bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving corneal nerve regeneration: initial results of a novel regenerative agent
Authors: Gallar Juana 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIt is well stablished that nerve deficit in the cornea leads to an imbalance in trophic factors required to maintain a healthy corneal tissue. This deficit is clinically manifested as impaired epithelial repair and wound healing, and eventually stromal scarring and ulceration, leading to a greater risk of transplant failure. Thus, corneal trophic environment must be restored by first promoting an adequate corneal nerve regeneration after transplant, although nowadays there is no approved neuro‐regenerative therapy for the cornea.A plethora of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors influence neuron survival and axon regeneration after lesion, most of them produced locally by Schwann cells at the distal nerve stump after nerve axotomy. In ARREST BLINDNESS work package 7, the efficacy of topical treatment with several cytokines, chemokines and trophic factors to promote corneal axon regeneration and the restoration of corneal sensory and trophic functions has been tested in an experimental model of surgically‐induced neurotrophic deficit, induced by performing a corneal stromal flap in the guinea‐pig. Using NGF as a positive control, protein neublastin, a member of the glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor family has been identified as the most effective factor to increase nerve regeneration after corneal lesion.(Supported by ARREST BLINDNESS, a project funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement No 667400)
Targeting ion channels to treat corneal neuropathic pain and dry eye
Authors: Gallar Juana 
Published: December 2019

AbstractOcular sensations and pain results from the activation of peripheral nerve endings of trigeminal ganglion neurons whose sensitivity to different types of stimulus depends on the expression in their membrane of specific ion channels involved in sensory transduction. TRPM8 channel provides sensitivity to temperature changes and osmolarity; TRPV1, TRPA1 and ASIC channels, to chemical and heat stimuli, and Piezo2 channels, to mechanical forces. Other ion channels present in nerve endings as Cav, Nav, Kv, HCN and (2PD)K+ modulate their excitability and contribute to encode the stimulus. After nerve injury, sensory nerves firing is altered due to changes in the expression/activity of both transducing and excitability‐modulating ion channels, being this altered activity the basis of neuropathic pain. Then, transducing and encoding ion channels are potential molecular targets to modulate neuropathic nerve activity. Besides the classical use of drugs modulating the activity of TRPM8, TRPV1, Ca2+, Na+ or Kv channels, new approaches like the use of small molecule photoswitches (optopharmacology) are promising tools to alternatively block and unblock those ion channels involved in corneal neuropathic pain and dry eye.(Supported by grants SAF‐2017‐83674‐C2‐2‐R and 1‐R from Agencia Estatal de Investigación, Spain, and ERDF, EU, and PROMETEO/2018/114 from Generalitat Valenciana, Spain).
Genomics and molecular mechanisms in glaucoma and anterior segment abnormalities
Authors: Jamieson Robyn 
Published: December 2019

AbstractOcular anterior segment disorders have a significant impact on vision and may lead to glaucoma in over 50% of cases. They occur due to a complex interplay of developmental and genetic factors, and there are often marked phenotypic overlaps and genetic heterogeneity. Disorders of the anterior segment of the eye encompass a variety of clinical presentations including aniridia, Axenfeld and Rieger anomalies, primary congenital glaucoma, Peters anomaly, and there are a number of syndromal associations. Several genotype‐phenotype correlations are present, and genomic approaches have facilitated broadening of known phenotypes and led to identification of new anterior segment disease genes and pathways. Key disease genes include FOXC1, PITX2, CYP1B1, FOXE3, and PAX6, and there are a number of newly identified and less frequently reported disease genes including GJA8, CPAMD8, PXDN and COL4A1. Whole exome and whole genome sequencing approaches facilitate genetic diagnosis in these genetically heterogeneous disorders. These approaches, in combination with cellular and animal model studies, assist in elucidation of novel disease genes and molecular mechanisms contributing to glaucoma and anterior segment abnormalities.
