Case Report

A novel technique to identify and remove the conjunctival lymphangiectasia using indocyanine green gel

A novel technique to identify and remove the conjunctival lymphangiectasia using indocyanine green gel

:88-92
 
In this case reportit describes a novel technique using indocyanine green gel for the surgical excision of conjunctival lymphangiectasia (CL). CL was found on the nasal side of left eye in a 50-year-old male. Surgical excision of the entire cystic lesion with an intact cyst wall was completed with the assistance of an indocyanine green (ICG) gel. No sutures were used throughout the entire procedure. Subsequent post operative follow-up was uneventful. Herein, we report a novel technique used to facilitate the identifcation and complete removal of an intraocular cystic lesion ensuring an intact cyst wall.
In this case reportit describes a novel technique using indocyanine green gel for the surgical excision of conjunctival lymphangiectasia (CL). CL was found on the nasal side of left eye in a 50-year-old male. Surgical excision of the entire cystic lesion with an intact cyst wall was completed with the assistance of an indocyanine green (ICG) gel. No sutures were used throughout the entire procedure. Subsequent post operative follow-up was uneventful. Herein, we report a novel technique used to facilitate the identifcation and complete removal of an intraocular cystic lesion ensuring an intact cyst wall.
Original Article

Prevalence of idiopathic thoracic scoliosis in children and adolescents with superior oblique palsy: a cross‑sectional study

Prevalence of idiopathic thoracic scoliosis in children and adolescents with superior oblique palsy: a cross‑sectional study

:37-45
 

Purpose: Strabismus is associated with a higher prevalence of idiopathic thoracic scoliosis (ITS) in children. This study aims to investigate whether superior oblique palsy (SOP) poses a higher risk for developing ITS among children and adolescents.

Methods: A cross-sectional study. The study group comprised 347 consecutive candidates for SOP surgery aged 4 to 18 yearsPatients within the same age range with ocular trauma were enrolled as the control group. Preoperative chest plain radiographs were used to measure the Cobb angle. Demographic information and clinical data, including diopter, best corrected visual acuity, deviation degree, and binocular functionwere analyzed.

Results: A significantly higher prevalence of ITS was found in study group compared with control group (12.68% vs 4.18%< 0.001) . Additionally, the mean Cobb angle was lagger in SOP group than that in control group (5.02°±3.87° vs 3.84°±3.09°, < 0.001). Males in SOP group showed a higher prevalence of ITS  (12.9% vs 2.87%, P = 0.007), but there was no significant difference in females between two groups (12.3% vs 7.69%, P = 0.295). Good near stereopsis acuity was  significantly associated with high prevalence of thoracic scoliosis (< 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a large distant magnitude of deviation (>20 PD) and near stereoacuity were significantly associated with ITS.

Conclusions: Patients with SOP have a significantly  higher risk of developing idiopathic thoracic scoliosis, especially those with good near stereoscopic and large distant magnitude of deviation. 


Purpose: Strabismus is associated with a higher prevalence of idiopathic thoracic scoliosis (ITS) in children. This study aims to investigate whether superior oblique palsy (SOP) poses a higher risk for developing ITS among children and adolescents.

Methods: A cross-sectional study. The study group comprised 347 consecutive candidates for SOP surgery aged 4 to 18 yearsPatients within the same age range with ocular trauma were enrolled as the control group. Preoperative chest plain radiographs were used to measure the Cobb angle. Demographic information and clinical data, including diopter, best corrected visual acuity, deviation degree, and binocular functionwere analyzed.

Results: A significantly higher prevalence of ITS was found in study group compared with control group (12.68% vs 4.18%< 0.001) . Additionally, the mean Cobb angle was lagger in SOP group than that in control group (5.02°±3.87° vs 3.84°±3.09°, < 0.001). Males in SOP group showed a higher prevalence of ITS  (12.9% vs 2.87%, P = 0.007), but there was no significant difference in females between two groups (12.3% vs 7.69%, P = 0.295). Good near stereopsis acuity was  significantly associated with high prevalence of thoracic scoliosis (< 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a large distant magnitude of deviation (>20 PD) and near stereoacuity were significantly associated with ITS.

