Prevalence and clinical characteristics of neurotrophic keratopathy in hispanic population in northeastern Mexico.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) in northeastern Mexico. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study in which NK patients admitted to our ophthalmology clinic between 2015 and 2021 were consecutively enrolled. Data regarding demographics, clinical characteristics, and comorbidities were collected at the time diagnosis of NK was made. RESULTS: In the period from 2015 to 2021, a total of 74,056 patients were treated and of these 42 had a diagnosis of neurotrophic keratitis. The prevalence found was 5.67 [CI95 3.95-7.38] in 10,000 cases. The mean age observed was 59 ± 17.21 years occurring more frequently in males in 59% and with corneal epithelial defects in 66.7%. The most frequent antecedents were the use of topical medications in 90%, the presence of diabetes mellitus 2 in 40.5% and systemic arterial hypertension in 26.2%. A higher proportion of male patients with corneal alterations and a higher proportion of female patients with corneal ulcerations and/or perforation were observed. CONCLUSION: Neurotrophic keratitis is an underdiagnosed disease with a broad clinical spectrum. The antecedents that were contracted corroborate what was reported in the literature as risk factors. The prevalence of the disease in this geographical area was not reported, so it is expected to increase over time when searching for it intentionally.

Customizable Collagen Vitrigel Membranes and Preliminary Results in Corneal Engineering.

Corneal opacities are a leading cause of visual impairment that affect 4.2 million people annually. The current treatment is corneal transplantation, which is limited by tissue donor shortages. Corneal engineering aims to develop membranes that function as scaffolds in corneal cell transplantation. Here, we describe a method for producing transplantable corneal constructs based on a collagen vitrigel (CVM) membrane and corneal endothelial cells (CECs). The CVMs were produced using increasing volumes of collagen type I: 1X (2.8 µL/mm2), 2X, and 3X. The vitrification process was performed at 40% relative humidity (RH) and 40 °C using a matryoshka-like system consisting of a shaking-oven harboring a desiccator with a saturated K2CO3 solution. The CVMs were characterized via SEM microscopy, cell adherence, FTIR, and manipulation in an ex vivo model. A pilot transplantation of the CECs/CVM construct in rabbits was also carried out. The thickness of the CVMs was 3.65-7.2 µm. The transparency was superior to a human cornea (92.6% = 1X; 94% = 2X; 89.21% = 3X). SEM microscopy showed a homogenous surface and laminar organization. The cell concentration seeded over the CVM increased threefold with no significant difference between 1X, 2X, and 3X (p = 0.323). The 2X-CVM was suitable for surgical manipulation in the ex vivo model. Constructs using the CECs/2X-CVM promoted corneal transparency restoration.

The evolution of the modified osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis, its reliability, and long-term visual rehabilitation prognosis: An analytical review.

An exhaustive search of the world's literature was performed to analyze all case reports and series on the modified osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (MOOKP) published up to January 2022. The demographic profile, the primary indication for surgery, surgical technique variations, postoperative medical management, long-term functional and anatomical outcomes, and intra- and postoperative complications were analyzed and compared. Additionally, some of the authors' (GI, VP, and GA) unpublished MOOKP cases were studied. An extensive literature search yielded 37 case series and case reports. Overall, 958 patients were analyzed. The most common indication for surgery was autoimmune disease (39.1%), closely followed by chemical injury (38.8%). The most common intraoperative complications (21.67%) included maxillofacial, vitreous hemorrhage/vitritis, and mucosal. The most common postoperative complications (78.4%) were lamina and oral mucosa-associated, secondary glaucoma, and choroid/retinal detachment. Follow-up periods ranged from one to 364 months (median: 36.7 months). Altogether, 78% of patients achieved a visual acuity of 20/400 or better at the end of the follow-up period, and 91.2% improved at least temporarily after MOOKP surgery. Mean anatomic success at the end-of-follow-up for all patients was 88.25% (range, 50-100%). The long-term anatomic and functional success of the MOOKP makes it a reliable option for visual rehabilitation in patients with bilateral corneal blindness and end-stage ocular surface disease. This review aims to describe the evolution of the MOOKP procedure, analyzing all published case series for its long-term reliability, visual and anatomical outcomes, complications, and future directions.

Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activity of Sedum dendroideum on Pterygium Fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND: Sedum dendroideum has antioxidant effects that are beneficial for different diseases. We aimed to analyze the antiproliferative activity of S. dendroideum in human pterygium fibroblasts (HPFs). METHODS: HPFs were treated for 24 h with 0-1000 µg/mL of S. dendroideum lyophilized to analyze its effect on cell viability using the CellTiter assay. RNA from HPF treated with 250 µg/mL of S. dendroideum lyophilized was isolated, and the expression of VEGF and CTGF genes was evaluated by qPCR. A dermal fibroblast cell line (HDFa) was used as a healthy control. The total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and chemical profile of S. dendroideum lyophilized were determined. RESULTS: Viability of HPF decreased after 24 h treatment of S. dendroideum in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of VEGF and CTGF significantly decreased (P < 0.01) in HPF treated with 250 µg/mL of S. dendroideum when compared with untreated HPF. The total phenolic concentration in the S. dendroideum lyophilized was 33.67 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g. Antioxidant activity was 384.49 mM Trolox equivalents/mL. The main phenolic compounds identified by HPLC analysis were the kaempferol-3-O-glycoside, kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside, kaempferol-3-O-neohesperidoside-7-O-α-rhamnopyranoside, and kaempferol-3-O-glycoside-7-O-rhamnoside. CONCLUSIONS: S. dendroideum decreases the proliferation of HPF and the expression of VEGF and CTGF. The phenolic compound concentration, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical profile may play a role in these effects.

Update on indications, complications, and outcomes of scleral contact lenses.

Background: The role of scleral contact lenses (SCLs) has increasingly expanded since the first lens was fitted more than a century ago. While it was initially prescribed for the management of severely compromised corneas, the indications for modern SCL use have expanded to include less severe diseases. In this review, we aimed to provide an up-to-date overview of the current indications, complications, and outcomes for the various types of SCLs. Methods: In this narrative review, we thoroughly searched the PubMed/MEDLINE database for literature published from January 1980 to November 2021. Only relevant up-to-date English references were included. Furthermore, the figures in this manuscript were derived from our unit's patient documentation. Results: Currently, SCLs can successfully be used to manage ocular surface diseases, visually rehabilitate irregular corneas, and correct irregular refractive errors. Although newer materials have yielded the same visual outcomes with fewer complications, these consequences still occur in approximately one-third of contact lens wearers, including difficulties in insertion and/or removal, discomfort or pain, and developing either halos, blurriness, or haze. Even though most of these complications are minor and can be easily treated, a good practice is essential to avoid sight-threatening complications such as microbial keratitis. Conclusions: SCLs are indispensable in ophthalmic clinics. The development of better-quality SCLs has increased the number of indications and improved the achievable visual rehabilitation. The future of developing improvements in SCL design, materials, and fit, and the expansion of their indication range is promising.

The molecular basis of neurotrophic keratopathy: Diagnostic and therapeutic implications. A review.

Neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) is a degenerative corneal disease produced by different factors, including infection, trauma, and neurogenesis, that lead to trigeminal nerve damage and impaired corneal sensitivity. Extensive epithelial breakdown, impaired corneal epithelial healing and corneal ulceration, stromal melting, and perforation are main NK features. The proliferation of the corneal epithelium is endogenously regulated by a balance between adrenergic cAMP-dependent and cholinergic cGMP-dependent pathways. A careful balance of epitheliotropic neuromediators and neurotrophic factors expressed by corneal nerves and epithelial cells, respectively, is required to maintain corneal homeostasis. Even in its early stages, NK can cause reduced vision secondary to epithelial disturbance. Diagnosing NK is challenging, requiring the acquisition of a thorough clinical history and a comprehensive neurological and ophthalmic examination. Following suspicion of a clinical NK diagnosis, corneal sensitivity must be assessed qualitatively with the wisp of the cotton-tipped applicator and quantitatively through Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometry (CBE). A myriad of therapies is used for NK, and new, more specific modalities are being developed and investigated. Medical treatment with topical recombinant human nerve growth factor and surgical treatment through corneal neurotization are promising therapies aiming to target NK pathophysiology. Coexistent ocular surface disorders must be managed concomitantly to improve its prognosis. This review describes the up-to-date knowledge of the molecular basis regarding the pathogenesis of NK, and the novel target-specific therapeutic approaches based on this molecular mechanism.

Correlation between corneal stromal demarcation line depth and topographic outcomes after two pulsed-light-accelerated crosslinking protocols.

