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Background: New developments in artificial intelligence, particularly with promising results in early detection and management of keratoconus, have favorably altered the natural history of the disease over the last few decades. Features of artificial intelligence in different machine such as anterior segment optical coherence tomography, and femtosecond laser technique have improved safety, precision, effectiveness, and predictability of treatment modalities of keratoconus (from contact lenses to keratoplasty techniques). These options ingrained in artificial intelligence are already underway and allow ophthalmologist to approach disease in the most non-invasive way. Objectives: This study comprehensively describes all of the treatment modalities of keratoconus considering machine learning strategies. Design: A multidimensional comprehensive systematic narrative review. Data sources and methods: A comprehensive search was done in the five main electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane), without language and time or type of study restrictions. Afterward, eligible articles were selected by screening the titles and abstracts based on main mesh keywords. For potentially eligible articles, the full text was also reviewed. Results: Artificial intelligence demonstrates promise in keratoconus diagnosis and clinical management, spanning early detection (especially in subclinical cases), preoperative screening, postoperative ectasia prediction after keratorefractive surgery, and guiding surgical decisions. The majority of studies employed a solitary machine learning algorithm, whereas minor studies assessed multiple algorithms that evaluated the association of various keratoconus staging and management strategies. Last but not least, AI has proven effective in guiding the implantation of intracorneal ring segments in keratoconus corneas and predicting surgical outcomes. Conclusion: The efficient and widespread clinical translation of machine learning models in keratoconus management is a crucial goal of potential future approaches to better visual performance in keratoconus patients. Trial registration: The article has been registered through PROSPERO, an international database of prospectively registered systematic reviews, with the ID: CRD42022319338

Purpose: Keratoconus (KC) is the most common primary ectatic corneal disease, characterized by progressive thinning of the cornea, affecting its shape and structure and leading to visual loss. Lysyl oxidase is an important component of the extracellular matrix and contributes to the homeostasis of corneal stromal extracellular matrix via enzymatic reaction. This nationwide registration study aims to examine the association of KC with 2 known single nucleotide polymorphisms, rs2956540 and rs10519694, in a population of Iranian descent. Design: Case–control. Participants: One hundred seventy-eight subjects with KC and 180 clinically healthy subjects participated in the study. Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples, and their genotypes were determined using tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system–polymerase chain reaction. Main Outcome Measures: Allele frequency for rs2956540 and rs10519694. Results: Genotype frequency was significantly different between cases and controls for rs2956540 (P value = 0.019). The rs2956540 C allele carriers were significantly more frequent among KC cases than healthy controls (P valuechi-square = 0.015, P valueFisher exact = 0.017). There was a significant difference in genotype frequency between groups for rs10519694 (P value = 0.001). T allele carriers were significantly more frequent among KC patients (P valuechi-square = 0.002, P valueFisher exact = 0.001). Sex stratification revealed no significant differences in genotype frequency between males and females in cases and controls. Fitting the general linear model showed that rs10519694 could be considered a predictor for the development of KC (P value = 0.001); however, this was not observed for rs2956540 (P value = 0.323). Conclusions: rs2956540 and rs10519694 are associated with KC in a population of Iranian descent. rs10519694 could potentially be used for KC risk prediction. Financial Disclosure(s): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

AIM: To compare the visual results of non-topography-guided and topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) applying sequential and simultaneous corneal cross-linking (CXL) treatment for keratoconus. METHODS: Interventional and comparative prospective study. Sixty-nine eyes (36 patients) suffering from keratoconus (stages 1 Amsler-Krumeich classification) were divided into four groups: sequential topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy with CXL, simultaneous topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy with CXL, simultaneous non-topography guided photorefractive keratectomy with CXL, and sequential non-topography guided photorefractive keratectomy with CXL. The main outcome measures were pre- and postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), best corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction, contrast sensitivity, and keratometry. RESULTS: All analyzed visual, contrast sensitivity, and refractive parameters showed a significant improvement in the four groups (all P

Abstract We aimed to construct a biodegradable transparent scaffold for culturing corneal endothelial cells by incorporating chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) into chitosan/polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes. Various ratios of CSNP/PCL were prepared in the presence of constant concentration of chitosan and the films were constructed by solvent casting method. Scaffold properties including transparency, surface wettability, FTIR, and biocompatibility were examined. SEM imaging, H&E staining, and cell count were performed to investigate the HCECs adhesion. The phenotypic maintenance of the cells during culture was investigated by flow cytometry. Transparency and surface wettability improved by increasing the CSNP/PCL ratio. The CSNP/PCL 50/25, which has the lowest WCA, showed comparable transparency with human acellular corneal stroma. The scaffold was not cytotoxic and promoted the HCECs proliferation as evaluated by MTT assay. Cell counting, flow cytometry, SEM, and H&E results showed appropriate attachment of HCECs to the scaffold which formed a compact monolayer. The developed scaffold seems to be suitable for use in corneal endothelial regeneration in terms of transparency and biocompatibility.

