PURPOSE: Orthokeratology lenses slow myopia progression by over 50% on average. Efficacy and optical outcomes of aspherical and spherical orthokeratology lens designs in controlling myopia progression are compared, focus...PURPOSE: Orthokeratology lenses slow myopia progression by over 50% on average. Efficacy and optical outcomes of aspherical and spherical orthokeratology lens designs in controlling myopia progression are compared, focusing on axial length (AL), choroidal thickness (CHT), and relative peripheral refractive errors. METHODS: A multicenter, single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted in Sichuan, China (2022-2023), with 30 participants aged 8-13 (mean age 10.8 ± 1.8 years; 70 % male). Inclusion criteria embraced refractive errors between -0.75 and -6.00 D. Each eye was randomly assigned to a spherical or aspherical lens. Measurements included AL and central corneal thickness and retinal defocus at baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. RESULTS: No baseline differences were observed between groups (P > 0.05). Throughout the 12 months, axial length (AL) increases were reported as 0.04 ± 0.18 mm and 0.25 ± 0.23 mm in the aspherical and spherical groups, respectively (P < 0.001). The aspherical lens produced greater corneal reshaping (nasal: 65.67 μm vs. 61.23 μm, P = 0.008; temporal: 68.03 μm vs. 61.07 μm, P = 0.002) and less hyperopic defocus (RDV30-45 and RDV45-53; P < 0.001). The change in AL correlated positively with the change in RDV. No other significant between-group differences in CHT changes were observed (P = 0.203). CONCLUSION: Aspherical orthokeratology lenses show superior control of axial length compared to spherical lens designs due to increased sagittal height and peripheral myopic defocus within 15°-45° of retinal eccentricity.
PURPOSE: To determine if individuals who develop soft-contact-lens adverse events (corneal infiltrative events or microbial keratitis) have a shallower corneal sagittal depth than the population mean. METHODS: Participan...PURPOSE: To determine if individuals who develop soft-contact-lens adverse events (corneal infiltrative events or microbial keratitis) have a shallower corneal sagittal depth than the population mean. METHODS: Participants (N = 25) with an adverse event within the last two years were recruited for a prospective, case-control study. Corneal sagittal depth was calculated from topography (central keratometry, eccentricity, 12 mm diameter) for comparison with an historical control (published, population mean ± SD = 2.74 ± 0.15 mm, N = 18,387 eyes) using one-sample t-tests. Bland-Altman analyses compared topography-calculated sagittal depth to measurements from anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) images (12 mm chord), for validation. Contact lens movement and fit were measured from images/videos. RESULTS: Participants (mean ± SD age = 27.4 ± 10.4 years, range 18 to 65 years) were predominantly female (19 of 25). Topography-calculated sagittal depth was slightly larger than, but highly correlated with, AS-OCT measurements (mean of the differences ± SD = 0.14 ± 0.08 mm, t = 8.97, p < 0.0001; r = 0.82, p < 0.0001). The mean ± SD sagittal depth for participants (2.64 ± 0.14 mm) was significantly shallower than the population mean (t = - 3.52, p = 0.002). Primary gaze contact lens movement (mean ± SD) was 0.24 ± 0.17 mm, range: 0.06 to 0.82 mm and up gaze was 0.45 ± 0.33 mm, range: 0.05 to 1.16 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Contact lens wearers with adverse events had a corneal sagittal depth that was significantly shallower than the population mean. These data suggest that one-size-fits-most soft contact lenses may have a sagittal depth that is too deep for patients with a shallower-than-typical corneal sagittal depth, which presumably inhibits the eye's natural defenses. Future studies should compare the relative risk of corneal sagittal depth to other known risk factors and determine clinical guidelines for fitting soft contact lenses based on sagittal depth.
