Comparison of the anti-inflammatory effects of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells in a murine model of corneal injury.

Background Aims: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) offer tremendous potential for therapeutic applications for inflammatory diseases. However, tissue-derived MSCs, such as bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs), have considerable donor variations and limited expandability. It was recently demonstrated that MSCs derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC-MSCs) have less pro-tumor potential and greater expandability of homogenous cell population.

Graft Detachment Rate in DSEK/DSAEK After Same-Day Complete Air Removal.

Purpose: We retrospectively analyzed the rate of graft detachment from 310 Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK)/Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) cases performed by a single surgeon over a 10-year period using same-day complete air removal. Secondary outcome measures including primary graft failure, late endothelial graft failure, rejection events, and steroid-induced ocular hypertension were also analyzed.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients receiving DSEK/DSAEK for any cause by the same surgeon at 2 separate institutions from January 2005 to December 2014.

TSG-6 protects corneal endothelium from transcorneal cryoinjury in rabbits.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of an anti-inflammatory protein, TNF-α stimulated gene/protein (TSG)-6 and an antiapoptotic protein, stanniocalcin (STC)-1 on corneal endothelium in rabbits with transcorneal cryoinjury.

Methods: Transcorneal freezing (-80°C) was applied to rabbit corneas for 30 seconds. Immediately post injury, either TSG-6 (10 μg/100 μL), STC-1 (10 μg/100 μL), or the same volume of balanced salt solution (BSS) was injected into the anterior chamber.

Endoscopic photocoagulation in the management of epithelial downgrowth.

Purpose: Epithelial downgrowth, a rare but devastating complication of intraocular surgery and penetrating ocular trauma, remains a therapeutic dilemma in ophthalmology. We present an interventional case report of an instance successfully treated with diode laser photocoagulation by using a purely endoscopic approach.

Methods: Case report and literature review.

Diagnostic and therapeutic challenge of Aspergillus flavus scleritis.

Purpose: To discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges involved in the management of Aspergillus flavus scleritis and present a review of related literature.

Methods: Case report and literature review.

Results: A healthy 54-year-old woman presented with a 1-week history of severe pain and redness in her left eye.

Recombinant human tumor necrosis factor receptor Fc fusion protein (Etanercept): experience as a therapy for sight-threatening scleritis and sterile corneal ulceration.

Purpose: To review the efficacy of Etanercept as an alternate therapy for treatment of necrotizing anterior scleritis and sterile corneal ulceration unresponsive to traditional therapies.

Methods: A retrospective review of 10 patients treated with Etanercept for vision-threatening scleritis and sterile corneal ulceration.

Results: Etanercept alone or in combination with other immunosuppressive therapies controlled inflammation, arrested tissue ulceration, and in many cases permitted tapering or cessation of toxic immunosuppressive therapies.

Delayed-onset mycobacterial keratitis after LASIK.

Purpose: To describe the time course, diagnosis, clinical features, and treatment of seven patients with Mycobacterium szulgai keratitis that developed from 7 to 24 weeks after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

Methods: Seven of 30 eyes of 18 patients were identified with keratitis after LASIK. The first two patients presented 12 to 14 weeks after LASIK; nontuberculous mycobacteria were identified 1 month after the flaps were cultured.

A Cluster of cases of Mycobacterium szulgai keratitis that occurred after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a recently developed ophthalmic procedure. When 2 patients developed keratitis caused by Mycobacterium szulgai after they underwent LASIK surgery, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of all LASIK procedures performed at Scott & White Clinic (Temple, Texas) during a 4.5-month period.