A review of keratoconus: Diagnosis, pathophysiology, and genetics.

We discuss new approaches to the early detection of keratoconus and recent investigations regarding the nature of its pathophysiology. We review the current evidence for its complex genetics and evaluate the presently identified genes/loci and potential candidate gene/loci. In addition, we highlight current research methodologies that may be used to further elucidate the pathogenesis of keratoconus.

Scrolling Characteristics of Pre-Descemet Endothelial Keratoplasty Tissue: An Ex Vivo Study.

Purpose: To evaluate the scrolling propensity of pre-Descemet endothelial keratoplasty (PDEK) tissue and to compare it with each component of the PDEK tissue, namely the pre-Descemet layer (Dua's layer [PDL]) and the Descemet membrane (DM).

Design: Experimental laboratory investigation.

Methods: Fourteen human donor sclerocorneal discs in which a type 1 big bubble was obtained by stromal injection of air were studied.

Update on Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcomes.

Purposes: A literature review to describe the current diagnosis and management of Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Results: Acanthamoeba is a ubiquitous protozoan: 8 species, 5 genotypic classes have been reported to cause keratitis. It is potentially a sight-threatening infection, and there is often a poor prognosis because of a significant delay in diagnosis and frequently a lack of effective medical management.

Rapidly progressive idiopathic lenticular astigmatism.

A myopic 43-year-old woman with early nuclear sclerotic cataract developed more than 11.0 diopters (D) of astigmatism over a 6-month period. This was found to be lenticular in origin.