Ezinne NN, Kyei S, Obinwanne CJ
… +17 more, Rasengane TA, Mashige KP, Agho KE, Asiamah R, Ekpenyong BN, Ocansey S, Ndep AO, Kyeremeh S, Ovenseri-Ogbomo G, Ekure E, Ogbuehi KC, Naidoo KS, Westbrook N, Waretow H, Asiedu K, Osuagwu UL, All a u t h o r s are members of the Centre for Eyecare Public Health Intervention Initiative CEPHII
BACKGROUND: Despite the importance of corneal biometric parameters in ophthalmology, there is limited comprehensive data on these measurements in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) populations. This study systematically reviewed...BACKGROUND: Despite the importance of corneal biometric parameters in ophthalmology, there is limited comprehensive data on these measurements in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) populations. This study systematically reviewed the evidence on corneal biometric parameters of Sub-Saharan African populations, focusing on their variability, influencing factors, and implications for clinical practice and public health interventions. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies published between January 2003 and December 2023 were identified through comprehensive searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, with a specific focus on African populations. Inclusion criteria comprised non-interventional studies reporting central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal curvature, radius of curvature, or horizontal corneal diameter (HCD) of eyes of continental Africans. Data were synthesized using random-effects meta-analyses, with heterogeneity assessed using the I statistic. Subgroup analyses examined variations by geographic region, measurement instrument, and sex. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies with a total of 14,009 participants were included. The pooled mean CCT was 553.35 µm (95 % CI: 548.52-558.18 µm), with regional variations ranging from 555.66 µm in West Africa to 510.17 µm in Southern Africa. Males exhibited slightly higher CCT values compared to females (539.11 µm vs. 533.78 µm). Additional parameters assessed included mean corneal curvature (43.07 D), radius of curvature (7.70 mm), and HCD (11.59 mm). Variability in the measurements was attributed to demographic, geographic, and methodological factors. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal biometric parameters exhibit substantial regional and demographic variability in SSA. These findings underscore the importance of population-specific data in enhancing diagnostic precision and guiding the development of regionally tailored clinical protocols. Further research is needed to address current knowledge gaps and improve eye care outcomes across the African continent. FUNDING: This research received no specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
PURPOSE: To assess changes in fluid reservoir (FR) thickness and optical quality following the removal and reapplication of a scleral lens worn for 5 h in participants with regular and irregular corneas. METHODS: Two gro...PURPOSE: To assess changes in fluid reservoir (FR) thickness and optical quality following the removal and reapplication of a scleral lens worn for 5 h in participants with regular and irregular corneas. METHODS: Two groups with 10 patients were recruited: IC Group-Irregular Cornea; RC Group-Regular Cornea. Both groups were fitted with a diagnostic 16.4 mm scleral lens (hexafocon A). FR thickness was measured with optical coherence tomography (MOCEAN 4000, MOPTIM, Shenzhen Slton Technology Co. Ltd., China l), high and low contrast visual acuity was measured with ETDRS, whole eye aberrometry was assessed with IRx3 Wavefront Aberrometer (ImaginEyes, Orsay, France) for a 5 mm pupil diameter, and the light disturbance under dim light conditions was assessed with Light Distortion Analyzer (LDA, Binarytarget, Portugal). Measurements were taken at 10 min and after 5 h lens wear, as well as following lens removal and reapplication. RESULTS: Following lens removal and reapplication, FR thickness significantly increased in RC Group (294.3 ± 137.5 to 337.2 ± 141.4 µm, p = 0.005), and in IC Group (311.5 ± 150.3 to 339.5 ± 150.7 µm, p = 0.005, Wilcoxon). Although minor visual fluctuations of 2 letters were found in high and low contrast visual acuity, no statistically significant differences were observed after lens reapplication. Regarding the size and irregularity of light distortion, no statistically significant differences were observed in either group. The aberrometry results demonstrated significant changes, with an increase in comatic vertical aberrations (p = 0.037, Wilcoxon), observed exclusively in IC Group after lens removal and reapplication. CONCLUSION: Practitioners should be aware that removing and reapplying a scleral lens with fresh saline solution will increase the FR thickness. However, this increase may not have a significant or clinically meaningful impact on visual acuity, light disturbance size or optical quality as measured by aberrometry.
