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Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is an ocular inflammatory disease with symptoms driven by eosinophils and mast cells. Allergic comorbidities are common. Current treatments are often ineffective in severe AC and limited by potential side effects. Lirentelimab is an anti-sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin-8 mAb that depletes eosinophils and inhibits mast cells.We sought to determine safety and preliminary efficacy of lirentelimab in an open-label, phase 1b study.Patients with chronic, severely symptomatic atopic keratoconjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and perennial AC, and who had history of topical or systemic corticosteroid use, were enrolled to receive up to 6 monthly lirentelimab infusions (dose 1: 0.3 mg/kg, dose 2: 1 mg/kg, subsequent doses: 1 or 3 mg/kg). Changes from baseline in peripheral blood eosinophils, changes in patient-reported symptoms (measured by daily Allergic Conjunctivitis Symptom Questionnaire, including atopic comorbidities), changes in investigator-reported ocular signs and symptoms (Ocular Symptom Scores), changes in quality of life, and changes in tear cytokine and chemokine levels were assessed.Thirty patients were enrolled (atopic keratoconjunctivitis n = 13, vernal keratoconjunctivitis n = 1, perennial AC n = 16), 87% of whom had atopic comorbidities. After lirentelimab treatment, mean improvement was observed in Allergic Conjunctivitis Symptom Questionnaire score (-61%; 95% CI, -75% to -48%) and Ocular Symptom Scores (-53%; 95% CI, -76% to -31%), consistent across atopic keratoconjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and perennial AC groups. There was substantial improvement in atopic comorbidities, with -55% (95% CI, -78% to -31%), -50% (95% CI, -82% to -19%), and -63% (95% CI, -87% and -38%) reduction in symptoms of atopic dermatitis, asthma, and rhinitis, respectively. Levels of key mediators of inflammation were reduced in patient tears after lirentelimab treatment. The most common adverse effects were mild to moderate infusion-related reactions.Lirentelimab was well tolerated, improved severe AC and concomitant atopic symptoms, and reduced inflammatory mediators in patient tears.

Contact lenses are a safe and effective method for correction of refractive error and worn by an estimated 45 million Americans. Because of the widespread availability and commercial popularity of contact lenses, it is not well appreciated by the public that contact lenses are U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-regulated medical devices. Contact lenses are marketed in numerous hard and soft materials that have been improved over decades, worn in daily or extended wear, and replaced in range of schedules from daily to yearly or longer. Lens materials and wear and care regimens have impact on the risks of contact lens-related corneal inflammatory events and microbial keratitis. This article reviews contact lens safety, with specific focus on the correction of refractive error in healthy eyes.

The purpose of this study was to describe the rationale and design of the Zoster Eye Disease Study (ZEDS).ZEDS is a National Eye Institute-supported randomized clinical trial designed to determine whether 1 year of suppressive valacyclovir in patients with herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) reduces complications because there is currently no high-quality evidence to support its use. Eligible patients are 18 years and older, immunocompetent, have a history of a typical rash at disease onset, and have had a record of active epithelial or stromal keratitis or iritis within 1 year before enrollment. Exclusion criteria include estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 45 or pregnancy. The primary endpoint is the time to first occurrence of new or worsening dendriform epithelial keratitis, stromal keratitis without or with ulceration, endothelial keratitis, or iritis due to HZO during 12 months of study treatment requiring prespecified treatment changes. The study has 80% power to detect a 30% difference between treatment groups, with a 30% rate of endpoints by 1 year assumed among controls. Secondary and exploratory questions include whether there is a persistent treatment benefit during the 6 months after treatment, whether development of postherpetic neuralgia varies by treatment group, and whether vaccinations against herpes zoster affect study outcomes and coronavirus disease 19 status.Over approximately 4 years, over 400 study participants have been enrolled.ZEDS aims to provide scientific evidence on whether suppressive valacyclovir treatment improves outcomes in HZO and should become the standard of care.

PurposeTo evaluate the cases of corneal graft rejection following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination reported to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.MethodsA descriptive analysis of the demographics, clinical history and presentation was performed. We evaluated the correlation between the vaccines and duration of vaccine-associated graft rejection (VAR) onset following vaccination using a one-way analysis of variance test. A post hoc analysis was performed between VAR onset-interval following vaccination dose and vaccine type. Finally, a 30-day cumulative incidence analysis was performed to assess the risk of VAR in short term following different doses, vaccines and type of corneal transplantation.ResultsA total of 55 eyes of 46 patients were diagnosed with VAR following vaccination with BNT162b2 (73.91%) and mRNA-1273 (26.09%). The mean age of the patients was 62.76±15.83 years, and 28 (60.87%) were female. The patients diagnosed with VAR had undergone penetrating keratoplasty (61.82%), Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (12.73%), descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (18.18%), anterior lamellar keratoplasty (3.64%) and corneal limbal allograft transplantation (1.82%). The mean time for VAR since penetrating and endothelial keratoplasty was 8.42±9.23 years and 4.18±4.40 years, respectively. 45.65% of the cases of VAR were reported after the second dose of vaccine. The duration of VAR onset was significantly shorter after the second dose compared with the first and booster doses (p=0.0165) and in patients who underwent endothelial keratoplasty compared with penetrating keratoplasty (p=0.041).ConclusionsThis study outlines a possible temporal relationship between corneal graft rejection and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. An earlier onset of VAR was observed in patients who had a history of endothelial keratoplasty and following the second dose of vaccination.

The current review aims to describe recent advancements in treatment of corneal ectasias and its effect on indications for corneal transplantation.The majority of patients affected by ectatic corneal disease use contact lenses to correct resulting astigmatism. Patients who are intolerant of contact lenses or cannot achieve acceptable vision through conservative measures could consider keratoplasty. However, continuing advancements in both nonsurgical and surgical treatments are either reducing or delaying the need for keratoplasty in patients affected by ectatic corneal disease.Corneal transplantation has been the mainstay of treatment for patients with advanced ectatic corneal disease. In the past decade, numerous improvements have been occurred to make contact lenses not only more effective for visual correction, but also more comfortable. Although corneal cross-linking is the only proven treatment known to prevent progression of disease, several other therapies show early potential for those in which cross-linking is contraindicated. Patients now have access to a wider range of therapies before considering keratoplasty.

