Enhancing Performance of Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses with Hydrophilic Polyphenolic Coatings.

This study explores the application of a dopamine-assisted co-deposition strategy to modify the surface of daily disposable silicone hydrogel contact lenses. Aiming to enhance the hydrophilicity of these typically hydrophobic lenses, we developed an industry-friendly process using simple dip coating in aqueous solutions. By co-depositing tannic acid, dopamine and chitosan derivative and employing periodate oxidation, we achieved a rapid and efficient coating process.

Artificial intelligence versus conventional methods for RGP lens fitting in keratoconus.

Background: To compare the efficiency of three artificial intelligence (AI) frameworks (Standard Machine Learning (ML), Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) and Convolution Neural Networks (CNN)) with a reference method (Mean radius of curvature (K)) to predict the posterior radius of curvature of the best-fitted rigid contact lens (RCBFL) in keratoconus eyes.

Methods: This retrospective study included 197 keratoconus eyes of 135 patients fitted with Rose K2® (Menicon®, Nagoya, Japan) rigid contact lenses with one or more topographies available (MS39®, CSO®, Ferrara, Italy) between January 2020 and September 2022. Two types of topographic data (indices and reconstructed maps from raw data) were used for AI analysis.

Ocular thermography and clinical measurements in symptomatic and asymptomatic soft contact lens wearers.

Significance: Symptoms of dryness and discomfort are the main reasons for contact lens dropout. Clinical tests for this purpose are invasive or subjective. Ocular thermography may help to assess the ocular discomfort and dryness in a noninvasive and objective manner.

The safety of orthokeratology contact lens wear in slowing the axial elongation of the eye in children.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety of orthokeratology contact lens wear in slowing the axial elongation of the eye in myopic children.

Methods: Safety data from three prospective studies, which evaluated the use of orthokeratology for slowing myopia progression in children in comparison to a parallel control group of single-vision spectacle lens wearers over a 2-year period, were pooled together for analysis. The primary and secondary safety endpoints are the comparisons of adverse events and slit-lamp findings grades ≥ 2 between orthokeratology and control groups, respectively.

Functionalized Surface Coatings for Rigid Contact Lenses.

This research evolves into a comparative study of three different phenolic composites as coatings for rigid contact lenses, with a particular emphasis on enhancing their antifouling properties and hydrophobicity. The primary layer, comprised of diverse phenolic compounds, serves as a sturdy foundation. An exclusive secondary layer, featuring synthetic peptoids, is introduced to further minimize biofouling.

A new look at the myopia control efficacy of orthokeratology.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of orthokeratology contact lens wear in slowing the axial elongation of the eye in myopic children.

Methods: Data from three prospective studies, which evaluated the use of orthokeratology for slowing myopia progression in children in comparison to a parallel control group of distance, single-vision spectacle lens wearers over a 2-year period, were pooled together for analysis.

Results: Collectively, data from 125 orthokeratology and 118 control subjects were analyzed in this study.

The efficacy of a device-based approach to microorganism disinfection and protein removal for orthokeratology lenses in varied clinical circumstances.

Purpose: RigidCare is an electrolysis-based device that recently obtained approval from the US's FDA to sterilise microorganisms and remove proteins for orthokeratology (O-K) lenses. The study was conducted to investigate the device's performance in varied clinical circumstances.

Methods: Trial lenses and private lenses were employed by O-K lens wearers from five hospitals for an evaluation of disinfection and sterilisation and an assessment of protein removal, respectively.

Strategies and attitudes on the management of myopia in clinical practice in Spain - 2022 update.

Objective: This study analyses strategies and attitudes on myopia management reported by eye care practitioners (ECP) from Spain in 2022.

Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to ECPs worldwide via the internet through professional associations. The questionnaire was distributed by email to all registered Spanish optician-optometrists.

Clinical Investigation of Flat Pack Toric Contact Lenses and Wearer Attitudes to Environmental Impact.

