Publications by authors named "D'Esposito F"

Refractive surgery, which includes techniques such as Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK), Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE), has revolutionized ophthalmology by offering advanced solutions for vision correction. However, the choice of the technique to be used in the individual patient is highly dependent on a thorough preoperative evaluation. This retrospective study aims to investigate how preoperative parameters, including corneal thickness, topography, and refraction, affect long-term post-operative clinical outcomes.

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Refractive errors, particularly myopia, are among the most prevalent visual impairments globally, with rising incidence in children and adolescents. This review explores the epidemiology and risk factors associated with the development of refractive errors, focusing on the environmental and lifestyle factors contributing to the current surge in myopia. We provide an overview of key genetic factors and molecular pathways driving the pathogenesis of myopia and other refractive errors, emphasizing the complex interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.

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/: Optic neuropathies are a category of illnesses that ultimately cause damage to the optic nerve, leading to vision impairment and possible blindness. Disorders such as dominant optic atrophy (DOA), Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), and glaucoma demonstrate intricate genetic foundations and varied phenotypic manifestations. This narrative review study seeks to consolidate existing knowledge on the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying ocular neuropathies, examine genotype-phenotype correlations, and assess novel therapeutic options to improve diagnostic and treatment methodologies.

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Retinal diseases, which can lead to significant vision loss, are complex conditions involving various cellular and molecular mechanisms. The interleukin-6 (IL-6) family, particularly Oncostatin M (OSM), has garnered attention for their roles in retinal inflammation, angiogenesis, and neuroprotection. This comprehensive review explores the dual nature of OSM and other IL-6 family members in retinal pathophysiology, highlighting their contribution to both degenerative and regenerative processes.

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Background: Blepharoconjunctivitis poses a diagnostic challenge due to its diverse etiology, including viral infections. Blepharoconjunctivits can be acute or chronic, self-limiting, or needing medical therapy.

Aim: To review possible viral agents crucial for accurate differential diagnosis in cases of blepharoconjunctivitis.

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Autologous blood therapy has emerged as a promising modality in managing ocular surface disorders. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current literature regarding the use of autologous blood in ocular surface disorders, encompassing its physiological basis, clinical applications, techniques, challenges, and future perspectives. The ocular surface, comprising the cornea, conjunctiva, and tear film, plays a critical role in maintaining visual function, and its disruption can lead to various pathological conditions.

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Corneal injuries, which make up 3% of emergency room visits, can vary from small scratches to exposure or trauma-related damage that might be fatal to vision. Mechanical trauma, diseases of the eyelids, neurotrophic abnormalities, and chemical burns are common causes. A thorough examination is necessary for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

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Background: If left untreated, glaucoma-the second most common cause of blindness worldwide-causes irreversible visual loss due to a gradual neurodegeneration of the retinal ganglion cells. Conventional techniques for identifying glaucoma, like optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual field exams, are frequently laborious and dependent on subjective interpretation. Through the fast and accurate analysis of massive amounts of imaging data, artificial intelligence (AI), in particular machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), has emerged as a promising method to improve the early detection and management of glaucoma.

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Article Synopsis
  • Human umbilical cord blood serum (HUCBS) shows promise as an effective treatment for severe ocular surface disorders (OSDs) by speeding up healing and reducing inflammation, benefiting patients who haven't found relief through standard therapies.
  • A study of 49 patients with various severe OSDs was conducted at San Marco Hospital in Italy, categorizing patients based on causes like rheumatologic diseases and graft-versus-host disease.
  • Results indicated significant improvement in multiple assessments, including patient-reported outcomes and clinical evaluations, demonstrating the potential of HUCBS in treating resistant cases of OSDs.
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Chronic wounds and non-healing tissue defects pose significant clinical challenges, necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches. A comprehensive literature review of amniotic membrane transplantation for wound healing and tissue repair evaluates the efficacy and safety of amniotic membrane transplantation in enhancing wound healing and tissue repair. Amniotic membranes promote wound closure and reduce inflammation and scarring via abundant growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix components, which foster conducive environments for tissue regeneration.

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Background: Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, necessitating precise management strategies tailored to individual patient characteristics. Artificial intelligence (AI) holds promise in revolutionizing the approach to glaucoma care by providing personalized interventions.

Aim: This review explores the current landscape of AI applications in the personalized management of glaucoma patients, highlighting advancements, challenges, and future directions.

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Targeted drug delivery has emerged as a transformative approach in the treatment of periorbital skin malignancies, offering the potential for enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects compared to traditional therapies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of targeted therapies in the context of periorbital malignancies, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma. It explores the mechanisms of action for various targeted therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and immunotherapies, and their applications in treating these malignancies.