Belantamab mafodotin (belamaf) demonstrated deep and durable responses in patients with heavily pretreated relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) in DREAMM-2 (NCT03525678). Corneal events, specifically keratopathy (including superficial punctate keratopathy and/or microcyst-like epithelial changes (MECs), eye examination findings with/without symptoms), were common, consistent with reports from other antibody–drug conjugates. Given the novel nature of corneal events in RRMM management, guidelines are required for their prompt identification and appropriate management. Eye examination findings from DREAMM-2 and insights from hematology/oncology investigators and ophthalmologists, including corneal specialists, were collated and used to develop corneal event management guidelines. The following recommendations were formulated: close collaboration among hematologist/oncologists and eye care professionals is needed, in part, to provide optimal care in relation to the belamaf benefit–risk profile. Patients receiving belamaf should undergo eye examinations before and during every treatment cycle and promptly upon worsening of symptoms. Severity of corneal events should be determined based on corneal examination findings and changes in best-corrected visual acuity. Treatment decisions, including dose modifications, should be based on the most severe finding present. These guidelines are recommended for the assessment and management of belamaf-associated ocular events to help mitigate ocular risk and enable patients to continue to experience a clinical benefit with belamaf.

Background/aimsThe objective of this multicentre, multinational, prospective study was to assess the level of basic understanding that individuals with keratoconus possessed about their condition.MethodsWe recruited 200 active keratoconus patients who were under regular review, and cornea specialists established a standard of ‘minimal keratoconus knowledge’ (MKK) that included an understanding of the definition, risk factors, symptoms and treatment options for the condition. We collected data from each participant regarding their clinical characteristics, highest level of education, (para)medical background and experiences with keratoconus within their social circle, and calculated the percentage of MKK attained by each patient.ResultsOur findings revealed that none of the participants met the MKK standard, with the average MKK score being 34.6% and ranging from 0.0% to 94.4%. Furthermore, our study showed that patients with a university degree, previous surgical intervention for keratoconus or affected parents had a higher MKK. However, age, gender, disease severity, paramedical knowledge, disease duration and best-corrected visual acuity did not significantly affect the MKK score.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates a concerning lack of basic disease knowledge among keratoconus patients in three different countries. The level of knowledge exhibited by our sample was only one-third of what cornea specialists would typically anticipate from patients. This highlights the need for greater education and awareness campaigns surrounding keratoconus. Further research is needed to determine the most efficient approaches for enhancing MKK and subsequently improving the management and treatment of keratoconus.

Purpose To present the results of a survey of the Zoster Eye Disease Study (ZEDS) investigators regarding barriers to the enrollment of study participants and approaches to overcome them. Methods ZEDS is a multicenter randomized clinical trial supported by the National Eye Institute to determine whether prolonged suppressive valacyclovir reduces the complications of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO), relative to placebo. Enrollment of study participants is currently far below expectations. An institutional review board-approved anonymous internet survey was conducted of ZEDS investigators to study their experiences and opinions regarding barriers to enrollment and various approaches to overcome them. Results The overall survey response rate was 54% (79/145). Only 29% (23/79) agreed that it is easy to enroll study participants. Regarding patient barriers, 69% (55/79) agreed that HZO patients want to be treated with antiviral medication and 69% (54/78) agreed that HZO patients on antivirals do not want to be randomized. Regarding personal barriers facing investigators, 91% (72/79) agreed that antivirals are effective and 100% that the research questions ZEDS is designed to answer are very important. Fewer than 30% of respondents believed that steps taken to increase enrollment have been very helpful. Over half (54%, 42/78) believed that advertising on social media would be moderately or very effective. Conclusions Belief among ZEDS investigators that antivirals are effective, and the preference of patients to be treated with antivirals rather than be randomized in ZEDS, are major barriers to enrollment. New approaches to overcoming barriers are necessary to develop an evidence-based standard of care for treatment of HZO.

Objective An exploratory phase II, multicenter, open-label, clinical trial (NCT03687632) was conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness in treating persistent corneal epithelial defects (PEDs) with ST266, a proprietary novel multi-cytokine platform biologic solution secreted by cultured Amnion-derived Multipotent Progenitor (AMP) cells. Methods Subjects with a PED were treated with ST266 eye drops 4 times daily for 28 days, then followed for 1 week. Safety was assessed by monitoring of adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs). Efficacy was assessed by measuring the area of the PED by slit lamp biomicroscopy. Tolerability of ST266, percentage of eyes with complete healing, reduction in area of the epithelial defect, and maintenance of a reduction in the area of the epithelial defect 7 days after treatment were recorded. Results Thirteen patients were enrolled into the trial at one of eight sites. The first patient withdrew after 5 days. The remaining 12 patients with PEDs with median duration of 39 days (range = 12 to 393 days) completed treatment. Ten of the 12 eyes had been refractory to treatment with various conventional therapies prior to enrollment. After 28 days of treatment, there was a significant decrease in mean PED area compared with baseline (66.4% ± 35.3%, P = 0.001). At follow-up, 1 week after completion of treatment, on day 35, the PED area was further reduced by 78.8% ± 37.5% (P = 0.01) compared with baseline. During 28 days of treatment, 5 eyes (41.7%) had complete wound closure. There were no AEs of concern thought to be related to the drug, and no SAEs were noted. Conclusions In this trial, we found ST266 eye drops might promote corneal epithelization, thereby reducing the PED area, including in refractory cases in a wide range of etiologies. ST266 was well-tolerated by most patients.

To evaluate the association between postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction and phacoemulsification parameters in patients who underwent both conventional phacoemulsification surgery (CPS) and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS).This was a prospective multicenter comparative study that enrolled 90 participants who underwent cataract surgery at the University of Maryland Medical System and the Wilmer Eye Institute. Patients underwent FLACS in one eye and CPS in the fellow eye. IOP was measured prior to surgery and monitored through six months postoperatively. Demographic, clinical, biometric, and intraoperative variables including cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), aspiration time, and phacoemulsification time were analyzed for any significant association with postoperative IOP. Postoperative IOP reduction was the primary outcome variable. A secondary goal of the study was to determine differences in postoperative IOP reduction between CPS and FLACS cohorts.In total, 157 non-glaucomatous eyes were included. Using multivariable analysis, we found preoperative IOP to be consistently associated with postoperative IOP reduction in the entire cohort. At the 6-month follow-up visit, there was a 12.4% reduction in IOP (-2.2 ± 3.4 mm Hg) seen, with no statistically significant difference between FLACS and CPS (12.3% ± 19.4% vs 12.5% ± 19.3%, respectively, p = 0.32). FLACS reduced the CDE required for phacoemulsification (6.6 ± 4.4%-seconds vs 8.6 ± 6.9%-seconds, respectively, p 0.05). CDE was a predictor of IOP response at 6 months, but subgroup analysis revealed that this trend was driven by seven eyes requiring high CDE, and for the majority of eyes, CDE did not influence the size of the decrease. The seven eyes experiencing highest CDE were less likely to show IOP reduction at 6 months.Both FLACS and CPS resulted in similar and significant IOP reductions through 6 months after surgery. Preoperative IOP was significantly associated with IOP reduction, and CDE generally did not influence the size of the decrease.

