Clinical Outcomes of Intrascleral Fixation of Intraocular Lens Compared to Ciliary Sulcus Implantation and Transscleral Fixation

Purpose@#To compare the clinical outcomes of intrascleral fixation of the three-piece intraocular lenses (IOLs) 2.5 mm posterior to the limbus with ciliary sulcus implantation and transscleral fixation 2.5 mm posterior to the limbus. @*Methods@#Sixty-five eyes of 65 patients who underwent ciliary sulcus implantation or transscleral or intrascleral fixation of the AMO Sensar AR40e IOL were retrospectively reviewed. The postoperative refractive prediction error, back-calculated effective lens position (ELP), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and postoperative residual cylinder were compared. @*Results@#There were significant differences in the median (interquartile range) postoperative refractive prediction error (diopters [D]) among the three groups (p < 0.001): for ciliary sulcus implantation (33 eyes), −0.89 D (−1.21 to −0.56 D); for transscleral fixation (10 eyes), −0.40 D (−0.78 to −0.22 D); and for intrascleral fixation (22 eyes), 0.01 D (−0.28 to 0.34 D). Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed in the median back-calculated ELP: for ciliary sulcus implantation, 4.35 mm (3.95 to 4.55 mm); for transscleral fixation, 4.51 mm (4.34 to 4.76 mm); and for intrascleral fixation, 4.90 mm (4.56 to 5.35 mm). There were no differences in the median postoperative CDVA (0, 0.10, and 0 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, respectively; p = 0.083) and the residual cylinder (−0.75, −1.50, and −0.63 D, respectively; p = 0.074) among three groups. @*Conclusions@#Intrascleral fixation showed no myopic shift and the most posterior lens position, while ciliary sulcus implantation induced the greatest myopic shift and the most anterior lens position. However, there was no significant difference in the postoperative CDVA or astigmatism among the eyes with different IOL insertion methods, demonstrating good IOL stability and vision outcomes.

Comparison of Eyelid Heating Efficacy of Warm Compress Products Commercially Available in Korea

Purpose@#To compare eyelid heating efficacy according to the type and the method of use of eyelid warm compress products commercially available in South Korea. @*Methods@#For six healthy adults, three types of eyelid warm compresses were worn for 10 minutes and the temperature of the product surface, external upper lid, external lower lid, and internal lower lid were measured every 2 minutes. The average of the measured values was divided into four groups according to the type of product (Moist Heat Eye Compress®, Megrythm Steam Eye Mask®, Nurieye-5900®-High Temperature Mode [H], Nurieye-5900®-Low Temperature Mode [L]) and were compared. @*Results@#Eyelid temperature showed a significant difference between each group after the first 2 minutes of treatment (p < 0.000). In the Moist Heat Eye Compress® group, the temperature of the external upper lid was maintained above 38°C until 6 minutes and the remaining groups did not exceed 38°C. The temperature of the inner lower lid was maintained at 37°C or higher for 10 minutes in the Moist Heat Eye Compress® use group and exceeded 37°C at 6 minutes in the Megrythm Steam Eye Mask® use group. The remaining groups did not exceed 37°C. @*Conclusions@#For the external eyelid, only the Moist Heat Eye Compress® group were heated above 38°C. For the inner lower lid, Moist Heat Eye Compress® and Megrythm Steam Eye Mask® groups were heated above 37°C, showing a higher heating effect. Further studies are required on the effects of the three warm compress products in patients with Meibomian gland dysfunction.

Endophthalmitis after Removal of an Intralenticular Foreign Body in Place without Symptoms for 20 Years

PURPOSE: We report a case of postoperative endophthalmitis in the cataract patient, associated with removal of an intralenticular foreign body that had remained in place without symptoms for 20 years. CASE SUMMARY: A 45-year-old male visited our outpatient clinic complaining of gradual visual loss in his right eye over the past 3 months. In slit-lamp examinations, anterior capsular opacification, nuclear sclerosis, and posterior subcapsular opacity were observed in the right eye. Twenty years before, a tiny metallic projectile had hit his right eye, but slit-lamp examination at the time of injury did not reveal any intraocular foreign body. We decided to undergo cataract surgery. During phacoemulsification, a metallic foreign body was found in the lens and safely removed; then an intraocular lens was implanted. As hypopyon was evident 3 days later, we injected intravitreal antibiotics and applied fortified antibiotic eye drops to the right eye. The anterior chamber inflammation improved and the best-corrected visual acuity recovered to 1.0. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeon should be aware of that endophthalmitis could develop after cataract surgery with removal of an intralenticular foreign body that had been in place for 20 years. But did not trigger inflammation or cause any symptoms as the cataract progressed.

