AIMS This study aimed to evaluate stromal wound healing morphology in short term unsutured compared with sutured corneal wounds, to define regional variation in healing within radial keratotomy wounds. METHODS Stromal scar tissue orientation (fibroblast and collagen fibre orientation) was analysed in unsutured and adjacent sutured keratotomy wounds in monkeys, 2 to 9 weeks after surgery, usin...

PURPOSE Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) has been linked to fibrosis in several tissues. In this study, the interactions between CTGF and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta were assessed in human corneal fibroblasts, and the levels and location of CTGF protein and mRNA were measured during healing of excimer laser ablation wounds in rat corneas. METHODS Human corneal fibroblasts were...

PURPOSE The local deposition of fibrinogen and other plasma products from tears within corneal wounds and the expression of plasminogen activator by corneal epithelial cells suggest that the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems play an important role in corneal wound healing. The authors used mouse lines deficient in plasminogen (Plg), fibrinogen (Fib), or both to elucidate the roles of these k...

This study was designed to explore the feasibility of using autologous rabbit adipose derived stem cells (rASCs) as seed cells and polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) as a scaffold for repairing corneal stromal defects. rASCs isolated from rabbit nape adipose tissue were expanded and seeded on a PLGA scaffold to fabricate cell-scaffold constructs. After 1 week of cultivation in vitro, the cell-s...

OBJECTIVE To compare clinical and histologic healing of corneal lacerations repaired by sutures or a new polymeric adhesive. METHODS A central full-thickness 4.1-mm laceration was made in the right eyes of 60 white leghorn chickens. Half of the wounds were treated with biodendrimer polymer adhesive and half were closed with 3 interrupted 10-0 nylon sutures. Slitlamp examination was performed ...

PURPOSE To report the corneal manifestations in eyes with Demodex infestation of the eyelids. DESIGN Noncomparative, interventional case series. METHODS This retrospective review included six patients with Demodex blepharitis who also exhibited corneal abnormalities, which led to suspicion of limbal stem cell deficiency in three cases. All patients received weekly lid scrubs with 50% tea tr...

OVERVIEW The cornea is a transparent organ with no blood vessels. It covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber of the eye. With a refractive power of about +45.00 diopters, the cornea's primary function is the refraction of light rays. Corneal focusing accounts for approximately 70% of the eye's optical power, while the remainder is provided by the lens. When distortions, irregularities, and...

OBJECTIVE To report the subpalpebral lavage therapy for the treatment of infectious scleritis and keratitis. METHOD Six patients were admitted for treatment of severe infectious scleritis and keratitis and were initiated on the subpalpebral lavage system after showing no improvement with topical fortified antibiotics. A continuous antibiotic lavage was applied until clinical sterility was ach...

PURPOSE To evaluate the leading indications for penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and their trends in Greece during the period 1982 to 2006. METHODS Retrospective data review of 1,929 patients (2233 eyes) who underwent PKP in the period between 1982 and 2006 at three cornea transplantation units of three hospitals in Greece (Athens General Hospital, Heraklion University Hospital of Crete, and Th...

PURPOSE To evaluate histological changes in the corneal stroma in pseudophakic bullous keratopathy. METHODS Twenty-eight patients (28 eyes) with pseudophakic bullous keratopathy underwent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty at Shandong Eye Institute between January 2006 and November 2011. The patients were divided into two groups according to the duration of bullous keratopathy (<1.0 year gr...