Eye Diseases Commons^™

Selective Vulnerability Of The Intermediate Retinal Capillary Plexus Precedes Retinal Ganglion Cell Loss In Ocular Hypertension, Priyamvada M Pitale, Guofu Shen, Rohini R Sigireddi, Maria Polo-Prieto, Yong H Park, Solomon E Gibson, Peter D Westenskow, Roomasa Channa, Benjamin J Frankfort

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Introduction: Glaucoma, a disease of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) injury and potentially devastating vision loss, is associated with both ocular hypertension (OHT) and reduced ocular blood flow. However, the relationship between OHT and retinal capillary architecture is not well understood. In this project, we studied microvasculature damage in mice exposed to mild levels of induced OHT.

Methods: Mild OHT was induced with the microbead model for 2 weeks. At this time point, some retinas were immunostained with CD31 (endothelium), Collagen IV (basement membrane), and RBPMS (RGCs) for z-stack confocal microscopy. We processed these confocal images to distinguish the three retinal …

Identification Of A Novel Large Multigene Deletion And A Frameshift Indel In Pde6b As The Underlying Cause Of Early-Onset Recessive Rod-Cone Degeneration, Riccardo Sangermano, Pooja Biswas, Lori S Sullivan, Emily M Place, Shyamanga Borooah, Juerg Straubhaar, Eric A Pierce, Stephen P Daiger, Kinga M Bujakowska, Radha Ayaggari

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

A family, with two affected identical twins with early-onset recessive inherited retinal degeneration, was analyzed to determine the underlying genetic cause of pathology. Exome sequencing revealed a rare and previously reported causative variant (c.1923_1969delinsTCTGGG; p.Asn643Glyfs*29) in the

Non-Invasive Tear Break-Up Detection With The Kowa Dr-1Α And Its Relationship To Dry Eye Clinical Severity, Stephen Pflugfelder, Lauren Nakhleh, Yasushi Kikukawa, Shin Tanaka, Takuya Kosugi

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The purpose of this study is to compare visual versus software detection of non-invasive tear break-up with the KOWA DR-1α tear interferometer and investigate the relationship between non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) and dry eye clinical severity. Tear interferometry with the KOWA DR-1α, together with a standardized comprehensive ocular surface/tear evaluation, was performed on 348 consecutive eyes. Investigator visually detected or software detected non-invasive tear break-up and NIBUT were measured and compared on a subset of these examinations. The relationship between software-detected NIBUT and categorical dry eye severity based on irritation symptoms and corneal and conjunctival dye staining scores was …

A Reactivation Of Ocular Toxoplasmosis During Pregnancy, Brett Garee Od, Ms, Sarah Dieter Od, Pete Liette Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite estimated to affect over 500 million people worldwide. The feline is the definitive host for the parasite and infection may be acquired or congenital via maternal transmission. Humans may acquire the infection by ingestion of raw or undercooked meats and vegetables, contaminated water, or exposure to infected cat feces. The infection is often benign, self-limiting, and asymptomatic for humans, but potentially life threatening to infants or the immunocompromised patient.

Case Report: A 22 year-old Caucasian female, pregnant at 12 weeks gestation, presented to the optometry service with acute symptoms of hazy vision …

Factors Influencing Fellowship Training Among Ophthalmology Residents: A Pilot Study, Craig Czyz, Rahul Kashyap, Laura L. Wayman

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Objective

There has been an increase in ophthalmology fellowship training programs and applicants. The current ophthalmology literature lacks any recent study examining factors influencing residents' decisions to pursue subspecialty fellowship training.

Methods

An anonymous, 16-item survey was distributed to residents from a convenience sample of ophthalmology residency programs by their program directors or administrators.

