Uveal Melanoma: A Review of Prognostic Factors for Metastases
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this article, we review the clinical and molecular prognostic factors for metastasis in uveal melanoma.Recent FindingsPrognostic predictors for metastasis in uveal melanoma have evolved from utilizing clinical and histopathologic information to incorporating genetic data (e.g., gene expression profiling and chromosomal abnormality tests). Commercially available gene expression profiling and chromosomal abnormality tests have been validated to provide robust, reproducible prognostic information. Recently, the preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) has been identified as a biomarker ...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - January 25, 2021 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Clinical Studies of COMET for Total LSCD: a Review of the Methods and Molecular Markers for Follow-Up Characterizations
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review outlines the main features of the clinical trials where cultivated oral mucosa epithelial cell transplantation (COMET) was performed, aiming to underscore a link between the clinical outcome and the expression of specific markers during the follow-up of patients, characteristic for a defined epithelium (cornea, oral mucosa, or conjunctiva) or related to vascularization.Recent FindingsCurrently, little is known about the reasons underlying the success or failure of COMET. To address this issue, we focused on tissue characterization at the molecular level, highlighting the findings concer...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - January 22, 2021 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Malignant Orbital Tumors: Current Approach to Diagnosis and Management
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo review current approaches to the diagnosis and management of the most common primary and secondary malignant tumors of the orbit in children and adults.Recent FindingsGiven the rarity of most malignant orbital tumors, randomized clinical trials are lacking, but small retrospective studies investigating multimodal treatment strategies show early promise in preserving the eye and improving survival outcomes.SummaryMalignant orbital masses may be due to a broad range of pathologies, including primary tumors of the lacrimal apparatus, tumors of mesenchymal origin involving the orbit, tumors of the o...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - January 12, 2021 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Protect, Repair, and Regenerate: Towards Restoring Vision in Glaucoma
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWe summarize recent advances in strategies that aim to restore optic nerve function and vision in glaucoma through protective, reparative, and regenerative avenues.Recent FindingsNeuroprotection relies on identification of early retinal ganglion cell dysfunction, which could prove challenging in the clinic. Cell replacement therapies show promise in restoring lost vision, but some hurdles remain in restoring visual circuitry in the retina and central connections in the brain.SummaryIdentification and manipulation of intrinsic and extrinsic cellular mechanisms that promote axon regeneration in both ...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - November 20, 2020 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Modeling and Restoring the Tear Film
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review summarizes the major factors currently implicated in the pathogenesis of tear film related ocular disorders, including dysfunctional adhesions, inflammatory factors, and insufficient lubrication by ocular surface mucins, and highlights the potential of in vitro models to propel more effective treatments into the clinic while improving fundamental understanding of ocular surface biology.Recent FindingsThe cornea and conjunctiva form a continuous ocular surface that shields the visual system from environmental threats. Because of its precise composition and organization, the ocular surfac...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - November 3, 2020 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Sight of Action: the Rationale and Evolution of Gene Therapy Approaches to the Treatment of Retinal Diseases
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review will summarize ocular gene therapy clinical trials and associated technology that have been initiated within the last 5 years.Recent FindingsInitial programs utilized subretinal administration of an AAV2 serotype coupled with a ubiquitous promoter and a transgene targeting both monogenic inherited retinal diseases and acquired chronic ocular diseases polygenic in origin such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Cellular specific viral vectors with optimization of the expression cassette to include cellular-specific promoters and cassette regulatory elements to...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - October 28, 2020 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Systematic Review of Ocular Involvement of SARS-CoV-2 in Coronavirus Disease 2019
AbstractPurpose of ReviewStudies have reported ocular involvement in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with SARS-CoV-2 having been detected in ocular swab samples. This has implicated the eye as a portal of transmission. The aim of this systemic review is to summarise and discuss the current literature regarding ocular involvement of SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19.Recent FindingsIn this systematic review, the prevalence of ocular symptoms and signs was low (from 0 to 31.58%) and conjunctivitis was a relatively rare occurrence. The rate of detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the ocular swab samples was low as well and this ranged fro...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - September 25, 2020 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Corneal Neurotization and Novel Medical Therapies for Neurotrophic Keratopathy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewNeurotrophic keratopathy (NK) is a degenerative corneal disease characterized by decreased corneal sensibility and impaired corneal healing. In this article, we review surgical techniques for corneal neurotization (CN) and novel medical therapies for the treatment of NK.Recent FindingsIn recent decades, there has been a paradigm shift in the treatment strategies for NK. New minimally invasive direct and indirect CN approaches have demonstrated efficacy at improving best-corrected visual acuity and central corneal sensation while decreasing surgical morbidity. In addition, several targeted medical t...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - September 22, 2020 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty in Asian Eyes