Retinal ischemia in radiation retinopathies: radiobiological concepts and clinical spectrum
Authors: Matet Alexandre 
Published: December 2019

AbstractEyes irradiated for intraocular malignancies often develop irreversible retinopathy due largely to vascular damage leading to retinal ischemia. In most advanced cases, this severe process leads to refractroy neovascular glaucoma. We will provide an overview of current biological understanding of radiation‐induced retinal vascular damage, in connection with the clinical manifestations observed in irradiated eyes.
Phakic intraocular lens implantation in Keratoconus
Authors: Saw Valerie 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPhakic intraocular lens implantation can be a highly predictable and successful method of refractive correction and functional visual rehabilitation in patients with grade II – III keratoconus who have a stable corneal shape and good spectacle corrected visual acuity. Effective refractive correction has been reported using several types of toric phakic IOLs in keratoconus and also for keratoconus patients with post‐keratoplasty ametropia. A four stage visual rehabilitation pathway for keratoconus has been described: gross shape correction with intracorneal ring segments followed by cross‐linking, toric phakic intraocular lens implantation, and then fine shape correction with topography‐guideded PRK as necessary. The aim of this presentation is to present an update on current indications, methods and outcomes of toric phakic intraocular lens implantation in keratoconus patients.
Cultivated Oral Mucosal Epithelial Transplantation
Authors: Gatzioufas Zisis 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBilateral limbal stem cell deficiency (BLSCD) represents a highly demanding challenge for the clinician dealing with ocular surface disease, due to the underlying causes, clinical presentation, as well as lack of a source of autologous limbal stem cells. Cultivated Oral Mucosal Epithelial Transplantation (COMET) has been successfully employed to achieve visual rehabilitation in patients with BLSCD. This talk will focus on indications, technique, clinical results and complications of COMET. Moreover, it will present current disadvantages and limitations of COMET, exploring potential advancements in the future.
A rational explanation of some miracles of Christ healing blindness
Authors: Javier Ascaso Francisco 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDuring his 3‐year earthly ministry, Jesus Christ performed miracles that showed his ability to heal. The canonical Gospels report five separate cases in which Jesus healed blind people. Although Science prefers not to give its opinion and most miracles fall outside rational interpretations, it is certainly possible that some of them might be clarified with non‐divine answers. Did Jesus possess medical skills? Undoubtedly, he was a healer whose time was consumed with encounters with sick people. Following the persecution of Jewish newborns by the King Herod, Mary fled with Jesus to Egypt. According to the Jewish perspective (Talmud), Jesus brought his magic powers from Egypt. He returned to the land of Canaan at the age of 30 and started preaching. His mission ended with Jesus being 33 when he died. Although Christ did not always touch the afflicted in healing, at least in four of the five above mentioned miracles involving the blind, he touched them. But, isn't it possible that Jesus also had the ability to perform a “couching” technique with his own fingers? Taking into account that cataracts were undoubtedly very common in ancient Egypt and that ancient Egyptians and Babylonians used the “couching” procedure to dislodge the cataract away from the pupil, we should consider the possibility that Jesus learned this technique in Egypt.
Haematological diseases with monoclonal gammopathy – treatment
Authors: Jurczyszyn Artur 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMonoclonal gammopathy (MG) is a wide spectrum of the lymphoplasma cell proliferative disorders manifested by the production of abnormal monoclonal protein, ranging in severity from the premalignant monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) to the malignant: symptomatic multiple myeloma (MM), plasma cell leukemia (PCL) and Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM).Treatment of MG depends on the character of the disease. MGUS and SMM require only observation, however regular follow‐ups are needed because of the risk of progression to symptomatic MM. Multiple myeloma treatment is based on systemic therapy (with novel agents, preferably triplets) and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in transplant‐eligible patients (operatively defined as being ≤65–70 years). PCL, as the most aggressive variant of the MG, requires immediate systemic therapy with proteasome inhibitors‐based regimens combined with classical chemotherapeutics including alkylating agents or anthracyclines, followed by transplantation (also allogeneic, in selected cases). In asymptomatic WM watchful waiting is an appropriate approach, while in symptomatic disease systemic therapy with rituximab in monotherapy or combined with bendamustine, an alkylating agent, a proteasome inhibitor, or ibrutinib is needed. In case of ophthalmological manifestation of MG standard management accompanied with local treatment (eg. keratoprosthesis) is reported as effective.