PURPOSE: To investigate the status of ocular surface symptoms and their relationship to stress levels among the Gazan population during the 2023 Israel-Hamas War. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved stratified s...PURPOSE: To investigate the status of ocular surface symptoms and their relationship to stress levels among the Gazan population during the 2023 Israel-Hamas War. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved stratified sampling of participants from the four Gaza districts in Palestine. Individuals aged 18 years or older completed the Arab Ocular Surface Disease Index (Arab-OSDI) questionnaire and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) to assess stress levels. RESULTS: A total of 426 participants (238 males and 188 females) completed the Arabic versions of the OSDI and PSS-10 questionnaires. The mean Arab-OSDI score was 21, with 40.6 % of participants scoring ≥23, the threshold for moderate to severe DED symptoms. Participants with moderate or high perceived stress levels had significantly higher mean Arab-OSDI scores than individuals with low stress levels (p = 0.029). Logistic regression analysis identified age over 50 years, and the high PSS as significant factors associated with Arab-OSDI scores ≥13 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings indicate a high prevalence of dry eye symptoms among the Gazan population during the Israel-Hamas war in 2023, with moderate to high perceived stress levels significantly associated with these symptoms.
PURPOSE: While tear fluid biomarkers are now widely studied, agreement on best practices for sample collection, storage, processing and analysis is still being built. To promote the application of tear fluid biomarkers a...PURPOSE: While tear fluid biomarkers are now widely studied, agreement on best practices for sample collection, storage, processing and analysis is still being built. To promote the application of tear fluid biomarkers and to encourage the generation of high-quality data, the aim of this survey was to understand current practices and perspectives. METHODS: The Tear Research Network coordinated a self-administrated, digital survey between April 2023 and April 2024. The survey obtained information from 59 independent investigators and laboratories across 21 countries on demographics, tear fluid collection methods, storage conditions, processing steps, analysis techniques, and current and future perspectives for tear fluid research. RESULTS: Most respondents were based in the US (24%), followed by the UK and India (10% each). Schirmer's strips were the preferred tear collection method (44%). Protein assays were the most favoured analytical technique overall (47%) and for tear fluid collected with Schirmer's strips (42%). More than 80% of the laboratories did not employ normalization strategies to account for sample volume variability in collection methods other than Schirmer's strips and capillaries. A significant majority (91%) agreed on the need to develop internationally accepted guidelines, with 81% indicating that they would modify their protocols accordingly. CONCLUSIONS: This survey provides a global overview of tear fluid biomarker research practices, highlighting substantial variability in methodologies and a pressing need for standardised protocols. Addressing these inconsistencies through international guidelines could enhance reproducibility, facilitate global collaboration, and accelerate the clinical translation of tear fluid biomarkers.
PURPOSE: To report a series of overnight orthokeratology-related Acanthamoeba keratitis (OK-AK) at a teriary transfer care eye hospital in China from January 1, 2021, to February 29, 2024, and to provide a reference for...PURPOSE: To report a series of overnight orthokeratology-related Acanthamoeba keratitis (OK-AK) at a teriary transfer care eye hospital in China from January 1, 2021, to February 29, 2024, and to provide a reference for its treatment. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective case study. Records of patients with a history of OK lens use who were diagnosed with AK were analyzed. Data on clinical presentation, management, and outcomes were analyzed. We also preliminarily investigated behaviors associated with the risk of OK-AK. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients were included (8 females, 3 males, 14 eyes). The mean age was 14.7 ± 3.6 years (range: 11-22 years). All patients were using OK for an average of 3.5 ± 2.4 years (range: 1-8 years) before the onset of AK. The median time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 5 days (range: 2-150 days). The most frequently presented symptoms were blurred vision (n=11, 100%), redness (n=8, 72.7%), and excruciating eye pain (n=8, 72.7%). Topical anti-amoebic agents (a combination of topical polyhexamethylene biguanide [PHMB], metronidazole, and voriconazole) were used in all infected eyes once the AK diagnosis was made. Systemic metronidazole and/or voriconazole were added in stromal keratitis. Eight eyes (57.1%) were cured by medication. The remaining eyes (6/14, 42.9%) underwent therapeutic keratoplasty surgery because of poor response or rapid progression of the disease. The surgeries included two lamellar keratoplasty (ALK), one deep lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), and three therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (TPK). Recurrence occurred in two cases (2/6, 33.3%), one after 1 year following DALK and the other 3 months after TPK. All patients had improved visual acuity after treatment. CONCLUSION: This findings indicate that OK-AK is a serious problem in Northwest China. AK should be suspected early in patients with OK lens use who present with clinical symptoms such as eye redness and pain. The medication cure rate in OK-AK was 57.1%. The early keratoplasty surgery rate was 42.9%, and the risk of post-operation recurrence should be a concern. Based on the above findings, clinicians need to establish a standardized follow-up system and carry out multi-dimensional user education.