Results

A total of 72 residents and 9 interns from 9 distinct programs completed the survey. Eighty-two percent of respondents reported they have either applied or will apply for a fellowship position. Gender and race showed no significant association with fellowship application. Respondents perceived that obtaining …

A Macrocyclic Molecule With Multiple Antioxidative Activities Protects The Lens From Oxidative Damage, Jinmin Zhang, Yu Yu, Magy A. Mekhail, Hongli Wu, Kayla N. Green

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Growing evidence links oxidative stress to the development of a cataract and other diseases of the eye. Treatments for lens-derived diseases are still elusive outside of the standard surgical interventions, which still carry risks today. Therefore, a potential drug molecule ^OHPy₂N₂ was explored for the ability to target multiple components of oxidative stress in the lens to prevent cataract formation. Several pathways were identified. Here we show that the ^OHPy₂N₂ molecule activates innate catalytic mechanisms in primary lens epithelial cells to prevent damage induced by oxidative stress. This protection was linked to …

Innovative Therapeutic Approach To Chemical Burns Produced By Vesicants; An Experimental Study, Cristina Anca Secara, Otilia Liudmila Cinteza, Diana Popescu, Claudia Valentina Popa, Camelia Andreea Hirjeu, Oana Cristina Voinea, Luiza Georgia Serbanescu, Andreea Marilena Pauna, Mihail Tudosie

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Vesicants are compounds that cause severe toxic effects on various tissues. Such chemical action causes tissue necrosis, with clinical expression of skin lesions with a burning character and characteristic blisters. Clinical toxic effects of cutaneous vesicles are correlated with the absorbed dose and exposure time. The goals of the study are to evaluate in vitro the skin toxicity produced by the vesicant chemical compound 2-chloroethyl-ethyl sulfide (CEES), to develop a complex antidote formula, and to optimize the therapeutic efficacy by inclusion in controlled release systems. The experimental protocol aims at the in vitro evaluation of the cytotoxicity of the vesicant …

Mapping The Universe Of Eph Receptor And Ephrin Ligand Transcripts In Epithelial And Fiber Cells Of The Eye Lens, Michael P Vu, Catherine Cheng

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The eye lens is a transparent, ellipsoid organ in the anterior chamber of the eye that is required for fine focusing of light onto the retina to transmit a clear image. Cataracts, defined as any opacity in the lens, remains the leading cause of blindness in the world. Recent studies in humans and mice indicate that Eph-ephrin bidirectional signaling is important for maintaining lens transparency. Specifically, mutations and polymorphisms in the EphA2 receptor and the ephrin-A5 ligand have been linked to congenital and age-related cataracts. It is unclear what other variants of Ephs and ephrins are expressed in the lens …

Age Related Macular Degeneration, Kathryn J. Hopsicker

Student Publications

This paper is a literature review on the subject Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) with a focus on its etiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. AMD is the leading cause of severe and irreversible central vision loss in in individuals over the age of 55. There are two subtypes of AMD referred to as dry and wet respectively. The etiology of this disease is multifactorial and complex, with no hallmark of disease definitively identified. The distinct pathophysiological features differing in dry and wet AMD are explored in this review as well as its diagnosis and treatment. This disease is …

The Effects Of Cannabidiol On Aqueous Humor Outflow And Trabecular Meshwork Cell Signaling., Alyssa S. Aebersold, Zhao-Hui Song

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is regulated primarily through aqueous humor production by ciliary body and drainage through uveoscleral and trabecular meshwork (TM) tissues. The goal of this study was to measure the effect of non-psychotropic cannabidiol (CBD) on aqueous humor outflow through TM and assess the effect of CBD on the TM cell signaling pathways that are important for regulating outflow. Perfused porcine eye anterior segment explants were used to investigate the effects of CBD on aqueous humor outflow. Cultured porcine TM cells were used to study the effects of CBD on TM cell contractility, myosin light chain (MLC) and myosin …

Mutations In Bcor, A Co-Repressor Of Crx/Otx2, Are Associated With Early-Onset Retinal Degeneration, Maéva Langouët, Christine Jolicoeur, Awais Javed, Pierre Mattar, Micah D Gearhart, Stephen P Daiger, Mette Bertelsen, Lisbeth Tranebjærg, Nanna D Rendtorff, Karen Grønskov, Catherine Jespersgaard, Rui Chen, Zixi Sun, Hui Li, Najmeh Alirezaie, Jacek Majewski, Vivian J Bardwell, Ruifang Sui, Robert K Koenekoop, Michel Cayouette

