Differential gene expression analysis of corneal endothelium indicates involvement of phagocytic activity in Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy.

Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is a progressive vision impairing disease caused by thickening of Descemet's membrane and gradual degeneration and loss of corneal endothelial cells. The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed genes between FECD-affected and unaffected corneal endothelium to gain insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this disease. Microarray gene expression analysis was performed on total RNA from FECD-affected and unaffected corneal endothelium-Descemet's membrane (CE-DM) specimens using the Illumina HumanHT-12 v4.

Reduced expression of apolipoprotein E and immunoglobulin heavy constant gamma 1 proteins in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy.

Background: Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is a progressive and potentially a sight threatening disease, and a common indication for corneal grafting in the elderly. Aberrant thickening of Descemet's membrane, formation of microscopic excrescences (guttae) and gradual loss of corneal endothelial cells are the hallmarks of the disease. The aim of this study was to identify differentially abundant proteins between FECD-affected and unaffected Descemet's membrane.

Steroid-induced ocular hypertension in Asian children with severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

Background: We describe clinical characteristics and risk factors for corticosteroid response in children with severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC).

Design: Retrospective, noncontrolled, comparative case series.

Participants: Patients from three tertiary centers in Singapore.

Emerging prevalence of microsporidial keratitis in Singapore: epidemiology, clinical features, and management.

Objective: To investigate the incidence and epidemiologic factors involved in the development of microsporidial keratitis. The association of host immune status and clinical pattern, clinical features, and the role of fluoroquinolone monotherapy in treatment are also examined.

Design: Retrospective, noncomparative case series.

Acanthamoeba keratitis associated with contact lens wear in Singapore.

Purpose: To describe an outbreak of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) cases among contact lens wearers.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Methods: Patients with AK were included.

Nodular scleritis and Sweet's syndrome.

The authors report a case of nodular scleritis in Sweet's syndrome. The patient was a 40-year-old Malay woman with a history of Sweet's syndrome presented with a 6-day history of a red and painful right eye associated with blurred vision. Clinical examination revealed nodular scleritis of the right eye which was deemed secondary to Sweet's syndrome after investigations for other systemic diseases were negative.

An outbreak of Fusarium keratitis associated with contact lens wear in Singapore.

Context: Fungal keratitis is a potentially blinding condition that is rarely seen with contact lens wear.

Objective: To describe a nationwide outbreak of fungal keratitis caused by Fusarium species among contact lens wearers in Singapore.

Design, Setting, And Patients: Nationwide, hospital-based case series.

Implementation and evaluation of an ophthalmic nurse practitioner emergency eye clinic.

Background: To describe the implementation and assess the efficacy of an ophthalmic nurse practitioner (ONP) emergency eye clinic.

Methods: In a 13-month period, patients were assessed in an ONP emergency eye clinic in a teaching hospital setting. The ONP clinic was run on a defined scope of practice.

Noninflammatory flap edema after laser in situ keratomileusis associated with asymmetrical preoperative corneal pachymetry.

Purpose: To report persistent unilateral flap edema following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in patients with asymmetrical central corneal thickness.

Setting: Minnesota Eye Consultants, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Methods: Retrospective, noncomparative interventional case series.