Conclusions: Patients with SOP have a significantly  higher risk of developing idiopathic thoracic scoliosis, especially those with good near stereoscopic and large distant magnitude of deviation. 



A case of interface fluid syndrome following the enhancement surgery after small incision lenticule extraction

A case of interface fluid syndrome following the enhancement surgery after small incision lenticule extraction

:418-426
 
Purpose: To report a case of interface fluid syndrome following small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and subsequent CIRCLE enhancement. Case Presentation: A 30-year-old female experienced progressively worsening vision following refractive enhancement surgery. The patient had experienced a transient increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) after SMILE, normalized poststeroid cessation. Three months after the enhancement, her best-corrected visual acuity deteriorated from 20/20 in both eyes before the surgery to 20/300. IOP measured by non-contact tonometry was 25.3 mmHg in the right eye and 26.7 mmHg in the left eye, while the measurements off the flap using iCare were 55.3 mmHg and 47.8 mmHg, respectively. Examination revealed moderate corneal edema, interface fluid pockets, and haze, which were confirmed by anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Treatment involved the discontinuation of steroids and the introduction of hypotensive medication, leading to significant symptom relief. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of cautious and conservative steroid use, particularly in steroid-responsive patients. When steroids are administered in cases potentially involving diffuse lamellar keratitis and haze, monitoring peripheral IOP is essential.
Purpose: To report a case of interface fluid syndrome following small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and subsequent CIRCLE enhancement. Case Presentation: A 30-year-old female experienced progressively worsening vision following refractive enhancement surgery. The patient had experienced a transient increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) after SMILE, normalized poststeroid cessation. Three months after the enhancement, her best-corrected visual acuity deteriorated from 20/20 in both eyes before the surgery to 20/300. IOP measured by non-contact tonometry was 25.3 mmHg in the right eye and 26.7 mmHg in the left eye, while the measurements off the flap using iCare were 55.3 mmHg and 47.8 mmHg, respectively. Examination revealed moderate corneal edema, interface fluid pockets, and haze, which were confirmed by anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Treatment involved the discontinuation of steroids and the introduction of hypotensive medication, leading to significant symptom relief. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of cautious and conservative steroid use, particularly in steroid-responsive patients. When steroids are administered in cases potentially involving diffuse lamellar keratitis and haze, monitoring peripheral IOP is essential.
Review Article

Progression of visual impairment in a patient harboring OPA1 mutation: a case report and literature review

Progression of visual impairment in a patient harboring OPA1 mutation: a case report and literature review

:237-243
 
Dominant optic atrophy (DOA) is an inherited optic neuropathy and more than 75% of DOA patients harbor pathogenic mutations in OPA1. We reported a 39-year-old female harboring c.2119G>T mutation of OPA1 and manifested progressive visual impairment after hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) therapy. The patient’s visual impairment remained stable for 10 years until she began to take HCQ 13 months ago. She complained about progressively decreased vision in both eyes. Bilateral pale temporal optic disc was similar with that of 11 years ago. Optical coherence tomography showed bilateral moderate retinal nerve fiber layer thinning other than the nasal quadrant and general thinning of the inner retina in the macular. Microcystic macular edema was noted in nasal macular in both eyes. Visual field testing showed paracentral scotoma and microperimetry showed decrease sensitivity in the macular in both eyes. After the patient stopped taking HCQ, her functional tests including visual acuity, field testing and microperimetry testing was stable compared with those of 2 years ago. However, progressive inner macular and RNFL thinning was shown by OCT. OPA1 c.2119 G>T found in this patient was a mutation that had been rarely reported in previous studies. The patient has been followed up for over 10 years and her visual acuity stayed stable for decades long until she took HCQ for 13 months. Her vision decline terminated after she stopped taking HCQ. Although HCQ toxicity is highly related to the duration and daily dose, HCQ may aggravate visual impairment in certain individuals harboring OPA1 mutation. Patients with DOA should avoid using neurotoxic HCQ and other medications that may interfere mitochondrial metabolism.