PURPOSE: To investigate the role of clinical examination findings in predicting meibomian gland atrophy (MGA). METHODS: A single-center, cross-sectional study was conducted. Subjective reports of dry eye symptoms were co...PURPOSE: To investigate the role of clinical examination findings in predicting meibomian gland atrophy (MGA). METHODS: A single-center, cross-sectional study was conducted. Subjective reports of dry eye symptoms were collected via a SPEED questionnaire. Lipid layer thickness, Schirmer I score, lid margin characteristics (thickening, vascular engorgement, and telangiectasia), and meibomian gland secretion factors (quality, expressibility, and volume) were examined and used to generate Foulks-Bron scores. Infrared meibography determined the degree of MGA. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis determined predictive factors. RESULTS: When all clinical characteristics were included, the pseudo R of the regression model was 0.466 (p-value = 0.029). FB score alone was significantly correlated with MGA severity (R = 0.372, p = 0.014) and had an odds ratio of 1.190 (p = 0.012). Expressibility was the main predictor for severity of MGA with an odds ratio of 2.604 (p = 0.020), sensitivity of 85.7 %, and specificity of 59.1 %. Lipid layer thickness (p = 0.042) and vascular engorgement (p = 0.032) were also predictive of MGA. CONCLUSION: A thorough physical examination emphasizing manual expression of meibomian glands can be useful for predicting gland atrophy. Nevertheless, most of the variability in MGA cannot be explained by clinical characteristics, and the full spectrum of contributing factors remains incompletely understood.
OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the efficacy of orthokeratology lenses with different back optic zone diameters (BOZD) in controlling myopia progression among adolescents. METHODS: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a sys...OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the efficacy of orthokeratology lenses with different back optic zone diameters (BOZD) in controlling myopia progression among adolescents. METHODS: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search was performed across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, Scopus, Ovid, CBM, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang. Inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled studies comparing the effectiveness of orthokeratology lenses with various BOZD designs for myopia control in adolescents. Relevant data were extracted and analyzed using RevMan 5.3 for meta-analysis, assessing the risk of bias. Primary outcomes included axial length (AL), spherical equivalent refraction (SER), treatment zone diameter (TZD), and treatment zone area (TZA). Secondary outcomes included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), higher-order aberrations (HOAs), and eccentricity (E). RESULTS: A total of 17 studies were included, comprising 12 RCTs and 6 controlled studies. Meta-analysis showed that compared to conventional BOZD, smaller BOZD lenses significantly inhibited axial elongation (SMD = -0.83, P < 0.00001), reduced TZD (SMD = -1.38, P < 0.00001) and TZA (SMD = -2.05, P < 0.00001), and improved SER (SMD = 0.81, P < 0.0001) and BCVA (SMD = 0.27, P = 0.04). No significant effects were found on eccentricity (P = 0.79) or UDVA (P = 0.31), while HOAs increased (SMD = 1.01, P = 0.02). Longer follow-ups resulted in more reliable findings. CONCLUSIONS: Orthokeratology lenses with smaller BOZD effectively control myopia progression, improving axial elongation, TZD, TZA, and SER, and increase HOAs, but do not significantly affect eccentricity, UDVA.