AbstractPurpose of ReviewDescemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) has become the treatment of choice for endothelial diseases such as Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), especially in the United States and Europe. In this review, we give an overview of current knowledge about DMEK in Asian eyes and describe novel surgical modifications of this technique for these cases.Recent FindingsAlthough many scientific reviews about DMEK in Caucasian eyes have already been published, there is still little knowledge about clinical outcomes of DMEK in Asian eyes. This is of particular importance, as there are substanti...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - September 20, 2020 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Photodynamic Therapy for Infectious Keratitis
ABSTRACTPurpose of ReviewDue to the invasive nature of the keratoplasty and the shortage of available donor tissue around the world, alternative treatments are needed for the management of progressive infectious keratitis.Recent FindingsInfectious keratitis is a sight-threatening microbial infection. The prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in cases of infectious keratitis has increased the demand for fortified compounded antimicrobial drops. Even with proper medical management, severe cases of infectious keratitis can further evolve into corneal perforation, requiring surgical intervention in the form of keratoplasty to...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - September 11, 2020 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Omics Analyses in Keratoconus: from Transcriptomics to Proteomics
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo summarize the recent advances in transcriptomics and proteomics studies of keratoconus using advanced genome-wide gene and protein expression profiling techniques.Recent FindingsSecond-generation sequencing including RNA sequencing has been widely used to characterize the genome-wide gene expression in corneal tissues or cells affected by keratoconus (KC). Due to variations in sample types, sequencing platforms, and analysis pipelines, different lists of genes have been identified to be differentially expressed in KC-affected samples. Gene ontology and pathway/network analyses have indicated the...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - September 1, 2020 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Topical Steroids in Management of Dry Eye Disease
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo review current literature on the use of topical steroids for treatment of both aqueous-deficient and evaporative subtypes of dry eye disease (DED).Recent FindingsRecent studies have shown that topical steroids are effective for the treatment of patients with moderate or severe DED who have failed to respond to more conservative measures. These medications are useful for patients with both aqueous-deficient and evaporative subtypes of DED. Although topical steroids are often used for a short period of time, patients with chronic ocular surface inflammation can benefit from long-term treatment. Fo...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - August 28, 2020 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Emerging Technologies to Solve the Key Issues in Endothelial Keratoplasty
AbstractPurpose of ReviewEndothelial keratoplasty (EK) is increasingly used to treat corneal endothelial disease. However, issues remain with EK including a non-zero rejection rate, shortage of donor tissue, and technical challenges for Descemet ’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty. Technologies that might solve these issues include small-molecule drugs, surgical innovations, cell therapy, tissue engineering, and gene therapy. Our purpose is to inform ophthalmologists, eye bankers, and eye health professionals of technologies that could i mpact practice in the near future.Recent FindingsRecent advances are targeted at so...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - August 23, 2020 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Update on Laser Vision Correction Versus Intraocular Lens Options
This article discusses the various options available and specific considerations to take into account for myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia in turn. (Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports)
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - August 18, 2020 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
SMILE for Myopic Astigmatism: Early Experience in the USA and International Advances
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this article, we review the early experience with small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in the USA as well as recent international data. We address long-term experience, new techniques, optimization of settings, corneal biomechanics, and comparison with other refractive surgical procedures.Recent FindingsDespite promising early experience, US refractive surgeons have adopted the SMILE procedure slowly, owing in part to limitations on energy settings that have impacted early visual recovery. Outside of the USA, advances in parameters and techniques have driven improved early and long-term o...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - August 16, 2020 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
