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MEMPHIS, TN :: RED LIGHT TECHNOLOGY (RLT) may be a future treatment to improve dry eye disease in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction, according to recent research. Application of RLT [...]

Reviewed by Eiki Goto, MD Chiba, Japan -- Low-concentration homogenized castor oil eye drops seem to be an effective and safe treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction, a major cause of [...]

Reviewed by Donald R. Korb, OD FORT LAUDERDALE, FL-Clinicians can now evaluate dry eye with a practical and reliable method for testing fluorescein tear break-up time (FBUT), said Donald R. [...]

Purpose: To study tear film parameters and Meibomian glands in pediatric patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). Methods: Forty-four eyes of 22 patients with VKC and 44 eyes of 22 age-matched controls were studied in a hospital-based cross-sectional study. Each subject underwent a complete ophthalmological examination including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, non-invasive break-up time (NIBUT), fluorescein break-up time (FBUT), corneal fluorescein staining, and Schirmer's test. Non-contact meibography was performed using a Sirius topographer. Results: All patients had VKC grades between 1 and 3 (Bonini scale). The mean NIBUT for cases was 8.83 ± 4.02 s and in controls, it was 15 ± 2.8 s (P value < 0.001). The mean FBUT for cases was 9.41 ± 3.45 s and in controls, it was 16.7 ± 2.5 s (P value < 0.001). Schirmer's values were 32 ± 3.1 mm in cases and 21.4 ± 4.1 mm in controls, which were significantly higher (P value < 0.001). Also, 22.72% of the cases had corneal fluorescein staining in the form of superficial punctuate keratitis, whereas none of the control groups showed corneal staining. The examination of Meibomian glands using non-contact meibography showed a mean Meibomian gland dropout in the upper lid to be 29.7 ± 14.4% in VKC cases and 10.5 ± 3.2% in controls (P value < 0.001). Meibography of the lower lid showed 25.9 ± 10.2% dropout in cases and 20.5 ± 6.1% in controls (P value = 0.004). Conclusion: Tear film parameters were significantly deranged in children with VKC in the active stage as compared to age-matched controls. Children with VKC also had a higher Meibomian gland dropout. Keywords: Dry eye, meibography, tear film, VKC, Author(s): Ruchi Gupta (corresponding author) [1]; Ritu Arora [1]; Isha Gupta [1]; Parul Jain [1] Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic, bilateral, at times asymmetrical, seasonally exacerbated, allergic inflammation of [...]

Food conglomerate Booker dismissed Chief Exec. Charles Bowen in Mar. 1998 when its fragile facade of optimism was destroyed by calamitous annual results and the third profit warning within a year. Booker is to undertake a thorough review of its entire structure under the guidance of new deputy Chmn. Alan Smith and Andrew Rolfe of Booker Foodservice. Booker could be reduced to its core food wholesaling foodservice and distribution businesses within a year since demergers, sell-offs, management buy-outs, sale and leasebacks are all planned., Booker's chief executive Charles Bowen paid the price last week for long term decline in shareholder value. Now the sell off begins. If ever a company gave hostages to fortune, [...]

Purpose: To compare the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of lifitegrast 5% versus carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) 0.5% in adult patients with dry eye disease (DED). Methods: A total of 370 eligible patients with DED were randomized equally to receive twice-daily doses of a single drop in each eye of either lifitegrast 5% or CMC 0.5% for 12 weeks. Follow-up at weeks 2, 6, and 12 evaluated changes from baseline in primary [eye dryness score (EDS), ocular discomfort score (ODS), ocular surface disease index (OSDI), and tear film break-up time (TFBUT)] and secondary [Schirmer tear test (STT) score and corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) score] endpoints. Global improvement, safety, and tolerability were also assessed. Results: At week 2, values of ocular discomfort score, OSDI, and conjunctival redness were significantly more favorable in patients treated with lifitegrast compared to CMC. At week 6, values of all study variables were better in patients treated with lifitegrast compared to CMC; differences between the groups were statistically significant for all except photophobia. This trend was also maintained at week 12. Global improvement and tolerability were found to be better with lifitegrast than with CMC. No serious safety concerns were reported in any treatment group. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first active-controlled trial informing on the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of lifitegrast 5%. Significantly more favorable values for EDS (except photophobia), ODS, OSDI, TFBUT, STT score, CFS score, and conjunctival redness score were achieved at week 12 with lifitegrast 5% compared to CMC 0.5%. Keywords: Carboxymethycellulose (CMC), dry eye disease (DED), Indian adults, lifitegrast, Author(s): Namrata Sharma [1]; Sayan Basu [2]; Rohit Shetty [3]; Pramod Kumar [4]; Anindita Mondal [5]; P Seshu Babu [6]; Richa Srivastava [7]; Ranjana A Pande [8]; Shubashree Karat [9]; [...]

