Postoperative visual acuity improved from 0.69 to 0.75 (p < 0.05). Postoperative refractive astigmatism and corneal astigmatism decreased by 0.55 and 2.73 diopters, respectively (p < 0.05). The postoperative recurrence rate was 4.0%, and the average recurrence period was 7.4 ± 0.6 weeks. A subconjunctival injection of 5 mg bevacizumab was performed in cases of recurrence; no progression of the pterygium was observed following the injection. Postoperative complications included 2 cases of conjunctival graft edema in 2 eyes, 5 donor site scars in 5 eyes, 13 pyogenic granulomas in 13 eyes, and a conjunctival epithelial inclusion cyst in 7 eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Pterygium excision with a large conjunctival autograft for the treatment of recurrent pterygium produced an excellent cosmetic outcome, a low recurrence rate, and minimal complications. A subconjunctival bevacizumab injection given in cases of recurrence following surgery might be effective in preventing progression of the pterygium.

Intraindividual Comparison of Visual Outcomes between Blue Light-filtering and Ultraviolet Light-filtering Intraocular Lens

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical results of short-term visual acuity and quality of vision after implantation of a yellow-tinted blue light-filtering intraocular lens (IOL) (Acrysof IQ® SN60WF) and an clear ultraviolet (UV) light filtering IOL (enVista™ MX60) in the same patient. METHODS: 44 patients with bilateral cataract received an SN60WF in one eye and an MX60 in the other eye. All eyes were evaluated for refraction power and uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) at preoperative and 1, 3 months postoperatively. At postoperative 3 months, corrected visual acuity, quality of vision (OQAS II®), contrast sensitivity (CGT 2000®) and visual field (Humphrey Field Analyzer®), and subjective patients' response to the degree of brightness were evaluated. Furthermore, glistening degree, intraocular stability, and posterior capsular opacification were examined. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in average refractive power or UCVA at 1 and 3 months (p > 0.05) between the two groups. At 3 months after cataract surgery, the quality of vision according to OQAS II®, the contrast sensitivity according to CGT 2000® with the glare either on or off, and visual field; showed no difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). Both IOLs had no glistening and posterior capsular opacity. The patients' response to the degree of brightness shows that MX60 (48.3%) has a higher degree of satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Yellow-tinted blue light-filtering IOL and clear UV light-filtering IOL had no difference in short-term visual acuity and quality of vision. Subjective brightness perception, however, was better with clear UV light-filtering IOL.

Effect of 0.05% Cyclosporine A on the Ocular Surface after Photorefractive Keratectomy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of 0.05% cyclosporine A on the ocular surface after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). METHODS: This retrospective study included 50 patients who underwent PRK. Patients were divided into two groups: 25 patients in group I were treated with topical 0.05% cyclosporine A with conventional medication, and 25 patients in group II were treated with conventional medication. Visual acuity (VA), tear break-up time (BUT), fluorescein staining score (F-stain), Schirmer I test, and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) were evaluated before surgery and 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: F-stain was significantly lower in group I than in group II at 2 weeks and 1 month (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in uncorrected VA, BUT, Schirmer I test, or OSDI between the groups. However, group I showed a more effective pattern in dry eye. CONCLUSIONS: Combination treatment with 0.05% cyclosporine A was helpful for early ocular surface stability in patients with dry eye after PRK.

Comparison of the Visual Outcomes after Cataract Surgery with Implantation of a Bifocal and Trifocal Diffractive Intraocular Lens

