Cataract surgery in patients with ocular surface disease: An update in clinical diagnosis and treatment

In this article we review essentials of diagnosis and management of ocular surface disease in patients who undergo cataract surgery. It is clearly shown that dry eye disease worsens following the cataract surgery in patients with prior history of ocular surface disease, Also new cases of dry eye might appear. Current strategies for the timely diagnosis and proper management of dry eye syndrome in the face of cataract surgery patients are mainly emphasized. To achieve the best outcome in cataract surgery, a healthy ocular surface is crucial. While ocular surface preparation is indispensable in patients with established ocular surface disease, it is also helpful in those with minimal signs or symptoms of surface disease. The current approach begins with early diagnosis and drastic management of ocular surface disease before cataract surgery using a stepwise regimen customized to each patient and disease severity. These measures are continued throughout and after the surgery.     

Effects of environment pollution on the ocular surface

The twenty-first century is fraught with dangers like climate change and pollution, which impacts human health and mortality. As levels of pollution increase, respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular ailments become more prevalent. Less understood are the eye-related complaints, which are commonly associated with increasing pollution. Affected people may complain of irritation, redness, foreign body sensation, tearing, and blurring of vision. Sources of pollution are varied, ranging from gases (such as ozone and NO₂) and particulate matter produced from traffic, to some other hazards associated with indoor environments. Mechanisms causing ocular surface disease involve toxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Homeostatic mechanisms of the ocular surface may adapt to certain chronic changes in the environment, so affected people may not always be symptomatic. However there are many challenges associated with assessing effects of air pollution on eyes, as pollution is large scale and difficult to control. Persons with chronic allergic or atopic tendencies may have a pre-existing state of heightened mucosal immune response, hence they may have less tolerance for further environmental antigenic stimulation. It is beneficial to identify vulnerable people whose quality of life will be significantly impaired by environmental changes and provide counter measures in the form of protection or treatment. Better technologies in monitoring of pollutants and assessment of the eye will facilitate progress in this field.     

谈羊膜移植在角膜和眼表疾病应用中的问题

由于羊膜具有抗炎、抗纤维化、抗新生血管生成、促进角膜修复的作用,羊膜已经成为治疗角膜和眼表疾病的理想材料.随着羊膜广泛应用于角膜和眼表疾病,在某种程度上改变了一些角膜及眼表疾病传统的治疗方式,但随之而来的临床问题也逐渐显露,主要体现在：适应证如何把握;手术如何进行个体化设计;如何观察术后并发症和术后规范用药等问题.在此,谈些个人的经验和看法,以期使羊膜移植手术能在临床治疗角膜和眼表疾病中发挥更好的作用.     

Use of digital displays and ocular surface alterations: A review

Digital display use has been accepted to be implicated as a contributing factor for dry eye disease (DED). Abnormal blinking during computer operation, including a reduced blink rate and an incomplete eyelid closure, increased palpebral fissure as consequence of high visualization angles, and meibomian gland dysfunction associated to long-term display use, are behind the increased prevalence of dry eye signs and symptoms found in digital display users. Previous research reveals significant reductions in tear volume and stability, alterations in tear film composition, including increased osmolarity, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers and reduced mucin secretion, eyelid abnormalities and ocular surface damage, encompassing corneal and conjunctival staining and bulbar redness, as a direct consequence of digital display use. In this regard, individual differences in the way that the various digital displays are typically set up and used may account for differences in their effects on induced dryness signs and symptoms. Furthermore, factors such as the use of contact lenses or inappropriate working environments, usually accompanying the use of displays, may significantly increase the prevalence and the severity of induced dry eye. Other factors, such as old age and female gender are also relevant in the appearance of associated alterations. Finally, clinicians should adopt a treatment strategy based on a multidirectional approach, with various treatments being applied in conjunction.     

Ocular surface disease in thyroid eye disease: A narrative review

Ocular surface disease (OSD) in the setting of thyroid eye disease (TED) is traditionally thought of as a natural consequence of anatomical changes such as proptosis and corneal exposure. However, a growing body of research suggests that ocular surface inflammation and multi-factorial changes to the homeostasis of the ocular surface contribute substantially to the OSD seen in TED patients. In this paper we review the existing literature which highlights the work and existing theories underlying this new paradigm shift.     

Combined therapy of ocular surface disease with plasma rich in growth factors and scleral contact lenses

PurposeTo review safety and efficacy of combined plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) eye drops and scleral contact lens (SCL) therapy in patients with ocular surface disease.MethodsPatients with ocular surface disease of various etiologies were screened for at least 3 months of concurrent treatment with PRGF and SCL. Retrospective pre- and post-treatment measurements were collected, including patient satisfaction, severity and frequency of dry eye symptoms measured by a modified Symptom Assessment in Dry Eye (SANDE) questionnaire, visual acuity, and number of concurrent treatments.Results26 patients with ocular surface disease were included in the study with 20 patients answering the questionnaire (77% response rate). There were no adverse events reported. Most patients thought the combined therapy was better than previous treatments and would recommend to others (80%, 90% respectively). SANDE scores significantly decreased after use of concurrent therapy. There was a small but significant decrease in the number of other concurrent treatments. Visual acuity was unchanged.ConclusionsThis retrospective cohort study found PRGF used in combination with SCL is safe and significantly decreases symptoms in patients with recalcitrant ocular surface disease.     

