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Part of the lacrimal functional unit, the cornea protects the ocular surface from numerous environmental aggressions and xenobiotics. Toxicological evaluation of compounds remains a challenge due to complex interactions between corneal nerve endings and epithelial cells. To this day, models do not integrate the physiological specificity of corneal nerve endings and are insufficient for the detection

Meibomian glands (MGs), located within the tarsal plate of the eyelid, secrete meibum which is the lipid-rich secretion necessary for stabilizing the tear film and preventing tear evaporation. Changes in the quality and quantity of meibum produced causes MG dysfunction (MGD), the leading cause of evaporative dry eye disease (EDED). MGD is an underdiagnosed disease and it is estimated that, in the US

Purpose We investigated healing pattern of an incisional wound in corneal stroma of lumican-null (KO) mice. Methods C57BL/6 mice (wild-type, WT) and lumican-null (knockout, KO) mice were used. A linear full-thickness incision was produced in one cornea of each mouse. After intervals of healing, the corneas were processed for the following analyses. Histology was employed to measure the distance between

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Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) in the treatment of severe chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease (coGVHD). Methods A prospective cohort study. Seventeen patients with severe coGVHD were selected for inclusion in this study. All subjects were treated with IPL every fortnight together with conventional treatment, observation time points were pre-treatment

Perfluorohexyloctane (F6H8), a physically and chemically inert synthetic compound, has recently emerged as a promising candidate for the treatment of DED due to its unique properties. A systematic review that only include full-length randomized controlled studies (RCTs), reporting the effects of F6H8 in three databases, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, was performed according to the PRISMA statement

Purpose To investigate the hypothesis that a Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk of having dry eye disease (DED) in the general population. Methods DED was assessed using the Women's Health Study (WHS) dry eye questionnaire in 58,993 participants from the Dutch Lifelines Cohort with complete available dietary data (20–94 years, 60% female). Level of adherence to a traditional Mediterranean

Purpose To study the tissue architecture, isthmus (connection between two lobes) of the lacrimal gland using preclinical 7T MRI in combination with histology and electron microscopy. Methods Ten lacrimal glands from Caucasian body donors (mean age 78.7 years) were studied using 7T-MRI (N = 5; scanned at 75-μm intervals), histology, and electron microscopy (N = 5) and 3D cinematic rendering (CR) techniques

Purpose Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease that mainly attacks the lacrimal glands causing severe aqueous-deficient dry eye. Clinical evidence indicates the DNA sensing mechanism in the pathogenesis of pSS. The purpose of the present study is to determine the pro-inflammatory effect of self-genomic DNA (gDNA) on myoepithelial cells (MECs), which along with acinar and ductal cells

Purpose Lumican is a major extracellular matrix (ECM) component in the cornea that is upregulated after injury and promotes corneal wound healing. We have recently shown that peptides designed based on the 13 C-terminal amino acids of lumican (LumC13 and LumC13C-A) are able to recapitulate the effects of lumican on promoting corneal wound healing. Herein we used computational chemistry to develop peptide

Aim To identify and assess the quality of current validated questionnaires that could be used to evaluate ocular neuropathic pain and its associated aetiologies. Methods A literature search was performed on MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and The Cochrane Library. Articles evaluating questionnaires for ocular neuropathic pain and its associated aetiologies were included. Data on psychometric properties

Graft versus host disease (GVHD) remains a major and serious complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Based on the time of onset, clinical phenotypes, progression kinetics, and pathophysiology, GVHD is stratified into acute, chronic, and overlapping types. The eyes are among the most commonly affected organs in GVHD. Mouse models have played an important role in understanding

Purpose To test long-term ocular toxicity and analgesic/anti-inflammatory efficacy of two novel ocular formulations of neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) antagonist Aprepitant. Methods for toxicity studies, two Aprepitant formulations (X and Y) were tested on C57BL/6 N mice. Gold standards were 0.4% Oxybuprocaine, 0.1% Diclofenac, or saline. For efficacy studies, C57BL/6 N mice underwent corneal alkali burn

Purpose Ocular Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid (OcMMP) is an orphan disease characterized by chronic autoimmune-driven conjunctival inflammation leading to progressive scarring, debilitating symptoms, and blinding sequelae. This feasibility study aims to demonstrate conjunctival genetic transcriptomic analyses as a putative tool for interrogation of pathogenic signaling pathways in OcMMP. Methods Conjunctival

Purpose To study the outcomes of topical Retinol Palmitate ophthalmic solution in chronic Stevens-Johnson Syndrome with ocular surface keratinisation. Methods It was a comparative interventional study conducted at Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, Delhi, India from 2020 to 2022 evaluating outcomes of addition of topical Retinol Palmitate to conventional treatment objectively as well as

