Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is elaborated by the T helper 17 (T H 17) subset of T H cells and exhibits potent proinflammatory properties in animal models of autoimmunity, including collagen-induced arthritis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, and experimental autoimmune uveitis. To determine whether IL-17A mediates human inflammatory diseases, we investigated the efficacy and safety of AIN457, a human antibody to IL-17A, in patients with psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic noninfectious uveitis. Patients with chronic plaque-type psoriasis (n = 36), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 52), or chronic noninfectious uveitis (n = 16) were enrolled in clinical trials to evaluate the effects of neutralizing IL-17A by AIN457 at doses of 3 to 10 mg/kg, given intravenously. We evaluated efficacy by measuring the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), the American College of Rheumatology 20% response (ACR20) for rheumatoid arthritis, or the number of responders for uveitis, as defined by either vision improvement or reduction in ocular inflammation or corticosteroid dose. AIN457 treatment induced clinically relevant responses of variable magnitude in patients suffering from each of these diverse immune-mediated diseases. Variable response rates may be due to heterogeneity in small patient populations, differential pathogenic roles of IL-17A in these diseases, and the different involvement or activation of IL-17A-producing cells. The rates of adverse events, including infections, were similar in the AIN457 and placebo groups. These results support a role for IL-17A in the pathophysiology of diverse inflammatory diseases including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and noninfectious uveitis.

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Objectives:To determine the effect of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) on persistent corneal epithelial defects (PEDs) and to compare the efficacy between inlay and overlay techniques.Methods: Thirty patients (30 eyes) underwent AMT for PED. The use of AMT was restricted to patients in whom all previous measures, including bandage contact lens and tarsorrhaphy, had failed. The amniotic membrane was placed on the surface of the cornea in overlay (group A) or inlay (group B) fashion.

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An ophthalmic suspension containing povidone-iodine 0.4% and dexamethasone 0.1% may be a useful agent in the treatment of acute RPS Adeno Detector-positive conjunctivitis. A further placebo-controlled study with a larger number of patients is warranted.

Bevacizumab and ranibizumab were effective at improving visual acuity over 6 months in a small series of patients with MFC-associated CNV. Tears of the retinal pigment epithelium may occur after intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy in MFC-associated CNV.

Uveitis, a leading cause of blindness, is among the most common eye manifestations in patients affected by seronegative spondyloarthropathies. Evidence suggests both genetic and environmental factors in its pathogenesis. Immunomodulator treatments, including the recently popular biologics, may be effective in the control of chronic uveitis in patients with spondyloarthropathy. Ocular surgery is often needed in these patients, and appropriate cautions are required in order to achieve successful vision rehabilitation.

Clinical presentation alone is insufficient to correctly diagnose LSCD in complex cases. Additional diagnostic tests, such as IVCM, are necessary to confirm the diagnosis before any surgical intervention.