Purpose: Considering the significance of retinal disorders and the growing need to employ tissue engineering in this field, in-silico studies can be used to establish a cost-effective method. This in-silico study was performed to find the most effective growth factors contributing to retinal tissue engineering. Methods: In this study, a regeneration gene database was used. All 21 protein-coding genes participating in retinal regeneration were considered as a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network via the “STRING App” in “Cytoscape 3.7.2” software. The resultant graph possessed 21 nodes as well as 37 edges. Gene ontology (GO) analysis, as well as the centrality analysis, revealed the most effective proteins in retinal regeneration. Results: According to the biological processes and the role of each protein in different pathways, selecting the correct one is possible through the information that the network provides. Eye development, detection of the visible light, visual perception, photoreceptor cell differentiation, camera-type eye development, eye morphogenesis, and angiogenesis are the major biological processes in retinal regeneration. Based on the GO analysis, SHH, STAT3, FGFR1, OPN4, ITGAV, RAX, and RPE65 are effective in retinal regeneration via the biological processes. In addition, based on the centrality analysis, four proteins have the greatest influence on retinal regeneration: SHH, IGF1, STAT3, and ASCL1. Conclusion: With the intention of applying the most impressive growth factors in retinal engineering, it seems logical to pay attention to SHH, STAT3, and RPE65. Utilizing these proteins can lead to fabricate high efficiency engineered retina via all aforementioned biological processes.

Fractal dimension (FD) together with advances in imaging technologies has provided an increasing application of digital images to interpret biological phenomena. In ophthalmology, topography-based images are increasingly used in common practices of clinical settings. They provide detailed information about corneal surfaces. Few-micron alterations of the corneal geometry to the elevation and curvature cause a highly multifocal surface, change the corneal optical power up to several diopters, and therefore adversely affect the individual’s vision. Keratoconus (KCN) is a corneal disease characterized by a local alteration of the corneal anatomical and mechanical features. The formation of cone-shaped regions accompanied by thinning and weakening of the cornea are the major manifestations of KCN. The implantation of tiny arc-like polymeric sections, known as intracorneal implants, is considered to be effective in restoring the corneal curvature. This study investigated the FD nature of healthy corneas (n = 7) and compared it to the corresponding values before and after intracorneal implant surgery in KCN patients (n = 7). The generalized Hurst exponent, Higuchi, and Katz FDs were computed for topography-based parameters of corneal surfaces: front elevation (ELE-front), back elevation (ELE-back), and corneal curvature (CURV). The Katz FD showed better discriminating ability for the diseased group. It could reveal a significant difference between the healthy corneas and both pre- and post-implantation topographies (p < 0.001). Moreover, the Katz dimension varied between the topographic features of KCN patients before and after the treatment (p < 0.036). We propose to describe the curvature feature of corneal topography as a “strange attractor” with a self-similar (i.e., fractal) structure according to the Katz algorithm.

Purpose: To investigate whether autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) eye drops accelerate re-epithelialization of post-keratoplasty persistent corneal epithelial defects (PEDs). Methods: A total of 34 eyes with PEDs after keratoplasty (24 penetrating keratoplasty and 10 deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty) that were refractory to conventional medical treatments were treated with PRP eye drops every 3 hours. PRP eye drops were prepared with a low- and high-speed centrifugation method and final platelet counts were 700,000-800,000 plt/μl. The mean treatment duration for complete re-epithelialization was compared with the mean treatment duration of conventionally treated corneal defects before the PRP treatment by paired t-test. The mean treatment duration was also statistically analyzed between age groups, gender, indications for keratoplasty, and types of keratoplasty using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Treatment with autologous PRP eye drops led to rapid re-epithelialization in all eyes. The mean treatment duration for complete re-epithelialization was 2.47 ± 1.21 weeks, which was significantly shorter than the mean treatment duration of conventionally treated corneal defects before PRP treatment (6.82 ± 1.24 weeks) (P = 0.0001). There was no significant correlation between re-epithelialization time and patients' age, sex, indications for keratoplasty, and techniques of corneal transplantation. Conclusion: Treatment with autologous PRP eye drops is an effective and reliable approach that accelerates re-epithelialization of post-transplantation PEDs.