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare visual outcomes and optical quality after implantation of a bifocal (Acrysof ReSTOR® SN6AD1) or trifocal (AT LISA® tri 839MP) diffractive intraocular lens (IOL). METHODS: Fifty-one eyes of 43 patients undergoing cataract surgery were enrolled and assigned to one of two groups: the trifocal group, comprising 24 eyes implanted with the trifocal diffractive IOL (AT LISA® tri 839MP), and the bifocal group, comprising 27 eyes implanted with the bifocal diffractive IOL (Acrysof ReSTOR® SN6AD1). Visual acuity (distant, intermediate, and near vision) and refractive postoperative outcomes were evaluated at one and three months postoperatively. Measurements of optical quality (using OQAS II®), contrast sensitivity (using CGT-2000®), automated visual field examination, and evaluation of defocus curve were performed three months postoperatively. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences between the two groups were found in three-month postoperative distant and near (40 cm) visual acuities and optical quality. However, intermediate (63 cm, 80 cm, and 100 cm) visual acuities were significantly better in the trifocal group. Distant contrast sensitivity (5 m) under mesopic conditions was significantly better with the bifocal lens, whereas near contrast sensitivity (30 cm) under mesopic and scotopic conditions was significantly better with trifocal lens. There was no statistical difference between the groups under photopic conditions. In the defocus curve, the visual acuity was significantly better at intermediate distance in the trifocal group. CONCLUSIONS: Trifocal diffractive IOLs provide significantly better intermediate vision than bifocal IOLs, with equivalent postoperative levels of distant and near vision and ocular optical quality. Further, they provide better near contrast sensitivity under scotopic condition compared to diffractive bifocal IOLs.

An Overview of Ophthalmologic Survey Methodology in the 2008-2015 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) is a national program designed to assess the health and nutritional status of the noninstitutionalized population of South Korea. The KNHANES was initiated in 1998 and has been conducted annually since 2007. Starting in the latter half of 2008, ophthalmologic examinations were included in the survey in order to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of common eye diseases such as visual impairment, refractive errors, strabismus, blepharoptosis, cataract, pterygium, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, dry eye disease, and color vision deficiency. The measurements included in the ophthalmic questionnaire and examination methods were modified in the KNHANES IV, V, and VI. In this article, we provide detailed information about the methodology of the ophthalmic examinations in KNHANES in order to aid in further investigations related to major eye diseases in South Korea.

The Effect of Subconjunctival Bevacizumab Injection before Conjunctival Autograft for Pterygium

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of subconjunctival bevacizumab injection before conjunctival autograft for pterygium. METHODS: Twenty-five eyes (25 patients) with pterygium received a subconjunctival injection of 2.5 mg (0.1 mL) bevacizumab 1-2 weeks prior to conjunctival autograft surgery. The control group (25 eyes of 25 patients) received the same operation. Two weeks, 1 month and every month after the surgery, the vascularization of surgical site, the recurrence rate and the effect of wound healing were analyzed. RESULTS: The bevacizumab group showed a decreased conjunctival vascularity grade compared with the control group based on light microscopy. The bevacizumab group also showed lower vascular epithelial growth factor (VEGF) compared with the control group using immunohistochemical analysis and western blot. There was no recurrence in both groups, but, persistent autograft edema was observed at 8 weeks postoperatively in the bevacizumab group. CONCLUSIONS: Although preoperative injection of bevacizumab effectively reduced vascularity and VEGF concentration of pterygium tissue, prolonged autograft edema was observed. Based on these results, bevacizumab inhibits lymphangiogenesis as well as angiogenesis. Therefore, delayed wound healing should be considered when subconjunctival bevacizumab injection is administered before pterygium surgery.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes between Diffractive and Refractive Multifocal Intraocular Lens with Same Near Added

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes between refractive-type multifocal intraocular lenses (IOL) (Lentis Mplus(R) LS 313, Oculentis GmbH., Berlin, Germany) and diffractive-type multifocal IOL (Acrysof Restor(R); SN6AD1, Alcon Lab., Fort Worth, TX, USA) with same near added. METHODS: We evaluated 30 eyes implanted with Lentis Mplus(R) IOL and 33 eyes implanted with Acrysof Restor(R) IOL after phacoemulsification. The distant, intermediate, and near uncorrected visual acuities of the 2 groups were evaluated at 2 weeks and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Optical quality obtained using the Optical Quality Analysis System II (OQAS II(R), Visiometrics, Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain), higher-order aberrations (HOAs), and patient satisfaction questionnaire of the 2 groups were evaluated at 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The visual acuity of intermediate 100 cm was statistically better in the Lentis Mplus(R) group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with distant, intermediate 63 cm, and near vision. At the 3-month postoperative follow-up, objective scatter index, modulation transfer function (MTF) cutoff value, and pseudo-accommodation range measured by OQAS II(R) showed no differences between the 2 groups, but Strhel ratio was higher in the Acrysof Restor(R) group. HOAs of 5 mm and 6 mm increased significantly in the Lentis Mplus(R) group. No significant differences were found in the patient satisfaction questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: Both refractive and diffractive-type multifocal IOL implantation in patients with cataracts and presbyopia offered good and comparable visual acuity at distance and near. However, the Lentis Mplus(R) IOL provided better intermediate vision than the Acrysof Restor(R) IOL.