Corneal donor tissue preservation techniques have incrementally improved since the introduction of McCarey-Kaufman storage solution from short-term storage to intermediate duration of storage with the advent of organ culture and Optisol GS storage solutions. Improved understanding of the corneal endothelial cell physiology has helped in designing newer storage solutions, such as the Life 4C and Cornea Cold. The incorporation of antibiotics, ATP precursors, minerals, and vitamins has improved the viability of tissues. In addition, these modifications to the newer storage solutions have increased the endothelial longevity and metabolic activity. Despite these advances, the duration of tissue storage has largely been restricted to 2 weeks in Optisol GS and 4 weeks in organ culture. The role and cost-effectiveness of antifungal supplementation and the need for improved epithelial preservation are additional areas that need to be explored. This review intends to summarize the efficacy and viability of donor corneas in different tissue storage solution and compare clinical outcomes while providing an insight into the challenges in developing newer methods of corneal preservation.

Purpose: To describe steps taken that enabled a high rate of retention and early resumption of enrollment in the Zoster Eye Disease Study (ZEDS), a randomized controlled trial funded by the National Eye Institute, during the first 13 months (3/1/2020-3/31/2021) of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A number of responses were implemented in ZEDS when the focus shifted to retention of study participants at the beginning of the pandemic including frequent communication with the participating clinical centers (PCCs) about remote visits, local lab work, shipping study medication, and completion of revised case report forms. Additional payments were provided to the PCCs. Remote activation of PCCs continued. Screening and enrollment visits gradually resumed when allowed. Results: Communication with PCCs increased, and average attendance at monthly coordinator teleconferences went up from 17 to 47. Remote visits peaked in April 2020, accounting for 75% (33/44) of study visits, then declined to less than 10% of study visits beginning August 2020. Overall, 97% (590/609) of study visits were completed. Only 5.5% (9/165) of study participants withdrew consent, and 2.4% (4/165) were lost to follow-up. Enrollment returned to pre-pandemic levels by September 2020. Discussion: Strong communication and unwavering commitment, combined with the technological capability for remote work, visits, and shipment of study medication, were key to the successful retention of study participants and resumption of enrollment. Conclusions: Rapid responses to challenges to trials caused by the COVID-19 pandemic can enable them to continue successfully and provide insights into the planning of future trials.

Purpose of review Ocular surface disease can significantly impact the outcomes of cataract surgery. Recent studies have examined the efficacy of several new dry eye disease (DED) therapies, the extent to which epithelial debridement affects keratometric measurements in epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (EBMD) and Salzmann nodular degeneration (SND), and the predictability of refractive error following combined pterygium and cataract removal. This review aims to incorporate these newer studies in updating and further emphasizing the need for careful management and optimization of common ocular surface conditions prior to cataract surgery. Recent findings Common ocular surface conditions such as DED, EBMD, SND, and pterygium can cause significant irregular astigmatism and higher-order aberrations. Their resolution can substantially alter biometry measurements in preparation for cataract surgery, affecting the final visual outcome. Newer therapies for DED, such as topical lifitegrast and thermal pulsation treatment, can aid in this optimization process. If superficial keratectomy or excisions of lesions on the ocular surface are performed, sufficient healing time is needed to allow the ocular surface to reach stability prior to biometry measurements. Summary Ocular surface optimization is key to successful cataract surgery planning and reaching desired outcomes.

This brief definitive review of Herpes Zoster (HZ) will cover the current state of knowledge and questions that remain to be answered regarding HZ in general, as well as Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus (HZO) in particular. A question-and-answer format will be used to address various important topics related to this common and serious disease. Questions to be addressed relate to common misconceptions, contagiousness of infection, unknowns regarding pathogenesis, rising incidence, risk factors and complications, relationship with temporal arteritis, vaccination, and current and future antiviral treatment. In addition, the importance of the Zoster Eye Disease Study (ZEDS) to determine the efficacy of suppressive valacyclovir treatment in preventing complications of HZO and the need to support enrollment will be discussed.

Endothelial keratoplasty (EK) has evolved to become the standard of care over traditional penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for treating isolated corneal endothelial disease. EK provides numerous advantages including faster, more reliable visual rehabilitation, along with a lower allograft rejection rate. There are some situations, however, in which EK may not necessarily be the best option, and PK should at least be considered. In such situations, a careful weighing and balancing needs to be done in conjunction with the patient.Die endotheliale Keratoplastik (EK) hat sich zum Therapiestandard entwickelt und wird bei der Behandlung der isolierten endothelialen Erkrankung der Hornhaut der herkömmlichen penetrierenden Keratoplastik (PK) vorgezogen. Die EK bietet zahlreiche Vorteile, darunter eine schnellere und zuverlässigere visuelle Rehabilitation sowie eine geringere Abstoßungsrate des Allotransplantats. Es gibt aber einige Situationen, in denen die EK nicht unbedingt die bessere Option darstellt und eine PK wenigstens in Betracht gezogen werden sollte. In solchen Situationen müssen die Vor- und Nachteile zusammen mit dem Patienten sorgfältig abgewogen werden.

PURPOSE: To determine whether preoperative endothelial cell density (ECD) and/or postoperative ECD after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) are associated with late endothelial graft failure (LEGF) in the Cornea Preservation Time Study (CPTS). DESIGN: Cohort study within multicenter randomized clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: 1,007 individuals (1,223 study eyes), mean age 70 years, undergoing DSAEK for Fuchs’ dystrophy (94% of eyes) or pseudophakic/aphakic corneal edema (PACE) (6% of eyes) and followed for up to 5 years. METHODS: Central ECD was determined by a central image analysis reading center. Preoperative ECD was determined for 1209 eyes that did not fail and 14 eyes that experienced LEGF. ECD at 6 and 12 months after DSAEK, the change in ECD from preoperative to 6 and 12 months, surgeon-reported operative complications, and postoperative graft dislocation, were investigated for an association with LEGFs unrelated to other postoperative events. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess associations. RESULTS: The cumulative probability of LEGF was 1.3% (95% CI 0.8% to 2.4%). Median (IQR) preoperative ECDs were similar for eyes with LEGF (2523 (2367, 3161) cells/mm(2)) and eyes without failure (2727 (2508, 2973) cells/mm(2)) (p=0.34). ECD at 6 months was associated with LEGF (p

Purpose Our eyes are chronically exposed to airborne particulate matter shown to adversely affect the ocular surface. This research examines size, type (organic vs. inorganic), and elemental composition of particles recovered from the ocular surface in 2 environments and their associations with dry eye (DE) metrics. Methods Particles were recovered from the right eye using Schirmer strips obtained both in the clinic and home environments 9 ± 8 days apart. Particle size and elemental composition were assessed using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The paired t test was used to evaluate the differences in the size and types of ocular surface particles recovered from the clinic and home settings. Associations of particle size and type with home environmental conditions and DE measures were evaluated using correlation analyses. Results The mean age of the 15 patients was 56 years, standard deviation (±) 12 years; 93% were men and 53% self-identified as white. Size, type, and elemental composition did not vary significantly between clinic and home. Particle surface area was marginally associated with home indoor temperature (25 °C ± 2, ρ=-0.53, P = 0.06) and significantly associated with the select DE signs: tear osmolality (304 mOsm/L ± 14, ρ= -0.60, P = 0.02), inflammation (0.7 ± 0.8, ρ = 0.53, P = 0.04), and tear breakup time (7 seconds ± 3, ρ = 0.56, P = 0.03). Conclusions Ocular surface particles were consistently detected across 2 different environments. Greater particle area detected on Schirmer strips correlated with some DE measures, suggesting that particles detected on the ocular surface may affect eye health.

