Diagnosis and Management of CMV Endotheliitis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to elucidate the recent developments in the diagnostic armamentarium and the treatment strategy of CMV endotheliitis.Recent FindingsCMV endotheliitis is now increasingly recognized entity especially in the Asian population. The exact pathogenesis is still unknown but many risk factors have been identified. A strong suspicion based on clinical features with the use of modern diagnostic tools like PCR and high resolution imaging modalities can lead to early confirmation of the disease. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment at the initial stage are crucial to avoid th...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - April 14, 2019 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Endophthalmitis Following Intravitreal Injections Performed in the Office Versus Operating Room Setting
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo review the safety of performing intravitreal injections in the office compared with the operating room setting.Recent FindingsFew studies directly compare outcomes, including endophthalmitis rate, following intravitreal injections performed in the office versus operating room setting. Instead, the literature on post-injection endophthalmitis consists mostly of retrospective series separately assessing outcomes of injections performed in either the office or in the operating room. These studies consistently show that the rates of endophthalmitis are low in each setting. Of the studies reviewed, 1...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - April 8, 2019 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Optic Nerve Regeneration: Considerations on Treatment of Acute Optic Neuropathy and End-Stage Disease
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAcute and chronic optic neuropathies lead to irreversible vision loss, prompting considerations of regenerative therapy. Th e insult commonly occurs primarily in the anterior optic nerve, which leads to degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons and loss of oligodendrocytes. We review important aspects of optic nerve regeneration and animal models of disease.Recent FindingsPreclinical studies in animals showed that approaches that improve RGC survival and axon regeneration include neurotrophic factor delivery, genetic manipulation, visual stimulation, and cell therapies, but impa...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - March 7, 2019 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization: Diagnosis and Treatment Update
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo review the diagnosis and treatment of myopic choroidal neovascularization. Imaging tests currently available and the advantages of each modality for detecting choroidal neovascularization signs are discussed. The management options and the outcomes of different treatment options are also reviewed.Recent FindingsAnti-vascular endothelial growth factor has become the preferable choice of treatment in myopic choroidal neovascularization cases with improved results. The benefits of a single injection followed by PRN dosing were supported by randomized clinical trials.SummaryChoroidal neovascularizat...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - February 23, 2019 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Updates on Corneal Xenotransplantation
This article reviews current knowledge of the antigenicity and bio-physical properties of pig corneal grafts in corneal xenotransplantation, including efficacy and safety data of corneal xenotransplantation using genetically engineered (GE) or wild-type (WT) porcine grafts and decellularized porcine grafts in nonhuman primates as a proof-of-concept. Recent advances in regulatory issues and standardization of protocols for their use are also discussed to help facilitate clinical trials of corneal xenotransplantation in the future.SummaryThis review posits that a proof-of-concept opportunity exists in certain breeds of pigs ...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - February 19, 2019 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Decoding PERG: a Neuro-Ophthalmic Retinal Ganglion Cell Function Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCurrently, the clinical evaluation of neuro-ophthalmologic diseases is mainly focused on identifying stages where structural or functional damage occurs. Recognition of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) functional patterns as well as monitoring RGC dysfunction can be performed using steady-state pattern electroretinogram (PERG). The analysis of the amplitude and latency shift aids on providing information on early damage or monitoring of the RGC, allowing for prompt clinical intervention and management modification, potentially changing the natural history of the disease. The purpose of this article is t...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - February 13, 2019 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Decision Making in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe goal of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the recent advances in the management options for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.Recent FindingsFor many years, cases of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) have been managed by pan retinal photocoagulation (PRP). The advent of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents has changed the future of PDR management and has provided an alternative to PRP.SummaryManagement of PDR requires the identification of high-risk characteristics for PDR and the decision regarding the most appropriate treatment modality. The risk...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - February 4, 2019 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of this review is to summarize developments in the treatment of active polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). PCV is associated with a poor visual prognosis as a consequence of the condition ’s hallmark polypoidal dilatation and a branching network resulting in recurrent hemorrhages and serous leakage.Recent FindingsRecent research has provided new insights into the pathogenesis of PCV. While still considered a subtype of age-related macular degeneration, suggestions that PCV belongs to a spectrum of conditions that present with a pachychoroid are increasingly well accepted. Treatment r...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - February 2, 2019 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Adult Stem Cells, Tools for Repairing the Retina