Purpose: To compare the anterior segment indices measured by two Scheimpflug camera machines; Galilei and Pentacam. Methods: In this observational case series, the anterior segment indices of myopic healthy subjects seeking for refractive surgery were measured by Pentacam and Galilei on the same day. Analyzed parameters were anterior and posterior best fit spheres (BFS), axial curvature, true corneal power, central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber (AC) depth, AC volume, AC angle, and pupil diameter. Results: This study included 176 eyes of 88 participants. Mean radius of the anterior BFS was 7.79 ± 0.34 mm versus 7.75 ± 0.39 mm measured by Pentacam and Galilei, respectively (r = 0.877, P < 0.001). Corresponding values for the mean radius of posterior BFS were 6.42 ± 0.32 and 6.47 ± 0.38 mm, respectively (r = 0.879, P < 0.001). Anterior corneal mean power was 43.8 ± 1.9 diopters (D) with Pentacam and 43.8 ± 2.4 D with Galilei (r = 0.905,P < 0.001). Posterior corneal mean power was measured − 6.3 ± 0.3 and − 6.3 ± 0.4 D using Pentacam and Galilei, respectively (r = 0.873, P < 0.001). True corneal power was 43.9 ± 1.9 D with Pentacam and 43.5 ± 2.3 D with Galilei (r = 0.909, P < 0.001). CCT was 537 ± 44 and 553 ± 51 μm measured by Pentacam and Galilei, respectively (r = 0.796, P < 0.001). AC depth measurements using Pentacam and Galilei were 3.29 ± 0.4 and 3.3 ± 0.38 mm (P < 0.001), respectively; AC volume was 207 ± 50 and 129 ± 39 mm3≥ (P = 0.004), and AC angle was 39.7 ± 9.2 and 54.2 ± 5.2 degrees (P = 0.051), respectively. Average pupil diameter was measured 3.91 ± 1.77 mm by Pentacam and 3.34 ± 0.89 mm by Galilei (P = 0.018). Conclusions: There was a significant correlation between the Pentacam and Galilei in all measured parameters except AC angle, AC volume, and average pupil diameter.

Purpose: To develop clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for prevention, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of ocular injuries caused by exposure to mustard gas. Methods: The clinical questions were designed by the guideline team. Websites and databases including National Guidelines Clearinghouse, National Institute for Clinical Excellence, Cochrane, and PubMed were searched to find related CPGs and explore possible answers to the clinical questions. Since there were no relevant CPGs in the literature, related articles in Persian and English languages were extracted. Each article along with its level of evidence was summarized. Additionally, hand search was performed by looking the reference list of each article. Consequently, recommendations were developed considering the clinical benefits and side effects of each therapeutic modality. The recommendations were re-evaluated in terms of customization criteria. All recommendations along with the related evidence were scored from 1 to 9 by experts from all medical universities of Iran. The level of agreement among the experts was evaluated by analyzing the given scores. Results: The agreement was achieved for all recommendations. The experts suggested a number of minor modifications which were applied to the recommendations. Finally, CPGs were developed with 98 recommendations under three major domains including prevention of injury, diagnosis and management of the acute and delayed-onset mustard gas ocular injuries. Conclusion: Considering the lack of CPGs for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of mustard gas-induced keratitis, these recommendations would be useful to prevent the serious ocular complications of mustard gas and standardize eye care services to the affected individuals.

Purpose: To compare the corneal power measurements obtained using different topographic instruments after myopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Methods: Patients with myopia who were candidates for corneal refractive surgery were sequentially included. Pre-PRK and six months post-PRK corneal powers were measured using Javal manual keratometer, Orbscan II, Galilei, Tomey TMS4, and EyeSys 2000 topographers. Measured values were compared with those obtained using the clinical history method (cHM). Results: This study included 66 eyes of 33 patients. The lowest keratometric measurements were obtained using the Galilei topographer (42.98 ± 1.69 diopters, D) and the highest measurements were obtained using the Javal manual keratometer (43.96 ± 1.54 D) preoperatively. The same order was observed postoperatively. Effective refractive power (EffRP) measured using EyeSys was most similar to the values obtained using cHM (Icc, intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.951), followed by the total corneal power measured using the Galilei system (Icc = 0.943). The values obtained using the adjusted EffRP formula (EffRP – 0.015*Δ Refraction – 0.05) were more consistent with the values obtained using cHM (Icc = 0.954) compared to those obtained with the adjusted average central corneal power formula measured using the Tomey system (Icc = 0.919). Conclusion: Post-PRK corneal powers measured using the adjusted EffRP formula were the most similar to values obtained using cHM.

