Microbiological profiles of fungal keratitis: a 10-year study at a tertiary referral center.

Background: Given the rise in cases of fungal keratitis in recent years, this study was performed to better elucidate the microbiological profile, risk factors, and surgical intervention rates of fungal keratitis at a tertiary referral center in the Southeastern USA.

Findings: This is a retrospective case series of fungal keratitis infections treated at Duke University Eye Center from January 1, 1998, to October 6, 2008. Of the 4651 culture-proven corneal ulcers identified, 63 (1.

Clinical outcomes of xeno-free allogeneic cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation for bilateral limbal stem cell deficiency.

Purpose: To report the clinical outcomes of allogeneic cell-based therapy for bilateral corneal blindness due to limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD).

Methods: This retrospective study included 28 eyes of 21 patients, at least 8 years of age, with bilateral and total LSCD, treated between 2001 and 2010. A limbal biopsy was obtained from the eye of an adult living related donor.

Dislocation of the donor graft to the posterior segment in descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty.

Purpose: To report a series of dislocations of the donor graft into the posterior segment associated with Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and to identify possible risk factors for dislocation and clinical outcomes.

Design: Retrospective case series.

Methods: Cases of donor graft dislocation into the posterior segment associated with endothelial keratoplasty were identified from the clinical experience of 7 surgeons.

Cataracts: we have perfected the surgery, but is it time for prevention?

Purpose Of Review: This review presents a discussion of cataract prevention, with a focus on the societal burden of untreated cataracts and pathophysiologic mechanisms of prevention.

Recent Findings: Multiple studies have implicated cataract surgery and vision loss due to cataract as a major cause of disability and lost productivity. Long-term use of antioxidants such as vitamin C, lutein, and zeaxanthin have been associated with lower incidence and progression of cataracts, but prospective studies of vitamin supplementation have shown little effect.

Endothelial Keratoplasty: From DLEK to DMEK.

The last decade has heralded a revolutionary shift in the treatment of corneal endothelial disease. Only 15 years ago, the only surgical treatment for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy and Fuchs dystrophy was penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Although used successfully for over a century, PK requires many months of refractive adjustments before the eye achieves visual stability.

Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty in a child.

We present the case of a 9-year-old patient with corneal decompensation that was treated with Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and followed for 18 months. Although the procedure has been used successfully in adult populations, to our knowledge, this is the first report of DSAEK with long-term follow-up in a child. The outcome suggests that endothelial keratoplasty may be a good alternative to penetrating keratoplasty in children.

Nutrition and the prevention of cataracts.

Purpose Of Review: Oxidative stress is a major cause of cataract development. Numerous studies have been published regarding the effects of nutritional supplementation on cataract progression.

Recent Findings: Basic science research has demonstrated a protective effect of antioxidants on lens tissue, and supplementation with vitamin C and lutein/zeaxanthin has been associated with a decreased risk of cataract formation in multiple observational studies.

Evaluation of a new CPC-to-gauge bonding technique with the use of in vitro fluid flow.

Strain gauging enables the measurement of bone deformation during physical activity, leading to a better understanding of the physiological effects of loading on bone growth and remodeling. Development of a technology that will withstand long-term in vivo exposure and bond securely to bone is imperative for accurate, consistent measurement collection. Polysulfone is currently used to attach calcium-phosphate ceramic (CPC) particles, which promote bone-to-gauge bonding, to polyimide-backed strain gauges.