PURPOSE: To examine the association of donor, recipient, and operative factors on graft dislocation after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in the Cornea Preservation Time Study (CPTS) as well as the effects of graft dislocation and elevated IOP on graft success and endothelial cell density (ECD) 3 years postoperatively. DESIGN: Cohort study within a multi-center, double-masked, randomized clinical trial. METHODS: 1,090 individuals (1,330 study eyes), median age 70 years, undergoing DSAEK for Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (94% of eyes) or pseudophakic or aphakic corneal edema (6% of eyes). Recipient eyes receiving donor corneal tissue randomized by preservation time (PT) of 0-7 days (N=675) or 8-14 days (N=655) were monitored for early or late graft failure through 3 years. Donor, recipient, operative, and postoperative parameters were recorded including graft dislocation (GD), partial detachment, and pre- and post-operative IOP. Pre- and postoperative central donor ECD were determined by a central image analysis reading center. Proportional hazards, mixed effects, and logistic regression models estimated risk ratios and {99% confidence intervals}. RESULTS: Three independent predictive factors for GD were identified: a history of donor diabetes (odds ratio {OR}: 2.29 {1.30, 4.02}), increased pre-lamellar dissection central corneal thickness (OR: 1.13 {1.01, 1.27} per 25μ increase), and operative complications (OR: 2.97 {1.24, 7.11}). Among 104 (8%) eyes with GD, 30 (28.9%) developed primary donor or early failure and 5 (4.8%) developed late failure vs. 15 (1.2%; p

Purpose of review The corneal epithelium is a crucial barrier against pathogens, and when disrupted in the setting of certain underlying risk factors such as neurotrophic keratopathy (NK), may result in persistent epithelial defects (PEDs) of the cornea. Management is challenging and may require a variety of different approaches ranging from conservative medical therapy to surgical intervention. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on current and potential future therapeutic options for PEDs and NK. Recent findings Recent research has yielded promising results for numerous novel therapies aimed at treating PEDs. Many of these attempt to stimulate healing at the cellular level, via signaling of corneal epithelial differentiation, migration, and proliferation. Considerable advances have also been made regarding medical and surgical promotion of corneal re-innervation and restoration of corneal sensitivity to directly address the underlying NK condition. Summary Together with the current well established therapeutic options available for PEDs and NK, growing research on newer alternatives suggest increasing potential for both more effective and more convenient therapies for these difficult situations.

The ability to measure all the electrolyte concentrations in tears would be valuable in ophthalmology for research and diagnosis of dry eye disease (DED) and other ocular pathologies. However, tear samples are difficult to collect and analyze because the total volume is small and the chemical composition changes rapidly. Measurements of electrolytes in tears is challenging because typical clinical assays for proteins and other biomarkers cannot be used to detect ion concentrations tears. Here, we report the contact lens which is sensitive to sodium ion (Na(+)), one of the dominant electrolytes in tears. The Na ions in tears is diagnostic for DED. Three sodium-sensitive fluorophores (SG-C16, SG-LPE and SG-PL) were synthesized by derivatizing the sodium green with 1-hexadecyl amine, 1-oleoyl-2-hydroxy-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine or poly-L-lysine, respectively. These probes were bound to modern silicone hydrogel (SiHG) contact lens, Biofinity from Cooper Vision. Doped lenses were tested for sodium ion dependent spectral properties of probes within the contact lens. The probes displayed changes in intensity and lifetime in response to Na(+) concentration, were completely reversible, no significant probe wash-out from the lenses, were not affected by proteins in tears and were not removed after repeated washing. These results are the first step to our long-term goal, which is a lens sensitive to all the electrolytes in tears. We presented design, synthesis and implementation of three new sodium sensitive probes within a silicon hydrogel lens. Contact lenses to measure the other electrolytes in tears can be developed using the same approach by synthesis and testing of new ion-sensitive fluorophores.

Atypical mycobacteria (AM) are aerobic, nonspore-forming bacilli that are known to be involved in many ocular infections, most commonly keratitis. The most common AM organisms that cause keratitis are Mycobacterium chelonae, Mycobacterium fortuitum, and Mycobacterium abscessus. While AM keratitis are commonly associated with post-laser in situ keratomilieusis (LASIK) scenarios, AM keratitis is also frequently caused by trauma and contact lens wear. It is difficult to diagnose AM keratitis because of the clinical appearance as well as the slow growth on culture. Hence, initiation of treatment is often delayed, leading to worse outcomes. Specific stains and cultures in addition to standard media are sometimes needed, including acid-fast stains, Ziehl–Neelsen, Lowenstein–Jensen medium, and Middlebrook 7H9 broth. Many treatment options have been studied, but topical amikacin appears to be one of the most commonly used therapies. Occasionally, systemic antibiotics are used, and in recalcitrant cases with risk to continued spread beyond the cornea, surgical intervention is needed. As clinical outcomes are dependent on a high suspicion for this condition and the initiation of prompt treatment, an understanding of and a recognition of AM keratitis is of utmost importance.

PURPOSE: To investigate the attitudes and practice of corneal specialists if patients with keratoplasty sought advice regarding common vaccinations and risk for potential graft rejection.METHODS: An online questionnaire was posted on the Kera-net listserv and the EuCornea Web site in early 2020. Attitudes toward vaccinations and keratoplasty were obtained. Decision making for common keratoplasty (endothelial keratoplasty, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, and penetrating keratoplasty) scenarios at early and late time points was explored regarding the herpes zoster and influenza vaccines.RESULTS: There were 142 respondents: 51.1% (70/137) specifically advise their patients with keratoplasty to get all vaccinations; 19.7% (27/137) stated clinical experience of a vaccine-associated rejection episode; 42.2% (57/135) were unaware of any such cases; and 64% (27/42) of those concerned would recommend delay if within 3 months of transplant surgery, recent corneal infection, or a recent rejection episode. The 2245 total responses to 18 clinical scenarios demonstrated wide variability in management of grafts in the setting of vaccination. Generally, 45.9% would not alter management, 26.2% would increase frequency of topical steroids, and 22.2% would recommend delay to vaccinations. Increased concern was expressed with recent surgery, live zoster vaccine and higher-risk penetrating keratoplasty scenarios.CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of the respondents do not alter management in the setting of keratoplasty and zoster and/or influenza vaccinations. Anecdotal rejection episodes possibly associated with vaccinations were reported by some. Vaccine-related rejection has not been shown in higher-level research, but that has not eliminated clinical concerns. Prospective research into the true vaccine-related risks in keratoplasty is necessary if evidence-based management guidelines are to be developed or definitive reassurance provided.

