Tea tree oil influence on human keratocytes growth and viability.

Tea tree oil (TTO) is used in ophthalmology to maintain healthy eyelid skin and to combat parasitic eyelid infections. Keratocytes belong to the structure of the corneal stoma and enable to maintain corneal homeostasis. TTO that reaches the surface of the eye in too high concentration may disturb the functions of these cells.

Suppression of the TGF-β pathway by a macrolide antibiotic decreases fibrotic responses by ocular fibroblasts .

To elucidate and to inhibit post-surgical fibrotic processes after trabeculectomy in glaucoma therapy, we measured gene expression in a fibrotic cell culture model, based on transforming growth factor TGF-β induction in primary human tenon fibroblasts (hTFs), and used Connectivity Map (CMap) data for drug repositioning. We found that specific molecular mechanisms behind fibrosis are the upregulation of actins, the downregulation of CD34, and the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines such as IL6, IL11 and BMP6 The macrolide antibiotic Josamycin (JM) reverses these molecular mechanisms according to data from the CMap, and we thus tested JM as an inhibitor of fibrosis. JM was first tested for its toxic effects on hTFs, where it showed no influence on cell viability, but inhibited hTF proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner.

Non-invasive detection of corneal sub-basal nerve plexus changes in multiple myeloma patients by confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Purpose: Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is a non-invasive technique for cellular in vivo imaging of the human cornea. CLSM screening was evaluated for early detection of corneal nerve morphology changes and neuropathogenic events in different stage multiple myeloma (MM) patients. As MM patients show disease as well as therapy-related neuropathological symptoms, CLSM potentially provides a tool for non-invasive early detection of neuropathogenic events.

Functional and morphological results of treatment of macula-on and macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with pars plana vitrectomy and sulfur hexafluoride gas tamponade.

Background: To examine morphological and functional results after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas tamponade due to macula-on and macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) during 6 months of the follow-up.

Methods: The study included 62 eyes that underwent successful PPV with SF6 tamponade with macula-on (34 eyes) and macula-off (28 eyes) RRD preoperatively. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Amsler test, M-charts, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and microperimetry were performed at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively.

Comparison of cytokine/chemokine levels in aqueous humor of primary open-angle glaucoma patients with positive or negative outcome following trabeculectomy.

We aimed to identify differences in cytokine/chemokine levels in the aqueous humor (AH) of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients who suffered from scarring, compared with POAG patients with no scarring after trabeculectomy surgery. Identification of differently expressed cytokines and chemokines may help to understand scarring and fibrotic processes following trabeculectomy, and to make predictions for the outcome of fistulating surgery in the future. Furthermore, the identification of cell signaling pathways involved in fibrosis offers the opportunity for a more specific antifibrotic therapy with reduced side effects, and an improvement in long-term surgical outcome.

Analysis of Visual Field Defects Obtained with Semiautomated Kinetic Perimetry in Patients with Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy.

Purpose: To analyse visual field (VF) defects obtained using semiautomated kinetic perimetry (SKP) in patients suffering from Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON).

Methods: Twenty-two eyes of eleven consecutive LHON male patients with confirmed mitochondrial 11778G>A DNA mutation were prospectively examined with the V4e stimulus of SKP in both eyes. The mean time after the onset of LHON was one year.

VIP changes during daytime in chicken intrinsic choroidal neurons.

Purpose: Ocular autonomic control is mediated by sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibres. Their interactions are complemented by primary afferent nerve fibers of and intrinsic choroidal neurons (ICN). As the vasodilatative neuropeptide, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), is expressed in extrinsic and intrinsic ocular neurons, it is of special interest in ophthalmic research.

Paracrine Interactions between the Conjunctival and Corneal Epithelial Cells Regulate Microenvironmental Homeostasis during Artificially Induced Inflammation.

Unlabelled: Purpose/Aim of the study: The corneal and conjunctival epithelium interact with each other and reciprocally modulate the levels of soluble mediators to maintain balance in the ocular surface. The aim of the present study was to analyze paracrine interactions between the corneal and conjunctival epithelium in an inflamed microenvironment (LPS or PMA induction) to test the levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide released by the epithelia.

Materials And Methods: The corneal (pRSV-T) and conjunctival (HC0597) epithelial cell cultures and their indirect co-cultures were treated for 2 h with LPS (E.

Micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS): a review of surgical procedures using stents.

Over the last decade several novel surgical treatment options and devices for glaucoma have been developed. All these developments aim to cause as little trauma as possible to the eye, to safely, effectively, and sustainably reduce intraocular pressure (IOP), to produce reproducible results, and to be easy to adopt. The term "micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)" was used for summarizing all these procedures.

Outcomes of Vitrectomy in Pediatric Retinal Detachment with Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy.

Aim: To report outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in pediatric retinal detachment (RD) with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), complications, factors influencing the final anatomical and functional results.

Methods: Retrospective consecutive case series of 14 eyes. Average postoperative follow-up period was 34 months.

Intraoperative Macula Protection by Perfluorocarbon Liquid for the Metallic Intraocular Foreign Body Removal during 23-Gauge Vitrectomy.

To evaluate visual and safety outcomes of 23-gauge (G) pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with application of perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) for intraoperative protection of the macula during intraocular foreign body (IOFB) removal. Retrospective study of 42 patients who underwent 23 G PPV for IOFB removal from posterior segment with intraoperative PFCL application for the macula shielding. Collected data included corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), size of IOFB, and complication rate.

Effects of tryptophan, kynurenine and kynurenic acid exerted on human reconstructed corneal epithelium in vitro.

Background: Tryptophan metabolites formed along kynurenine pathway may affect cell proliferation and tissue function. This pathway presents potential sites for drug discovery. Tryptophan and its metabolites kynurenine and kynurenic acid may be involved in the physiology and pathology of the ocular surface.