Fine dust and eye health

This paper aims to make recommendations for the management of eye health related to fine dust exposure. Fine dust is one of the biggest problems related to air pollution in Korea and is becoming a social issue. Fine dust can be classified into fine dust, ultrafine dust, and nanoparticles according to the size of the constituent particles. Although studies evaluating the harmful effects of particulate matter (PM) have been conducted mainly on cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, the ocular surface is a tissue that is continuously exposed to the atmosphere. Eye symptoms caused by PM exposure include eye redness, irritation, and sensation of a foreign body. Typical eye diseases caused by PM exposure include conjunctivitis, dry eye disease, and blepharitis. PM is thought to induce and exacerbate ocular surface diseases and lead to damage through oxidative stress, toxicity, and immune and inflammatory reactions on the ocular surface. For eye health management related to PM exposure, it is necessary to reduce the chance of exposure to PM in advance according to the PM forecast, avoid additional repeated exposure after PM exposure, and remove PM through eye washing and eyelid cleaning. In addition, eye drops, such as artificial tears, diquafosol, and cyclosporin A, can be used to prevent and treat ocular surface disease and deterioration of the damage. In patients who already have ocular surface disease, the harmful effects of PM exposure may be greater and more attention should be paid to eye health management.

Fine dust and eye health

This paper aims to make recommendations for the management of eye health related to fine dust exposure. Fine dust is one of the biggest problems related to air pollution in Korea and is becoming a social issue. Fine dust can be classified into fine dust, ultrafine dust, and nanoparticles according to the size of the constituent particles. Although studies evaluating the harmful effects of particulate matter (PM) have been conducted mainly on cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, the ocular surface is a tissue that is continuously exposed to the atmosphere. Eye symptoms caused by PM exposure include eye redness, irritation, and sensation of a foreign body. Typical eye diseases caused by PM exposure include conjunctivitis, dry eye disease, and blepharitis. PM is thought to induce and exacerbate ocular surface diseases and lead to damage through oxidative stress, toxicity, and immune and inflammatory reactions on the ocular surface. For eye health management related to PM exposure, it is necessary to reduce the chance of exposure to PM in advance according to the PM forecast, avoid additional repeated exposure after PM exposure, and remove PM through eye washing and eyelid cleaning. In addition, eye drops, such as artificial tears, diquafosol, and cyclosporin A, can be used to prevent and treat ocular surface disease and deterioration of the damage. In patients who already have ocular surface disease, the harmful effects of PM exposure may be greater and more attention should be paid to eye health management.

Comparison of Anterior, Posterior, and Total Corneal Astigmatism Measured Using a Single Scheimpflug Camera in Healthy and Keratoconus Eyes

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of posterior corneal astigmatism on the estimation of total corneal astigmatism using anterior corneal measurements (simulated keratometry [K]) between eyes with keratoconus and healthy eyes. METHODS: Thirty-three eyes of 33 patients with keratoconus of grade I or II and 33 eyes of 33 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects were enrolled. Anterior, posterior, and total corneal cylinder powers and flat meridians measured by a single Scheimpflug camera were analyzed. The difference in corneal astigmatism between the simulated K and total cornea was evaluated. RESULTS: The mean anterior, posterior, and total corneal cylinder powers of the keratoconus group (4.37 ± 1.73, 0.95 ± 0.39, and 4.36 ± 1.74 cylinder diopters [CD], respectively) were significantly greater than those of the control group (1.10 ± 0.68, 0.39 ± 0.18, and 0.97 ± 0.63 CD, respectively). The cylinder power difference between the simulated K and total cornea was positively correlated with the posterior corneal cylinder power and negatively correlated with the absolute flat meridian difference between the simulated K and total cornea in both groups. The mean magnitude of the vector difference between the astigmatism of the simulated K and total cornea of the keratoconus group (0.67 ± 0.67 CD) was significantly larger than that of the control group (0.28 ± 0.12 CD). CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with keratoconus had greater estimation errors of total corneal astigmatism based on anterior corneal measurement than did healthy eyes. Posterior corneal surface measurement should be more emphasized to determine the total corneal astigmatism in eyes with keratoconus.