Dominant optic atrophy (DOA) is an inherited optic neuropathy and more than 75% of DOA patients harbor pathogenic mutations in OPA1. We reported a 39-year-old female harboring c.2119G>T mutation of OPA1 and manifested progressive visual impairment after hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) therapy. The patient’s visual impairment remained stable for 10 years until she began to take HCQ 13 months ago. She complained about progressively decreased vision in both eyes. Bilateral pale temporal optic disc was similar with that of 11 years ago. Optical coherence tomography showed bilateral moderate retinal nerve fiber layer thinning other than the nasal quadrant and general thinning of the inner retina in the macular. Microcystic macular edema was noted in nasal macular in both eyes. Visual field testing showed paracentral scotoma and microperimetry showed decrease sensitivity in the macular in both eyes. After the patient stopped taking HCQ, her functional tests including visual acuity, field testing and microperimetry testing was stable compared with those of 2 years ago. However, progressive inner macular and RNFL thinning was shown by OCT. OPA1 c.2119 G>T found in this patient was a mutation that had been rarely reported in previous studies. The patient has been followed up for over 10 years and her visual acuity stayed stable for decades long until she took HCQ for 13 months. Her vision decline terminated after she stopped taking HCQ. Although HCQ toxicity is highly related to the duration and daily dose, HCQ may aggravate visual impairment in certain individuals harboring OPA1 mutation. Patients with DOA should avoid using neurotoxic HCQ and other medications that may interfere mitochondrial metabolism.

Review Article

Application of single-cell sequencing in autoimmune uveitis: a comprehensive review

Application of single-cell sequencing in autoimmune uveitis: a comprehensive review

:160-170
 
Autoimmune uveitis is one of the most common inflammatory eye diseases leading to blindness globally. Its etiology is primarily associated with autoimmune responses. Patients with this condition often exhibit complex and chronic disease courses, with a high propensity for recurrence. Current treatments mainly involve corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents, which, despite their effectiveness, entail significant side effects that severely impact patients' vision and quality of life. There are still unresolved questions regarding the etiology and immunopathogenesis of autoimmune uveitis, and traditional high-throughput sequencing techniques fall short of adequately elucidatingits pathogenic mechanisms at the cellular level. With the continuous advancement of single-cell sequencing technology, an increasing number of studies are leveraging this approach to deeply investigate the pathogenesis of autoimmune uveitis, thereby offering new insights for identifying novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets. This paper reviews the latest applications of single-cell sequencing technology in exploring the pathogenesis of autoimmune uveitis. Through the utilization of this technology, researchers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of cellular-level changes in patients, providing robust support for the search for new therapeutic avenues. These studies offer new directions for the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune uveitis and provide valuable information for the development of future therapeutic strategies and approaches.
Autoimmune uveitis is one of the most common inflammatory eye diseases leading to blindness globally. Its etiology is primarily associated with autoimmune responses. Patients with this condition often exhibit complex and chronic disease courses, with a high propensity for recurrence. Current treatments mainly involve corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents, which, despite their effectiveness, entail significant side effects that severely impact patients' vision and quality of life. There are still unresolved questions regarding the etiology and immunopathogenesis of autoimmune uveitis, and traditional high-throughput sequencing techniques fall short of adequately elucidatingits pathogenic mechanisms at the cellular level. With the continuous advancement of single-cell sequencing technology, an increasing number of studies are leveraging this approach to deeply investigate the pathogenesis of autoimmune uveitis, thereby offering new insights for identifying novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets. This paper reviews the latest applications of single-cell sequencing technology in exploring the pathogenesis of autoimmune uveitis. Through the utilization of this technology, researchers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of cellular-level changes in patients, providing robust support for the search for new therapeutic avenues. These studies offer new directions for the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune uveitis and provide valuable information for the development of future therapeutic strategies and approaches.
Review Article