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Many transcription factors regulating the production, survival, and function of photoreceptor cells have been identified, but little is known about transcriptional co-regulators in retinal health and disease. Here, we show that BCL6 co-repressor (BCOR), a Polycomb repressive complex 1 factor mutated in various cancers, is involved in photoreceptor degenerative diseases. Using proteomics and transcription assays, we report that BCOR interacts with the transcription factors CRX and OTX2 and reduces their ability to activate the promoters of photoreceptor-specific genes. CUT&RUN sequencing further shows that BCOR shares genome-wide binding profiles with CRX/OTX2, consistent with a general co-repression activity. We also identify missense …

Predominantly Persistent Intraretinal Fluid In The Comparison Of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials, Jason Q Core, Maxwell Pistilli, Peiying Hua, Ebenezer Daniel, Juan E Grunwald, Cynthia A Toth, Glenn J Jaffe, Daniel F Martin, Maureen G Maguire, Gui-Shuang Ying, Comparison Of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials (Catt) Research Group

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

PURPOSE: To describe predominantly persistent intraretinal fluid (PP-IRF) and its association with visual acuity (VA) and retinal anatomic findings at long-term follow-up in eyes treated with pro re nata (PRN) ranibizumab or bevacizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

DESIGN: Cohort within a randomized clinical trial.

PARTICIPANTS: Participants in the Comparison of Age-related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials (CATT) assigned to PRN treatment.

METHODS: The presence of intraretinal fluid (IRF) on OCT scans was assessed at baseline and monthly follow-up visits by Duke OCT Reading Center. Predominantly persistent intraretinal fluid through week 12, year 1, and year 2 was defined as the …

Outcomes Of The Second Aqueous Shunt Implant Versus Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation Treatment Study: A Randomized Comparative Trial, Robert M Feldman, Alice Z Chuang, Steve L Mansberger, Angelo P Tanna, Lauren S Blieden, Nicholas P Bell, Ronald L Gross, Louis R Pasquale, David S Greenfield, Jeffrey M Liebmann, Robert N Weinreb

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

PRCIS: Short-term overall success rates were high with either SGDD or CPC. However, SGDD was associated with more clinic visits and an increased risk of additional glaucoma surgery. Both treatments were reasonable options for eyes with inadequately controlled IOP after a single GDD.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the implantation of a second glaucoma drainage device (SGDD) and transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) in eyes with inadequately controlled intraocular pressure (IOP), despite the presence of a preexisting glaucoma drainage device.

METHODS: Patients with inadequately controlled IOP, despite the medical therapy and a preexisting glaucoma drainage device, were enrolled …

Frosted Branch Angiitis After Smallpox Vaccination, Kristen Collister, Sam S Dahr

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

PURPOSE: To describe a patient presenting with frosted branch angiitis soon after small-pox vaccination.

OBSERVATIONS: Frosted branch angiitis (FBA) is an acute onset retinal vasculitis featuring prominent perivascular sheathing in otherwise healthy individuals. FBA has been associated with noninfectious and infectious etiologies. This report describes a twenty-year-old African American female who developed bilateral frosted branch angiitis one week after small-pox vaccination. At presentation, the patient had bilateral, para-central visual field defects and subjective visual disturbances. On dilated exam, the patient demonstrated diffuse vasculitis bilaterally. The patient's field defects and clinical exam responded dramatically to oral prednisone therapy.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: …

Fiber Bragg Grating Array For Shape Reconstruction In Structural Elements, Edson A Souza, Leandro C Macedo, Anselmo Frizera, Carlos Marques, Arnaldo Leal-Junior

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This paper presents the development, analysis and application of a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) array for two-dimensional (2D) shape reconstruction in a cantilever beam. The structural elements made of Pinus wood and Nylon 6.0 were numerically analyzed using the finite element method for the strain distribution when constant loading is applied at the free end of the beam. In addition, the temperature compensation method is proposed to decouple the temperature cross-sensitivity in the deflection analysis. In this case, the temperature sensitivities of all sensing elements of the 5-FBG array were obtained. An additional FBG was encapsulated in a silicone mold …

Accuracy Of Iol Power Calculation Formulas For Acrysof Sn60wf Versus Tecnis Zcb00 Intraocular Lenses, Cynthia C Jiang, Noah M Hodson, Daniel A Johnson, Ahmad Kheirkhah

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of various intraocular lens power formulas for two monofocal hydrophobic foldable lenses, the AcrySof SN60WF and the Tecnis ZCB00.