Induced corneal collagen crosslinking and mechanical stiffening via ultraviolet-A photoactivation of riboflavin (UVA CXL) is now a common treatment for corneal ectasia and Keratoconus. Some effects of the procedure such as induced mechanical stiffening, corneal flattening, and cellular toxicity are well-known, but others remain more controversial. Authors report a variety of contradictory effects,

Maintaining the clarity of the cornea is essential for vision, and is achieved through an exquisite array of collagen fibrils and proteoglycans in the corneal stroma. Alterations in the identity and modifications of the glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are seen both throughout the normal wound healing process and in pathological conditions resulting in corneal opacity. Understanding these changes has been

Purpose To propose an updated definition and staging system for neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) and provide consensus on diagnosis and treatment. Methods A study group was convened to review the data pertinent to NK using a modified nominal group process. They proposed an updated definition for NK and a new 6-step staging system (Neurotrophic Keratopathy Study Group [NKSG] Classification) that can be

The Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) Workshop entitled ‘A Lifestyle Epidemic: Ocular Surface Disease’ was a global initiative undertaken to establish the direct and indirect impacts of everyday lifestyle choices and challenges on ocular surface health. This article presents an executive summary of the evidence-based conclusions and recommendations of the 10-part TFOS Lifestyle Workshop report

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Purpose Meibomian glands (MGs) are crucial for maintaining tear film stability and ocular surface health. Here, we aim to establish a novel organotypic culture model of MGs and explore the risk factors of MG dysfunction (MGD). Methods We developed a novel organotypic culture model for MGs at the air-liquid interface. The viability and cell proliferation of MGs were assessed using CCK-8, immunofluorescence

Aging is a complex biological process that is characterized by low-grade inflammation, called inflammaging. Aging affects multiple organs including eye and lacrimal gland. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a pleiotropic cytokine that participates in inflammation, activation of proteases such as cathepsin S, and formation of ectopic lymphoid organs. Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we investigated

Purpose The conjunctival epithelial cells cultured with bovine serum or feeder cells were not suitable for clinical application. Therefore, we developed a novel serum-free and feeder cell-free culture system containing only a cocktail of three chemicals (3C) to expand the conjunctival epithelial cells. Methods The cell proliferative ability was evaluated by counting, crystal violet staining and Ki67

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Purpose To assess the real-time changes in the tear film and ocular surface of symptomatic video display terminal (VDT) versus asymptomatic users. Methods A total of 35 symptomatic (29 ± 5.6 years; Group 1, mild dry eye disease) and 35 asymptomatic (24.1 ± 4.6 years; Group 2) VDT users with a mean OSDI of 28 ± 11 and 0.86 ± 2.1, respectively, had tear film examination (Oculus Keratograph 5 M and Tearlab

The structural and functional integrity of the ocular surface, a continuous epithelial structure comprised of the cornea, the conjunctiva, and the ductal surface of the lacrimal as well as meibomian glands, is crucial for proper vision. The ocular surface barrier function (OSBF), sum of the different types of protective mechanisms that exist at the ocular surface, is essential to protect the rest of

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Purpose The conserved miR-183/96/182 cluster (miR-183C) regulates both corneal sensory innervation and corneal resident immune cells (CRICs). This study is to uncover its role in CRICs and in shaping the corneal cellular landscape at a single-cell (sc) level. Methods Corneas of naïve, young adult [2 and 6 months old (mo)], female miR-183C knockout (KO) mice and wild-type (WT) littermates were harvested

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Background Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is one of the most common conditions in ophthalmic practice and the most frequent cause of evaporative dry eye disease (DED). However, the immune mechanisms leading to this pathology are not fully understood and the diagnostic tests available are limited. Here, we used the nCounter technology to analyze immune gene expression in DED-MGD that can be used

Purpose IL-2 promotes activation, clonal expansion, and deletion of T cells. IL-2 signals through its heterotrimeric receptor (IL-2R) consisting of the CD25, CD122 and CD132 chains. CD25 knockout (KO) mice develop Sjögren Syndrome-like disease. This study investigates whether corneal CD25/IL-2 signaling is critical for ocular health. Methods Eyes from C57BL/6 mice were collected and prepared for immunostaining

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Purpose Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a chronic progressive disease with downstream effects on ocular signs and symptoms. AZR-MD-001 is a selenium sulfide ophthalmic ointment that was investigated as a potential treatment option for patients with MGD. Methods A Phase 2, multi-center, double-masked, parallel group study was conducted across 29 sites, with 245 patients randomized 1:1:1 to AZR-MD-001