PURPOSE: To report the visual and topographic outcomes of two pulsed-light-accelerated CXL (A-CXL) protocols at a 12-month follow-up and their correlation with the corneal stromal demarcation line (DL) depth. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective comparative cohort of patients with documented progressive keratoconus were included. Two epi-off pulsed-light [1s on-1s off] A-CXL protocols were compared: irradiance 30*8 and 45*5:20 (fluence 7.2 J/cm2). UDVA, CDVA, spherical equivalent (SE), topographic astigmatism, Kmin, Kmax, Km, central corneal thickness (CCT), thinnest pachymetry (TCT) and endothelial cell density (ECD) were measured preoperatively and months 1, 3, 6 and 12 postoperative. Corneal DL was measured 1 month postoperatively using anterior segment optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: Fifty eyes (27 patients): 22 eyes in group A-CXL (30*8), 28 eyes in group A-CXL (45*5:20). Mean age (years) was 19.04±4.71 and 20.32±4.57. DL depth (µm) at month 1 was 200.63±10.01 µm and 184.53±19.68 µm for group A-CXL (30*8) and group A-CXL (45*5:20), respectively (p<0.001). Significant improvement in CDVA, topographic astigmatism, Kmin, Kmax and Km was observed in both groups (no significant difference between groups) and no significant changes were observed in CCT, TCT and ECD with regard to baseline. Over 85% of the eyes in both protocols achieved stabilization or improvement in maximum K at the end of the follow-up. No significant correlations between DL and any visual or topographic outcomes were observed at 12 months. CONCLUSION: No correlation between DL depth and visual or topographic outcomes was observed on either protocol. Although significant improvement on CDVA, topographic astigmatism, Kmin, Kmax and Km was observed in both groups at 12 months, further research is needed to assure safety and effectiveness at stabilizing keratoconus progression.

Cogan-Reese syndrome: image analysis with specular microscopy, optical coherence tomography, and ultrasound biomicroscopy.

Iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome is a progressive clinical spectrum of corneal endothelial abnormalities affecting the cornea, iris, and iridocorneal angle. Three clinical variations are recognized: essential (progressive) iris atrophy, Chandler syndrome, and Cogan-Reese syndrome. Direct slit-lamp visualization of the cornea and anterior segment in cases of ICE syndrome is inadequate for precise and objective assessment of the affected structures. We describe the evolution of corneal and anterior segment structural changes in a woman with Cogan-Reese syndrome using three different methods of image analysis: specular microscopy, anterior segment optical coherence tomography, and ultrasound biomicroscopy.

Risk factors for ocular surface damage in Mexican patients with dry eye disease: a population-based study.

PURPOSE: To analyze potential risk factors for ocular surface damage in a representative population of Mexican patients with dry eye disease (DED). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective and cross-sectional population-based epidemiologic cohort study was conducted through a survey of patients with symptoms, signs, known preexisting diagnosis, and clinical conditions related to DED. Fluorescein staining, tear break-up time (TBUT), and Oxford lissamine green staining were performed on both eyes of patients enrolled in the study. RESULTS: A total of 2,725 surveys including 1,543 (56.6%) women and 1,182 (43.3%) men were analyzed. Most common pre-existing diagnosis included dry eye (58%), chronic blepharitis (17%), and ocular allergy (15%). More than 70% of patients had a positive fluorescein test, and this prevalence increased proportionally to the number of reasons for consultation. The same was true for gender (P<0.001) and age (P<0.0001), with women showing a strong correlation with age (R2=0.93912, P=0.001). The association between positive fluorescein staining and diagnosis was significant for dry eye (P<0.0001), Sjögren's syndrome (P<0.0001), and glaucoma (P<0.05). No significant association between TBUT and age or gender was found, but the shorter the TBUT, the larger the prevalence of fluorescein staining. Reduced TBUT was seen more frequently in patients with dry eye (57%), ocular allergy (16%), and chronic blepharitis (15%). Most patients (39%) with Oxford grades III and IV were older, complained of red eye (51.0%), foreign body sensation (47.0%), burning (46.0%), and were using eye drops (67%) and systemic medications (47%). CONCLUSION: The Mexican profile of patients with significant ocular surface damage related to DED includes women at older ages, complaining of red eye, foreign body, and burning sensation. Diagnoses of dry eye, Sjögren's syndrome, and glaucoma were also risk factors for significant ocular surface damage, along with long-term use of preserved eyes drops and systemic medications.

Safety, efficacy and refractive outcomes of LASIK surgery in patients aged 65 or older.