Surgical Management of Traumatic Retinal Detachment with Primary Vitrectomy in Adult Patients.

To evaluate functional and anatomical results of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in the retinal detachment (RD) followed by severe eye trauma. Retrospective analysis of medical records of forty-one consecutive patients treated with 23-gauge PPV due to traumatic RD. Age, gender, timing of PPV, visual acuity, and presence of intraocular foreign body (IOFB) and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) were included in the analysis.

Vancomycin in infusion during vitrectomy in surgical treatment of acute postoperative and posttraumatic endophthalmitis.

Background: Endophthalmitis is potentially devastating intraocular inflammation following eye trauma or surgery. We describe the visual outcomes and causative pathogens in acute bacterial postoperative and posttraumatic endophthalmitis treated with immediate pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with Vancomycin dissolved in the infusion fluid.

Methods: Clinical records of consecutive 30 patients with postoperative endophthalmitis and 15 patients with posttraumatic endophthalmitis were evaluated.

Outcomes of Sutureless Iris-Claw Lens Implantation.

Purpose. To evaluate the indications, refraction, and visual and safety outcomes of iris-claw intraocular lens implanted retropupillary with sutureless technique during primary or secondary operation. Methods.

Visual outcomes of posterior chamber intraocular lens intrascleral fixation in the setting of postoperative and posttraumatic aphakia.

Background: Several techniques for fixation of the posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) have been developed. We evaluate long-term functional outcomes and safety of posterior chamber IOL implantation using Hoffman scleral haptic fixation and sutureless Sharioth technique in patients with posttraumatic and postoperative aphakia.

Methods: This retrospective case-series included 42 eyes operated by one surgeon.

Surgical treatment of open globe trauma complicated with the presence of an intraocular foreign body.

Background: Open globe injuries complicated with the presence of an intraocular foreign body constitute a vision threatening condition.

Purpose: To present the results of pars plana vitrectomy in patients with intraocular foreign body.

Material And Methods: Medical records of 22 patients were analyzed.

Elevated vitreous body glial fibrillary acidic protein in retinal diseases.

Purpose: Increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a characteristic of gliotic activation (Müller cells and astrocytes) in the retina. This study assessed vitreous body GFAP levels in various forms of retinal pathology.

Methods: This prospective study included 82 patients who underwent vitrectomy (46 retinal detachments (RDs), 13 macular hole (MHs), 15 epiretinal glioses (EGs), 8 organ donors).

Flicker-defined form perimetry in glaucoma patients.

Purpose: To assess the potential of flicker-defined form (FDF) perimetry to detect functional loss in patient groups with beginning glaucoma, and to evaluate the dynamic range of the FDF stimulus in individual patients and at individual test positions.

Methods: FDF perimetry and standard automated perimetry (SAP) were performed at identical test locations (adapted G1 protocol) in 60 healthy subjects and 111 glaucoma patients. All patients showed glaucomatous optic disc appearance.

Longitudinal stability of the diurnal rhythm of intraocular pressure in subjects with healthy eyes, ocular hypertension and pigment dispersion syndrome.

Background: The diurnal fluctuation of intraocular pressure may be relevant in glaucoma. The aim of this study was to find out whether the timing of diurnal fluctuation is stable over the years.

Methods: Long-term IOP data from the Erlangen Glaucoma Registry, consisting of several annual extended diurnal IOP profiles for each patient, was retrospectively analyzed.

Short-term fluctuation of intraocular pressure is higher in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome despite similar mean intraocular pressure: a retrospective case-control study.

Purpose: Higher levels of short-term fluctuation of intraocular pressure (IOP) are characteristic of pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX). However, it is not known whether they are just a side effect of the higher mean intraocular pressure (IOP) or an independent feature. The purpose of this study was to compare short-term fluctuation of IOP between eyes with PEX and control eyes that were matched as closely as possible for mean IOP.

Time course of induced astigmatism after canaloplasty.

Purpose: To study the changes in astigmatism after canaloplasty and to analyze its correlation with long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) results.

Methods: Twenty-six eyes of 26 consecutive patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (n=14) and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (n=12) undergoing canaloplasty were included in this retrospective study. Canaloplasty comprised of 360-degree catheterisation of Schlemm canal by means of a flexible microcatheter with distension of the canal by 2 tensioning 10-0 polypropylene sutures.

Perimetric measurements with flicker-defined form stimulation in comparison with conventional perimetry and retinal nerve fiber measurements.

Purpose: We compared the results of flicker-defined form (FDF) perimetry with standard automated perimetry (SAP) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurements using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods: A total of 64 healthy subjects, 45 ocular hypertensive patients, and 97 "early" open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients participated in this study. Definition of glaucoma was based exclusively on glaucomatous optic disc appearance.

Presence and distribution of L-kynurenine aminotransferases immunoreactivity in human cataractous lenses.

Purpose: To investigate the presence and distribution of l-kynurenine aminotransferases immunoreactivity in human and animal lenses during cataract formation.

Methods: Immunohistochemistry was conducted using polyclonal antibodies against KAT I, KAT II and KAT III on sections of 26 anterior capsules from patients undergoing surgical treatment of anterior subcapsular cataract (ASC) and 22 cataractous lenses from human eyes enucleated because of choroidal malignant melanoma. Additionally, the eyes of 11-month-old DBA/2J mice (6 eyes) were investigated (with KAT I and II).

Levels of aqueous humor trace elements in patients with non-exsudative age-related macular degeneration: a case-control study.

Trace elements might play a role in the complex multifactorial pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The aim of this study was to measure alterations of trace elements levels in aqueous humor of patients with non-exsudative (dry) AMD. For this pilot study, aqueous humor samples were collected from patients undergoing cataract surgery.