Although blink rate is considered important for digital eye strain and dry eye conditions, its assessment has been mostly manual. This study aimed at quantifying blink rate automatically using the Eyelink 1000 Plus eye tracker and comparing it with manual counting. Additionally, blink rate was correlated with reading eye movements and reading speed.

To compare the outcomes of simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) with cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation (CLET) for the management of total limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) in eyes with unilateral ocular burns.

Severe limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) resulting from chronic and delayed-onset mustard gas keratopathy (MGK) presents substantial management challenges. This article introduces an “en bloc” surgical procedure combining a 270-degree keratolimbal allograft (KLAL) with central lamellar keratoplasty (CLK) as a novel approach to treat this condition.

Extracellular vesicles, including exosomes, are small extracellular vesicles that range in size from 30 nm to 10 μm in diameter and have specific membrane markers. They are naturally secreted and are present in various bodily fluids, including blood, urine, and saliva, and through the variety of their internal cargo, they contribute to both normal physiological and pathological processes. These processes

The topical administration of spironolactone, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) improves dry eye symptoms in patients with ocular graft-versus-host disease (GVHD); however, the detailed mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of spironolactone eyedrops on the ocular surface using a chronic GVHD (cGVHD) mouse model and to determine the expression of the mineralocorticoid

There is an urgent need for animal models of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and evaporative dry eye disease (EDED) to understand their pathophysiology and investigate novel therapeutics. This study sought to further define the acyl-CoA: wax alcohol acyltransferase 2 knockout (Awat2 KO) mouse as a model of EDED using a combination of novel clinical, biochemical, and biophysical endpoints.

Cytarabine (Ara-C) chemotherapy causes symptoms resembling meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), suggesting potential associations between Ara-C and MGD. In this study, the pathological effects of Ara-C on MGD were investigated in a rodent model.

Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) is considered a valuablealternative to penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for treatingcorneal disordersthat do not involve theendothelium. DALK preserves the host endothelium, eliminating the risk of endothelial rejection and reducing the risk of late graft failure due to endothelial decay. Despite its not recent introduction, DALK has been considered a difficult

Neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) is a degenerative corneal condition resulting from corneal nerve injury. Current therapies, including the recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF) therapy, requires continuous administration. This study aims to develop a novel and highly effective gene therapy strategy for the prevention and treatment of NK.

NLRP3 inflammasome is a cytosolic multiprotein complex formed in response to exogenous environmental stress and cellular damage. The three major components of the NLRP3 inflammasome are the innate immunoreceptor protein NLRP3, the adapter protein apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a C-terminal caspase activation and recruitment domain, and the inflammatory protease enzyme caspase-1

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) clinical variability, along with the lack of conclusive diagnostic instruments, result in average diagnosis delays of 9 months. This study aimed to assess whether metabolomic profiling of basal tears in ALS patients could act as a biological marker for diagnosing ALS, predicting prognosis, and discriminating between endophenotypes.

Secretory glands, responsible for tears and saliva production, play essential roles in maintaining ocular and oral well-being. Disruptions in gland secretion can arise from various factors, including rhythm disturbances associated with sleep disorders. However, the underlying mechanisms governing these disruptions remain largely unexplored. We demonstrate that BMAL1, a core component of the circadian

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from human amniotic epithelial cells (hAEC-EVs) for Dry Eye Disease (DED) treatment.

To evaluate the effects of dry eye on conjunctival immune cell number and transcriptional profiles with attention to mononuclear phagocytes.

To evaluate the incidence of chronic cicatrizing conjunctivitis (CCC) and its associated risk factors in the context of chronic ocular graft-vs-host disease (coGVHD).

Wildfire occurrence is increasing worldwide, putting firefighters and general public at increased risk of eye injuries from smoke exposure. This study explored ocular symptoms and use of protective eyewear amongst wildland firefighters in Australia.

Our aim was to evaluate a potential role for the lacrimal drainage system (LDS) as a portal of entry and conduit for SARS-CoV-2 in human infection. We also investigate the mucosal surface area. The relatively long tear contact time in a closed system raises the possibility that this pathway may contribute to the initiation of systemic infection. We looked for expression of ACE2, the main receptor for

Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) secondary to ocular surface alkali burn is a blinding condition that features corneal conjunctivalization. Mechanistic insights into its pathophysiology are lacking. Here, we developed a mouse model that recapitulates human disease to comprehensively delineate the clinicopathological features of a conjunctivalized cornea. LSCD was induced in the right eyes of 6-8-week-old

This study aims to develop a novel serum-free culture strategy containing only two small molecules, Y27632 and SB431542 (2C), for expansion of mouse lacrimal gland epithelial cells (LGECs) and investigate an innovative therapeutic approach for lacrimal gland (LG) injury. LGECs proliferative capacity was assessed by cell counting, crystal violet staining, qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence. Cell differentiation

The aberrant canonical Wnt-β-catenin signaling can cause devastating outcomes of tissue morphogenesis and tumor formation. In this study, we examined the impact of overexpression of constitutive active β-catenin in mouse periocular neural crest-derived mesenchymal cells during embryonic eyelid morphogenesis. We expressed a stabilized β-catenin in which the exon 3 of the 1 gene was deleted in periocular