BACKGROUND: Surveys conducted between 2015 and 2022 showed growing concern among European eye care practitioners about myopia management, though adoption of effective strategies varied. This study updates findings from 2...BACKGROUND: Surveys conducted between 2015 and 2022 showed growing concern among European eye care practitioners about myopia management, though adoption of effective strategies varied. This study updates findings from 2024, analysing trends in attitudes and strategies for myopia management across Europe from 2015 to 2024. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey targeting European eye care practitioners was distributed in multiple languages through professional bodies. It assessed awareness of myopia prevalence, perceived efficacy and adoption of different myopia control strategies, and reasons for non-adoption. RESULTS: Between 2015 and 2024, a total of 3,179 responses were collected from European practitioners, representing data across four survey years. Concern about pediatric myopia varied significantly in 2024 (P < 0.001), with Portugal reporting the highest concern (9.4 ± 1.0) and Sweden the lowest (5.9 ± 2.2). Orthokeratology combined with low-dose atropine was perceived as the most effective approach (60.8 ± 29.6), followed by solo orthokeratology (60.1 ± 25.0) and approved myopia control soft contact lenses (55.9 ± 23.4). Single-vision lenses (15.9 ± 22.9) and undercorrection (7.1 ± 16.6) were rated least effective. Since 2015, single-vision lens prescribing has declined, while myopia control spectacles and contact lenses, and combination therapies have increased. The major reasons preventing the prescription of myopia control methods in 2024 were cost (29.6 %), treatment availability (11.4 %) and inadequate information/knowledge (9.3 %). Factors such as patient age, refractive error, and parental myopia influenced treatment choices, with the factors being less influential in Russia compared to other countries (all p ≤ 0.001). All European countries reported that adopting measures to control myopia progression in 2024 were thought to improve patient loyalty (much more/more: 57.7 %) and improve job satisfaction (much more/more: 73.3 %), but it was perceived not to increase practice revenue (much more/more: 43.3 %). CONCLUSIONS: European practitioners are increasingly adopting evidence-based myopia control strategies, with most countries reporting relatively similar management practices. Offering myopia control enhanced patient loyalty and job satisfaction. However, barriers such as cost and perceived limited efficacy still impede broader adoption.
PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses with different back optic zone diameter (BOZD) on the biomechanical response of the cornea, focusing on contact pressure, displacement, and stress di...PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses with different back optic zone diameter (BOZD) on the biomechanical response of the cornea, focusing on contact pressure, displacement, and stress distribution. METHOD: Finite element models were developed to simulate varying corneal curvatures (39.0D, 42.0D, 45.0D) and ortho-k lenses designed to target myopia reductions of -2.0D, -4.0D, and -6.0D, with BOZD values of 5.0 mm and 6.0 mm. Key parameters-contact pressure, displacement, mechanical treatment zone (MTZ) diameter and von Mises stress-were calculated and compared across the models. RESULT: The BOZD = 5 mm group demonstrated higher central contact pressure and greater central corneal displacement compared to the BOZD = 6 mm group. Additionally, the BOZD = 5 mm group exhibited a smaller central contact range, corneal reshaping range, and MTZ diameter than the BOZD = 6 mm group. The maximum stress decreased and shifted locations from the center to the periphery after lens application in both groups, with a more significant decrease observed in the 6 mm group. CONCLUSION: BOZD plays a crucial role in corneal biomechanical responses during ortho-k treatment. Smaller BOZD lenses result in a more concentrated contact area, leading to a smaller corneal reshaping area and MTZ diameter without significantly increasing the maximum stress in the cornea.