METHODS: This retrospective study included 409 eyes from 409 patients who underwent uncomplicated cataract surgery (299 eyes with SN60WF and 110 eyes with ZCB00). Biometry was performed for all eyes with an IOLMaster 700. Predicted refraction from five different IOL power formulas (Barrett Universal II, Haigis, Hoffer-Q, Holladay 2, and SRK/T) was compared to postoperative refraction at one to three months for the following axial length strata: short eyes (

RESULTS: In patients with medium eyes, …

Effects Of Dietary Ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (N-3 Pufa) In Light Sensitivity Of Retinas Of Mice Models To Prevent Retinal Damage, Aaron Eugene Rice

Longitudinal Scholar's Project

Light-induced retinal degeneration (LIRD) causes photoreceptor cell death in albino mice after exposure to high intensity light for a set period of time (6-24 hours). This causes retinal photoreceptor cell death through apoptosis. From several previous studies, Dr. Mandal’s lab concluded that de novo biosynthesis of ceramide mediates photoreceptor cell death in a LIRD model. Previous studies in Dr. Mandal’s lab has shown that mouse models with higher endogenous ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (n-3 PUFA) generates less ceramide upon neuronal injury and prevent neurodegeneration (Mol Neurobio 2021). There are currently not many available effective therapies for retinal degeneration in humans …

Barriers To Care For Poststroke Visual Deficits In Alberta, Canada, Kiran Pohar Manhas, Karim F. Damji, Katelyn Brehon, Jennis Jiang, Peter Faris, Fiona Costello

Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

Poststroke visual impairment (VI) negatively affects rehabilitation potential and quality of life for stroke survivors. In this cross-sectional observational study, stroke survivors and providers were surveyed to quantify perspectives regarding care for poststroke VI in Alberta, Canada (n = 46 survivors; n = 87 providers). Few patients (35%) felt prepared to cope with VI at the time of discharge from acute stroke and inpatient rehabilitation settings. Less than 25% of stroke survivors, and <16% of providers, felt referral processes were adequate. 95.2% of providers and 82% of stroke survivors advocated for a provincial clinical pathway to improve care quality for poststroke VI.

Immune Phenotype Of The Cd4+ T Cells In The Aged Lymphoid Organs And Lacrimal Glands, Claudia M Trujillo-Vargas, Kelsey E Mauk, Humberto Hernandez, Rodrigo G De Souza, Zhiyuan Yu, Jeremias G Galletti, Jana Dietrich, Friedrich Paulsen, Cintia S De Paiva

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Aging is associated with a massive infiltration of T lymphocytes in the lacrimal gland. Here, we aimed to characterize the immune phenotype of aged CD4+ T cells in this tissue as compared with lymphoid organs. To perform this, we sorted regulatory T cells (Tregs, CD4+CD25+GITR+) and non-Tregs (CD4+CD25negGITRneg) in lymphoid organs from female C57BL/6J mice and subjected these cells to an immunology NanoString® panel. These results were confirmed by flow cytometry, live imaging, and tissue immunostaining in the lacrimal gland. Importantly, effector T helper 1 (Th1) genes were highly upregulated on aged Tregs, including the master regulator Tbx21. Among …

Differential Susceptibility Of Retinal Neurons To The Loss Of Mitochondrial Biogenesis Factor Nrf1, Takae Kiyama, Ching-Kang Chen, Annie Zhang, Chai-An Mao

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The retina, the accessible part of the central nervous system, has served as a model system to study the relationship between energy utilization and metabolite supply. When the metabolite supply cannot match the energy demand, retinal neurons are at risk of death. As the powerhouse of eukaryotic cells, mitochondria play a pivotal role in generating ATP, produce precursors for macromolecules, maintain the redox homeostasis, and function as waste management centers for various types of metabolic intermediates. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the pathologies of a number of degenerative retinal diseases. It is well known that photoreceptors are particularly vulnerable …