Objectives To describe progressive corneal microcyst-like epithelial changes (MECs) that developed in patients treated with the investigational drug belantamab mafodotin (belamaf) for refractory multiple myeloma (MM). Methods This is a single center case series of patients with MM receiving the investigational drug belamaf. Results All 12 patients included in this analysis who were treated with belamaf developed MECs that initially appeared in the peripheral cornea and progressed centrally with time. Cessation of therapy resulted in regression of the MECs first in the periphery then centrally. Microcyst-like epithelial changes recurred in all patients on retreatment. With prolonged therapy, eight patients developed corneal staining patterns suggestive of limbal stem cell dysfunction (LSCD). Conclusion We describe MECs and LSCD associated with systemic administration of belamaf. Further study is needed to determine the etiology and composition of the MECs and the mechanism of limbal stem cell involvement.

Importance The ocular surface is continuously exposed to the environment. Although studies have focused on associations between outdoor environmental conditions and dry eye, information on associations between the indoor environment and dry eye is lacking. Objective To determine associations between the indoor environment and dry eye. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective cross-sectional study sample of 97 veterans with a wide range of dry eye metrics was recruited from the Miami Veterans Affairs Healthcare eye clinic from October 19, 2017, to August 30, 2018. Dry eye metrics were first evaluated in the clinic, followed by indoor home environmental metrics within 1 week using a handheld particle counter. Data were analyzed from October 19, 2017, to August 30, 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures Symptoms of dry eye were assessed with standardized questionnaires. Dry eye signs were assessed via standard examination. Indoor environmental metrics included temperature, humidity, and particulate matter mass and count. Results Of the 97 participants included in the analysis, 81 (84%) were men, with a mean (SD) age of 58.2 (11.9) years. Dry eye symptoms were in the moderate range with a mean (SD) Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score of 31.2 (23.6). Humidity was associated with worse symptoms and signs, including OSDI score (r = 0.30 [95% CI, 0.07-0.49];P = .01), inflammation (r = 0.32 [95% CI, 0.10-0.51];P = .01), Schirmer score (r = −0.25 [95% CI, −0.45 to 0.02];P = .03), eyelid vascularity (r = 0.27 [95% CI, 0.05-0.47];P = .02), and meibomian gland dropout (r = 0.27 [95% CI, 0.05-0.47];P = .02). In multivariate analyses, particulate matter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5) was associated with dry eye metrics when adjusted for demographic characteristics, comorbidities, medications, and interaction variables. For example, a 1-unit increase in instrumented PM2.5level was associated with a 1.59 increase in the OSDI score (95% CI, 0.58-2.59;P = .002), a 0.39 reduction in Schirmer score (95% CI, −0.75 to −0.03;P = .04), a 0.07 increase in meibomian gland dropout (95% CI, 0.01-0.13;P = .02), and a 0.06 increase in inflammation (95% CI, 0.02-0.11;P = .009). Conclusions and Relevance When adjusting for humidity, this study found that increased particulate matter exposure was associated with worse dry eye metrics. Humidity was positively associated with dry eye metrics, potentially because higher humidity increases microbial growth and particulate matter size and mass.

Rapid and non-invasive measurement of hydration status is medically important because even mild levels of dehydration can have a significant impact on physical and cognitive performance. Despite the potential value of determining whole-body hydration based on the electrolytes found in tears, very few tests are available. An area of intense interest is the development of a contact lens which could measure ion concentrations in tears, specifically that of sodium (Na(+)) and chloride (Cl(−)) ions, the dominant electrolytes in blood plasma and tears. Here, we describe a method to make fluorescent contact lenses which allow determination of Na(+) and Cl(−) ion concentrations in tears. Fluorophores known to be sensitive to Na(+) and Cl(−) were derivatized to bind non-covalently to two commercially-available silicone hydrogel (SiHG) contact lenses—the Biofinity (Comfilcon A) or MyDay (Stenfilcon A) lenses. The sodium- and chloride-sensitive fluorophores displayed spectral changes in the physiological range for Na(+) and Cl(−) ions in tears. The lenses for both Na(+) and Cl(−) ions were completely reversible. The sodium responses were not sensitive to protein interference including human lysozyme, human serum albumin and mucin type 2. The chloride sensitivity was similar with both lenses, but the sodium-sensitive range was different in the Biofinity and MyDay lenses. We also fabricated a lens with both the Na(+) and Cl(−) probes in a single MyDay lens resulting in a contact lens that independently measured Na(+) and Cl(−) concentrations without physical separation of the fluorophores. Our findings indicated that a sodium and chloride-sensitive contact lens (NaCl-lens) could be used for rapid non-invasive detection of whole-body hydration, as well as associated diseases or other infections.

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) has the potential to cause significant visual morbidity and functional disability in patients with recalcitrant disease, keratitis, and postherpetic neuralgia. This article will review the current methods of prevention and treatment of anterior segment-related chronic complications of HZO.HZO-related anterior segment ocular complications can range to include conjunctivitis, keratitis, and uveitis that can all be difficult to manage. Furthermore, many clinicians differ in their approach to disease management given the relative lack of large randomized controlled trials to guide therapy. The goal in managing complications of HZO is to reduce visual morbidity and to improve analgesia, and here, we present current recommendations for the management of anterior segment complications of HZO.Recent advances in vaccine technology and the initiation of the Zoster Eye Disease Study improve the possibility of reducing the burden of disease while also further standardizing management of HZO.

Therapeutic contact lenses are commonly used to treat various ocular surface conditions that require restoration or maintenance of the corneal epithelium. While this is a very successful treatment modality, it is not without risk. The primary risk associated with bandage contact lens wear is microbial keratitis. This paper will review the literature on the occurrence and outcomes of microbial keratitis in the setting of therapeutic contact lens use, including orthokeratology. Therapeutic contact lenses are used in various situations including ocular surface disease, post-keratorefractive surgery, and post-corneal crosslinking. Orthokeratology utilizes a rigid contact lens for therapeutic purposes. Though an uncommon occurrence in the setting of therapeutic contact lenses, microbial keratitis can occur and can lead to vision loss even in the setting of prophylactic topical antibiotics. Despite improvements in contact lens materials that would reduce infection rates, use of modern therapeutic contact lenses can still result in microbial keratitis, even with the use of prophylactic antibiotics. Although incidence rates for microbial keratitis in with therapeutic contact lens use are not available, numerous reports confirm that care must be taken when using therapeutic contact lenses to avoid sight-threatening infections.

