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AIM: To investigate the functional and cosmetic outcomes of keratopigmentation (KTP) in cases of moderate to severe visual dysfunctions owing to different iris disorders. METHODS: 11 eyes with moderate to severe visual disabilities related to iris defects underwent KTP for functional and cosmetic restoration using micronised mineral pigments and assisted with modern technologies such as femtosecond laser and new automated keratopigmentation instruments for the intrastromal and superficial application of the pigments. RESULTS: Following the KTP surgery, the visual-function-related symptoms improved in all cases, from significant improvement to total elimination. Eight patients were asymptomatic after the surgery. In two patients, minimal non-disabling symptoms remained after surgery. One patient with traumatic aniridia complained of significant residual glare at the 3-month postoperative visit and was reoperated to reduce the simulated pupil to 4 mm. The cosmetic outcomes were analysed and classified as excellent in eight patients and good in three. CONCLUSION: KTP using new micronised mineral pigments and new surgical protocols has proven in this series to be an effective surgical technique for the management of moderate to severe visual dysfunctions related to iris defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBackground: Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been proven to be very effective on tissue regeneration and wound healing. Here we investigate the potential use of PRP in the treatment of symptomatic dry eye. Methods: Eighteen consecutive patients with symptomatic dry eye were treated with topical PRP and followed up for 1 month. Disappearance of subjective symptoms, increase in best corrected visual acuity, tear meniscus, tear breakup time, decrease in inflammation, fluorescein staining and improvement in impression cytology were measured. Results: Symptoms improved significantly in 89% of the patients, 28% improved at least 1 line of best corrected visual acuity. A significant improvement on lachrymal meniscus and conjunctival hyperemia and a decrease or disappearance of corneal fluorescein staining were observed. Impression cytology revealed a significant increase in conjunctival goblet cells. Conclusion: Treatment of patients suffering from significant dry eye symptoms with autologous RPR proved to be very effective, improving both patient symptoms and major clinical signs.Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main issues in the development of new biocolonizable materials is to understand the influence of the synthetic material on the biological response in terms of cellular adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. In this study, we characterized different polymeric materials (with different hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity ratios and electrical charges) using dynamic-mechanical analysis, equilibrium water content, and surface energy. Cell adhesion, viability, morphology, and proliferation studies were conducted with these materials using a conjunctival epithelial cell line (IOBA-NHC). The biological data regarding physicochemical parameters of the materials were also correlated. When conjunctival epithelial cells were grown on poly(ethyl acrylate-co-hydroxyethyl acrylate) copolymers, P(EA-co-HEA), samples with up to 20% hydrophilic groups on their polymeric chain showed adhesion, viability, and proliferation, although these three factors decreased as the hydrophilic group content increased. The poly(ethyl acrylate-co-methacrylic acid) 90/10 copolymer, P(EA-co-MAAc) 90/10, showed better results than poly(ethyl acrylate-co-hydroxyethyl acrylate) copolymers and were even better than tissue control polystyrene (TCPS). This feature is explained by the presence of electrical charges on the surface of the poly(ethyl acrylate-co-methacrylic acid) 90/10 copolymer. The fact that the ionic groups are configured in domains structured in nanophases as happens in this copolymer improves cell adhesion even further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]