Distribution of conjunctival HLA-DR expression and the pathogenesis of damage in early dry eyes.

Purpose: To examine the expression of HLA-DR, a marker of inflammation, in the early stages of dry eye disease and to locate the appearance of this marker on specific areas of the bulbar conjunctiva.

Methods: Dry eye patients were identified and their condition classified as mild (n = 16) or moderate (n = 16) based on Schirmer testing, vital staining, tear break-up time, and symptom questionnaire scores. Brush cytology was used to collect epithelial cells from the nasal, temporal, and superior conjunctivae of patients and age-matched controls.

Role of amniotic membrane transplantation for conjunctival reconstruction in ocular-cicatricial pemphigoid.

Purpose: To evaluate the role and the effectiveness over time of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) as a first-step procedure to treat conjunctival reconstruction in late-stage ocular-cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP).

Design: Prospective interventional noncomparative case series.

Participants: Nine eyes (9 patients) with advanced OCP.