Effect of Cataract Grade according to Wide-Field Fundus Images on Measurement of Macular Thickness in Cataract Patients

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of cataract grade based on wide-field fundus imaging on macular thickness measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and its signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). METHODS: Two hundred cataract patients (200 eyes) with preoperative measurements by wide-field fundus imaging and macular SD-OCT were enrolled. Cataract severity was graded from 1 to 4 according to the degree of macular obscuring by cataract artifact in fundus photo images. Cataract grade based on wide-field fundus image, the Lens Opacity Classification System III, macular thickness, and SD-OCT SNR were compared. All SD-OCT B-scan images were evaluated to detect errors in retinal layer segmentation. RESULTS: Cataract grade based on wide-field fundus imaging was positively correlated with grade of posterior subcapsular cataracts (rho = 0.486, p < 0.001), but not with nuclear opalescence or cortical cataract using the Lens Opacity Classification System III. Cataract grade was negatively correlated with total macular thickness (rho = −0.509, p < 0.001) and SD-OCT SNR (rho = −0.568, p < 0.001). SD-OCT SNR was positively correlated with total macular thickness (rho = 0.571, p < 0.001). Of 200 eyes, 97 (48.5%) had segmentation errors on SD-OCT. As cataract grade increased and SD-OCT SNR decreased, the percentage of eyes with segmentation errors on SD-OCT increased. All measurements of macular thickness in eyes without segmentation errors were significantly greater than those of eyes with segmentation errors. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior subcapsular cataracts had profound effects on cataract grade based on wide-field fundus imaging. As cataract grade based on wide-field fundus image increased, macular thickness tended to be underestimated due to segmentation errors in SD-OCT images. Segmentation errors in SD-OCT should be considered when evaluating macular thickness in eyes with cataracts.

Incidence of Complications in Cataract Surgery according to the Availability of Partial Coherence Laser Interferometry

PURPOSE: To validate the possibility of IOLMaster measurement as a predictor of intraoperative and postoperative complications during phacoemulsification surgery. METHODS: In this study, 2,107 eyes from 1,456 patients who underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation were divided into two groups according to the possibility of performing optical biometry with the IOLMaster (measurable group: 1,746 eyes from 1,141 patients, unmeasurable group: 361 eyes from 315 patients). The intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Three hundred sixty-one eyes (17.1%) could not be measured using optical biometry. Dense posterior subcapsular cataract (56.0%) was the main factor resulting in failed measurements with optical biometry, followed by anterior subcapsular cataract (12.5%). The rates of posterior capsule rupture and radial tear were significantly higher in the unmeasurable group than in the measurable group (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Corneal edema was significantly higher in the unmeasurable group (16.1%) than in the measurable group (5.3%) at postoperative 1 week (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Possibility of optical biometry measurement can be used as a simple predictor of intraoperative and postoperative complications of phacoemulsification surgery. Surgeons should pay close attention to patients who cannot be measured using IOLMaster.

The Effects of Warm Compression on Eyelid Temperature and Lipid Layer Thickness of Tear Film

PURPOSE: Warm compression using a commercial heat pad was used to evaluate the effects of temperature on the eyelids and tear film lipid layer thickness. METHODS: Targeting 13 patients (26 eyes) with non-specific eye disease such as dry eye syndrome or Meibomian gland dysfunction, we measured the average thickness of the tear film lipid layer in both eyes with the LipiView 2® System (Tearscience®, Morrisville, NY, USA). We performed warm compression on the right eye only in order to evaluate the effectiveness of massage and measured the temperature of the right eye lid immediately, 3 minutes, and 5 minutes after compression in order to compare with the untreated left eye. After warm compression for 5 minutes, we measured tear film lipid layer thickness of both eyes and analyzed the effectiveness of warm compression. RESULTS: The average tear film lipid layer thickness was 55.1 ± 21.0 nm in the right eyes and 53.9 ± 13.9 nm in the left eyes (p = 0.474). Before performing the warm compression, the temperature of the right eye lid was 53.9 ± 13.9 nm, and that of the left was 35.9 ± 0.2℃. The eye lid temperature of the right eye immediately, 3 minutes, and 5 minutes after warm compression was 40.3 ± 1.3℃, 40.3 ± 1.3℃, and 40.3 ± 1.9℃, respectively, and these temperatures were relatively constant during the massage. Tear film lipid layer thickness after warm compression in the right eye was 83.5 ± 18.8 nm, which was increased compared to the original temperature (p = 0.001) and showed significant difference compared with the 65.5 ± 27.1 nm in the left eye (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Warm compression increased the tear film lipid layer thickness and showed a relatively constant increased temperature of 40.3℃ over 5 minutes. This technique will be helpful for maintaining tear film lipid layer thickness in patients with Meibomian gland dysfunction.

