Inflammatory markers in the tears of patients with ocular surface disease.

Purpose: To determine the concentration of interleukins (IL-1beta and -6) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (pro-MMP-9) in the tears of patients with different ocular surface diseases and to examine the possible relationship between the disorders and molecular inflammation.

Methods: 77 patients diagnosed as having different ocular surface disorders and 18 normal control subjects were studied. Patients were routinely examined and separated into 5 groups: (1) control, (2) blepharitis, (3) ocular allergic disease, (4) dry eye and (5) conjunctivochalasis.

Corneal lamellar dissection by using suture threads in porcine eyes.

Purpose: Lamellar dissection is one of the most delicate maneuvers in corneal surgery. We describe a new method that uses Ferrara ring instrumentation.

Methods: A 360 degrees tunnel is created at half of the stromal depth in porcine corneas.