In Vivo Effects of Preservative-free and Preserved Prostaglandin Analogs: Mouse Ocular Surface Study

PURPOSE: Chronic use of topical hypotensive agents induces several side effects caused by preservatives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of prostaglandin analogs with varying concentrations of benzalkonium chloride (BAC), preservative-free (PF), and alternative preservatives on mouse corneal tissue. METHODS: Thirty-five, 8- to 10-week-old female C57BL/6 mice (five mice for each group) were used for this study. To the control group, we applied normal saline, and to each drug-treated group we applied 0.02% BAC, bimatoprost 0.01% (with BAC 0.02%), latanoprost 0.005% (with BAC 0.02%), travoprost 0.004% (with 0.001% polyquad) or tafluprost 0.0015% with/without 0.001% BAC, once a day (9 p.m.) for 4 weeks. Corneal fluorescein staining was evaluated in all groups. After harvest, the corneal tissues were embedded in paraffin and then Hematoxylin-Eosin stain was performed for histopathological examination. Immunofluorescence staining was done against TNF-alpha, IL-6, HLA DR, pJNK, and pAkt. RESULTS: In corneal fluorescein staining, severe punctate epithelial keratitis was seen in the groups of 0.02% BAC, 0.02% BAC containing bimatoprost 0.01% and latanoprost 0.005%. The surface desquamation, irregular surface, loss of cell borders, anisocytosis and stromal shrinkage were observed in the groups of BAC-containing eye drops. Moreover, the groups treated with BAC-containing eye drops have high inflammatory markers, significantly decreased cell viability-related signal, pAkt, and higher apoptosis-inducing signal, pJNK, than the control group. On the other hand, travoprost 0.004% and PF tafluprost 0.0015% have less cellular morphologic changes, lower inflammation, and higher cellular viability than BAC-containing formulations. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal damage, increased inflammation and apoptosis and low cell viability were observed in BAC-containing groups. PF or alternatively preserved glaucoma medications seem to be a reasonable and viable alternative to those preserved with BAC.

Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Refractive Aspheric Multifocal IOL Implantation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with refractive aspheric multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) (Lentis Mplus(R) LS-313) implantation. METHODS: Sixty-eight eyes of 53 patients received refractive aspheric multifocal IOL implantation. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) at a long distanc, as well as intermediate and near distances were measured on the first day, after two weeks, and during the first, third and sixth months postoperatively. Optical quality was evaluated using the Optical Quality Analysis System II (OQAS II). High-order aberrations (HOA) and patient satisfaction questionnaires were evaluated at three months post-operation. RESULTS: At the six-month postoperative visit, the mean UCVA at a long, two intermediate (63 cm, 100 cm) and a near distance were 0.06 +/- 0.07, 0.18 +/- 0.14, 0.15 +/- 0.13 and 0.11 +/- 0.10 log MAR, respectively. The means of the objective scatter index, modulation transfer function (MTF) cut off value, Strehl ratio and pseudo-accommodation range measured by OQAS II were 1.20 +/- 0.69, 34.15 +/- 9.53 cdp, 0.17 +/- 0.05 and 3.09 +/- 0.25 D, respectively. HOA of 5 mm and 6 mm were each 0.61 +/- 0.14 and 1.07 +/- 0.20, respectively. Eighty-two percent of patients were satisfied with the postoperative results, and 71% of the patients reported that they would recommend the procedure to others, while 24% of patients reported moderate or severe visual disturbance at night. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of the refractive aspheric multifocal IOLs in patients with cataracts provided excellent distant, intermediate, and near visual outcomes and high patient satisfaction as well as presbyopia correction.