The Effects of Warm Compression on Eyelid Temperature and Lipid Layer Thickness of Tear Film

PURPOSE: Warm compression using a commercial heat pad was used to evaluate the effects of temperature on the eyelids and tear film lipid layer thickness. METHODS: Targeting 13 patients (26 eyes) with non-specific eye disease such as dry eye syndrome or Meibomian gland dysfunction, we measured the average thickness of the tear film lipid layer in both eyes with the LipiView 2® System (Tearscience®, Morrisville, NY, USA). We performed warm compression on the right eye only in order to evaluate the effectiveness of massage and measured the temperature of the right eye lid immediately, 3 minutes, and 5 minutes after compression in order to compare with the untreated left eye. After warm compression for 5 minutes, we measured tear film lipid layer thickness of both eyes and analyzed the effectiveness of warm compression. RESULTS: The average tear film lipid layer thickness was 55.1 ± 21.0 nm in the right eyes and 53.9 ± 13.9 nm in the left eyes (p = 0.474). Before performing the warm compression, the temperature of the right eye lid was 53.9 ± 13.9 nm, and that of the left was 35.9 ± 0.2℃. The eye lid temperature of the right eye immediately, 3 minutes, and 5 minutes after warm compression was 40.3 ± 1.3℃, 40.3 ± 1.3℃, and 40.3 ± 1.9℃, respectively, and these temperatures were relatively constant during the massage. Tear film lipid layer thickness after warm compression in the right eye was 83.5 ± 18.8 nm, which was increased compared to the original temperature (p = 0.001) and showed significant difference compared with the 65.5 ± 27.1 nm in the left eye (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Warm compression increased the tear film lipid layer thickness and showed a relatively constant increased temperature of 40.3℃ over 5 minutes. This technique will be helpful for maintaining tear film lipid layer thickness in patients with Meibomian gland dysfunction.

The Effects of Surgical Punctual Occlusion on Patients with Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye

PURPOSE: To analyze the improvement of symptoms and signs of dry eye after surgical punctual occlusion and to evaluate the effects of secondary systemic disease in dry eye patients. METHODS: From March 2011 to July 2014, 15 eyes of 8 dry eye patients with a history of punctal plug insertion underwent surgical punctal occlusion. Schirmer test was measured based on mean 2.9 mm. The patients consisted of 4 dry eye patients with Sjogren's disease, 1 with rheumatoid arthritis, 1 with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and 2 with no secondary systemic disease. Preoperative and postoperative ophthalmic examinations of log MAR visual acuity, subjective symptoms, corneal staining (National Eye Institute [NEI] score), and tear break-up time (BUT) were performed and the effects of secondary systemic disease in dry eye patients were evaluated. The results of surgical punctual occlusion were analyzed. RESULTS: All patients showed a statistically significant improvement of log MAR visual acuity, subjective symptoms, corneal staining (NEI score), and tear BUT. The patients with rheumatoid-related diseases showed improved symptoms after surgery, but the patient with GVHD showed no significant improvement after surgery. Among the study patients, 80.0% showed completely closed punctum and 20.0% showed partial recanalization. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical punctal occlusion is an effective alternative in patients with severe aqueous deficient dry eye who show recurrent punctal plug loss or complications associated with punctal plugs.