The status quo and advances in categorization of congenital cataract

The status quo and advances in categorization of congenital cataract

:56-66
 

Congenital cataract (CC) is one of the most common causes of pediatric visual impairment. As our understanding of CC's etiology, clinical manifestations, and pathogenic genes deepens,various CC categorization systems based on diferent classifcation criteria have been proposed. Regrettably, the application of the CC category in clinical practice and scientifc research is limited. It is challenging to obtain preciseinformation that could guide the timely treatment decision-making for pediatric cataract patients or predict their prognosis from a specific CC classification. This review aims to discuss the statusquo of CC categorization systems and the potential directions for future research in this field, focusingon categorization principles and scientific application in clinical practice. Additionally, it aims to propose the potential directions for future research in this domain.

Congenital cataract (CC) is one of the most common causes of pediatric visual impairment. As our understanding of CC's etiology, clinical manifestations, and pathogenic genes deepens,various CC categorization systems based on diferent classifcation criteria have been proposed. Regrettably, the application of the CC category in clinical practice and scientifc research is limited. It is challenging to obtain preciseinformation that could guide the timely treatment decision-making for pediatric cataract patients or predict their prognosis from a specific CC classification. This review aims to discuss the statusquo of CC categorization systems and the potential directions for future research in this field, focusingon categorization principles and scientific application in clinical practice. Additionally, it aims to propose the potential directions for future research in this domain.

Review Article

Advances in understanding conjunctival goblet cell traits and regenerative processes

Advances in understanding conjunctival goblet cell traits and regenerative processes