Pediatric retina imaging in aniridia
Authors: Daruich Alejandra 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAniridia is a congenital complex ocular malformation characterized by complete or partial iris hypoplasia and foveal hypoplasia, resulting in nystagmus and low visual acuity from early infancy. In the majority of cases, aniridia is caused by the loss of function of one functional copy (haploinsufficiency) of the PAX6 protein resulting from mutations in PAX6 gene or chromosomal rearrangement at the 11p13 locus. High‐resolution foveal imaging by spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) has improved over recent years the evaluation of foveal architecture analyze. We have analyzed foveal anomalies on SD‐OCT in a large cohort (89 patients) of aniridia patients. We have shown that the grade of foveal hypoplasia is correlated to visual acuity. We have also shown that foveal hypoplasia is a constant finding in PAX6 aniridia patients, although iris defects could vary from complete aniridia to slight iris defects, even in the same family. Foveal imaging and grading by SD‐OCT could offer a non‐invasive tool to determine the visual potential of aniridia eyes and indicate further investigations or treatments. Additionally, SD‐OCT could contribute in the diagnosis of congenital aniridia by detecting foveal hypoplasia as the first sign of the disease.
CImmune reactions after PKP and DMEK–do they differ only in frequency?
Authors: Hos Deniz 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe incidence of immune reactions after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) is significantly reduced when compared to penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). Recent reports also suggest that the risk of endothelial decompensation is reduced after an immune reaction episode occurring after DMEK when compared to immune reactions occurring after PKP. This presentation will therefore summarize recent findings regarding incidence, treatment, prognosis and prophylaxis of immune reactions after DMEK in comparison to PKP.
The spectrum of disorders related to pachychoroid: an EDI‐OCT evaluation
Authors: Ambresin Aude 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPachychoroid disease is defined as: hyperpermeability on ICG angiography, loss if the inner choroid and dilated outer choroidal vessels (pachyvessels), presence of pachydrusen (drusenoid deposits) and diffuse or focal increased choroidal thickness visualized on OCT. The pachychoroid disease spectrum is divided in non‐neovascular pachychoroid disease and pachychoroid neovasculopathy (type 1 aneuvrysmal CNV, PCV). The non‐neovascular pachychoroid disease is divided in pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy, central serous chorioretinopathy, peripapillary pachychoroid syndrome and focal choroidal excavation. The enhanced depth imaging module of the Spectral domain OCT (Heidelberg Inc®) allows measurement of the choroidal thickness and precise visualization of the different layers of the choroid thus guiding clinicians through differential diagnosis of pachychoroid disease and its related therapeutic management. At the end of the talk, participants should be able to recognizes key signs on EDI OCT of each subgroup of pachychoroid disease.
Cataract surgery in patients with uveitis
Authors: Grzybowski Andrzej 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCataract surgery in patients with uveitis requires special considerations. Active inflammation, particularly anterior or intermediate uveitis, increases the risk for postoperative complications. Other problems include the development of postoperative adhesions between the iris and lens capsule postoperatively, membrane formation, IOL deposits, zonular problems, and cystoid macular edema (CME). Inflammation should be inactive or controlled as much as possible prior to elective surgery, minimum 3 months prior to surgery, as this reduces the risk of posteoperative CME. Collaboration with the physicians treating the patient's uveitis prior to cataract surgery will help to provide for appropriate prophylactic anti‐inflammatory therapy and improve postsurgical outcomes. Surgical planning should include the possible need for other procedures, such as managing pre‐existing posterior synechiae, pupillary membranes, zonular compromise, and fibrotic scarring of the pupillary margin. Current evidence supports a superior effect of hydrophobic acrylic lenses over silicone lenses, specifically for posterior synechiae outcome. Periocular or intraocular corticosteroids at the time of surgery should be considered. Posteoperatively the use of short‐acting topical mydriatic agents and greater frequency and duration of topical anti‐inflammatory treatment is recommended.