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of trigeminal parasympathetic pathway (TPP) stimulation in the treatment of dry eye. A comprehensive search for randomized clinical trials was performed in seven databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, etc.) up to 28 February 2023. After screening the suitable studies, the data were extracted and transformed as necessary. Data synthesis and analysis were performed using Review Manager 5.4, and the risk of bias and quality of evidence were evaluated with the recommended tools. Fourteen studies enrolling 1714 patients with two methods (electrical and chemical) of TPP stimulation were included. Overall findings indicate that TPP stimulation was effective in reducing subjective symptom score (standardized mean difference [SMD], -0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.63 to -0.28), corneal fluorescence staining (mean difference [MD], -0.78; 95% CI, -1.39 to -0.18), goblet cell area (MD, -32.10; 95% CI, -54.58 to -9.62) and perimeter (MD, -5.90; 95% CI, -10.27 to -1.53), and increasing Schirmers test score (SMD, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.65 to 1.31) and tear film break-up time (SMD, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.95). Compared to inactive or low-activity stimulation controls, it has a higher incidence of adverse events. Therefore, TPP stimulation may be an effective treatment for dry eye, whether electrical or chemical. Adverse events are relatively mild and tolerable. Due to the high heterogeneity and low level of evidence, the current conclusions require to be further verified. Keywords: Dry eye, neuromodulation, neurostimulation, trigeminal parasympathetic pathway, Author(s): Jindong Hu (corresponding author) [1,2]; Mohan Ju [3]; Yongjun Shi [4]; Xinquan Liu [5]; Yongbao Zhu (corresponding author) [6] Dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface[sup.[1]] [...]

Researchers in China recently wanted to investigate the distribution of noninvasive tear film break-up time (NIBUT) in children and better understand factors that influence it. This investigation was hospital-based, with [...]

Ocular surface disease can complicate and, in some cases, impede cataract surgery. At least one study shows 63% of presurgical cataract patients have a decreased tear break-up time (TBUT) of [...]

Byline: Samrat. Chatterjee, Deepshikha. Agrawal Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and risk factors of short tear film break-up time (TBUT) type of dry [...]

This letter is in response to a recent article ('FDA clears MGD device,' Ophthalmology Times, July 15, 2011, Page 1). I felt compelled to share some clinical research and anecdotal [...]

The Schirmer strip measures tear volume in millimeters. A major limitation of the Schirmer strip is that it does not measure tear volume in a volumetric unit. Furthermore, the linearity range, lower limit of detection (LLOD), and lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) are not established. In this context, we developed a new filter paper based tear volume strip, which measures tear volume in microlitres (a volumetric unit), with a defined linearity range, LLOD, LLOQ, as well as inter-day and intra-day variability. We used standard Whatman filter paper no. 41, measuring 40 x 5 mm. Balanced salt solution (BSS) was used as a tear surrogate. By placing a specific volume of BSS at one marked end of the paper, we measured the distance travelled by the BSS after one minute. Different volumes of BSS (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 μl) were used, and the distance travelled by the BSS drop was recorded. Linearity was evaluated, and the LLOQ and LLOD were determined. Scale data were generated within the linearity range (10 replicates for each). Percentage recovery was calculated, and inter-day and intra-day variation as well as intra examiner and inter examiner coefficients of variation (CV%) were evaluated. High linearity (r[sup.2] = 0.976) was observed across all the tested volumes (0.5-16 μl), However, linearity improved within the tested volume range of 1-8 μl (r[sup.2] = 0.996). With an LLOD of 0.538 μl and an LLOQ of 1.63 μl, data for the scale were generated from 2-8 μl. Overall, volumetric recovery ranged from 97.34%-104%. The intra-day CV% ranged from 4.576% (for 2 μl) to 1.911% (for 5 μl) and 1.71% (for 7 μl). The inter-day CV% ranged from 1.715 (7 μl) to 4.36% (for 2 μl). The intra examiner CV% ranged from 0.422% (for 7 μl) to 2.66% (for 2 μl). The inter examiner CV% ranged from 1.93% (7 μl) to 3.69% (for 2 μl). This new tear volume measuring tool (named SI tear strip) represents a valuable tool for the measurement of tear volume (in μl) per unit time. This tool may be very helpful for the quantitative evaluation of dry eye patients and functional assessment of lacrimal glands. Keywords: Schirmer strip, SI system, tear strip, volume measurement, Author(s): R Balamurugan [1]; Anusuya Bhattacharyya [2]; Phulen Sarma (corresponding author) [3] Abbreviation LLOD: Lower limit of detection, LLOQ: Lower limit of quantification, BSS: Balanced salt solution. ICC: Intra-class correlation [...]