:85-96
 
Conjunctival goblet cells are of great significance to the ocular surface. By secreting mucins—particularly MUC5AC—they play a pivotal role in stabilizing the tear film, safeguarding the cornea from environmental insults, and preserving overall ocular homeostasis. Over the past decade, remarkable progress has been made in understanding the distinctive biological characteristics and regenerative potential of these specialized cells, opening novel avenues for treating various ocular surface disorders, ranging from dry eye syndrome and allergic conjunctivitis to more severe conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. This review comprehensively examines the morphology, function, and regulation of conjunctival goblet cells. Advanced imaging modalities, such as transmission electron microscopy, have provided in-depth insights into their ultrastructure. Densely packed mucin granules and a specialized secretory apparatus have been uncovered, highlighting the cells’ proficiency in producing and releasing MUC5AC. These structural characterizations have significantly enhanced our understanding of how goblet cells contribute to maintaining a stable and protective mucosal barrier, which is crucial for ocular surface integrity. The review further delves into the intricate signaling networks governing the differentiation and regeneration of these cells. Key pathways, including Notch, Wnt/β-catenin, and TGF-β, have emerged as essential regulators of cell fate decisions, ensuring that goblet cells maintain their specialized functions. Critical transcription factors, such as Klf4, Klf5, and SPDEF, have been identified as indispensable for driving the differentiation process and sustaining the mature phenotype of goblet cells. Additionally, the modulatory effects of inflammatory mediators—such as IL-6, IL-13, and TNF-α—and growth factors, such as EGF and FGF, are explored. These molecular insights offer a robust framework for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying ocular surface diseases, wherein the dysregulation of these processes often results in diminished goblet cell numbers and impaired tear film stability. Innovative methodological approaches have provided a strong impetus to this field. The development of three-dimensional (3D) in vitro culture systems that replicate the native conjunctival microenvironment has enabled more physiologically relevant investigations of goblet cell biology. Moreover, the integration of stem cell technologies—including the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs)—has made it possible to generate goblet cell-like epithelia, thereby presenting promising strategies for tissue engineering and regenerative therapies. The application of artificial intelligence in optimizing drug screening and biomaterial scaffold design represents an exciting frontier that may accelerate the translation of these findings into effective clinical interventions. In conclusion, this review underscores the central role of conjunctival goblet cells in preserving ocular surface health and illuminates the transformative potential of emerging regenerative approaches. Continued research focused on deciphering the intricate molecular mechanisms governing goblet cell function and regeneration is essential for developing innovative, targeted therapies that can significantly improve the management of ocular surface diseases and enhance patient quality of life.
Conjunctival goblet cells are of great significance to the ocular surface. By secreting mucins—particularly MUC5AC—they play a pivotal role in stabilizing the tear film, safeguarding the cornea from environmental insults, and preserving overall ocular homeostasis. Over the past decade, remarkable progress has been made in understanding the distinctive biological characteristics and regenerative potential of these specialized cells, opening novel avenues for treating various ocular surface disorders, ranging from dry eye syndrome and allergic conjunctivitis to more severe conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. This review comprehensively examines the morphology, function, and regulation of conjunctival goblet cells. Advanced imaging modalities, such as transmission electron microscopy, have provided in-depth insights into their ultrastructure. Densely packed mucin granules and a specialized secretory apparatus have been uncovered, highlighting the cells’ proficiency in producing and releasing MUC5AC. These structural characterizations have significantly enhanced our understanding of how goblet cells contribute to maintaining a stable and protective mucosal barrier, which is crucial for ocular surface integrity. The review further delves into the intricate signaling networks governing the differentiation and regeneration of these cells. Key pathways, including Notch, Wnt/β-catenin, and TGF-β, have emerged as essential regulators of cell fate decisions, ensuring that goblet cells maintain their specialized functions. Critical transcription factors, such as Klf4, Klf5, and SPDEF, have been identified as indispensable for driving the differentiation process and sustaining the mature phenotype of goblet cells. Additionally, the modulatory effects of inflammatory mediators—such as IL-6, IL-13, and TNF-α—and growth factors, such as EGF and FGF, are explored. These molecular insights offer a robust framework for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying ocular surface diseases, wherein the dysregulation of these processes often results in diminished goblet cell numbers and impaired tear film stability. Innovative methodological approaches have provided a strong impetus to this field. The development of three-dimensional (3D) in vitro culture systems that replicate the native conjunctival microenvironment has enabled more physiologically relevant investigations of goblet cell biology. Moreover, the integration of stem cell technologies—including the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs)—has made it possible to generate goblet cell-like epithelia, thereby presenting promising strategies for tissue engineering and regenerative therapies. The application of artificial intelligence in optimizing drug screening and biomaterial scaffold design represents an exciting frontier that may accelerate the translation of these findings into effective clinical interventions. In conclusion, this review underscores the central role of conjunctival goblet cells in preserving ocular surface health and illuminates the transformative potential of emerging regenerative approaches. Continued research focused on deciphering the intricate molecular mechanisms governing goblet cell function and regeneration is essential for developing innovative, targeted therapies that can significantly improve the management of ocular surface diseases and enhance patient quality of life.