AbstractPurpose of ReviewRetinal degenerative diseases lead to the death of retinal neurons causing visual impairment and blindness. In lower order vertebrates, the retina and its surrounding tissue contain stem-cell niches capable of regenerating damaged tissue. Here, we examine these niches and review their capacity to be used as retinal stem/progenitor cells (RSCs/RPCs) for retinal repair.Recent FindingsExogenous factors can control the in vitro activation of RSCs/PCs found in several niches within the adult eye including cells in the ciliary margin, the retinal pigment epithelium, iris pigment epithelium, as well as th...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - January 24, 2019 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
New Insights Into Corneal Endothelial Regeneration
This article reviews our current understanding of the regenerative capacity of the corneal endothelium and critically evaluates new and important research in the treatment of endothelial dysfunction.Recent FindingsThe development and application of new surgical (Descemet ’s membrane stripping only), pharmacologic (rho kinase inhibitors, such as ripasudil), and injectable cell culture modalities for the treatment of endothelial dysfunction have sparked debate in the cornea world and may revolutionize future clinical practice.SummaryThe exact mechanisms involved in corneal endothelial regeneration remain elusive. The lates...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - January 22, 2019 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Emerging Approaches for Ocular Surface Regeneration
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this manuscript, the recent advancements and novel approaches for regeneration of the ocular surface are summarized.Recent FindingsFollowing severe injuries, persistent inflammation can alter the rehabilitative capability of the ocular surface environment. Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is one of the most characterized ocular surface disorders mediated by deficiency and/or dysfunction of the limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) located in the limbal niche. Currently, the most advanced approach for revitalizing the ocular surface and limbal niche is based on transplantation of limbal tissues ...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - January 17, 2019 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Update on the Surgical Reconstruction of Ocular Surface in Eyes with Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo determine indications, advantages, disadvantages, and potential complications of current surgical approaches for reconstruction of ocular surface in subjects with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD).Recent FindingsRecently, autologous limbal stem cell transplant (LSCT) has demonstrated to have positive clinical outcomes for visual rehabilitation. Simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) in subjects with unilateral LSCD and wet ocular surface is a clear example of this. Keratoprosthetic devices and their late modifications remain the best option for subjects with bilateral LSCD and a wet oc...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - November 29, 2018 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery vs. Phacoemulsification: Overall Safety and the Effect on the Corneal Endothelium
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo summarize current evidence on the safety of cataract surgery with and without the femtosecond laserRecent FindingsLarge studies, including a government-financed randomized controlled trial, have consistently failed to demonstrate any additional safety benefit from femtosecond laser –assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) when compared to manual phaco. Additional high-quality studies, such as the European Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgery EUREQUO FLACS Study, suggest that manual cataract surgery actually has fewer complications. The data on whether FLACS reduces endothel ial cell count los...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - November 29, 2018 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Characterization of the Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome and a Review of the Literature
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewTo characterize the dysfunctional lens syndrome and review the literature on the topic.Recent FindingsDiagnostic devices may be used to objectively evaluate the aging changes of the crystalline lens in order to better characterize the entity. Opportunities exist for future evaluation of this emerging concept.SummaryThe term dysfunctional lens syndrome is gaining acceptance in our field. Objective diagnostic evaluation of aging crystalline lenses has been demonstrated to be useful in identification and characterization of the dysfunctional lens. (Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports)
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - November 12, 2018 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Advanced Technology IOL Cataract Surgery Optimized for Pre-existing Corneal Disease
AbstractPurpose of ReviewDiscuss the management of ocular surface disease for favorable outcomes with advanced technology IOLs.Recent FindingsOcular surface disease poses a challenge for favorable outcomes with advanced technology IOLs, especially given current patient expectations that glasses-free outcomes are guaranteed. Long-established and recent techniques for optimizing the ocular surface prior to cataract surgery, combined with education and careful selection of IOLs can help meet patient expectations.SummaryCareful measurement, planning, and treatment of ocular surface disorders can enable more patients to benefit...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - November 8, 2018 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
