PURPOSE We sought to identify the anti-angiogenic molecule expressed in corneal keratocytes that is responsible for maintaining the avascularity of the cornea. METHODS Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured with either human dermal fibroblasts or with human corneal keratocytes under serum-free conditions. The areas that exhibited blood vessel formation were estimated by...

BACKGROUND Fungal corneal ulcer is one of the major causes of visual impairment worldwide. Treatment of fungal corneal ulcer mainly depends on anti-fungal agents. In the current study, we developed an integrated combination therapy of cryotherapy and anti-fungal agents to facilitate effective treatment of fungal corneal ulcer. METHODS Rabbit models of cornea infection were established using a...

Inflammation of the corneal stroma (stromal keratitis) is a serious complication of infection with the nematode parasite Onchocerca volvulus. Because stromal keratitis is believed to be immunologically mediated in humans, we used a murine model to examine the role of T cells and T helper cell cytokines in the immunopathogenesis of these eye lesions. BALB/c mice immunized subcutaneously and inje...

Keratoconus, a degenerative disorder of the cornea, causes significant visual distortion and photophobia. Diagnosed in early life, it has a considerable influence on the patient’s daily activities and visual needs. A study of the rural population in Central India gave a prevalence of 2.3% +/0.2% among those aged 30 years and above.[1] The conventional treatment of keratoconus has been the fitti...

The biocompatibility and antibacterial properties of N,N-hexyl,methyl-polyethylenimine (HMPEI) covalently attached to the Boston Keratoprosthesis (B-KPro) materials was evaluated. By means of confocal and electron microscopies, we observed that HMPEI-derivatized materials exert an inhibitory effect on biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates, as compared to the parent poly(m...

FEBRUARY 2012 CAtARACt & REFRACtivE SURgERY todAY 39 A lthough much has been written on the topic, there is no universally accepted treatment for presbyopia. Therapies range from bifocal spectacles to scleral expansion to accommodating IOLs to corneal procedures such as presbyLASIK or conductive keratoplasty. An intrastromal approach is currently being investigated in FDA clinical studies for t...

Adenoviruses are a common cause of viral eye disease in humans. Recently, new antiviral drugs have been developed, which possess promising anti-adenovirus activity. In order to test these drugs, an ocular model of adenovirus infection was developed in 10 Hollander rabbits following topical, intrastromal and subconjunctival inoculation with a standard laboratory serotype (Adenovirus type 5 from ...