The amniotic membrane (AM) has a long history of use in the treatment of various diseases of the ocular surface. It contains pluripotent cells, highly organized collagen, anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory cytokines, immune-modulators, growth factors, and matrix proteins. It is used to promote corneal healing in severely damaged eyes. Recently, AM extract and AM extract eye drops have been successfully used in clinical applications, including dry eye and chemical burns. We provide an overview on the recent progress in the preparation, mechanisms of action, and use of AM extract/AM extract eye drops for corneal and external eye diseases.

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Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy is a hereditary and progressive vision-threatening disease with a high prevalence in our adult population. In the past two decades, endothelial transplantation has dramatically changed the way we treat these patients. Back then, our limited surgical techniques often resulted in less than ideal outcomes. It was unimaginable for our patients to achieve near perfect visual acuity in such a short span of time. Over the years, we have tenaciously refined our surgical techniques to vastly improve patient outcomes, and with the recent advent of Rho-kinase inhibitors, we may even consider delivering a simple injection to our patients in the future. Our purpose is to take a historical perspective on how far we have come in treating this disorder and how rapidly this field will continue to evolve.

Ultramarathon-associated corneal edema is a rare phenomenon. We report a case of a patient who presented with bilateral corneal edema following an ultramarathon. The corneal edema resolved without sequelae 48 h later. The authors hypothesize that the additive effect of enhanced glycolysis, an increased lactate level in the aqueous humor, and oxidative stress alters the normal endothelial regulation of the cornea and leads to corneal edema.