Purpose: To evaluate corneal changes after collagen crosslinking (CXL) therapy for keratoconus (KCN) using the Galilei dual Scheimpflug analyzer. Methods: This prospective, nonrandomized clinical study included 35 eyes of 32 keratoconus patients who had undergone CXL. The eyes were saturated with riboflavin solution and were subjected for 30 minutes to ultraviolet-A (UV-A) light with irradiance of 3 mW/cm2. Effectiveness of the treatment was assessed by measuring uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), manifest cylinder/sphere, keratometry, pachymetry, posterior and anterior elevations by the Galilei dual Scheimpflug analyzer. Prior to treatment and 8 months after therapy, Scheimpflug analysis was performed using the Galilei system. The four sets of data including keratometry values, pachymetry, elevation parameters and surface indices were statistically analyzed and compared. Results: Mean patient age was 22.3 ± 3.8 years and mean postoperative follow-up was 8.1 ± 3.2 months. There was a significant increase in UCVA (0.54 ± 0.35 Log MAR preoperatively to 0.49 ± 0.34 LogMAR postoperatively, P = 0.01) and BCVA (0.21 ± 0.19 Log MAR preoperatively to 0.16 ± 0.17 LogMAR postoperatively, P = 0.01). Mean cycloplegic spherical equivalent refractive error was −4.13 ± 2.65 Diopter (D) preoperatively and − 4.67 ± 2.96 D postoperatively (P < 0.001). During the follow-up period, no significant difference was observed in pachymetric and elevation data postoperatively. Conclusion: Corneal stabilization could be achieved by collagen crosslinking therapy for keratoconus in terms of corneal thickness, keratometry values, elevation parameters and surface indices.

Purpose: To evaluate changes in crystalline lens densitometry following corneal cross-linking (CXL) in keratoconic patients. Methods: In a quasi-experimental study, three-dimensional lens densitometry was performed using the Pentacam Scheimpflug camera (Oculus Optikgerate GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) at baseline and six months after CXL. Densitometry was performed in a fixed area of 2 inch × 1 inch of the anterior capsule and anterior lens cortex. The subject group included patients with progressive keratoconus who underwent CXL (n = 40) and the control group was comprised of aged-matched patients with non-progressive keratoconus (n = 36). Results: Mean age of the case and control groups was 25.8 ± 4.0 and 25.0 ± 4.1 years, respectively (P = 0.392). Mean lens density in the CXL group was 6.68% ± 0.58% at baseline and 6.77% ± 0.53% at the last visit (P = 0.352). Corresponding figures in the control group were 6.53% ± 0.27% and 6.39% ± 0.31%, respectively (P = 0.213). There was no significant difference between the study groups at baseline or six months later (P = 0.96). Conclusion: In this short term study with six months' follow-up, we observed no significant impact on lens density following exposure of the crystalline lens to ultraviolet A and riboflavin free radicals in the CXL procedure.