Autologous serum is widely used for the treatment of severe ocular surface disease with mixed efficacy. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane bound structures present in all body fluids, including serum. This study compared the proteomic, metabolomic, and inflammatory cytokine composition of serum-derived EVs (SDEVs) to that of the soluble free protein fraction and the subsequent capacity

To investigate tear neuropeptide Y (NPY) and substance P concentrations in individuals with type 1 diabetes, comparing those with and without both diabetic retinopathy (DR) and peripheral neuropathy. This cross-sectional study involved 41 participants with type 1 diabetes and none to moderate DR, and 22 healthy controls. Assessments included clinical ocular surface parameters, quantification of corneal

To study the outcomes of minor salivary gland transplantation for severe dry eye disease secondary to chronic Steven Johnson Syndrome. It was an ambispective, interventional case series conducted at Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, Delhi, India from 2022 to 2023 evaluating the outcomes of minor salivary gland transplantation with anchorage of the minor salivary glands to superior rectus

To critically appraise the evidence on the efficacy and recanalization rates of permanent punctal occlusion via thermal or surgical means in managing dry eye disease (DED). In PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases, two authors systematically reviewed the literature for prospective studies on punctal cautery or surgical occlusion (excluding punctal plugs) for DED. The studied outcomes were changes

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a method to generate phenol red thread tests (PRTT) due to the lack of availability of commercial PRTT. White cotton thread was dyed with phenol red (pH indicator) for 48 h, dried, cut, and sterilized. To validate its wicking ability, the thread was inserted into solutions of varying pH, flanking the pH of healthy tears, for different time intervals

is a key regulator of eye development and epithelial homeostasis in the cornea. When deficient, chronic corneal inflammation, neovascularization and limbal stem cell deficiency can occur. Here we investigated the potential of duloxetine, a generic serotonin reuptake inhibitor that can upregulate PAX6 , for its activity in the context of corneal inflammation. Duloxetine tolerance was tested in a human

While meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is widely recognized as a major cause of evaporative dry eye disease, little is known about normal gland differentiation and lipid synthesis or the mechanism underlying gland atrophy and abnormal lipid secretion. The purpose of this study was to use single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to probe changes in cell composition, differentiation, and gene expression

Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) stands as the most prevalent primary corneal endothelial dystrophy worldwide, posing a significant risk to corneal homeostasis and clarity. Corneal endothelial cells exhibit susceptibility to oxidative stress, suggesting a nuanced relationship between oxidant-antioxidant imbalance and FECD pathogenesis, irrespective of FECD genotype. Given the constrained

Meibomian gland (MG) dysfunction and glaucoma are very prevalent ocular conditions that significantly impact patients’ quality of life. A growing number of clinical and experimental studies have reported an association between the use of topical eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure and the development or exacerbation of MG dysfunction. Studies investigating the impact of glaucoma eyedrops on MG

Ocular surface disease (OSD) is a complex condition that can cause a range of symptoms (e.g, dryness, irritation, and pain) and can significantly impact the quality of life of affected individuals. Iatrogenic OSD, a common finding in patients with glaucoma who receive chronic therapy with topical ocular antihypertensive drugs containing preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride (BAK), has been linked

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic severe ocular allergic inflammation mostly observed in children and young adults. The ocular manifestations are the expression of multifactorial immune mechanisms that generally have a good prognosis, however long-term inflammation may remarkably reduce the visual function due to complications and poor therapeutic responses.

To evaluate and compare subbasal corneal nerve parameters of the inferior whorl in patients with dry eye disease (DED), neuropathic corneal pain (NCP), and controls using a novel deep-learning-based algorithm to analyze in-vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) images. Subbasal nerve plexus (SNP) images of the inferior whorl of patients with DED (n = 49, 77 eyes), NCP (n = 14, 24 eyes), and controls (n = 41

To develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model to diagnose keratitis (AK) based on confocal microscopy (IVCM) images extracted from the Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph 3 (HRT 3). This retrospective cohort study utilized HRT 3 IVCM images from patients who had received a culture-confirmed diagnosis of AK between 2013 and 2021 at Massachusetts Eye and Ear. Two cornea specialists independently labeled

Associations were assessed between demographic/lifestyle factors and tear film breakup time (TBUT) defined dry eye disease (DED) in China. The cross-sectional study involved 50,280 subjects (54 ± 17 y) in 217 clinics (25 provinces). Data included sleep disorders; digital screen exposure; and use of cosmetics, contact lenses, and eye drops (for asthenopia). Clinical examinations included TBUT; Schirmer

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can be detected using non-invasive confocal microscopy of the cornea (IVCM) and such abnormalities may precede the development of clinical neuropathy. The current study aimed to assess any progression or remission of corneal and peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing bariatric surgery. People with known type 2 diabetes for at least five years