Introduction: Belantamab mafodotin (belamaf) is a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeting antibody-drug conjugate approved in the United States (US) and Europe as a monotherapy for triple-class refractory adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). This hypothesis-generating post-hoc analysis of DREAMM-2 trial (NCT03525678) data examined relationships between corneal exam findings (superficial punctate keratopathy and/or microcyst like epithelial changes), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and direct patient-reported ocular symptoms per the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. This approach could provide insight into the relationship between corneal exam findings, BCVA, and ocular symptoms and their impact on quality of life to help determine if BCVA decline and symptoms could guide dosing. Currently, in the US, eye exams with eye-care professionals (ECPs) are required for each belamaf treatment, which can add to patients' therapy-related burden. Identifying a surrogate marker for results from corneal exam findings would help providers determine if dosing adjustments are necessary. Methods: Eye exams (including a corneal exam and BCVA assessment using the Snellen chart) were performed on all patients receiving single-agent belamaf (2.5 mg/kg) by ECPs at baseline (BL) and before each dose, administered q3w. Corneal exam findings (keratopathy) and BCVA were assessed per protocol-defined criteria, and grade (GR) assessment was based on the worst finding in the worse eye. BCVA and keratopathy grading were relative to BL. Patient-reported ocular symptoms and vision-related functioning, as per the OSDI, were used to evaluate the impact of treatment-related ocular toxicity. The OSDI is a patient-reported outcome questionnaire that assesses eye symptoms and effects on vision-related function in the past week and was performed in all patients before each belamaf dose. Items 1-5 address the frequency of eye-related symptoms (eg, painful or sore eyes, blurred vision) while items 6-9 address the frequency of functional limitations (eg, driving at night or reading). OSDI was considered positive, clinically meaningful, and potentially associated with treatment when at least one question 1-5 (ie, sensitivity to light, gritty or painful eyes, blurred or poor vision) was reported as experienced "all of the time" and at least one question 6-9 (ie, driving at night, reading, working with PC, or watching TV) was reported as experienced "most of the time." Results: Overall, GR 3-4 (severe) keratopathy was observed only 5% of the time in patients who did not report frequent ocular symptoms as measured by the OSDI questionnaire (no items 1-9 ≥ "most of the time"). A further breakdown of the questions revealed that, in patients who reported no items 1-5 "all of the time" AND no items 6-9 ≥ "most of the time" (OSDI negative), GR 3-4 keratopathy was observed only 6% of the time (Table). When considering individual OSDI items, in patients who reported "no deterioration from BL" for any of the OSDI eye-related symptoms or functional limitations, GR 3-4 keratopathy was observed ~3%-7% of the time while GR 0-2 (mild) keratopathy was observed ~23%-34% of the time. Similar results were observed in patients with BCVA ≤20/30 at BL who reported "no deterioration from BL" for any eye-related adverse events (AEs) or functional limitations (GR 3-4 keratopathy: ~2%-6% of the time; GR 0-2 keratopathy: ~19%-28% of the time); patients with worse visual acuity at BL (BCVA >20/30) who reported "no deterioration" for items 1-9 had lower incidence of GR 3-4 and GR 0-2 keratopathy (~0%-1% and ~3%-8%, respectively). Conclusions: The results from this hypothesis-generating post-hoc analysis suggest that hematologists/oncologists may be able to use clinical indicators/tools (eg, ocular symptoms, the OSDI tool) as potential surrogate markers for eye exam results to help determine whether dosing changes are needed. This approach will be explored in trials with other belamaf dose regimens that are currently under evaluation. If the results are validated, it may be possible for hematologists/oncologists to manage belamaf dose modifications, due to ocular AEs, without a confirmatory eye exam by the ECP, reducing the patient burden. Funding Source: GSK (205678). Drug linker technology licensed from Seagen; monoclonal antibody produced using POTELLIGENT Technology licensed from BioWa. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Popat: Takeda: Honoraria, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; AbbVie, BMS, Janssen, Oncopeptides, and Amgen: Honoraria; Abbvie, Takeda, Janssen, and Celgene: Consultancy; Janssen and BMS: Other: travel expenses. Badros: GlaxoSmithKline: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; J&J: Research Funding. Kumar: Abbvie: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Tenebio: Research Funding; Antengene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Carsgen: Research Funding; Roche-Genentech: Consultancy, Research Funding; Beigene: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; KITE: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Bluebird Bio: Consultancy; Oncopeptides: Consultancy; Astra-Zeneca: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Adaptive: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding. Rodríguez-Otero: Regeneron: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncopeptides: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Kite: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS/Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel and other expenses. Cohen: BMS: Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Other: Personal fees and other association with, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Other: Personal fees and other association with; Janssen: Honoraria; Kite Pharma: Honoraria; Oncopeptides: Honoraria; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria. Manier: Regeneron: Consultancy, Research Funding; Oncopeptides: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; GSK: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene - Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Roche: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Voorhees: Secura Bio: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Karyopharm: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncopeptides: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Gay: Amgen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria; AbbVie: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; GlaxoSmithKline: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncopeptides: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bluebird Bio: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria. Rifkin: Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Fresenius-Kabi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Coherus: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol Myers Squibb (Celgene): Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; McKesson: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Karyopharm: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Martin: Janssen: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; Oncopeptides: Consultancy; Amgen: Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy. Chari: Oncopeptides: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Secura Bio: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Shattuck Labs: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genentech: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; AbbVie: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Seattle Genetics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Antengene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Millenium/Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi Genzyme: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Karyopharm: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; BMS/Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen Oncology: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Weisel: Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Oncopeptides: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; GSK: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Karyopharm: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Consultancy; Novartis: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria. Farooq: Five Prime Therapeutics/Amgen: Consultancy; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy. Jeng: OysterPoint: Consultancy; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy; Eyegate: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Chng: Abbvie: Consultancy; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; BMS/Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy; Novartis: Research Funding; Johnson & Johnson: Consultancy, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy; Antengene: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Aslan: Research Funding. Lee: Takeda Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Research Funding; Oncopetides: Consultancy; Sanofi: Consultancy; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Research Funding; Legend Biotech: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genentech: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Regeneron: Research Funding. Berdeja: BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celularity: Research Funding; CRISPR Therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Kite Pharma: Consultancy; Legend Biotech: Consultancy; SecuraBio: Consultancy; EMD Serono: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Research Funding; Ichnos Sciences: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Poseida: Research Funding; Bluebird bio: Consultancy, Research Funding; Astex Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy; Sanofi: Research Funding; Acetylon: Research Funding; Teva: Research Funding; Lilly: Research Funding. Jadhav: GlaxoSmithKline: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Tosolini: GlaxoSmithKline: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Eliason: GlaxoSmithKline: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Palumbo: GlaxoSmithKline: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Dimopoulos: Beigene: Honoraria; BMS: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria. Lonial: Merck: Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; BMS/Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; AMGEN: Consultancy, Honoraria; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Trudel: Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria; Amgen Canada: Honoraria; Sanofi: Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Karyopharm: Honoraria. Richardson: Sanofi: Consultancy; Celgene/BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Protocol Intelligence: Consultancy; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy; Secura Bio: Consultancy; AbbVie: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy; Oncopeptides: Consultancy, Research Funding; Regeneron: Consultancy; AstraZeneca: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Research Funding. Terpos: Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Genesis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; GSK: Honoraria, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; BMS: Honoraria; Janssen-Cilag: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.

