Long-term follow up of intracorneal ring segment implantation in 932 keratoconus eyes.

Purpose: To evaluate the progression of keratoconus in 932 eyes of 659 patients through visual, refractive and topographic data after intracorneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation.

Methods: Retrospective review of 659 patients who underwent ICRS (Intacs®) implantation for keratoconus between September 1997 and November 2017. Demographics, preoperative and postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in LogMAR, corneal topography parameters (thinnest pachymetry, Kmax), central corneal pachymetry and total follow-up time were evaluated.

Allogenic corneal tissue transplantation in substitution for extruded intracorneal rings: A case series.

We describe a case series of four eyes of four keratoconus patients with extruded intracorneal ring segments (ICRS) in whom donor corneal tissue was used to substitute for the extruded ICRS in an attempt to preserve its effect. In all patients, the extruded intracorneal ring was removed through the exposed area. Donor corneal tissue (tailored to the size and shape of the ICRS) was inserted into the empty ICRS tunnel and fixed in place using 10-0 nylon sutures.

Effects of femtosecond and excimer lasers on implanted KAMRA corneal inlay in animal models.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of femtosecond laser and excimer laser on an intracorneal inlay (KAMRA) implanted in animal models.

Methods: Femtosecond laser was used to create corneal intrastromal pockets at 250μm depth in five porcine eyes. Four intact KAMRA inlays, examined by slit-lamp biomicroscopy and light microscopy, were implanted in the pocket of four eyes.

A 27-year experience with infective endocarditis in Lebanon.

Although rare, infective endocarditis (IE) continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality. Previous data from the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) had shown predominance of streptococcal infection. As worldwide studies in developed countries show increasing trends in Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis, it becomes vital to continually inspect local data for epidemiological variations.

UVA-Irradiation Induces Melanoma Invasion via the Enhanced Warburg Effect.

Melanoma is a malignant tumor in which UVA (320-400 nm) radiation is considered to be an important risk factor. But the role of UVA in melanoma progression toward an invasive phenotype is still not adequately investigated. For most proliferating tumor cells the preference of aerobic glycolysis has been described as the Warburg effect.