The Effect of 3% Diquafosol Tetrasodium on Corneal Wetting Property and Mucin-5AC Concentration in Rabbits

PURPOSE: To evaluate the immediate effects of 3% diquafosol ophthalmic solution on tear MUC5AC concentration and corneal wetting property in rabbit eyes. METHODS: Six New Zealand white rabbits were used in the present study. Fifteen minutes after instilling 50 microL of 3% diquafosol into the right eye of each rabbit and 50 microL of saline into the left eye, corneal wetting property, tear MUC5AC concentrations and the area of periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-stained conjunctival goblet cells were evaluated under general anesthesia using conjunctival impression cytology. Corneal wetting property was evaluated by measuring the duration from when the image of the microscopic light beam was clear on the corneal surface immediately after blinking to when the image began to blur. RESULTS: The mean time of corneal wetting property was 86.40 (+/- 17.90) seconds in the diquafosol group and 49.00 (+/- 6.35) seconds in the control group. There was a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.043). The mean concentration of tear MUC5AC was significantly higher in the diquafosol group (18.21 +/- 1.52 ng/mL) than the control group (12.75 +/- 1.82 ng/mL; p = 0.028). Conjunctival impression cytology showed the area of PAS-stained conjunctival goblet cells was significantly lower in the diquafosol group (23.17 +/- 0.05%) than the control group (32.49 +/- 0.08%; p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Immediately after instilling 3% diquafosol, corneal wetting property improved significantly. Also tear MUC5AC concentration, which was released from conjunctival goblet cells increased compared to saline.

Evaluation of Objective Accommodation Power in Different Age Groups Using an Auto Accommodation Refractometer

PURPOSE: To evaluate the objective amplitude of accommodation in various age groups using an autorefractometer and to compare the results with subjective assessments on accommodation. Objective accommodative amplitude of artificial lenses in post-operative cataract patients was also measured. METHODS: In this study, 41 patients who visited Korea University Guro Hospital from July through August 2014 were categorized into 6 different age groups. Accommodative amplitude was measured using long-distance refraction at 5 m and short-distance refraction at 20 cm. In 20 patients, subjective amplitude of accommodation was measured using the minus lens technique and was compared with the measured objective accommodative amplitude. Accommodative amplitude was also measured in 8 patients who received cataract surgery. RESULTS: The mean accommodative ability in normal people was 2.38 D. The age groups of 10-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and over 60 years showed accommodative amplitudes of 3.31 +/- 0.99 D, 3.25 +/- 0.34 D, 3.78 +/- 0.68 D, 1.00 +/- 0.60 D, 0.22 +/- 0.23 D, 0.00 +/- 0.00 D, respectively. The results showed a rapid decrease in accommodative ability of patients older than 40 years and demonstrated a correlation between objective and subjective amplitude of accommodation (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0.838). There was a significant difference between objective and subjective accommodative amplitudes in artificial lenses (p = 0.015), with average objective and subjective measures of 0.10 +/- 0.23 D and 0.59 +/- 0.35 D, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Measuring amplitude of accommodation using an autorefractometer can be useful in assessing results of presbyopia treatment.

Analysis of Internal Optical Aberrations in Eyes with Different Types of Cataract

PURPOSE: The present study investigates the patterns of internal optical aberrations in eyes with different types of cataract. METHODS: Eighty eyes of 70 cataract patients were included in the present study. Internal optical aberrations were measured with a KR-1W wavefront aberrometer before cataract operation. Types of cataract were classified into three groups; cortical, nuclear and posterior subcapsular cataracts. The differences in the results of the wavefront data of 6-mm pupil diameter zones were compared among three groups. The Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for comparing data. RESULTS: A total of 80 eyes consisting of 30 cortical cataracts, 30 nuclear cataracts and 20 posterior subcapsular cataracts were found. In the 6-mm pupil diameter zone, the average internal spherical aberrations by original value were 0.042 microm of cortical cataracts, -0.092 microm of nuclear cataracts and -0.109 microm of posterior subcapsular cataracts. The average internal spherical aberrations by absolute value were 0.122 microm of cortical cataracts, 0.533 microm of nuclear cataracts and 0.202 microm of posterior subcapsular cataracts. The internal spherical aberrations by original value were not statistically significantly different, but by absolute value were statistically significantly different (p = 0.003, Kruskal-Wallis test). Nuclear cataracts have a much higher positive or negative value than other cataract groups in the distribution of internal spherical aberrations by original value for each type of cataract. Other than this difference, the internal astigmatism and internal high order aberrations were not statistically significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: The change in internal spherical aberrations of nuclear cataract from the original value was larger than cortical and posterior subcapsular cataract. Therefore, nuclear cataracts have much higher positive or negative values than other cataract groups.

