The enigma of sclera-specific autoimmunity in scleritis.

Scleritis is a severe and painful ophthalmic disorder, in which a pathogenic role for collagen-directed autoimmunity was repeatedly suggested. We evaluated the presence of sclera-specific antibodies in a large cohort of patients with non-infectious scleritis. Therefore, we prospectively collected serum samples from 121 patients with non-infectious scleritis in a multicenter cohort study in the Netherlands.

Assessment of conjunctival, episcleral and scleral thickness in healthy individuals using anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

Purpose: To determine the thickness of the conjunctiva, episclera and sclera in healthy individuals using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).

Methods: We prospectively included 107 healthy individuals of different age groups (18-39 years, 40-54 years, 55-69 years and ≥70 years). For each eye, AS-OCT scans of four quadrants (temporal, nasal, superior and inferior) were acquired.

Tear Fluid Inflammatory Proteome Analysis Highlights Similarities Between Keratoconus and Allergic Conjunctivitis.

Purpose: Keratoconus is characterized by the progressive thinning of the cornea, which leads to a cone-like appearance of the eye over time. Although conventionally defined as a noninflammatory condition, a number of recent studies have associated keratoconus (KC) with allergic conjunctivitis (AC) based on clinical parameters. This study aimed to consolidate this association by performing a proteomic analysis of tear fluid from patients with keratoconus and/or allergic conjunctivitis.

Paradoxical exacerbation of sclerouveitis following Rituximab infusion.

Purpose: To report on an unexpected side effect of Rituximab (RTX), a B-cell targeting monoclonal agent, in a patient with severe sclerouveitis, leading to severe visual loss.

Methods: Observational case report.

Results: A 61-year-old female was treated with RTX for a severe sclerouveitis occurring with granulomatosis with polyangiitis.