Go Ask Your Patients! PSS-QoL Reported Perception of Dryness Correlates With Lacrimal and Salivary Flow in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome.

The patient perspective is an essential outcome parameter in the quest for effective therapy in primary Sjögren's Syndrome (PSS). The EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI) is recommended by EULAR to quantify patient's symptom burden and has been used in several clinical trials. Surprisingly, the patient's perception of dryness quantified with ESSPRI does not correlate with objective measures of salivary or lacrimal flow.

Demodex Mite Infestation and its Associations with Tear Film and Ocular Surface Parameters in Patients with Ocular Discomfort.

Purpose: The presence of Demodex species can be associated with blepharitis. Their pathogenic potential in meibomian gland dysfunction is discussed herein. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Demodex mites in eyelashes of Austrian patients with ocular discomfort and to evaluate associated changes of the lid margins and meibomian glands.

The influence of electromagnetic radiation on the measurement behaviour of the triggerfish® contact lens sensor.

Background: To assess a possible signal drift, noise and influences of electromagnetic radiation on the measurement behaviour of the Triggerfish® contact lens sensor, which might be mistaken as IOP fluctuations.

Methods: Contact lens sensors (Triggerfish®, SENSIMED AG, Lausanne, Switzerland) were fixed in a water bath. To reduce any external electromagnetic impulses, all plugs were removed from the sockets, no lights were switched on and no electronic devices, except a temperature logger were left in the test room.

Extracts of different pollen species and their effect on human tear fluid and an epithelial cell line.

Purpose: Hazelnut and birch pollen are known to destroy tear film components and attack ocular surface cells. We investigated further pollen species from different plant families, whether they show similar effects on human tear fluid and an epithelial cell line in vitro, to provide a broad basis for further research on pollen reactions affecting the tear film and ocular surface.

Materials And Methods: Regional pollen species from different plant families (Adoxaceae, Betulaceae, Fagaceae, Juglandaceae, Malvaceae, Oleaceae, Pinaceae, Plantaginaceae, Poaceae, Salicaceae, Sapindaceae) were collected.

The prevalence of meibomian gland dysfunction, tear film and ocular surface parameters in an Austrian dry eye clinic population.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and its association with tear film and ocular surface parameters in an Austrian clinical population of dry eye patients.

Methods: The records of 1372 consecutive patients from a dry eye unit were analysed retrospectively. Symptoms and objective tear film and ocular surface parameters were evaluated.

Decreased viability and proliferation of CHANG conjunctival epithelial cells after contact with ultraviolet light-irradiated pollen.

Context: Contact with pollen is the major reason for the development of allergic symptoms on the ocular surface leading to a significant increase of allergic diseases worldwide. Environmental changes such as increased ultraviolet (UV) radiation and air pollution are discussed as contributory causes for this increase.

Objective: We investigated the effect of UV light on the histamine content of pollen and examined if an irradiation of pollen affects the viability and proliferation of conjunctival cells.

The Influence of Lunar Phases on Complications in Cataract Surgery: An Analysis of 16,965 Patients.

Purpose: Popular beliefs exert an impact of lunar phases on elective surgery. The aim of our study was to evaluate potential correlations between complications in cataract surgery and the phases of the moon during its passage through the zodiac and Fridays that fall on the 13th.

Methods: Patients with complications during cataract surgery were extracted retrospectively from the clinical database from 2010 to 2014.

Prevalence of canaliculitis after smartplug insertion during long-term follow-up.

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term prevalence of canaliculitis associated with the use of SmartPlugs.

Methods: This retrospective study included 42 eyes of 25 dry eye patients at our institution who received a SmartPlug insertion between 2004 and 2008. Irrigation of the lacrimal system was performed in all patients prior to SmartPlug insertion to ensure the patency of the system.

Role of the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1) -1639G>A gene polymorphism in patients with retinal vein occlusion.

Purpose Of The Study: Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a major vision-threatening disease. Vitamin K epoxide reductase recycles reduced vitamin K, which is essential for the gamma carboxylation of clotting factors II, VII, IX, X and proteins C and S. Recently, the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1) -1639G>A (rs9923231) polymorphism has been reported as a novel risk factor for RVO in a Turkish population.

Collared silicone punctal plugs compared to intracanalicular plugs for the treatment of dry eye.

Aim: To compare collared silicone punctal plugs to intracanalicular SmartPlugs for the treatment of moderate to severe dry eye.

Materials And Methods: In this prospective, randomized, single blind, clinical study, 30 patients (60 eyes) who had been diagnosed with moderate to severe dry eye syndrome were enrolled. Study group I (n = 30 eyes) received collared silicone punctal plugs and group II (n = 30 eyes) received intracanalicular SmartPlugs.

Pollen enzymes degrade human tear fluid and conjunctival cells: an approach to understanding seasonal non-allergic conjunctivitis.

Background: During pollen seasons, allergy-like symptoms can be observed in proven non-allergy sufferers. Pollen enzymes are thought to be responsible for conjunctival irritation. We investigated the influence of the well-known aggressive pollen species hazelnut (Corylus avellana) and birch pollen (Betula pendula) on both human tear fluid and conjunctival cell cultures.

Positive influence of hyaluronate on cell vitality of human conjunctival cells after alkali injuries.

Background: To analyse the influence of hyaluronate (HA) on the cell vitality of human conjunctival cells after chemical injuries from NaOH or alkali-containing household cleaners.

Methods: Human conjunctival cells (Chang cells) were incubated either with NaOH solutions or dilutions of household cleaners. HA (0.