Background Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) can be used to evaluate the impact of dry eye symptoms (DES) on daily life. Early-phase clinical trials provide an opportunity to evaluate PRO strategies. Existing measures identified through systematic review omitted important concepts that mattered to patients. The aim of our work was to develop a conceptual map of DES and assess the relative importance

Purpose To investigate the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in mouse eyelid development. Methods Wnt/β-catenin signaling was disrupted by deleting supraorbital mesenchymal β-catenin or epithelial Wls. p63 was removed to determine whether the expression of Wnts is affected. The eyelid morphology was examined at different stages. Proliferation, apoptosis, and expression of Wnt ligands and their target

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of corneal infection both within India and globally, often causing a loss of vision. Increasing antimicrobial resistance among the bacteria is making its treatment more difficult. Preventing initial bacterial adherence to the host membrane has been explored here to reduce infection of the cornea. Synthetic peptides derived from human tetraspanin CD9 have been

Meibomian glands (MGs) secrete lipid (meibum) onto the ocular surface to form the outermost layer of the tear film. Proper meibum secretion is essential for stabilizing the tear film, reducing aqueous tear evaporation, and maintaining the homeostasis of the ocular surface. Atrophy of MG as occurs with aging, leads to reduction of meibum secretion, loss of ocular surface homeostasis and evaporative

Purpose Sex hormones impact inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases. During IVF (in vitro fertilisation) treatment, circulating estrogen levels increase dramatically (10–50x) alongside changes in other hormones. This study examined changes in dry eye with IVF and its relationship with sex hormones. Methods A two visit study was conducted on first day of menstruation when estrogen levels are lowest

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Purpose We hypothesized that TGF beta receptor 2 (Tbr2) deletion (Δ) in the corneal stroma (Tbr2Δ/Δcst) can result in corneal thinning and generate a potential model for cornea ectasia. Methods Corneal thickness of Tbr2Δ/Δcst and Tbr2Δ/+cst was examined with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) at post-natal (P) days 42 and 70, respectively. Histological H&E staining, transmission electron micrograph

Purpose Pseudognaphalium affine (P. affine), a medicinal plant, has long been used to treat various diseases due to its astringent and vulnerary effects. These therapeutic benefits are largely attributed to high contents of phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, that have anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective activities. Herein, we investigated the potential of dicaffeoylquinic acids

Purpose To validate an algorithm quantifying activated dendritic cells (aDCs) using in-vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) images. Methods IVCM images obtained at the Miami Veterans Affairs Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. ADCs were quantified both with an automated algorithm and manually. Intra-class-correlation (ICC) and a Bland-Altman plot were used to compare automated and manual counts. As

Purpose Cystinosis is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease (LSDs) caused by mutations in the gene encoding cystinosin (CTNS) that leads to cystine crystal accumulation in the lysosome that compromises cellular functions resulting in tissue damage and organ failure, especially in kidneys and eyes. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of its pathogenesis remains elusive. Two novel

Small leucine rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) are the largest family of proteoglycans, with 18 members that are subdivided into five classes. SLRPs are small in size and can be present in tissues as glycosylated and non-glycosylated proteins, and the most studied SLRPs include decorin, biglycan, lumican, keratocan and fibromodulin. SLRPs specifically bind to collagen fibrils, regulating collagen fibrillogenesis

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Purpose Anterior blepharitis is a frequent ocular condition which may result in severe ocular surface disease. In this study, advanced proteome analysis was performed to elucidate biological mechanisms underlying anterior blepharitis. Methods All patients underwent full ophthalmological examination including Ocular Surface Disease Index score (OSDI). Measurement of non-invasive break-up time (NBUT)

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Lumican is a keratan sulfate proteoglycan that belongs to the small leucine-rich proteoglycan family. Research has lifted the veil on the versatile roles of lumican in the pathogenesis of eye diseases. Lumican has pivotal roles in the maintenance of physiological tissue homogenesis and is often upregulated in pathological conditions, e.g., fibrosis, scar tissue formation in injured tissues, persistent

Purpose To determine pathological changes of meibomian glands (MGs) after transient exposure of the rat eyelid margin to alkali solution. Methods Filter paper infiltrated with 1 N sodium hydroxide solution was applied to the eyelid margin of Sprague-Dawley rats for 30 s under general anesthesia, without touching the conjunctiva, after which the ocular surface and eyelid margin were examined by slit-lamp

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) constitutes an important pathway in organ fibrosis seen in the lungs, liver, eye, and salivary glands. This review summarizes the EMT observed within the lacrimal gland during its development, tissue damage and repair along with possible translational implications. Existing animal and human studies have reported the increased expression of EMT regulators i.e

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