Objectives: To investigate the performance of a novel flat pack toric daily disposable contact lens compared with traditionally packaged toric lenses in a randomized, crossover study. Environmental attitudes to contact lens wear were also explored.

Methods: Habitual contact lens wearers were recruited to wear a hioxifilcon A (Miru 1 day Flat Pack Toric, Menicon, Nagoya, Japan) test lens and a control lens: either nelfilcon A (Dailies AquaComfort Plus, Alcon, Geneva, Switzerland) or etafilcon A (1-Day Acuvue Moist, Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, NJ).

Culture of primary human meibomian gland cells from surgically excised eyelid tissue.

Meibomian gland dysfunction is one of the most common ocular diseases, with therapeutic treatment being primarily palliative due to our incomplete understanding of meibomian gland (MG) pathophysiology. To progress in vitro studies of human MG, this study describes a comprehensive protocol, with detailed troubleshooting, for the successful isolation, cultivation and cryopreservation of primary MG cells using biopsy-size segments of human eyelid tissue that would otherwise be discarded during surgery. MG acini were isolated and used to establish and propagate lipid-producing primary human MG cells.

IMI-Global Trends in Myopia Management Attitudes and Strategies in Clinical Practice-2022 Update.

Purpose: Surveys in 2015 and 2019 identified a high level of eye care practitioner concern/activity about myopia, but the majority still prescribed single vision interventions to young myopes. This research aimed to provide updated information.

Methods: A self-administered, internet-based questionnaire was distributed in 13 languages, through professional bodies to eye care practitioners globally.

IMI 2023 Digest.

Myopia is a dynamic and rapidly moving field, with ongoing research providing a better understanding of the etiology leading to novel myopia control strategies. In 2019, the International Myopia Institute (IMI) assembled and published a series of white papers across relevant topics and updated the evidence with a digest in 2021. Here, we summarize findings across key topics from the previous 2 years.

TFOS Lifestyle: Impact of the digital environment on the ocular surface.

Eye strain when performing tasks reliant on a digital environment can cause discomfort, affecting productivity and quality of life. Digital eye strain (the preferred terminology) was defined as "the development or exacerbation of recurrent ocular symptoms and/or signs related specifically to digital device screen viewing". Digital eye strain prevalence of up to 97% has been reported, due to no previously agreed definition/diagnostic criteria and limitations of current questionnaires which fail to differentiate such symptoms from those arising from non-digital tasks.

TFOS Lifestyle Report: Impact of environmental conditions on the ocular surface.

Environmental risk factors that have an impact on the ocular surface were reviewed and associations with age and sex, race/ethnicity, geographical area, seasonality, prevalence and possible interactions between risk factors are reviewed. Environmental factors can be (a) climate-related: temperature, humidity, wind speed, altitude, dew point, ultraviolet light, and allergen or (b) outdoor and indoor pollution: gases, particulate matter, and other sources of airborne pollutants. Temperature affects ocular surface homeostasis directly and indirectly, precipitating ocular surface diseases and/or symptoms, including trachoma.

Affluence and Contact Lens Prescribing.

Objectives: To assess the impact of national affluence on the extent of prescribing of various types of soft contact lenses.

Methods: Using information derived from a large bank of contact lens prescribing data, the relationship between the percentage prescribing of daily disposable, toric, silicone hydrogel, and multifocal contact lenses versus the gross domestic product at purchasing parity per capita (GDP [PPP]) was determined for all countries in which contact lens prescribers returned survey forms relating to greater than 100 contact lens fits between 2017 and 2021, inclusive.

Results: Data from 39 countries were analyzed, comprising 94,181 contact lens fits.

Effectiveness of Commonly Used Contact Lens Disinfectants Against SARS-CoV-2.

Objective: To assess the effect of commonly used contact lens disinfectants against severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Methods: The efficacy of five disinfectant solutions against SARS-CoV-2 was tested in the presence and absence of contact lenses (CLs). Three types of unused CLs (hard gas permeable, soft hydrogel, and soft silicone hydrogel) and worn silicone hydrogel CLs were tested.