Sudden Loss of Endothelial Cell Density 7 Years after Receiving an Implantable Contact Lens: A Case Report

PURPOSE: To report a case of decreased endothelial cell density 7 years after posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens implantation. CASE SUMMARY: A 45-year-old man with high myopia combined with astigmatism was treated with Toric implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) implantation. The patient's best corrected visual acuity was 0.7 in both eyes before the operation. After the treatment, his uncorrected visual acuity was 0.9 and corrected visual acuity was 1.0 in both eyes, indicating an improvement in visual function. Preoperative endothelial cell density measured 3,063 cells/mm2 in the right eye and 3,126 cells/mm2 in the left eye. At 5 years postoperatively, measurements were 2,897 cells/mm2 in the right eye and 2,974 cells/mm2 in the left, showing little change. However, a 6-year postoperative measurement of 2,198 cells/mm2 in the right eye and 2,803 cells/mm2 in the left showed a slight decrease in endothelial cell density in the right eye, and a follow-up measurement one year later displayed a rapid decline to 1,272 cells/mm2 in the right eye and 2,852 cells/mm2 in the left eye. The Toric ICL lens was removed from the right eye and phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation was performed. Two-month postoperative endothelial cell density was 1,257 cells/mm2 and endothelial cell damage from the operation itself was minimal. CONCLUSIONS: ICL implantation may cause complications related to corneal endothelial cells as well as glaucoma. Patients should receive regular follow-up examinations for endothelial cell density.

Comparison of Cytotoxic Effects on Rabbit Corneal Endothelium between Preservative-free and Preservative-containing Dorzolamide/timolol

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the toxic effects of eyedrops containing a fixed combination of 2.0% dorzolamide and 0.5% maleate timolol with or without preservatives on rabbit corneal endothelium. METHODS: This study was performed with 22 eyes of New Zealand white rabbits. Dorzolamide/timolol eyedrops with preservative (Cosopt group) or without preservative (Cosopt-S group) were diluted with a balanced salt solution at a 1 : 1 ratio. We injected 0.1 mL of diluted Cosopt into the anterior chamber of left eyes and an equal volume of diluted Cosopt-S into the anterior chamber of right eyes. Corneal thickness, corneal haze, and conjunctival injection were measured before and 24 hours after treatment. Endothelial damage was compared between both eyes by vital staining (alizarin red/trypan blue staining), live/dead cell assay, TUNEL assay, and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Corneal endothelial damage was severe in the Cosopt group. Cosopt-treated eyes exhibited remarkable corneal edema and prominent apoptosis of endothelial cells. In addition, the live/dead cell assay revealed many dead cells in the endothelium, and scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that corneal endothelial cells exhibited a partial loss of microvilli on the surface as well as extensive destruction of intercellular junctions. However, in the Cosopt-S group, corneal edema was mild and the damage to the corneal endothelium was minimal. CONCLUSIONS: The main cause of corneal endothelial toxicity was due to the preservative in the dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination eyedrops, and not the active ingredient. Thus, it appears to be safer to use preservative-free eyedrops during the early postoperative period.

Effects of Argon Laser Iridotomy on the Corneal Endothelium of Pigmented Rabbit Eyes

PURPOSE: In Asian countries, laser iridotomy for the treatment of angle-closure glaucoma is a common cause of bullous keratopathy, which may be associated with a shallow anterior chamber and dark iris pigmentation in Asians. Several cases of corneal decompensation after argon laser iridotomy have been reported. In the present study, we evaluated the harmful effects of argon laser iridotomy on the corneal endothelium. METHODS: Argon laser iridotomy was performed on the right eyes of pigmented rabbits. Changes in corneal thickness and endothelial cell density after laser iridotomy were evaluated. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was performed for assessment of corneal endothelial cell apoptosis. Combined staining with alizarin red and trypan blue, as well as a live/dead cell assay, were performed for evaluation of damage to the corneal endothelium induced by laser iridotomy. RESULTS: Corneal thickness did not change immediately after laser iridotomy; however, a significant increase was observed 24 hours after iridotomy (p = 0.001). The endothelial cell density of laser-treated eyes four days after laser iridotomy was significantly decreased compared with control eyes (p < 0.001). TUNEL staining showed many TUNEL-positive cells in the corneal endothelium and corneal stroma. No endothelial trypan blue-stained cell nuclei were observed after laser iridotomy; however, several large endothelial cells with damaged membrane integrity were observed. The live/dead cell assay clearly showed a large number of dead cells stained red in several areas throughout the entire corneal button 24 hours after iridotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Argon laser iridotomy induces corneal endothelial cell apoptosis in pigmented rabbit eyes, resulting in decreased endothelial cell density.