Review Article

A review of corneal nerve and limbal stem cell

A review of corneal nerve and limbal stem cell

:68-84
 

The cornea is a transparent tissue that serves as the main refractive element of the eye ball.Limbal epithelial stem cells(LESCs), residing in the basal epithelial layer of the Palisades of Vogt located in the corneal limbus between cornea and scleral, are believed to be crucial for the continuous turnover of the corneal epithelium. The proliferation, migration, and differentiation of the LESCs are modulated by unique physical and chemical futures contained within the microenvironment known as the limbal niche. This niche, composed of nerve terminals, cells, extracellular matrix, vasculature, and signaling molecules, is the home for processe such as proliferation, migration and differentiation. Corneal nerve terminals possess special anatomical structures in the limbal region and basal epithelial cells, and they demonstrate pivotal biological effects in the regulation of the LESC function and corneal epithelium homeostasis. Biological molecules such as neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, and neurotrophic factors play a crucial role in modulating the LESCs phenotype responsible for corneal epithelium homeostasis. This paper will review recent studies on how  these nerve derived molecules function in this process and provide clear orientations for future research. 
The cornea is a transparent tissue that serves as the main refractive element of the eye ball.Limbal epithelial stem cells(LESCs), residing in the basal epithelial layer of the Palisades of Vogt located in the corneal limbus between cornea and scleral, are believed to be crucial for the continuous turnover of the corneal epithelium. The proliferation, migration, and differentiation of the LESCs are modulated by unique physical and chemical futures contained within the microenvironment known as the limbal niche. This niche, composed of nerve terminals, cells, extracellular matrix, vasculature, and signaling molecules, is the home for processe such as proliferation, migration and differentiation. Corneal nerve terminals possess special anatomical structures in the limbal region and basal epithelial cells, and they demonstrate pivotal biological effects in the regulation of the LESC function and corneal epithelium homeostasis. Biological molecules such as neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, and neurotrophic factors play a crucial role in modulating the LESCs phenotype responsible for corneal epithelium homeostasis. This paper will review recent studies on how  these nerve derived molecules function in this process and provide clear orientations for future research. 
Original Article

Pay attention to the role of outdoor activities after school in the prevention of myopia and the physical and mental development of adolescents

Pay attention to the role of outdoor activities after school in the prevention of myopia and the physical and mental development of adolescents

:1-6
 
Myopia, a common cause of visual impairment, together with the global decline in physical fitness and increasing prevalence of childhood obesity, has become a prominent global health problem. The beneficial effect of increasing the time of outdoor activities on the incidence of myopia and physical well-being in children has been widely recognized. However, in countries with highly competitive education systems, such as China, parents and school administrators may be reluctant to increase their children's time for extracurricular outdoor activities for fear of affecting their academic performance. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately assess the role of after-school outdoor activities in preventing and controlling myopia, as well as in promoting the physical and mental development of adolescents. Schools and families should be encouraged to collaboratively support children’s engagement in outdoor activities to foster their healthy growth. 

Given the dual benefits of outdoor activities—improving visual health and promoting overall physical and mental well-being—it is essential to encourage schools and families to work together to support children's engagement in such activities. By doing so, it is hoped that a balanced environment can be created, one that values both academic achievement and healthy development. Policymakers, educators, and parents must recognize the long-term advantages of integrating outdoor activities into children's daily lives, as this approach can help alleviate the burden of myopia, enhance physical fitness, and support emotional and cognitive development. Ultimately, fostering a culture that views outdoor activities as an essential component of education and health will be key to ensuring the well-rounded development of future generations.
Myopia, a common cause of visual impairment, together with the global decline in physical fitness and increasing prevalence of childhood obesity, has become a prominent global health problem. The beneficial effect of increasing the time of outdoor activities on the incidence of myopia and physical well-being in children has been widely recognized. However, in countries with highly competitive education systems, such as China, parents and school administrators may be reluctant to increase their children's time for extracurricular outdoor activities for fear of affecting their academic performance. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately assess the role of after-school outdoor activities in preventing and controlling myopia, as well as in promoting the physical and mental development of adolescents. Schools and families should be encouraged to collaboratively support children’s engagement in outdoor activities to foster their healthy growth.
Given the dual benefits of outdoor activities—improving visual health and promoting overall physical and mental well-being—it is essential to encourage schools and families to work together to support children's engagement in such activities. By doing so, it is hoped that a balanced environment can be created, one that values both academic achievement and healthy development. Policymakers, educators, and parents must recognize the long-term advantages of integrating outdoor activities into children's daily lives, as this approach can help alleviate the burden of myopia, enhance physical fitness, and support emotional and cognitive development. Ultimately, fostering a culture that views outdoor activities as an essential component of education and health will be key to ensuring the well-rounded development of future generations.
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