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of using a training programme (OPTIcTRAIN) using Gabor patches on visual performance during the fitting of multifocal contact lenses (CL) in neophyte wearers. METHODS: A randomized long...OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of using a training programme (OPTIcTRAIN) using Gabor patches on visual performance during the fitting of multifocal contact lenses (CL) in neophyte wearers. METHODS: A randomized longitudinal pilot study was conducted at the Optometry Clinic of Complutense University of Madrid (Spain). Participants were fitted with Comfilcon A multifocal CL and randomly assigned to either a Gabor group (receiving daily training) or a control group. Measurements were taken at baseline (V0), CL fitting day (V1) and after 10 (V2) and 20 days (V3) of CL wear, assessing visual acuity (VA) under different conditions (photopic and mesopic, high (HC) and low contrast (LC)) at far, intermediate and near distances, contrast sensitivity, and subjective measures using visual analogue scale and global rate changing scale (GRCS). RESULTS: Twelve subjects (10 females, 2 males; mean age: 51.41 ± 5.41 years) were included. After 20 days, the Gabor group showed significantly higher HCVA (p = 0.016) and LCVA (p = 0.034) under photopic conditions at intermediate distances (-0.03 ± 0.05, 0.11 ± 0.09, respectively) compared to the control group (0.08 ± 0.07, 0.26 ± 0.10, respectively). No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed between groups in VA under mesopic conditions. Contrast sensitivity did not significantly differ between groups at any visit. However, after 20 days, the Gabor group's contrast sensitivity (6 cpg) increased to values similar to baseline (V0: 6.33 ± 0.81 vs V1: 5.17 ± 0.75; p = 0.038; V1 vs V3: 6.00 ± 0.89, p = 0.025), whereas the control group experienced a significant decrease (V0: 6.50 ± 0.54 vs V1: 5.83 ± 0.75; p = 0.046). After 20 days, the Gabor group showed a significant improvement in halo perception (p = 0.043) on the GRCS (44.00 ± 4.04) compared to the control group (26.67 ± 7.47). CONCLUSIONS: A visual training program using Gabor patches may enhance high and low-contrast VA at intermediate distances under photopic conditions, improve contrast sensitivity for medium spatial frequencies, and enhance subjective perception of halos during initial adaptation to multifocal CL in presbyopic wearers.
PURPOSE: To validate a simple and highly repeatable method of measuring the displacement of scleral lenses from the pupillary center and to quantify scleral lens decentration of two different designs of scleral lens land...PURPOSE: To validate a simple and highly repeatable method of measuring the displacement of scleral lenses from the pupillary center and to quantify scleral lens decentration of two different designs of scleral lens landing zones: spheric (SLZ) and toric (TLZ), with the validated method. METHODS: A prospective crossover study has been performed. Twenty patients (26.90 ± 3.03) with regular corneas participated voluntarily in the study and SLZ and TLZ landing zone Onefit™ MED scleral lenses were fitted. This study was divided into 2 phases. In the first phase, the validation of a new technique, using an image processing tool through the Matlab_R2017b software, to measure decentration was performed, compared with a subjective method consisting of a millimetric grid located in one of the slit lamp eyepieces. Intersession and interobserver repeatability were evaluated in the vertical and horizontal measurements of decentration with both methods. Once the best and higher repeatable method to assess decentration was found, phase 2 started and decentration of two different landing zone designs of scleral lenses were evaluated. RESULTS: In the first phase, Matlab methodology for decentration analysis showed high repeatability for both horizontal and vertical axes (ICC ≥ 0.9), whereas the slit lamp method demonstrated lower repeatability (ICC < 0.5). Second phase showed a significant reduction in decentration after two hours of wear with TLZ design (p < 0.001), unlike the SLZ design, which had no significant changes. CONCLUSION: The measurement of contact lens decentration by image processing using the Matlab software showed a high intersubject and intersession repeatability. SLZ tends to decenter inferiorly and temporarily. A toric landing zone design allows better centration but does not completely reduce the problem of decentration in either the vertical or horizontal axis.
