BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to assess whether differences in central corneal dendritic immune cell densities associated with combinations of soft contact lenses and lens care solutions could be detected by in vivo confocal microscopy.MethodsParticipants were adults naïve to contact lens wear (n = 10) or who wore soft contact lenses habitually on a daily-wear schedule (n = 38) or on a study-assigned schedule for 30 days with daily disposable silicone hydrogel lenses (n = 15). Central corneas were scanned using an in vivo confocal microscope. Cell densities were compared among groups by demographic parameters, lens materials, and lens care solutions (polyhexamethylene biguanide [PHMB], polyquaternium-1 and myristamidopropyl dimethylamine [PQ/MAPD], peroxide, or blister pack solution [for daily disposable lenses]).ResultsAmong lens wearers, no associations were observed between immune cell densities and age, gender, or years of lens-wearing experience. Mean cell density was significantly lower (P < 0.01) in nonwearers (29 ± 23 cells/mm2, n = 10) than in lens wearers (64 ± 71 cells/mm2, n = 53). Mean cell density was lower (P = 0.21) with traditional polymer lenses (47 ± 44 cells/mm2, n = 12) than with silicone hydrogel lenses (69 ± 77 cells/mm2, n = 41). Lowest to highest mean density of immune cells among lens wearers was as follows: PQ/MAPD solution (49 ± 28 cells/mm2), blister pack solution (63 ± 81 cells/mm2), PHMB solution (66 ± 44 cells/mm2), and peroxide solution (85 ± 112 cells/mm2).ConclusionIn this pilot study, in vivo confocal microscopy was useful for detecting an elevated immune response associated with soft contact lenses, and for identifying lens-related and solution-related immune responses that merit further research.

ObjectivesThe aim of the study reported here was to assess the efficacy of an artificial tear emulsion for the treatment of dry eye associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).MethodsAt five clinics, patients completed a 1-week treatment with their habitual topical therapy and then a 4-week treatment with open-label study medication: Systane® Balance Lubricant Eye Drops (Alcon, Alcon Inc, Fort Worth, TX, USA). Subjective assessments included a preference survey, the Impact of Dry Eye in Everyday Life questionnaire, and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire. Objective assessments by unmasked investigators included visual acuity, meibomian gland expression and dropout, tear film breakup time, corneal staining, and dosing frequency.ResultsAt baseline, the 49 patients had mean meibomian gland expression grades and gland dropout that indicated mild to moderate MGD. Patients administered their habitual therapy 2.5 ± 1.3 times per day. After 4 weeks of study medication, the Impact of Dry Eye in Everyday Life questionnaire results indicated statistically and clinically significant improvements. Fewer than half of the participants were employed, limiting the usefulness of the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire. Visual acuity remained statistically similar, while corneal staining and tear film breakup time improved significantly (P < 0.05) but modestly. The outcomes were achieved with 1.9 ± 1.1 doses per day of study medication, a significantly lower frequency than the habitual frequency (P < 0.001). The most common medication-related adverse event was blurred vision (3/49 patients, 6.1%). At study conclusion, 27/44 (61.4%) survey respondents preferred the study medication to their habitual therapy.ConclusionThe artificial tear emulsion was effective for treating the signs and symptoms of dry eye in MGD patients.

No abstract

The software rapidly and accurately analyzed the in vivo confocal micrographs of the healthy central corneas, yielding quantitative results to describe the nerves, dendritic immune cells, and wing cells.

Scleral contact lenses may offer a useful alternative to stabilize the ocular surface, improve vision, and minimize the financial impact and morbidity of multiple periocular procedures in select patients with progressive keratopathy of varying etiologies. The therapeutic indications and utilization of SCLs are likely to increase in oculoplastic practices with optometric support, particularly in academic settings. Surgical correction of eyelid and eyebrow malposition, as well as epiphora, may also be useful adjunctive procedures to optimize SCL fit.

No abstract

SIGNIFICANCE Standardized guidelines that are clinically practical are needed to assist the prescriber in minimizing the risk of conveying infection through multiuse diagnostic contact lens use and reuse. Contact lens prescribers face the specter of transferring potential pathogens from one patient to another when reusing diagnostic (trial) contact lenses on multiple patients because infectious organisms have been recovered from worn contact lenses, although there is no evidence of transmission through this mechanism. These pathogens can be introduced into the system from one patient to another, or they may be introduced by clinician lens handling, storage, or both. These pathogens can cause acute or chronic systemic or ocular infection that can lead to significant morbidity (temporary or permanent) that includes vision loss.

No abstract