Corneal cross-linking.

First introduced over 20 years ago as a treatment for progressive keratoconus, the original "Dresden" corneal cross-linking (CXL) protocol involved riboflavin saturation of the stroma, followed by 30 min of 3 mW/cm-intensity ultraviolet-A (UV-A) irradiation. This procedure generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cross-link stromal molecules, thereby stiffening the cornea and counteracting the ectasia-induced weakening. Due to their large size, riboflavin molecules cannot readily pass through the corneal epithelial cell tight junctions; thus, epithelial debridement was performed.

How Information Affects Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Scoping Review of the Literature.

Background: Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) need to receive adequate information to manage their disease. However, little is known about how information provision affects patients.

Objective: To conduct a scoping review of the literature on the relationship between content, timing, manner of delivery, and source of PD-specific information on the one hand, and patient outcomes on the other.

Visual rehabilitation with mini scleral contact lenses in scarred corneas.

Purpose: To present a case series of patients with corneal scars who were successfully fitted with mini scleral contact lenses (mSCL).

Methods: Case series study.

Results: Six eyes of six patients with corneal scars were fitted with mSCLs.

The Resistance of Riboflavin/UV-A Corneal Cross-Linking to Enzymatic Digestion Is Oxygen-Independent.

Purpose: Corneal cross-linking (CXL) with riboflavin and UV-A induces several effects in the cornea, including biomechanical stiffening, generation of reactive oxygen species, and increased resistance to enzymatic digestion. Whereas the biomechanical stiffening effect is oxygen-dependent, little is known about the effect of oxygen on the resistance to enzymatic digestion. Here, we examined CXL-induced enzymatic resistance in the absence of oxygen.

[Paediatricians report an increased demand for diagnostic tests for reassurance].

Objective: Test decisions depend on the context in which health care is delivered. We interviewed paediatricians about perceived societal developments and their influence on diagnostic testing.

Design: Qualitative interview study.