PURPOSE: This study investigates the impact of Botulinum Toxin Type A (BoNT-A) injections for lateral canthal wrinkles on the ocular surface. METHODS: A total of 30 patients (30 eyes) who received BoNT-A injections were...PURPOSE: This study investigates the impact of Botulinum Toxin Type A (BoNT-A) injections for lateral canthal wrinkles on the ocular surface. METHODS: A total of 30 patients (30 eyes) who received BoNT-A injections were followed over a three-month period. Evaluations included tear meniscus height (TMH), strip meniscometry test, fluorescein tear film break-up time (FTBUT), corneal staining score, meibomian gland orifice and meibum quality score. Observations were recorded at baseline, one week, one month, and three months post-injection. RESULTS: Upper and total eyelid meiboscore, meibomian gland orifice obstruction, and meibum quality score peaked at three months post-injection, while FTBUT was shortest during the same period, with significant differences observed across time points (P < 0.05). Post-hoc analysis indicated a significant reduction in FTBUT between baseline and three months (P = 0.048). Corneal staining scores were highest at one week, with significant differences across time points (P < 0.001); post-hoc analysis revealed a significant difference between one week and three months (P = 0.037). No significant changes were found in TMH or strip meniscometry test score (P = 0.374, P = 0.732). CONCLUSIONS: BoNT-A injections may temporarily compromise ocular surface stability by decreasing tear film stability, disrupting meibomian gland function, and causing corneal epithelial disruption.
PURPOSE: To assess the cost of availing specialty contact lenses for irregular cornea and ocular surface diseases from the perspective of patients. METHODS: Patients aged ≥18 years who purchased specialty contact lenses...PURPOSE: To assess the cost of availing specialty contact lenses for irregular cornea and ocular surface diseases from the perspective of patients. METHODS: Patients aged ≥18 years who purchased specialty contact lenses (corneal or scleral) for the management of irregular corneal or ocular surface diseases between August 2023 and January 2024 were included in this study. Using a micro-costing approach, cost per patient was estimated with the help of the institution's records, and via a semi-structured survey. The benefit-cost ratio was calculated as the valuation of benefits in terms of gain in productivity resulting from the use of contact lenses to the cost. Quality of life was measured using "The National Eye Institute 25-Item Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ 25)". The NEI-VFQ 25 was administered during dispensing visits and after three months and was converted to quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) using the previously published results. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed by estimating the cost per QALYs gained. RESULTS: The total median (IQR) (USD) cost per patient to avail any specialty, corneal, and scleral contact lenses was ₹57,878(89,567) ($693), ₹21,907(20,420) ($262) and ₹1,10,316(69,514) ($1321) respectively. The total cost per patient was comparable to that of the low-income group ($750) based on the gross domestic product per capita of India and considerably less than that of the middle ($6,407) and high-income groups ($49,607). The discounted benefit-cost ratio was found to be 136:1. The cost per QALYs gained was found to be ₹1,35,899($1,628) and ₹1,56,440 ($1,874) for corneal and scleral lenses respectively. CONCLUSION: Specialty contact lenses are cost-beneficial and effective for patients with irregular cornea and ocular surface diseases. Considering economic differences, implementing health coverage plans, policies, or allocative decisions can make these lenses more affordable for every socioeconomic status people in India and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
PURPOSE: Appropriate framing of health information influences the adoption of health behaviors. This study explored whether (1) gain- or loss-framed health promotion messages, emphasizing positive or negative consequence...PURPOSE: Appropriate framing of health information influences the adoption of health behaviors. This study explored whether (1) gain- or loss-framed health promotion messages, emphasizing positive or negative consequences, respectively, were more persuasive in adult contact lens wearers and (2) approach-oriented participants (participants that tend to seek rewards or attain goals) were motivated by gain-framed messages while avoidance-oriented participants (those driven to avoid consequences such as disease or injury) were motivated by loss-framed messages, as postulated by the congruency hypothesis. METHODS: Gain- and loss-framed health promotion messages were created for three healthy contact lens-wearing habits (avoiding sleeping in contact lenses unless instructed to by an eye care provider, replacing lenses according to the manufacturer's recommended replacement schedule, and avoiding water exposure with contact lenses). Following local pilot testing and revision of health messages, data from 300 soft contact lens wearers aged 18-33 years (2/3 female) were collected via an electronic survey and online survey platform. Message persuasiveness was assessed by the participants with a visual analog scale. Avoidance and approach motivations were evaluated using the Behavioural Inhibition System/Behavioural Activation System scale. A linear mixed-effect model explored factors that influenced the persuasive effect of messages. Independent variables included frame type, media (infographic versus text), and participant characteristics. Pairwise Pearson correlations were used to explore relationships between avoidance/approach mechanisms and persuasiveness. RESULTS: Participants rated loss-framed messages as more persuasive than gain-framed messages across the three habits: overnight wear (P < 0.001), lens replacement (P < 0.001), and water exposure (P < 0.001). The motivational orientation of the participants was not significantly correlated with persuasiveness but varied significantly with participant sex and history of a contact lens-related red eye. CONCLUSIONS: Loss-framing was more persuasive than gain-framing in this cohort. The results did not support the congruency hypothesis. Further study is needed to explore the clinical impact of these findings.
Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a range of ophthalmic conditions characterized by compromised tear film homeostasis, resulting from various pathological factors and primarily manifesting as ocular discomfort and impaired ocula...Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a range of ophthalmic conditions characterized by compromised tear film homeostasis, resulting from various pathological factors and primarily manifesting as ocular discomfort and impaired ocular surface integrity. With the rise in screen time due to modern lifestyles, the prevalence of DES is increasing annually, posing a significant global public health challenge. Pathophysiologically, DES involves damage to the lacrimal functional unit (LFU), including the lacrimal glands, meibomian glands, and corneoconjunctival epithelium, highlighting its multifactorial etiology. Current treatments mainly focus on artificial tears for moisture replacement and anti-inflammatory therapies, but both are limited. Consequently, animal models are crucial for understanding the complex pathological mechanisms of DES and identifying potential therapeutic agents. Rodent eyes, with their structural and physiological similarities to human eyes and cost-effectiveness, have become widely used in DES research. This manuscript reviews the current understanding of DES pathogenesis and rodent models, discussing their strengths, weaknesses, and relevant genetic models. The aim is to furnish critical insights and provide a scholarly resource to propel future investigative endeavors into the pathogenesis of and therapy for DES.
PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an ethnically-optimized corneal tomography and biomechanics index using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques for diagnosing early ectasia in Chinese populatio...PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an ethnically-optimized corneal tomography and biomechanics index using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques for diagnosing early ectasia in Chinese populations and determine the diagnostic indices' sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff value for clinical practice. METHODS: This multicenter case-control retrospective study included 1,012 eyes from three centers in China (Tianjin, Shaanxi, and Shandong). The groups included very asymmetric ectasia with normal topography (VAE-NT, n = 146), contralateral ectasia (VAE-E, n = 127), bilateral keratoconus (KC, n = 247), and normal eyes (NL, n = 492). The diagnostic efficiency of the Corvis Biomechanical Index (CBI), CBI for Chinese populations (cCBI), Tomographic and Biomechanical Index version 1 (TBIv1), TBI version 2 (TBIv2), and TBI for Chinese populations (cTBI) was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The diagnostic efficiency was compared using DeLong's test. RESULTS: cTBI had the highest diagnostic accuracy for distinguishing NL from early ectasia (VAE-NT), with an area under the ROC (AUROC) of 0.93 at the cutoff value of 0.41, a sensitivity of 84.39 % and specificity of 92.67 %. cTBI diagnostic efficacy in early ectasia was better than TBIv2, TBIv1, cCBI, and CBI (Delong test, P < 0.01). It also had the best efficacy in distinguishing NL from "disease" (VAE-NT + VAE-E + KC), with an AUROC of 0.98 at the cutoff value of 0.66, sensitivity of 91.05 %, and specificity of 99.39 %. cTBI achieved 100 % sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing NL from clinical ectasia (VAE-E + KC) at a cutoff of 0.81. CONCLUSIONS: The ethnicity optimized cTBI index had good diagnostic efficiency for early ectasia in the Chinese population, highlighting the benefit of ethnic-specific parameter optimization.