Purpose: To compare the visual outcomes and complications of three different types of phakic intraocular lenses (PIOLs), for correction of moderate to high myopia. Methods: We reviewed 112 myopic eyes undergoing PIOL implantation using Artisan (40 eyes), Artiflex (36 eyes), and implantable collamer lens (ICL, 36 eyes). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), pachymetry, corneal endothelial cell (CEC) loss, and higher order aberrations (HOA) were compared. Results: Mean follow-up period was 30 ± 11 months. Preoperatively, spherical equivalent (SE) refractive error was −11.6 ± 3.7, −9.59 ± 1.97, and −12.3 ± 4.8 D in the Artisan, Artiflex and ICL groups, respectively. SE was comparable among the study groups at final follow-up (P = 0.237). Mean astigmatic reduction was 0.31 ± 0.72, 0.45 ± 0.62, and 0.0 ± 0.57 in the Artisan, Artiflex and ICL groups, respectively (P = 0.007). Emmetropia (±1 D) was achieved in 60%, 91.7% and 77.8% of eyes in the Artisan, Artiflex and ICL groups, respectively, the difference was significant between the Artisan and Artiflex groups (P = 0.017). BCVA improvement more than one line occurred in 25%, 19.4% and 38.9% of eyes (P = 0.158); pachymetric changes were minimal with no difference among the three groups (P = 0.754), and mean CEC loss was 10 ± 9%, 9 ± 6% and 9 ± 10% in the Artisan, Artiflex and ICL groups, respectively (P = 0.694). HOAs (P = 0.039), vertical trefoil (P = 0.032) and spherical aberration (P = 0.001) were higher with Artisan group as compared to ICL. Total aberrations (P = 0.028) and spherical aberration (P = 0.001) was also higher with Artisan group as compared to Artiflex. Conclusion: Visual and refractive outcomes were comparable with Artisan, Artiflex and ICL. In terms of HOAs and quality of vision, ICL and Artiflex seem to be better choices in highly myopic eyes.

There are several reasons for which the correction of aphakia differs between children and adults. First, a child′s eye is still growing during the first few years of life and during early childhood, the refractive elements of the eye undergo radical changes. Second, the immature visual system in young children puts them at risk of developing amblyopia if visual input is defocused or unequal between the two eyes. Third, the incidence of many complications, in which certain risks are acceptable in adults, is unacceptable in children. The optical correction of aphakia in children has changed dramatically however, accurate optical rehabilitation and postoperative supervision in pediatric cases is more difficult than adults. Treatment and optical rehabilitation in pediatric aphakic patients remains a challenge for ophthalmologists. The aim of this review is to cover issues regarding optical correction of pediatric aphakia in children; kinds of optical correction , indications, timing of intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, types of IOLs, site of implantation, IOL power calculations and selection, complications of IOL implantation in pediatric patients and finally to determine the preferred choice of optical correction. However treatment of pediatric aphakia is one step on the long road to visual rehabilitation, not the end of the journey.

Purpose: To report the indications and techniques of corneal transplantation at a tertiary referral center in Tehran over a 3-year period. Methods: Records of patients who had undergone any kind of corneal transplantation at Labbafinejad Medical Center, Tehran, Iran from March 2004 to March 2007 were reviewed to determine the indications and types of corneal transplantation. Results: During this period, 776 eyes of 756 patients (including 504 male subjects) with mean age of 41.3±21.3 years underwent corneal transplantation. The most common indication was keratoconus (n=317, 40.8%) followed by bullous keratopathy (n=90, 11.6%), non-herpetic corneal scars (n=62, 8.0%), infectious corneal ulcers (n=61, 7.9%), previously failed grafts (n=61, 7.9%), endothelial and stromal corneal dystrophies (n=28, 3.6%), and trachoma keratopathy (n=26, 3.3%). Other indications including Terrien′s marginal degeneration, post-LASIK keratectasia, trauma, chemical burns, and peripheral ulcerative keratitis constituted the rest of cases. Techniques of corneal transplantation included penetrating keratoplasty (n=607, 78.2%), deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (n=108, 13.9%), conventional lamellar keratoplasty (n=44, 5.7%), automated lamellar therapeutic keratoplasty (n=8, 1.0%), and Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (n=6, 0.8%) in descending order. The remaining cases were endothelial keratoplasty and sclerokeratoplasty. Conclusion: In this study, keratoconus was the most common indication for penetrating keratoplasty which was the most prevalent technique of corneal transplantation. However, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty is emerging as a growing alternative for corneal pathologies not involving the endothelium.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence and risk factors of late corneal graft rejection after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). METHODS: Records of all patients who had undergone PKP from 2002 to 2004 without immunosuppressive therapy other than systemic steroids and with at least one year of follow up were reviewed. The role of possible risk factors such as demographic factors, other host factors, donor factors, indications for PKP as well as type of rejection were evaluated. RESULTS: During the study period, 295 PKPs were performed on 286 patients (176 male, 110 female). Mean age at the time of keratoplasty was 38±20 (range, 40 days to 90) years and mean follow up period was 20±10 (range 12-43) months. Graft rejection occurred in 94 eyes (31.8%) at an average of 7.3±6 months (range, 20 days to 39 months) after PKP. The most common type of rejection was endothelial (20.7%). Corneal vascularization, regrafting, anterior synechiae, irritating sutures, active inflammation, additional anterior segment procedures, history of trauma, uncontrolled glaucoma, prior graft rejection, recurrence of herpetic infection and eccentric grafting increased the rate of rejection. Patient age, donor size and bilateral transplantation had no significant influence on graft rejection. CONCLUSION: Significant risk factors for corneal graft rejection include corneal vascularization, anterior synechiae, irritating sutures, active inflammation, regrafting, additional surgery, trauma, uncontrolled intraocular pressure, history of graft rejection, recurrent herpetic infection, eccentric grafting and corneal scarring. Recipient age and donor cornea size do not seem to be risk factors for corneal graft rejection.