Clinical Outcomes of Diffractive Multifocal Toric Intraocular Lens Implantation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with diffractive multifocal toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. METHODS: Thirty-four eyes of 26 patients underwent diffractive multifocal toric IOL. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) at distant, intermediate and near and residual refractive astigmatism were measured on the first day, at 2 weeks, and 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Optical quality obtained using the Optical Quality Analysis System II (OQAS II), high-order aberrations (HOA) and patient satisfaction questionnaire were evaluated 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: At the 6 month postoperative visit, the mean UCVA at distant, intermediate (63 cm, 100 cm) and near were 0.06 +/- 0.07, 0.18 +/- 0.11, 0.16 +/- 0.12 and 0.03 +/- 0.06 (log MAR), respectively. The refractive astigmatism decreased significantly from -1.66 +/- 1.04 D to -0.54 +/- 0.32 D at 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.01). The means of objective scatter index, modulation transfer function (MTF) cut-off value, Strehl ratio and pseudo-accommodation range measured by OQAS II were 1.33 +/- 0.67, 37.24 +/- 9.67 cdp, 0.22 +/- 0.09 and 3.08 +/- 0.53 D, respectively. HOA scores for 5 mm and 6 mm were 0.30 +/- 0.09 and 0.49 +/- 0.15, respectively; 82.3% of the patients were satisfied with the postoperative results, 79.4% of the patients reported they would recommend the procedure to others, and 14.7% of patients reported moderate or severe visual disturbance at night. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of a diffractive multifocal toric IOL in patients with cataract and corneal astigmatism provided excellent distant, intermediate, and near visual outcomes, good optical quality and high patient satisfaction.

Efficacy and Safety of Topical Unpreserved 0.1% Fluorometholone Ophthalmic Solution on Dry Eye Syndrome

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical unpreserved 0.1% fluorometholone (FML) ophthalmic solution in patients with dry eye syndrome. METHODS: Patients with mild to moderate dry eye syndrome were divided into the control group (Group I), topical unpreserved 0.1% FML group (Group II), and topical preserved 0.1% FML group (Group III). Intraocular pressure (IOP), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear film break-up time (TF-BUT), Oxford stain score (OSS), and tear osmolarity (Tosm) were evaluated at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks (Trial 1). Patients with severe dry eye syndrome were divided into 1% methylprednisolone (MP) group (Group I) and 0.1% unpreserved FML group (Group II). Same parameters were evaluated in both groups (Trial 2). RESULTS: In clinical trial I, OSS scores of Group II were lower than other groups (p < 0.05). For severe dry eye patients in clinical trial 2, there were no significant differences in all parameters between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Topical unpreserved 0.1% fluorometholone was shown to be an effective and relatively safe treatment in patients with dry eye syndrome.

Changes in Corneal Sensation, Tear Film Stability and Ocular Surface after Advanced Surface Ablation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the changes in tearfilm, corneal sensation and ocular surface after advanced surface ablation. METHODS: Tearfilm break-up time (BUT), Schirmer test without local anesthesia, fluorescein staining, corneal sensitivity test, ocular surface disease index (OSDI), and conjunctival impression cytology were evaluated in 50 eyes of 25 patients who underwent advanced surface ablation preoperatively and postoperatively at 2 weeks and at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months. Each value was compared to the preoperative value. RESULTS: OSDI diminished by 2 weeks postoperatively, and corneal sensation diminished by 1 month postoperatively (p < 0.05). There were significant decreases in BUT by 2 weeks to 1 month postoperatively as well as decreases in the Schirmer test by 2 to 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.05). Fluorescein staining increased at 2 weeks postoperatively (p < 0.05). Goblet cells decreased substantially by 1 month postoperatively and conjunctival squamous metaplasia increased significantly by 2 months postoperatively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Advanced surface ablation may affect tearfilm, corneal sensation and ocular surface up to 3 months postoperatively. Early treatment of dry eye syndrome following advanced surface ablation should strongly be considered.