活体共聚焦显微镜在干眼患者眼表形态观察中的应用

干眼症是最常见的眼部疾患之一。尽管在过去的几年中,与其相关的基础与临床研究获得了不少进展,但其病理生理机制仍不十分明确。活体共聚焦显微镜是一种非侵入性的眼部成像技术,它使得人们在细胞水平对眼表上皮细胞、免疫及炎症细胞、角膜神经、角膜基质细胞以及睑板腺结构进行观察成为可能。因此,它可以帮助人们更好地理解干眼症的发病机制以及病理生理,从而协助该病的诊断和治疗。使用共聚焦显微镜可对干眼相关的眼表结构作出评估,并对其改变进行量化,这样使得疾病在早期就能得到识别,可对患者进行分层治疗。此外,动态地观察眼表共聚焦图像的变化还可以对干眼症的临床治疗效果进行监测,利于及时调整治疗方案,并较为准确地评估预后。     

Impact of blinking on ocular surface and tear film parameters

Purpose

To investigate the influence of blinking on tear film parameters, ocular surface characteristics, and dry eye symptomology.

Evaluation of ocular surface and tear function - A review of current approaches for dry eye

An increasing prevalence of dry eye disease in the past decade has resulted in a greater focus on diagnostic methods for this condition. There has been a proliferation of technologies that attempt to quantify various aspects of tear function and ocular surface health. However, a cost-effective, simple, and efficient method remains elusive. In the Indian context, the majority of these patients present to the general ophthalmologist, and a clinical approach that is quick and easy to perform would allow widespread usage for accurate diagnosis. This article reviews currently available methods and their relevance to the general ophthalmologist.     

Dry eye disease: A review of diagnostic approaches and treatments

Dry eye (DE) is a common ocular disease that results in eye discomfort, visual disturbance and substantially affects the quality of life. It has a multifactorial etiology involving tear film instability, increased osmolarity of the tear film and inflammation of the ocular surface with potential damage to the ocular surface. This review discusses the classification, diagnostic approaches and treatments of DE.     

The role of systemic and topical fatty acids for dry eye treatment

Dry eye is a prevalent condition and one of the main reasons for patients to seek ophthalmic medical care. A low systemic level of omega fatty acids is a risk factor for dry eye disease (DED). There are two groups of essential fatty acids (EFAs): the omega-6 (n-6) family and the omega-3 (n-3) family. Humans evolved on a diet in which the n-6:n-3 ratio was approximately 1:1, however the current Western diet tends to be deficient in n-3 EFAs and this ratio is typically much higher (approaching 17:1). The metabolism of EFAs generates four new families of local acting mediators: lipoxins, resolvins, protectins, and maresins. These molecules have anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution properties. We present a critical overview of animal model studies and human clinical trials that have shown that dietary modification and oral supplementation could be complementary therapeutic strategies for the treatment of dry eye. Furthermore, we discuss preliminary results of the topical application of n-3 and n-6 EFAs because these molecules may act as natural anti-inflammatory agents with positive changes of the entire ocular surface system.     

Ethnic differences between the Asian and Caucasian ocular surface: A co-located adult migrant population cohort study

Purpose

To investigate the ethnic differences in tear film quality, ocular surface parameters, and dry eye symptomology between co-located Asian and Caucasian populations.

Conjunctival subepithelial fibrosis and meibomian gland atrophy in ocular graft-versus-host disease

Purpose

Dry eye symptoms greatly impact patients' quality of life in ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD). Various ocular surface changes have been reported in oGVHD, including meibomian gland atrophy (MGA) and clinical conjunctival scarring or subepithelial fibrosis (CSEF). The relationships between CSEF, MGA, and other ocular surface changes in oGVHD were examined.

Association of meibomian gland morphology with symptoms and signs of dry eye disease in the Dry Eye Assessment and Management (DREAM) study

PurposeTo describe associations between symptoms and signs of dry eye disease (DED) and meibomian gland (MG) morphology.MethodsCross-sectional study utilizing data from the Dry Eye Assessment and Management (DREAM) Study. Readers graded MG features in the middle third of upper and lower lids on infrared meibography images. Associations with signs and symptoms of DED were evaluated with adjustment for age and sex.ResultsAmong 268 patients, no MG features were associated with symptom scores (p > 0.08). Among 394 upper eyelids, better tear break-up times (<2, >2- <3.2and ≥ 3.2 s) were associated with more tortuous glands (mean (SD) 0.58(0.95), 0.83(1.2) and 1.14 (1.4), p = 0.01) and with higher scores on a composite score of MG features (21.90 (9.76), 23.29 (9.50), 26.26 (10.27); p = 0.02). Longer Schirmer test wetting lengths (0–5, >5–10, and >10 mm) were associated with increasing composite scores (22.02 (9.29), 23.80 (10.34), 24.96 (9.96), p = 0.03). Patients with Sjogren syndrome compared to other patients had fewer distorted MGs (mean 3.4 (2.3) vs 4.3 (2.3), p = 0.03) and fewer ghost glands (mean 0.33 (0.88) vs 0.89 (1.8), p = 0.006) in the upper lid.ConclusionIn the DREAM study, most MG morphologic features were not associated with the severity of DED symptoms or signs. Tortuous glands and a higher composite score for MG features were associated with longer tear break-up times and longer Schirmer test length in the upper eyelid only. Patients with Sjogren syndrome had fewer distorted and ghost glands.     

