A Review of the Cytokine IL-17 in Ocular Surface and Corneal Disease.

Aim: To investigate the role of interleukin-17 in ocular surface and corneal disease. Ocular surface and corneal disease is a leading cause of blindness and is an ongoing challenge for the public health sector to implement effective therapies. The majority of cells in corneal lesions are derived primarily from neutrophils that induce inflammatory events that lead to tissue damage. One of the key pro-inflammatory cytokines is IL-17, and it has been investigated in order to facilitate the understanding of the pathogenesis of ocular surface lesion development. Method: A review of the literature was performed through a systematic approach. Results: IL-17 has been shown to exacerbate dry eye disease, viral and bacterial keratitis lesion severity, although it was found to be protective for Acanthamoeba. Antibodies developed to neutralize IL-17 have shown some promise in reducing the severity of some diseases. Conclusion: IL-17 plays a role in the pathogenesis of ocular surface and corneal disease and targeting this cytokine may provide a useful treatment option in the future.

Changing refractive outcomes with increasing astigmatism at longer-term follow-up for infant cataract surgery.

PurposeTo present longer-term refractive and ocular health outcomes for patients who had primary intraocular lens (IOL) insertion following infant cataract surgery.Patients and methodsA retrospective review of all infant cataract cases at a tertiary children's hospital between 2003 and 2006 was conducted. Surgery was performed before 12 months of age. IOL power was calculated using the SRK/T formula targeting hyperopia based on the child's age; children under 3 months were targeted at +9.0 D, between 3 and 6 months at +6.0 D, and between 6 and 12 months at +3.0 D. Locally weighted scatterplot smoothing and mixed models were used.ResultsA total of 12 eyes from 9 children were included (4 bilateral and 5 unilateral). Spherical equivalent refraction decreased dramatically in the first 2 years of life, with milder changes from age 2 to 4 years and minimal changes thereafter. Cylinder increased until age 5 years at ∼0.57 dioptres/year (95% confidence intervals 0.27-0.87 D, P<0.001). Lens reproliferation was the commonest complication (58%). All children eventually developed strabismus.ConclusionEarly and frequent refraction is critical in the first 2 years of life to try and compensate for the rapid changes encountered in the growing eye. Astigmatism may be another important consequence to manage.