In Vitro Effects of Preservative-free and Preserved Prostaglandin Analogs on Primary Cultured Human Conjunctival Fibroblast Cells

PURPOSE: Long-term use of topical medication is needed for glaucoma treatment. One of the most commonly prescribed classes of hypotensive agents are prostaglandin analogs (PGs) used as both first-line monotherapy; as well as in combination therapy with other hypotensive agents. Several side effects of eye drops can be caused by preservatives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of PGs with varying concentrations of benzalkonium chloride (BAC), alternative preservatives, or no preservatives on human conjunctival fibroblast cells. METHODS: Primary human conjunctival fibroblast cells were used in these experiments. Cells were exposed to the following drugs: BAC at different concentrations, bimatoprost 0.01% (with BAC 0.02%), latanoprost 0.005% (with BAC 0.02%), tafluprost 0.0015% with/without 0.001% BAC and travoprost 0.004% (with 0.001% Polyquad) for 15 and 30 minutes. Cell cytotoxicity was evaluated by phase-contrast microscopy to monitor morphological changes of cells, Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay to cell viability, and fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis to measure apoptosis. RESULTS: BAC caused cell shrinkage and detachment from the plate in a dose-dependent manner. Morphological changes were observed in cells treated with bimatoprost 0.01% and latanoprost 0.005%. However, mild cell shrinkage was noted in cells treated with tafluprost 0.0015%, while a non-toxic effect was noted with travoprost 0.004% and preservative-free tafluprost 0.0015%. CCK-8 assay and FACS analysis showed all groups had a significantly decreased cell viability and higher apoptosis rate compared with the control group. However, travoprost 0.004% and preservative-free tafluprost 0.0015% showed lower cytotoxicity and apoptosis rate than other drugs. CONCLUSIONS: This in vitro study revealed that BAC-induced cytotoxicity is dose-dependent, although it is important to emphasize that the clinical significance of toxicity differences observed among the different PGs formulations has not yet been firmly established. Alternatively preserved or preservative-free glaucoma medications seem to be a reasonable and viable alternative to those preserved with BAC.

The Clinical Results of Intacs(R) Ring Implantation by Manual Tunnel Creation in Patients with Keratoconus

PURPOSE: To report the clinical results after the implantation of intrastromal corneal ring segments (Intacs(R)) by manual tunnel creation for the correction of keratoconus. METHODS: This retrospective case series was comprised of 10 eyes of 8 consecutive keratoconic patients. Visual acuity, refractive outcome, keratometric values, anterior chamber depth, central corneal thickness, and endothelial cell density were evaluated before and at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. In addition, the implanted ring segment depth was measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography at postoperative 6 months. Any postoperative complications were also recorded. RESULTS: Visual acuity was improved in 9 out of 10 eyes. Spherical equivalent and keratometric values were decreased in all eyes. There was no significant difference in central corneal thickness, but endothelial cell density and anterior chamber depth were slightly decreased. The depth of ring segments was almost constant at superior, middle, and inferior. There was a single case of descented implanted ring segments and 6 cases of stromal infiltration around ring segments, but visual acuity was unaffected. In addition, 1 case showed implanted ring exposure, thus the superior ring segment was removed at postoperative 4 months. CONCLUSIONS: Intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation (Intacs(R)) by manual tunnel creation appears to be effective in improving the visual acuity and stabilizing corneal refractive power in keratoconic patients.

Changes in Tear Film, Cornea and Ocular Surface According to the Duration of Soft Contact Lens Wear

PURPOSE: The present study evaluated the changes in tear film, cornea and ocular surface according to the duration of soft contact lens wear. METHODS: A total 65 patients with 130 eyes were enrolled the present study, and were divided into 4 grous. The control group (group A) was composed of 32 eyes of 16 patients who had not worn soft contact lenses, group B, (34 eyes of 17 patients), had worn soft contact lenses less than 5 years, group C, (32 eyes of 16 patients), had worn soft contact lenses for 5 to 10 years and group D, (32 eyes of 16 patients), had worn soft contact lenses for more than 10 years. The tear break-up time (BUT), Schirmer's test, corneal sensitivity test, central corneal thickness, ocular surface disease index (OSDI), corneal fluorescein staining score, specular microscopy and conjunctival impression cytology were analyzed. The results were compared between the control group and the soft contact lens groups. RESULTS: In group B, BUT significantly decreased, but corneal fluorescein staining score and squamous metaplasia significantly increased (p < 0.05). In group C, OSDI and snake-like chromatin pattern significantly increased, but corneal thickness and goblet cell density significantly decreased (p < 0.05). In group D, the coefficient of variation for endothelium significantly increased, but corneal sensitivity and hexagonality significantly decreased (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Duration of soft contact lens wear influences changes in tear film, cornea and ocular surface.