PURPOSE: To report manifestation of granular corneal dystrophy after radial keratotomy (RK). CASE REPORT: A 32-year-old man presented with white radial lines in both corneas. He had undergone uncomplicated RK in both eyes 8 years ago. Preoperative refraction had been OD: -3.5 -0.75@180 and OS: -3.0 -0.5@175. Uncorrected visual acuity was OD: 8/10 and OS: 7/10; best corrected visual acuity was 9/10 in both eyes with OD: -0.5 -0.5@60 and OS: -0.75 -0.5@80. Slit lamp examination revealed discrete well-demarcated whitish lesions with clear intervening stroma in the central anterior cornea consistent with granular dystrophy. Similar opacities were present within the RK incisions. CONCLUSION: Granular dystrophy deposits may appear within RK incisions besides other previously reported locations.

The past decade has witnessed the revival of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) in ophthalmology. The importance of amniotic membrane lies in its ability to reduce inflammation and scarring, enhance epithelialization and wound healing, and in its antimicrobial properties. Amniotic membrane has recently been used as a substrate for culturing limbal stem cells for transplantation. It has also been used extensively in corneal conditions such as neurotrophic ulcers, persistent epithelial defects, shield ulcers, microbial keratitis, band keratopathy, bullous keratopathy, and following photorefractive keratectomy and chemical injuries. Other indications for AMT include ocular surface reconstruction surgery for conjunctival pathologies such as squamous neoplasia, pterygium, and symblepharon. In this review we describe the basic structure and properties of amniotic membrane, its preparation process and its applications in ophthalmology.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes and complications of mitomycin-C trabeculectomy (MMC-T) versus the Ahmed glaucoma implant (AGI) for treatment of pediatric aphakic glaucoma. METHODS: In a randomized clinical trial, 30 eyes of 28 children < 16 years of age who had undergone anterior lensectomy-vitrectomy for congenital cataract were assigned to MMC-T (15 eyes of 13 children) or AGI (15 eyes of 15 children). Surgical success was classified as complete (IOP 6-21 mmHg without any antiglaucoma medication) and partial (IOP 6-21 mmHg with < 2 topical antiglaucoma agents) in the absence of any sight-threatening complication or need for further glaucoma surgery, stable cup/disc ratios and visual loss < 2 Snellen lines. Overall success was defined as the sum of complete and partial success. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 9.1±4.1 and 10.9±5.1 years in the MMC-T and AGI groups, respectively (P=0.29). After a mean follow up of 14.8±11 and 13.1±9.7 months; complete, partial and overall success rates were 33.3%, 40% and 73.3% in the MMC-T vs 20%, 66.7% and 86.7% in the AGI groups, respectively (P= 0.361). Complication and failure rates were 40% and 26.7% in the MMC-T group vs 26.7% and 13.3% in the AGI group, respectively (P= 0.439). CONCLUSION: MMC-T and AGI seem to be comparable in terms of success and complications as the initial surgical procedure in pediatric aphakic glaucoma. Choice of either technique depends on surgeon's experience and conjunctival quality and mobility.

Ocular chemical burns are common and serious ocular emergencies that require immediate and intensive evaluation and care. The victims of such incidents are usually young, and therefore loss of vision and disfigurement could dramatically affect their lives. The clinical course can be divided into immediate, acute, early, and late reparative phases. The degree of limbal, corneal, and conjunctival involvement at the time of injury is critically associated with prognosis. The treatment starts with simple but vision saving steps and is continued with complicated surgical procedures later in the course of the disease. The goal of treatment is to restore the normal ocular surface anatomy and function. Limbal stem cell transplantation, amniotic membrane transplantation, and ultimately keratoprosthesis may be indicated depending on the patients’ needs.