Pharmacological treatment of presbyopia
Authors: Grzybowski Andrzej 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAccommodation is the dioptric change in power of the eye produced by the changes of shape and position of the lens and the modification of the focus depth produced by the changes in the pupillary size. Presbyopia occurs in the 5th decade of life and is a consequence of the normal age‐related recession of the near point making it difficult to read at a normal working distance when the eye is fully corrected for distance vision. There are many strategies to correct presbyopia available nowadays, including eyeglasses, contact lenses, cornea or intraocular surgery, however, none of them is without limitations and fits every patient. Pharmacological treatment of presbyopia is based on using ophthalmic drops, which by impact on ciliary muscle, changing pupil size and elasticity can improve near vision. Many different modifications, including combination of two parasympathomimetics and a NSAID, two parasympathomimetics and one parasympatholytic, carbachol 2.25% with brimonidine 0.2%, and a combination of Pilocarpine 0.247%, Phenylephrine 0.78%, Polyethyleneglycol 0.09%, Nepafenac 0.023%, Pheniramine 0.034%, and Naphazoline 0.003% were studied. A different strategy based on lipoic acid derivative drops aims to soften the crystalline lens.
The advantage of low concentration of PVI in cataract surgery
Authors: Grzybowski Andrzej 
Published: December 2019

AbstractRationalizing medicine through verification of different practice patterns as well as the identification and elimination of unnecessary procedures is of increasing importance worldwide. The Choosing Wisely Campaign named in ophthalmology preoperative medical tests for eye surgery unless there are specific medical indications, the use of topical antibiotics in intravitreal injections and employment of topical antibiotics in adenovirus conjunctivitis as non‐beneficial and disadvised. The problem is not trivial as the impact of unnecessary tests and procedures in the U.S. was estimated be as high as 30% of all health care spending. Moreover, rationing and waste avoidance are complementary, and elimination of wasteful, non‐beneficial interventions was proposed to be ethically mandated. Cataract surgery is the most common surgical procedure worldwide, thus verification of different practice patterns related to this procedure is very justified.
Long‐term effects of inherited and acquired retinal degenerations on the retinal ganglion cell population
Authors: Villegas‐Pérez Maria‐Paz 
Published: December 2019

AbstractInherited photoreceptor degenerations cause loss of photoreceptors and retinal remodeling which, when severe, is accompanied of retinal vessel displacements that cause retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axonal compression and death. Light‐induced photoreceptor degenerations cause similar pathologic events and ultimately RGC loss. RGC death is secondary to photoreceptor degeneration and is a delayed event that occurs in retinal sectors where there is maximal photoreceptor degeneration. Other types of acquired retinal diseases, such as taurine deficiency‐induced retinal degeneration, which may be similar to vigabatrine‐induced retinopathy, can also cause photoreceptor degeneration and RGC loss. However, in taurine deficiency, RGC loss may not be secondary to photoreceptor degeneration, but occur as an independent event and thus, RGC loss is diffuse. The combination of two treatments: taurine deficiency and light toxicity increases photoreceptor loss but not RGC loss (García‐Ayuso et al., 2018). The population of intrinsically photosensitive RGCs (ipRGCs) may respond differently than the normal population of RGCs to different types of photoreceptor degeneration because they die in similar proportions to the other RGCs in inherited photoreceptor degenerations (García‐Ayuso et al., 2015), but are selectively affected by taurine‐deficiency and may show only a temporary decrease of melanopsin expression after light‐induced damage. The investigation of RGC loss in different retinal degenerations provides us with information on the mechanisms of cell death in order to plan strategies for its prevention.