A Case of Phentermine Hydrochloride Induced Acute Myopia and Acute Angle Closure

PURPOSE: To describe a case of bilateral acute myopia and acute angle-closure associated with phentermine hydrochloride, a drug used for obesity treatment. CASE SUMMARY: A 25-year-old woman visited our hospital with blurry vision and ocular pain after taking phentermine hydrochloride for three weeks. Manifest refraction accompanied myopic shift in the both eyes, slit-lamp examination showed forward displacement of the lens-iris diaphragm and fundus examination revealed retinal folds. Suspecting phentermine hydrochloride induced acute myopia and acute angle closure, discontinuation of the drug and administration of cycloplegic agents and antiglaucomatic agent successfully resolved the symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Although the exact mechanism is unknown, phentermine hydrochloride may generate ciliochoroidal effusion and ciliary edema, lead to acute myopia and acute angle closure resulting from forward displacement of the lens-iris diaphragm.

Prevalence of Eye Diseases in South Korea: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008-2009

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to report on preliminary data regarding the prevalence of major eye diseases in Korea. METHODS: We obtained data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a nation-wide cross-sectional survey and examinations of the non-institutionalized civilian population in South Korea (n = 14,606), conducted from July 2008 to December 2009. Field survey teams included an ophthalmologist, nurses, and interviewers, traveled with a mobile examination unit and performed interviews and ophthalmologic examinations. RESULTS: The prevalence of visual impairment, myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism in participants over 5 years of age was 0.4 +/- 0.1%, 53.7 +/- 0.6%, 10.7 +/- 0.4%, and 58.0 +/- 0.6%, respectively. The prevalence of strabismus and blepharoptosis in participants over 3 years of age was 1.5 +/- 0.1% and 11.0 +/- 0.8%, respectively. In participants over 40 years of age, the prevalence of cataract, pterygium, early and late age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma was 40.2 +/- 1.3%, 8.9 +/- 0.5%, 5.1 +/- 0.3%, 0.5 +/- 0.1%, 13.4 +/- 1.5%, and 2.1 +/- 0.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first nation-wide epidemiologic study conducted in South Korea for assessment of the prevalence of eye diseases by both the Korean Ophthalmologic Society and the Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention. This study will provide preliminary information for use in further investigation, prevention, and management of eye diseases in Korea.

Scleral Graft, Free Conjunctival Autograft Using Tissue Adhesive and Temporary Amniotic Membrane Transplantation in Scleromalacia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the surgical results and complications arising from scleral graft and free conjunctival autograft using tissue adhesive and temporary amniotic membrane transplantation as the surgical treatment for scleromalacia. METHODS: Scleral graft and free conjunctival autograft using tissue adhesive and temporary amniotic membrane transplantation was performed in 20 eyes of 20 patients with scleromalacia caused by pterygium excision. The surgical results and complications arising from the procedure were monitored and analyzed through follow-up. RESULTS: During the follow-up period of 17.6 +/- 5.9 months, the wound injection and edema at the free conjunctival autograft and operation site healed in all the cases except 1 at postoperative 1 month. The stability of the ocular surface for graft transplantation was maintained at postoperative 3 months. Although a partial absorption of the conjunctival autograft induced by careless treatment occurred 2 weeks postoperative in 1 case, the ocular surface stabilized due to suitable treatment after 6 months. Although the edges of the scleral graft in 3 patients were partially absorbed 6 months postoperatively, the ocular surface stability was maintained by covering the conjunctival autografts. CONCLUSIONS: For scleromalacia patients, scleral graft and free conjunctival autograft using tissue adhesive and temporary amniotic membrane transplantation rapidly stabilized the ocular surface and presented excellent aesthetic results.