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Corneal diseases, which can result in substantial visual impairment and loss of vision, are an important worldwide health issue. The aim of this review was to investigate the novel application of bioscaffolds in stem cell and regenerative treatments for the treatment of corneal disorders. The current literature reports that organic and artificial substances create bioscaffolds that imitate the inherent structure of the cornea, facilitating the attachment, growth, and specialization of stem cells.

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Article Synopsis
  • - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of vision loss in older adults, and currently, there are no effective drugs to treat it.
  • - Research is exploring the use of stem cells to replace damaged retinal cells, specifically targeting retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) for potential therapy.
  • - This chapter reviews key clinical trials and protocols on using stem cell therapy for AMD, detailing how the progression of the disease and treatment responses have been monitored.
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  • * The authors conducted a literature search that yielded 21 relevant studies from PubMed, focusing on the characteristics of the ocular surface and the microbiome's role in glaucoma.
  • * Key topics discussed include the anatomy of the eye, the effects of microbial imbalance (dysbiosis), immune responses, and future treatment strategies that could benefit ocular health by targeting the microbiome.
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  • The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has impacted not only the respiratory system but also various eye-related conditions, demonstrating a range of ocular symptoms.
  • Important eye manifestations of COVID-19 include conjunctivitis, scleritis, uveitis, and retinopathy, making it crucial for eye care practitioners to monitor these signs as potential early indicators of the disease.
  • The review also discusses how the virus interacts with ocular tissues and examines vaccine-related ocular side effects, highlighting the necessity for continued research on vaccine safety and effective eye examinations for COVID-19 patients.
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Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) has traditionally been managed with vitreoretinal surgery. Although there have been several recent innovations in this surgery to make the retinal approach as uninvasive as possible, the outcomes remain unsatisfactory. Significant complications remain and the complexity of the surgical approach is challenging.

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Background: Glaucoma is a major cause of incurable ocular morbidity and poses significant challenges in its management due to the limited treatment options and potential adverse effects. Nicotinamide, a naturally occurring diet-rich nutrient, has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent for glaucoma, offering neuroprotective effects and the potential modulation of intraocular pressure (IOP) regulation pathways. This comprehensive review sought to analyze the current literature on nicotinamide in glaucoma management, exploring its mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety profile.

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  • This project aimed to investigate the standards of genetic testing and counseling for patients with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) in select European countries, focusing on expert opinions about current challenges and potential improvements in patient care.
  • A survey was distributed to professionals across ten European nations, gathering data on the prevalence of genetic testing and counseling practices.
  • Results showed that while genetic tests are common and largely funded by public health services, many IRD patients still lack adequate testing and counseling, highlighting the need for better education for healthcare providers, improved access to advanced testing, and more genetic counselors.
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  • Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) is a serious autoimmune condition linked with thyroid issues, leading to significant eye problems and discomfort.
  • Recent breakthroughs in TED treatment include Teprotumumab, the first FDA-approved medication specifically for the disease, which effectively reduces inflammation and improves patient quality of life.
  • Management of TED requires a team of specialists and includes advancements in both medical treatments and surgical techniques, ensuring comprehensive care for affected patients.
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Article Synopsis
  • More people around the world are having serious eye problems that affect their vision due to conditions like diabetes and other health issues.
  • Scientists and doctors are exploring new technology and AI to help find and diagnose these eye diseases faster and more accurately.
  • Using AI can make it easier for doctors to help patients, especially those who live far away, by quickly spotting problems and suggesting the right treatments.*
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Introduction: Patients with dry eye disease (DED) complain of a multitude of symptoms that affect their visual function and quality of life (QoL). This clinical investigation assessed the performance, tolerance, and safety of a novel preservative-free ophthalmic solution containing xanthan gum 0.2% and desonide sodium phosphate 0.

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Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is defined as a "genetically complex trait", where modifying factors act on a genetic predisposing background. For the majority of glaucomatous conditions, DNA variants are not sufficient to explain pathogenesis. Some genes are clearly underlying the more "Mendelian" forms, while a growing number of related polymorphisms in other genes have been identified in recent years.

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Background: Bimatoprost has emerged as a significant medication in the field of medicine over the past several decades, with diverse applications in ophthalmology, dermatology, and beyond. Originally developed as an ocular hypotensive agent, it has proven highly effective in treating glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Its ability to reduce intraocular pressure has established it as a first-line treatment option, improving management and preventing vision loss.

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