Tear levels of neuropeptides increase after specific allergen challenge in allergic conjunctivitis.

Purpose: Growing evidence is showing a role of neurogenic inflammation in allergic reactions, with sensory and autonomic nerve fibers releasing neuromediators, which may actively participate in the allergic inflammatory cascade. Although the cornea is the most densely innervated tissue of the human body, little is known on the role of neuromediators at the ocular surface. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the role of substance P (SP), calcitonine gene related peptide (CGRP), neuropeptide Y (NPY) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in allergic reactions of the ocular surface.

Paracentral corneal melting in a patient with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada's syndrome, psoriasis, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

The paper describes the occurrence of unilateral paracentral corneal melting in a 65-year-old woman with ocular and systemic signs of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada's syndrome (VKH), psoriasis, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Corneal melting, often occurring in association with systemic vasculitis and connective tissue diseases, has rarely been reported in relation to diffuse psoriasis and never in association with VKH. A possible relationship between corneal melting and VKH is suggested.

Uveitis in Turner's syndrome.

Background: Turner's syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality where phenotypic females have either a missing X chromosome or a structural aberration of the X chromosome. Several ocular diseases have been associated with Turner's syndrome in the past, including one case only of proven iridocyclitis.

Methods: In this study we report the clinical findings of three females with Turner's syndrome and uveitis followed up for a mean period of 12.