Introduction: The treatment paradigm for RRMM is characterized by continuous treatment to suppress the malignant plasma cell clone. Some treatments may affect the eye, leading to a broad spectrum of ocular disorders, from dry eye to glaucoma, causing impaired quality of life. Therefore, we examined the baseline eye health of patients with RRMM receiving single-agent belamaf in the DREAMM-2 study (NCT03525678) and compared the findings to those of age-matched individuals in the general population. A better understanding of baseline ocular status is important as patients may have existing, undiagnosed eye conditions that may affect future treatment options. Methods: DREAMM-2 investigated belamaf, a B-cell maturation antigen-targeted antibody-drug conjugate in patients with RRMM. Eligible patients had received ≥3 prior therapies and were refractory to an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and refractory and/or intolerant to an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. Prior to receiving belamaf, patients underwent systematic ocular history collection and eye examination and completed the eye-specific National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (NEI-VFQ-25). We report pretreatment eye-related findings to describe the baseline ocular status of patients with RRMM in DREAMM-2. Results: Of 221 patients enrolled, 100 (45%) were female and 121 (55%) were male, with a median age (range) of 66 years (34-89), median time from diagnosis of 5.4 years (1.1-12.1), and median 6 (3-21) prior lines of therapy; 98% patients had received bortezomib. Previous ocular history reported by patients were cataract (60%), intraocular surgery and/or laser treatment (35%), dry eye (20%), and glaucoma (6%), and history of ocular disease requiring medical treatment (12%). On examination, the mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) Snellen score was worse than 20/50 in one or both eyes in 20 and 4 of 218 patients with data, respectively. Blepharitis (anterior) was evident in approximately 20% and the corneal epithelium was abnormal (mainly mild-grade keratopathy) in 43% of patients. Impaired tear film production was reported with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in 33% of patients, and evidence of dry eye (Schirmer's test, median 8.2 mm [normal ≥15 mm] in the worse eye. Median worse-eye tear break up time was 8.6 sec [normal >10 sec]). Slit-lamp examination revealed a cataract in approximately 50% of patients. Ten (8%) patients had evidence of prior cataract surgery with an implanted lens (pseudophakia). Dilated fundoscopy identified an abnormal optic nerve in 10% of patients in either eye; of these, glaucomatous cupping was noted in 43% (right eye) to 50% (left eye) of patients. Median (range) overall composite vision score by NEI-VFQ-25 was 95.3 (28-100). Conclusions: There was a 60% prevalence of cataract in the study cohort and an increased prevalence of glaucoma (6% vs expected 3% in patients >65 years old; Kreft et.al. BMC Public Health 2019) in RRMM patients treated in the DREAMM-2 study. Both conditions can be associated with corticosteroids, often used in MM treatments, although cataract is also an age-related phenomenon. We noted a significant number of patients with blepharitis (anterior), dry eye, and MGD, which may be associated with prior bortezomib treatment. Forty-three percent of patients had an abnormal corneal epithelium at baseline, which may be related to dry eye. This is relevant as belamaf is associated with keratopathy (microcyst-like epithelial changes visible on slit-lamp examination, with or without symptoms). Overall NEI-VFQ-25 scores were comparable to those reported in patients >65 years old (Nickels et al. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2017). Patients with RRMM may have a number of baseline ocular abnormalities suggesting a need for regular ophthalmic examinations in this vulnerable population to identify and manage underlying conditions and treatment-related complications. Specifically, attention should be paid to patients who may have ocular conditions associated with prior treatment with corticosteroids or bortezomib. The optimization of ocular heath in this population is particularly relevant given that emerging RRMM therapies such as belamaf are associated with significant ocular side effects. Funding: GSK (Study 205678); drug linker technology licensed from Seattle Genetics; monoclonal antibody produced using POTELLIGENT Technology licensed from BioWa. Disclosures Popat: GSK: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel support, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria. Farooq:University of Chicago: Current Employment; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy. Thulasi:Emory University: Current Employment. Lonial:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal fees; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; GSK: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal fees; Abbvie: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal fees; Takeda: Consultancy, Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal fees; Sanofi: Consultancy; Genentech: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Consultancy; TG Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; JUNO Therapeutics: Consultancy; Millennium: Consultancy, Honoraria; Onyx: Honoraria. Jakubowiak:AbbVie, Amgen, BMS/Celgene, GSK, Janssen, Karyopharm: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Adaptive, Juno: Consultancy, Honoraria. Badros:Amgen: Consultancy; University of Maryland: Current Employment. Jeng:University of Maryland: Current Employment; EyeGate: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Kedrion, Merck, GSK: Consultancy. Opalinska:GlaxoSmithKline: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Baron:GlaxoSmithKline: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Piontek:GlaxoSmithKline: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Byrne:Adaptimmune, Novartis: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; GlaxoSmithKline: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Womersley:GlaxoSmithKline: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Gupta:GlaxoSmithKline: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Novartis: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Degli Esposti:Moorfields Eye Hospital: Current Employment; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Honoraria.