To investigate the roles of neural adaptation and sensitization in contact lens discomfort (CLD). Cooling stimuli (20 °C) were applied to the cornea in a group comprising 24 symptomatic and 25 asymptomatic contact lens (CL) wearers as well as 15 non-CL wearing controls, using a computerized Belmonte esthesiometer. The adaptation paradigm consisted of 20 repetitive stimuli at threshold, sub- and supra-threshold

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer worldwide. With advancements in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis of patients with early-stage cancer has significantly improved. Enhancing the long-term quality of life of patients after antineoplastic therapy, including visual quality, has become a crucial research focus. This review aims to comprehensively summarize dry eye disease adverse

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of corneal and conjunctival staining, and lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE) in detecting dry eye disease, as defined by the global consensus Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society Dry Eye Workshop II (TFOS DEWS II) criteria. A total of 2066 community residents (1285 females; mean ± SD age, 40 ± 19 years) were recruited in an investigator-masked, prospective registry-based

To investigate the toxicity of type I interferons (IFNs) on the ocular surface and assess their efficacy in ocular surface tumors. We examined the effects of IFN-α2a, IFN-α2b and IFN-β on corneal epithelial cells and stromal fibroblasts as well as the impact of IFN-α2a on the ocular surface in mice. Additionally, we analyzed the therapeutic and adverse effects of topically administered IFN-α2a and

The Mpox virus (MPXV) is the causative agent of human Mpox disease – a debilitating rash illness similar to smallpox. Although Clade I MPXV has remained endemic to West and Central Africa, Clade II MPXV has been responsible for many outbreaks worldwide. The most recent outbreak in 2022 resulted from the rapid spread of a new clade of MPXV, classified into Clade IIb – a distinct lineage from the previously

The lacrimal gland is essential for maintaining ocular surface health and avoiding external damage by secreting an aqueous layer of the tear film. However, a healthy lacrimal gland's inventory of cell types and heterogeneity remains understudied. Here 10X Genome-based single-cell RNA sequencing was used to generate an unbiased classification of cellular diversity in the extraorbital lacrimal gland

Human donor corneas are an essential control tissue for corneal research. We utilized whole mount immunofluorescence (WM-IF) to evaluate how the storage affects the tissue integrity and putative limbal stem cells in human and porcine corneas. Moreover, we compare this information with the marker expression patterns observed in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived LSCs. The expression of putative

Corneal neovascularization (CoNV) is the second leading common cause of vision impairment worldwide and is a blinding pathological alteration brought on by ocular trauma, infection, and other factors. There are some limitations in the treatment of CoNV, hence it's critical to look into novel therapeutic targets. The corneal epithelial barrier, which is the initial barrier of the ocular surface, is

Ocular surface hydration is critical for eye health and its impairment can lead to dry eye disease. Extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is regulator of ion transport in epithelial cells expressing cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl channel. CFTR is also a major ion channel in ocular surface epithelia, however the roles of CaSR in ocular surface are not well studied

Filamentary keratitis (FK) is a clinical sign of underlying ocular and systemic conditions. FK can cause significant irritation, tearing, and photophobia in the eye. It is a refractory debilitating condition caused by dry eye that affects the day-to-day activities of patients. The etiopathogenesis of FK is not well known; there are numerous predisposing causes. The condition starts as a sub-epithelial

To investigate the delayed diagnosis of chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease (coGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHCT), and further analyze potential confounding factors. This cross-sectional study included 118 patients newly diagnosed as coGVHD after alloHCT at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University. All participants finished the flow path of medical

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are a source of bioactive lipids regulating inflammation and its resolution. Changes in PUFA metabolism were compared between lacrimal glands (LGs) from young and aged C57BL/6 J mice using a targeted lipidomics assay, as was the gene expression of enzymes involved in the metabolism of these lipids. Global reduction in PUFAs and their metabolites was observed in aged

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is characterised as an immuno-inflammatory condition with potentially blinding ocular sequelae. Therefore, we have investigated the ocular surface immune cell profile and correlated it with secreted tear molecular factors and clinical ocular sequelae in SJS patients. 21 patients (42 eyes) with chronic ocular SJS and 16 healthy controls (20 eyes) were included in the study

To investigate the global transcriptional landscape of lacrimal gland cell populations in the GVHD mouse model. Single-cell RNA sequencing and further bioinformatic analysis of dissociated lacrimal gland (LG) cells from the mouse model were performed. Parts of transcriptional results were confirmed by immunofluorescence staining. We identified 23 cell populations belonging to 11 cell types. In GVHD

Corneal neuropathy involves corneal nerve damage that disrupts ocular surface integrity, negatively impacting quality-of-life from pain and impaired vision. Any ocular or systemic condition that damages the trigeminal nerve can lead to corneal neuropathy. However, the condition currently does not have standardized diagnostic criteria or treatment protocols. The primary aim of this systematic review

To investigate the roles of HDAC1/2 and HDAC3 in adult Meibomian gland (MG) homeostasis. HDAC1/2 or HDAC3 were inducibly deleted in MG epithelial cells of adult mice. The morphology of MG was examined. Proliferation, apoptosis, and expression of MG acinus and duct marker genes, meibocyte differentiation genes, and HDAC target genes, were analyzed via immunofluorescence, TUNEL assay, and RNA in situ