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This review aimed to evidence the predisposing conditions for Salzmann nodular degeneration (SND), where particular attention was paid to its association with ocular and systemic diseases. SND is a rare disease characterized by bluish-white nodules located in the mid-periphery of the cornea, which are otherwise completely clear. SND has been found in association with different systemic and ocular diseases, and it may have unilateral or bilateral presentation. Initial forms are only diagnosed occasionally as they are asymptomatic, whereas, in advanced disease, the visual acuity might be seriously impaired. Although SND is well described, its exact etiopathology is currently still unknown and is frequently misdiagnosed. It is associated with ocular surface inflammatory conditions and previous corneal surgery, and it has been described in different systemic diseases. Diagnosis is clinically based with slit lamp examinations, and instrumental assessments with corneal topography permit one to observe the alterations of the corneal profile, whereas anterior segment–optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) is used to investigate the stromal depth of the nodules. Therapy might be conservative with the objective of improving the ocular surface homeostasis and surgical outcomes, where the aim is to restore the corneal regularity and visual acuity. Ophthalmologists should pay particular attention when detecting nodules in patients with ocular and non-ocular inflammatory diseases to guarantee the patient a timely diagnosis and a better therapeutic outcome. Additionally, collaboration between specialists who deal with treating patients suffering from disorders potentially associated with SND is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of povidone-iodine 0.6% (PVI) irrigation for preventing recurrence of stenosis after punctoplasty in patients with punctal and proximal canalicular stenosis treated using a venous catheter as a stent. Methods: Twenty patients were enrolled and divided into two groups. Group 1 received irrigation of 1 mL 0.6% PVI, while Group 2 received 1 mL of balanced salt solution (BSS). The patients underwent baseline, 15-, 30-, and 90-day assessments using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, Symptoms Assessment in Dry Eye (SANDE), Schirmer I test, tear meniscus height (TMH), bulbar redness, meibography, and non-invasive breakup time (NIKBUT) through Keratograph 5M (Oculus, Germany). Results: At three months, both groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in symptoms and ocular surface parameters. However, Group 1 showed statistically significant improvements in OSDI, SANDE scores, bulbar redness, and NIKBUT compared to Group 2. Additionally, no patients in Group 1 presented a recurrence of stenosis, while three patients in Group 2 demonstrated stenosis relapse at the end of the follow-up period. Conclusions: The application of a venous catheter and PVI 0.6% irrigations proved to be effective in treating proximal lacrimal duct stenosis, reducing the risk of recurrence and improving tear film stability, ocular discomfort symptoms, and ocular surface parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]