Introduction: Patients with heavily pretreated RRMM have a poor prognosis (median overall survival [OS]: 6-9 months) and a need for novel, well-tolerated treatments that induce lasting responses (Gandhi Leukemia 2019; Chari NEJM 2019). Belamaf (GSK2857916) is a first-in-class, B-cell maturation antigen-targeting, antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) containing monomethyl auristatin F (MMAF). In DREAMM-2 (NCT03525678), patients with heavily pretreated RRMM who responded to single-agent belamaf maintained deep and durable responses at 13-month follow-up (median OS: >13 months) with a manageable safety profile (Lonial ASCO 2020, Poster 436). Consistent with other MMAF-containing ADCs, ocular events were common (Farooq et al. Ophthal Ther 2020). These events included keratopathy (microcyst-like epithelial changes [MECs]: an eye exam finding with/without symptoms), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) changes, and symptoms (blurred vision and dry eye). Longer-term recovery data will help inform management strategies. Methods: In DREAMM-2, eye exams were conducted at baseline and prior to each dose in patients received single-agent belamaf (2.5 or 3.4 mg/kg Q3W) and included a corneal exam and assessment of BCVA change from baseline (Snellen visual acuity [VA]). Dose modifications (delays/reductions) were permitted to manage these events. The corneal events were graded per the Keratopathy and Visual Acuity (KVA) scale, which combined corneal exam findings and BCVA changes from baseline. Dose modifications were determined based on the most severe KVA scale grade. These events were followed until recovery, defined as any Grade 1 exam findings/no exam findings, and ≤1-line decline in Snellen VA compared with baseline. A change to a BCVA 20/50 or worse (ie, limiting driving ability) in the better-seeing eye (in patients with BCVA better than 20/50 at baseline) was considered one definition of clinically meaningful VA decrease. Recovery of these events was defined as BCVA improvement to better than 20/50 (better-seeing eye). We report ocular event outcomes for patients receiving belamaf 2.5 mg/kg (recommended dose for future clinical development) from a 13-month follow-up post-hoc analysis. Results: In patients receiving single-agent belamaf 2.5 mg/kg, 72% (68/95) experienced a treatment-related eye exam finding of keratopathy (MECs) (Farooq Ophthal Ther 2020).Fewer patients (56%; 53/95) had symptoms (eg, blurred vision or dry eye) and/or a ≥2-line BCVA decline (better-seeing eye). Treatment discontinuations due to ocular events were rare (3% [3/95] total; 1% [1/95] each due to keratopathy [MECs], blurred vision, and reduced BCVA (Farooq Ophthal Ther 2020). In patients with keratopathy (MEC) events Grade ≥2 per KVA, 48% (29/60) had >1 event. The first event recovered in 77% (46/60; Table; Farooq Ophthal Ther 2020). At last follow-up, 48% (29/60) had documented recovery of their most recent event (Farooq Ophthal Ther 2020). In patients with unrecovered events at last follow-up, 45% (14/31) are receiving treatment or in follow-up. The remaining 55% (17/31) are no longer in follow-up (9 died; 4 withdrew from study; 4 lost to follow-up). 84% (37/44) of patients with Grade 3/4 events were improving or had recovered events at last follow-up. Seventeen (18%) patients had a clinically meaningful BCVA decline, with no reports of complete permanent vision loss (Farooq Ophthal Ther 2020). Of these patients, 76% (13/17) had 1 event and 24% (4/17) had 2 events (no patients had >2 events). 82% (14/17) had recovery of their first event and 82% (14/17) had recovery at last follow-up (Farooq Ophthal Ther 2020). Of the remaining 3 patients with unrecovered events, 1 patient is receiving treatment and 2 patients are no longer in follow-up (1 died due to disease progression; 1 withdrew from study). Conclusions: Though keratopathy (MECs) were frequently observed on eye exam, the majority of patients did not experience a clinically meaningful BCVA decline, and events rarely led to treatment discontinuation. The first keratopathy (MEC) event or clinically meaningful BCVA decline recovered in the majority of patients with events. In this ongoing study, patients are being followed for recovery. Based on experience, it is anticipated these events will likely recover over time. Funding: GSK (205678); drug linker technology licensed from Seattle Genetics; mAb produced using POTELLIGENT Technology licensed from BioWa. Disclosures Lonial: Karyopharm: Consultancy; Sanofi: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal fees; Onyx: Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal fees; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; GSK: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal fees; Abbvie: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal fees; JUNO Therapeutics: Consultancy; TG Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium: Consultancy, Honoraria; Genentech: Consultancy. Nooka:Spectrum Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Oncopeptides: Consultancy, Honoraria; Adaptive Technologies: Consultancy, Honoraria; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Personal Fees: Travel/accomodations/expenses, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Karyopharm Therapeutics, Adaptive technologies: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Thulasi:Emory University: Current Employment. Badros:University of Maryland: Current Employment; Amgen: Consultancy. Jeng:Kedrion, Merck, GSK: Consultancy; University of Maryland: Current Employment; EyeGate: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Callander:University of Wisconsin: Current Employment; Cellectar: Research Funding. Sborov:University of Utah: Current Employment; Celgene, Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Personal fees. Zaugg:University of Utah: Current Employment. Popat:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel support, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); GSK: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria. Degli Esposti:GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Honoraria; Moorfields Eye Hospital: Current Employment. Byrne:Adaptimmune, Novartis: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; GlaxoSmithKline: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Opalinska:GlaxoSmithKline: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Baron:GlaxoSmithKline: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Piontek:GlaxoSmithKline: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Gupta:Novartis: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; GlaxoSmithKline: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Dana:Kala: Consultancy; Alcon: Consultancy; GSK: Consultancy; Aramis Biosciences, Claris Biotherapeutics, GelMEDIX: Current equity holder in private company; Novartis: Consultancy; Dompe: Consultancy; Massachusetts Eye and Ear; Harvard Medical School Department of Ophthalmology: Current Employment; NIH, DOD, Allegan: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Farooq:GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy; University of Chicago: Current Employment. Jakubowiak:Adaptive, Juno: Consultancy, Honoraria; AbbVie, Amgen, BMS/Celgene, GSK, Janssen, Karyopharm: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis is a highly prevalent and visually disabling disease in both the pediatric and adult population. While many studies have investigated the treatment of HSV keratitis in adult patients, few have focused on managing this condition in children. Children are at particularly high risk for visual morbidity due to unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment, and the often more aggressive disease course that results in corneal scarring, and subsequently amblyopia. This review presents the pathogenesis and most current recommendations for the medical and surgical management of HSV keratitis in the pediatric population.

Herpes zoster (HZ), including herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO), is a very common disease caused by the reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV), with serious, potentially vision- and life-threatening complications. Alarmingly, the incidence of HZ is increasing while age at onset is decreasing, but it is preventable by vaccination. When HZ does occur, current recommended treatment reduces eye disease, but does not prevent chronic and/or recurrent eye disease, nor postherpetic neuralgia. New treatment with prolonged suppressive antiviral treatment for HZO is under investigation in a multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial supported by the National Eye Institute to determine whether or not it is effective in reducing complications, including eye disease and/or postherpetic neuralgia.

Fungal infection after corneal transplantation is a rare, yet potentially devastating, postoperative complication and has become a growing concern for the transplant surgeon and eye banking community. The Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) has reported an increasing trend in the rate of postkeratoplasty fungal infections and a reversal in the previously documented predominance of bacterial over fungal infections. Additionally, several studies have confirmed a high correlation between positive corneoscleral donor rim fungal cultures and postoperative infections. Optisol GS (Bausch & Lomb, Irvine, California, USA), the most extensively used corneal storage solution in US eye banks, does not currently contain any antifungal supplementation. Although large randomised control trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of routine antifungal supplementation to corneal storage solution are lacking, several investigative studies have assessed the role of antifungal agents in reducing fungal contamination of donor corneas without causing undue corneal toxicity. This review will present the current epidemiology of postkeratoplasty fungal infections and evidence for obtaining routine fungal rim cultures and antifungal supplementation of storage solution.