Effects of Argon Laser Iridotomy on the Corneal Endothelium of Pigmented Rabbit Eyes

PURPOSE: In Asian countries, laser iridotomy for the treatment of angle-closure glaucoma is a common cause of bullous keratopathy, which may be associated with a shallow anterior chamber and dark iris pigmentation in Asians. Several cases of corneal decompensation after argon laser iridotomy have been reported. In the present study, we evaluated the harmful effects of argon laser iridotomy on the corneal endothelium. METHODS: Argon laser iridotomy was performed on the right eyes of pigmented rabbits. Changes in corneal thickness and endothelial cell density after laser iridotomy were evaluated. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was performed for assessment of corneal endothelial cell apoptosis. Combined staining with alizarin red and trypan blue, as well as a live/dead cell assay, were performed for evaluation of damage to the corneal endothelium induced by laser iridotomy. RESULTS: Corneal thickness did not change immediately after laser iridotomy; however, a significant increase was observed 24 hours after iridotomy (p = 0.001). The endothelial cell density of laser-treated eyes four days after laser iridotomy was significantly decreased compared with control eyes (p < 0.001). TUNEL staining showed many TUNEL-positive cells in the corneal endothelium and corneal stroma. No endothelial trypan blue-stained cell nuclei were observed after laser iridotomy; however, several large endothelial cells with damaged membrane integrity were observed. The live/dead cell assay clearly showed a large number of dead cells stained red in several areas throughout the entire corneal button 24 hours after iridotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Argon laser iridotomy induces corneal endothelial cell apoptosis in pigmented rabbit eyes, resulting in decreased endothelial cell density.

Paradoxical Trichomegaly of the Eyelashes During Treatment with EGFR Inhibitors: 2 Case Report

PURPOSE: To introduce 2 cases of trichomegaly associated with the use of systemic epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors for the treatment of lung cancer. CASE SUMMARY: An 82-year-old female visited our clinic for ocular pain in both eyes. She was suffering from metastatic lung cancer and was under daily treatment with gefitinib (Iressa(R), AstraZeneca, London, UK) for 6 months. On ophthalmologic examination, she presented with abnormally elongated eyelashes, hyperemic conjunctiva and dense corneal erosion. A 52-year-old male who was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer 7 months before and treated with erlotinib (Tarceva(R) OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Melville, NY, USA) was referred to our clinic for injection and foreign body sensation in both eyes. Although there were no remarkable changes in eyelashes at the initial visit, long, curly, uneven eyelashes were observed after 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the increased use of EGFR inhibitors in anti-cancer treatment, ophthalmologists should be aware of these chemotherapeutics' adverse effects.

Current Practice Pattern for Dry Eye Patients in South Korea: A Multicenter Study

PURPOSE: To assess current practice patterns for dry eye patients in South Korea and to evaluate the preference according to the ages and clinic types of physicians. METHODS: Dry eye patients (n = 1,612) were enrolled in this multicenter cross-sectional, observational study. The severity level of dry eye patients was classified based on the Korean guidelines for dry eye treatment. The medical records of the enrolled dry eye patients were evaluated, and the practice styles and the preferences were analyzed according to the ages and clinic types of physicians. RESULTS: Of all patients, dry eye level 1 was most common (47.5%), followed by level 2 (33.5%), level 3 (9.1%), and level 4 (1.1%). Topical anti-inflammatory agents were used in 70.7% of patients with dry eye level 2 and in 80.6% of patients at levels 3 and 4. Topical anti-inflammatory agents were also used in 48.7% of patients with dry eye level 1. Preservative-free artificial tears were preferred at all dry eye levels. The use of topical anti-inflammatory agents did not differ with investigator ages, but older physicians preferred preserved artificial tears more than younger ones. Physicians at referral hospitals also tended to use topical anti-inflammatory agents and preservative-free artificial tears earlier, beginning at dry eye level 1, than those who worked at private eye clinics. CONCLUSIONS: Topical anti-inflammatory agents were commonly prescribed for the treatment of dry eye patients in South Korea, even from dry eye level 1. Preservative-free artificial tears were preferred at all dry eye levels. Practice styles differed somewhat depending on the ages and clinic types of physicians.