Purpose: To compare the visual outcomes of implantable Collamer lens (ICL) with small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in cases of moderate-high myopia. Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted on 60 eyes of 30 patients with moderate-high myopia (-3D to -8D with astigmatism ≤1 D) at a tertiary eye care center. Patients underwent either SMILE or ICL in both eyes and had a postoperative follow-up of 1 year. Results: The manifest refractive spherical equivalent was -5.22 ± 1.05 D and -5.4 ± 1.17 D in the SMILE and ICL groups, respectively (P = 0.53). The mean sphere and cylinder were comparable between the groups. The mean uncorrected visual acuity improved from 1.18 ± 0.19 logMAR to 0.03 ± 0.07 logMAR in SMILE and 1.14 ± 0.25 logMAR to 0.011 ± 0.04 logMAR in the ICL group. The efficacy for SMILE was 83.3% and that for ICL was 93.3%. Safety and predictability (±0.5D) for both was 100%. A significant increase was observed in ocular aberration with a decrease in modular transfer function in the eyes that underwent SMILE, whereas no significant change in the eyes that underwent ICL. A significant difference was observed in all parameters of ocular aberration except corneal trefoil, corneal astigmatism, and PSF between the two groups at the final follow-up. The contrast sensitivity at final follow-up was higher in ICL cases when compared to SMILE. The quality of vision (QoV) score suggested a better QoV with ICL; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Both SMILE and ICL are safe in patients with moderate-high myopia. The efficacy, contrast sensitivity, and postoperative ocular aberration profile are better in cases undergoing ICL. Keywords: Higher order aberrations, ICL, implantable Collamer lens, moderate myopia, refractive surgery, small incision lenticule extraction, SMILE, Author(s): Rajesh Sinha (corresponding author) [1]; Juhi Daga [2]; Pranita Sahay [3]; Vinay Gupta [1]; Tushar Agarwal [1]; Namrata Sharma [1]; Prafulla K Maharana [1]; Sudarshan K Khokhar [1]; Jeewan [...]

This anterior structure can be at risk of various complications from oral drug use. Let's look at the most common presentations that ODs should know about. All sorts of medications [...]

It should come as no surprise that meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the chief cause of evaporative dry eye disease (DED), as inflammation and blockage of the glands lead to [...]

Managing dry eye conditions is a nuanced task that demands personalized treatment plans to effectively address the unique symptoms of each patient. Through meticulous diagnostic testing and careful interpretation of [...]

The latest classification of dry eye disease (DED) recognizes two primary sub-types: aqueous deficient dry eye (ADDE) and evaporative dry eye (EDE). (1) This framework reflects a pathophysiology-based approach and [...]

Purpose: To evaluate the ocular surface (OS) parameters in the pediatric migraine patients (PMPs). Methods: This prospective case-control study consisted of 51 PMPs (PMP group) and 55 healthy pediatric patients (HPP group). In all participants, tear function was evaluated subjectively using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, objectively using Schirmer tear test (STT) and tear film disintegration time (TBUT), and with clinical and laboratory examinations (conjunctival impression cytology). The PMP group was subdivided into two groups according to their aura. Results: The mean age and gender distribution of the study groups were almost the same (P > 0.05 for both of them). In the PMP group, both the STT value and the TBUT value were significantly lower than those determined in the HPP group (P = 0.021 and P = 0.018, respectively). In the PMP group, the OSDI scores were higher than those in the HPP group (P = 0.032). In the PMP group, the goblet cell density values were lower than those in the HPP group (P = 0.01). With regard to the aura, the TBUT and STT values were nonsignificantly lower in the PMP aura-positive group than in the PMP aura-negative group (P > 0.05 for both of them). The OSDI assessment was similar in both the groups. With regard to the goblet cell count, it was observed to be less in the PMP aura-positive group than in the PMP aura-negative group (P = 0.01). Conclusion: Influence of OS in children with migraine was also demonstrated using the samples taken from the conjunctiva. These changes were also demonstrated by objective tests such as STT and TBUT. Both clinical objective evaluations and pathologic changes were more prominent in the migraine with aura group. Keywords: Conjunctival impression cytology, dry eye diseases, headache, pediatric migraine, Author(s): Abdulvahit Asik (corresponding author) [1]; Gözde Aksoy Aydemir [2]; Emre Aydemir [2]; Abdurrahman Bilen [2]; Rojan Ipek [3]; Hacı Ballı [1]; Alper Halil Bayat [4]; Bilge Aydın Türk [5] [...]

New research suggests a desktop humidifier may help patients with dry eye symptoms during continuous computer use. Investigators measured noninvasive tear break-up time (NTBUT) in patients who did and did [...]

Keith Rupert Murdoch, News Corp. chairman has given his views on dissident investor Carl Icahn's plans to break up Time Warner and his acquisition of MySpace.com, the widely popular social-networking site. He has also shared his thoughts on various subjects ranging from why he thinks Summer Redstone is wrong to Google's controversies with the US and Chinese governments.

If the reaction from analysts on Wall Street is any indication, Carl Icahn's quest to break up Time Warner in an attempt to jump-start the media giant's flagging stock price [...]

Carl Icahn expects to have the last laugh in his battle to break up Time Warner 'I NEVER called Dick Parsons a moron,' protests Carl Icahn. A few years ago, [...]

Byline: Arun. Sood, Alka. Gupta, Tulika. Dabral Indiscriminate use of topical antibiotics causes histological and ultrastructural changes in conjunctiva leading to decreased tear break-up time and dry eye state. Lids, [...]

2025 JAN 11 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- A patent application by the inventors BADAWI, David Y. (Glenview, IL, US); [...]