PURPOSE: Report on the safety, efficiency and refractive outcomes of LASIK surgery in patients aged 65 or older. METHODS: This study includes a case series of patients ≥65 years that underwent corneal refractive surgery during the period June 2010 to June 2015 at Hospital Zambrano Hellion, Monterrey, Mexico. Inclusion criteria were normal topography, central corneal thickness >500 µm, preoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE) up to -8.5 D and +6.0 D, cylinder up to -6.0 D, CDVA of 20/25 or better and with no other ocular pathology. RESULTS: A total of 44 eyes (24 patients) were included. Mean age was 67.2 ± 2.1 years (range 65-80), with mean follow-up of 12.2 ± 1.3 months. Conventional LASIK was performed in 20 patients (group 1, 36 eyes) to improve UDVA (10 eyes myopic LASIK and 26 eyes hyperopic LASIK) and presbyopic LASIK (monovision) in 4 patients (group 2, 8 eyes) to restore near-vision performance. Preoperative MRSE group 1 was myopic: -2.79 ± 1.88 D; hyperopic +2.19 ± 1.88 D; and +2.10 ± 0.87 D in group 2. Preoperative UDVA in group 1 was 0.67 ± 0.30 LogMAR; 0.46 ± 0.18 LogMAR; and Jaeger ≥4 in 90% in group 2. Postoperative MRSE: -0.29 ± 0.86 D (myopic LASIK) (p < 0.001), +0.34 ± 0.62 D (hyperopic LASIK) (p < 0.001) and -1.25 ± 0.59 D (non-dominant eye) in presbyopic LASIK. Postoperative UDVA in myopic LASIK was 0.15 ± 0.30 (p = 0.001) and 0.11 ± 0.11 (p < 0.001) for hyperopic LASIK. In group 2, binocular UDVA was 0.16 ± 0.17 (p = 0.12) and UNVA was ≥J2 in 100% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Even though elder patients may present greater LASIK restrictions due to lens and other ocular age-related changes, patients ≥65 years that were candidates for conventional and presbyopic LASIK showed satisfactory and safe refractive and visual outcomes.

Long-term Outcomes of Pediatric Penetrating Keratoplasty for Herpes Simplex Virus Keratitis.

PURPOSE: To analyze the characteristics and long-term outcomes of patients that underwent pediatric penetrating keratoplasty (PPK) for herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis. DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series. METHODS: Observational report of outcomes and findings for 9 patients with history of HSV keratitis that underwent PPK and were followed in a single institution. Difference between the median preoperative and final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was assessed and the outcomes are reported. RESULTS: We included 9 eyes; median age at the moment of the PPK was 14 years. The median initial BCVA was 20/400 (range 20/60 to hand motion) and final was 20/50 (range 20/30 to 20/400) (P < .05). Follow-up was a median of 94 months. Complications in these patients included glaucoma (1), graft rejection (1), recurrence of disease (1), and amblyopia (3). No graft failures were present. CONCLUSION: The long-term outcomes with PPK for HSV keratitis in children provide improvement in BCVA when not compromised by amblyopia.

Non-traumatic corneal perforations: aetiology, treatment and outcomes.

PURPOSE: To report aetiology, characteristics, treatment and main outcomes of non-traumatic corneal perforations in a single referral centre. METHODS: A retrospective review of clinical records of patients diagnosed with non-traumatic corneal perforation. The analysed data included demographic characteristics, medical history, initial and final corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), perforation aetiology, size, location, initial therapy, surgical treatment, ocular integrity and complications. A comparison between non-infectious and infectious groups was performed. Different variables were analysed through a multiple logistic regression analysis for the probability to have at least one more procedure. RESULTS: We included 127 eyes of 116 patients with a mean age of 50 years and a mean follow-up of 11 months. The initial CDVA was 3.00 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) and the final CDVA was 2.30 logMAR (p>0.5). Regarding treatment, of the 49 eyes with an initial cyanoacrylate patch, 35 eyes (71.4%) had at least one more procedure performed (p>0.001). In comparison, of the 49 eyes with an initial tectonic penetrating keratoplasty (PK), 33 (67.3%) eyes remained stable while 16 (32.7%) eyes needed one or more interventions (p=0.004). In a multiple logistic regression analysis, an initial cyanoacrylate patch represented a probability of 4.7 times to require a subsequent procedure in comparison with an initial PK. Overall, globe integrity was achieved in 96.1% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal perforations represent an important cause of ocular morbidity. The use of a cyanoacrylate patch is useful as an initial therapy in corneal perforations; however, procedures such as PK are often necessary to achieve anatomical success, especially in non-infectious aetiologies.