Pseudoxanthoma elasticum
Authors: Nevalainen Pasi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is an inherited an autosomal recessive disease caused by a homozygous mutation of ABCC6 gene. The prevalence of PXE has been estimated to be 1:25 000–100 000.PXE is an inborn error of metabolism. The pathophysiologic problem is defective adenosine triphosphate (ATP) transport from the hepatocytes to extracellular space where ATP is cleaved to pyrophosphate and adenosine monophosphate (AMP). The result is systemic deficiency of pyrophosphate. Pyrophosphate is a critical anticalcifying agent. Deficiency of pyrophosphate causes causes calcification of elastic fibers in skin (typical xanthoma‐like nodules in lateral neck and armpits), occlusive vascular calcification (especially in lower extremities), and the Bruch's membrane (BM) in the retina.There is little longitudinal data to describe the natural course of retinal disease in PXE.Peau d'orange is probably the first ocular sign of PXE in the fundus. It can be found in 95% of PXE‐patients if the skin is affected. Peau d'orange is characterized by small dark spots within an area of a slightly whitish or opaque fundus reflex. Angioid streaks (AS), which are breaks in BM, are most consistently observed fundoscopic finding in PXE but it may be difficult if there is widespread atrophy present. At diagnosis 60–90% and after 20 years from diagnosis 100% of patients with PXE have AS. Peripheral comet and comet tail lesions have been suggested to be the only pathognomonic characteristic of PXE. Other lesions include choroidal neovascularization, pattern‐like atrophy and optic nerve drusen.Except treatment with inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor there is no accepted treatment for PXE. Clinical trials on pyrophosphate supplementation and pyrophosphate analogs are being planned.
Topical ciclosporine: New clinical insight
Authors: Bremond‐Gignac Dominique 
Published: December 2019

AbstractRare severe ocular diseases, as vernal keratoconjunctivitis and atopic keratoconjunctivitis, represent a group of ocular diseases that can lead to severe ocular impairment in children. The ocular manifestations mostly appear before 10 years‐old and usually resolve at adolescence. However, treatment is the critical point to avoid steroid dependence and complications. Topical ciclosporin has been used in preparation since the 80’ however only few studies with variation of formulation were published. Vektis study is a randomized prospective multicenter study using cationic emulsion ciclosporine A 0.1% in VKC. The results of ciclosporine studies in VKC will be exposed in order to evaluate safety and efficacy of topical cyclosporine A.
Glaucoma Surgery; How to manage the failing tube
Authors: Besinis Dimitrios 
Published: December 2019

AbstractGlaucoma drainage devices (GDDs) have been commonly used for refractory glaucoma as the last resort of managing the progression after a failed trabeculectomy. However there are certain types of glaucoma, where a primary tube is more effective in IOP control, like neovascular glaucoma and anterior segment dysgenesies. The two most commonly used tubes are the Ahmed valve and the Baerveldt shunt. Even though both of them are effective in giving adequate control of IOP, there are cases where the pressure begins to rise and the tube starts to fail. Tube failure can happen in either the early postoperative period or as a late complication. Mangement of the hypertensive phase and tube failure is different between the devices because of the different mechanism of action. In this talk I will present the management of failure of Ahmed and Baerveldt tubes and the next step in the treatment strategy.
Laser it!
Authors: Ameen Sally 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWhen drop compliance is an issue, we can use laser treatment modalities to control the eye pressure without the use of drops. In this talk, we will discuss the different types of laser treatments available, which one is suitable for which patient and the safety profile as well as their efficacy. We will be discussing lasers performed in the outpatient setting (SLT and PI) and those that need to be done in the operating theatre (ECP, TSC, MDLT).
Glaucoma surgery: how to manage failing MIGS
Authors: Porteous Alastair 
Published: December 2019

AbstractGlaucoma surgery is very effective at achieving good and long‐term pressure control with an acceptable safety profile. There are, however, patients for whom a previously successful procedure starts to fail. Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) techniques are becoming widely used for mild to moderate glaucoma. These techniques have an improved safety profile compared to more traditional filtration surgery, but there are still occasions when these techniques fail. This presentation, using surgical videos, personal experience and evidence from the literature, will aim to discuss a range of the most recently used MIGS techniques, including the iStent, Cypass microstent, endocyclophotocoagulation and Xen gel stent. The presentation will cover patient selection, complications, techniques to improve success and device misplacement.