Meibomian gland dysfunction is the primary determinant of dry eye symptoms: Analysis of 2346 patients

PurposeTo determine relative contributions of various ocular surface clinical signs and predisposing factors to the magnitude of dry eye symptoms.MethodsClinical audit data were prospectively collected for newly referred dry eye patients. All 2346 patients had an initial visit evaluation of the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), and a detailed ophthalmic examination including tear breakup time (TBUT), ocular surface fluorescein staining, Schirmer's I test. Among the participants, 1414 had number of liquid meibum expressing glands (NLMEG) evaluated on standard force expression. Other variables collected included history of glaucoma or glaucoma surgery, and history of allergies.ResultsIn patients aged 46.2 ± 14.8 years, 77.4% were women and 87.1% Chinese. The mean ± SD OSDI was 35.2 ± 21.7. On univariate analysis, higher OSDI was associated with glaucoma diagnosis (p = 0.003), glaucoma surgery (p = 0.002), greater temporal corneal staining (p = 0.002), reduced NLMEG (p < 0.001), and higher inferior forniceal papillary grade (p < 0.001). OSDI was not significantly associated with gender, TBUT, Schirmer's I test values, or the use of cyclosporine eyedrops. On multivariate regression, higher OSDI scores were associated with fewer NLMEG (p = 0.002) and increased lower eyelid forniceal papillary grading (p = 0.002). Corneal staining, glaucoma status and glaucoma surgery were not significantly associated with OSDI. Logistic regression showed that severe symptoms (OSDI>32) was associated with <2 NLMEG [OR(95%CI): 1.34(1.08–1.66)], and presence of inferior eyelid forniceal papillae [1.50(1.17–1.91)].ConclusionsMeibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and lower forniceal papillary reaction had significant contributions to the severity of symptoms, in contrast to traditional dry eye signs. MGD should be objectively assessed and treated to improve symptoms.     

Glycoprotein 340 in mucosal immunity and ocular surface

Glycoprotein 340 (Gp340) is an innate immune receptor with well-defined roles in mucosal tissues. It is a normal component of mucosal fluids such as tears, breast milk, and saliva, and it is expressed in tissues such as the vagina, gastrointestinal tract, oral cavity, lung alveoli, and pancreas. In the eye, it is expressed in the lacrimal gland, cornea, conjunctiva, and retina. Investigations of the protein in wet-surfaced epithelia of the body show that the effects of Gp340 can be beneficial or harmful depending on the conformation in which it exists. In a fluid phase, Gp340 appears to be protective against mucosal infection, while in a surface-associated form it appears to promote infection. On the ocular surface, it is dysregulated in dry eye disease and inhibits twitching motility of P. aeruginosa in tears. This review discusses what is known about Gp340 in wet-surfaced mucosal epithelia and highlights the potential roles of the protein in ocular surface immunity, inflammation, and infections.     

Eyelid metrics assessment in patients with chronic ocular graft versus-host disease

Purpose

To assess eyelid metrics in the setting of chronic ocular graft versus-host disease (oGVHD), and to further correlate them with hematological and ocular characteristics.

Enhanced closed eye neutrophil degranulation in dry eye disease

PurposeClosed eye neutrophils have demonstrated increased prevalence in dry eye disease, but the phenotype and extent of activation of these cells has yet to be described.Methods12 normal subjects and 12 subjects with dry eye disease were recruited and trained for self-collection of closed eye leukocytes, immediately upon awakening. Tear leukocytes were isolated and peripheral blood was collected, and stained with a panel of fluorescently-labeled antibodies to determine the activation phenotype of neutrophils. Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and neutrophil elastase (NE) was quantified by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsTotal numbers of tear leukocytes recovered, at awakening, from normal and dry eye subjects were similar. Tear neutrophils from dry eye subjects had increased expression of membrane receptor CD66b, a marker associated with secondary granule degranulation. There was also a higher proportion of monocytes in the dry eye cohort, as compared to the normal cohort. Extracellular MMP9 was significantly higher in subjects with dry eye disease, and while NE was also elevated, it did not achieve statistical significance.ConclusionsIncreased inflammation can be observed in the closed eye tears of subjects with dry eye disease, and neutrophils may be a potential source of pathogenic species in dry eye disease. Further research is required to determine the diagnostic potential of closed eye tears.