Differences in Practitioner Experience, Practice Type, and Profession in Attitudes Toward Growing Contact Lens Practice.

Objective: To investigate eye care practitioners' attitudes and perceptions toward potential interventions that can enhance contact lens (CL) practice across the world, and how this is influenced by their practice setting.

Methods: A self-administered, anonymized survey was constructed in English and then forward and backward translated into six more languages. The survey was distributed online via social media platforms and mailing lists involving reputed international professional bodies.

Opportunities and threats to contact lens practice in Spain.

Objective: An international survey evaluated the opportunities and threats related to contact lens practice reported by eye care professionals worldwide. This study reports on the results specifically found in Spain and how these compare with those from other regions of the world.

Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to eye care practitioners around the world through professional associations.

Strategies and attitudes on the management of myopia in clinical practice in Spain.

Objective: In 2019, an international survey was conducted to evaluate strategies and attitudes in the management of myopia in clinical practice worldwide. This study reports on the results found in Spain and how these results compare with those from other regions of the world.

Methods: A self-administrated, internet-based questionnaire was distributed to eye care professionals around the world through professional associations.

Evaluating Visual Field Progression in Advanced Glaucoma Using Trend Analysis of Targeted Mean Total Deviation.

Purpose: Trend analysis of visual field (VF) global indices may underestimate the rate of progression in severe glaucoma because of the influence of test points without detectable sensitivity. To test this hypothesis, we compared the rates of change of VF global indices with and without exclusion of undetectable points at various disease stages.

Materials And Methods: Six hundred and forty-eight eyes of 366 glaucoma patients with 8 or more reliable 30-2 standard automated perimetry over more than 2 years were enrolled.

Keratoconus: An updated review.

Keratoconus is a bilateral and asymmetric disease which results in progressive thinning and steeping of the cornea leading to irregular astigmatism and decreased visual acuity. Traditionally, the condition has been described as a noninflammatory disease; however, more recently it has been associated with ocular inflammation. Keratoconus normally develops in the second and third decades of life and progresses until the fourth decade.

Opportunities and threats to contact lens practice: A global survey perspective.

Aim: To understand the views of contact lens (CL) practitioners across the globe regarding what they perceive as opportunities and threats in CL practice.

Methods: A self-administered anonymised questionnaire, constructed in English and translated in six more languages, was distributed through reputed international professional bodies and academic institutions worldwide. The questionnaire included items on demographic characteristics, type of practice, and questions designed to explore practitioners' perspective on the future of their CL practice over the next five years.

Human Meibum and Tear Film Derived (O-Acyl)-Omega-Hydroxy Fatty Acids as Biomarkers of Tear Film Dynamics in Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Dry Eye Disease.

Purpose: To investigate the association between precorneal tear film (PCTF)- and meibum-derived (O-Acyl)-omega-hydroxy fatty acids (OAHFAs) and PCTF thinning in meibomian gland health and dysfunction.

Methods: Of 195 eligible subjects (18-84 years, 62.6% female), 178 and 170 subjects provided both PCTF optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging and mass spectrometry data for tears (n = 178) and meibum (n = 170).

IMI 2021 Yearly Digest.

Purpose: The International Myopia Institute (IMI) Yearly Digest highlights new research considered to be of importance since the publication of the first series of IMI white papers.

Methods: A literature search was conducted for articles on myopia between 2019 and mid-2020 to inform definitions and classifications, experimental models, genetics, interventions, clinical trials, and clinical management. Conference abstracts from key meetings in the same period were also considered.

Optimizing correction of coma aberration in keratoconus with a novel soft contact lens.

Purpose: To report on a second-generation prototype contact lens (modified lens) with enhanced optics to correct coma aberration and compare its performance with that of the prototype contact lens (conventional lens) used to optimise correction of coma aberration in keratoconus (KC).

Methods: Both lenses were designed as a set of standardised soft contact lenses (SCLs) with asymmetric powers along the posterior surface. The modified lens differs from the conventional lens in that the optical zone is decentred superiorly by 0.