Comparison of the accuracy of nine intraocular lens power calculation formulas using partial coherence interferometry.

Cataract surgery is the most performed procedure in the world. To achieve the target refraction, several intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas have been developed to improve the accuracy of IOL power predictions. We compared the accuracy of 9 IOL power calculation formulas (SRK/T, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, Haigis, Barrett Universal II, Kane, EVO 2.0, Ladas Super formula and Hill-RBF 3.0) using partial coherence interferometry (PCI). We collected data from patients who underwent uncomplicated cataract surgery with implantation of 1 of 3 IOL types currently used in our center. All preoperative biometric measurements were performed using PCI. Prediction errors (PE) were deduced from refractive outcomes evaluated 3 months after surgery. The mean prediction error (ME), mean absolute prediction error (MAE), median absolute prediction error (MedAE), and standard deviation of prediction error (SD) were calculated, as well as the percentage of eyes with a PE within ± 0.25, ± 0.50, ± 0.75 and ± 1.00D for each formula. We included 126 eyes of 126 patients. Kane achieved the lowest MAE and SD across the entire sample as well as the highest percentage of PE within ± 0.50D and was shown to be more accurate than Haigis and Hoffer Q (P<001). For an axial length of more than 26.0mm, EVO 2.0 and Barrett obtained the lowest MAEs, with EVO 2.0 and Kane showing a higher percentage of prediction at ±0.50D compared to old generation formulas except for SRK/T (P=04). All investigated formulas achieved good results; there was a tendency toward better outcomes with new generation formulas, especially in atypical eyes.

Optimized combined low level light therapy and intense pulsed light therapy for the treatment of dry eye syndrome caused by Meibomian glands dysfunction.

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a common disease that can lead to ocular discomfort, reduced visual acuity and reduced quality of life. Meibomian Gland dysfunction plays an important role in most cases. To evaluate the effects of "EyeLight", a novel device delivering combined intense pulsed light (IPL) and low-level light therapy (LLLT), we conducted a retrospective chart review of patients refractory to conventional medical treatment who were treated with "EyeLight" therapy at Laser Vision, Lebanon. Each patient received between 2 to 5 treatment sessions. Clinical measurements were obtained before and after each session, including tear film breakup time (TBUT), ME-CHECK-meiboscale and the ME-CHECK questionnaire to determine the need for an additional session and to monitor progress. The same clinical evaluation was performed 3 to 5 weeks after the final treatment. A total of 52 eyes were included. A significant improvement in objective clinical signs was found, with an increase in TBUT from 6.98±1.41s. to 9.27±1.25s. (P<0.001) and a decrease in ME-CHECK-meiboscale (P<0.001). A reduction of severity level on the ME-CHECK-meiboscale classification was observed in 90%, along with a significant improvement in subjective clinical signs on the ME-CHECK questionnaire (P<0.001). No ocular or facial adverse events were noted. "EyeLight" treatment of 2 to 5 sessions depending on the severity of MGD in each eye showed an improvement in objective clinical signs and subjective symptoms and therefore appears to be an effective treatment for DES related to MGD refractory to conventional treatment.

Cell cycle-dependent modulation of FtsZ expression in synchronized tobacco BY2 cells.

In higher plants, the FtsZ protein, the ancestor of tubulin, has been shown to be implicated in both proplastid division, which occurs in dividing cells and in the division of the differentiated plastids present in non-dividing cells. Here we report studies on the expression of the two FtsZ gene families in higher plants, FtsZ1 and FtsZ2, in non-synchronized and synchronized tobacco BY2 cells. We have isolated and characterized members of each gene family from Nicotiana tabacum. Specific cDNA probes for each tobacco FtsZ gene family and polyclonal antibodies specific for the FtsZ1 and FtsZ2 proteins were obtained in order to determine mRNA and protein levels. A constant level of FtsZ1 and FtsZ2 transcripts and proteins was observed in non-synchronized cell cultures. However, a complex pattern of expression of both gene families was observed during the cell cycle in synchronized cells, with mRNA and protein levels peaking during cell division, thus implying that the FtsZ proteins may be involved in plastid transmission to the two daughter cells.