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Background/Objectives: In this study, we aimed to analyze the changes in the expression profiles of selected messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and their encoded proteins in the tears of patients undergoing photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), femtosecond-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK), and small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) procedures. Methods: A total of 120 patients were divided into three groups based on the laser vision correction (LVC) procedure: PRK, FS-LASIK, or SMILE. Tear samples were collected preoperatively and at 1, 7, 30, and 180 days postoperatively. The expression levels of selected messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and proteins were analyzed by using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Results: PRK and FS-LASIK elicited significantly stronger biological responses than SMILE. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) expression increased notably in the PRK and FS-LASIK groups, with mRNA levels reaching fold changes of 4.65 ± 0.65 and 4.99 ± 0.28, respectively, on day 1, compared with only 2.09 ± 0.23 in the SMILE group. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) levels were also elevated in the PRK (2.98 ± 0.23 fold change) and FS-LASIK groups (3.45 ± 1.09 fold change) on day 1, while the SMILE group showed minimal fluctuations. The protein concentration analysis based on the ELISA confirmed these trends, with IL-15 levels peaking at 54.2 ± 2.5 pg/mL in the PRK group and 52.8 ± 3.1 pg/mL in the FS-LASIK group, compared with 32.4 ± 1.9 pg/mL in the SMILE group on day 1. Similarly, VEGFA protein concentrations were the highest in the PRK (72.4 ± 4.1 pg/mL) and FS-LASIK patients (69.5 ± 3.8 pg/mL) on day 1 but remained low in the SMILE patients (45.6 ± 2.3 pg/mL). By day 180, gene expression and protein levels in all groups had stabilized, returning to near-preoperative values. Conclusions: PRK and FS-LASIK induced more pronounced molecular and protein-level changes during corneal wound healing than the less invasive SMILE procedure, indicating stronger biological responses. These findings suggest that tailored postoperative care based on the specific procedure could optimize healing and patient outcomes. However, further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups is needed to confirm these observations and develop personalized treatment strategies.

Background/Objectives: Precisely selected patients require vitreoretinal surgeries (VRS) performed under general anesthesia (GA) when intravenous rescue opioid analgesics (IROA) are administered intraoperatively, despite a risk of adverse events, to achieve hemodynamic stability and proper antinociception and avoid the possibility of intolerable postoperative pain perception (IPPP). Adequacy of anesthesia guidance (AoA) optimizes the titration of IROA. Preventive analgesia (PA) techniques and intravenous or preoperative peribulbar block (PBB) using different local anesthetics (LAs) are performed prior to GA to optimize IROA. The aim was to analyze the utility of PBBs compared with intravenous paracetamol added to AoA-guided GA on the incidence of IPPP and hemodynamic stability in patients undergoing VRS. Methods: A total of 185 patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery (VRS) were randomly assigned to one of several anesthesia protocols: general anesthesia (GA) with analgesia optimized through AoA-guided intraoperative remifentanil opioid analgesia (IROA) combined with a preemptive single dose of 1 g of paracetamol (P group), or PBB using one of the following options: 7 mL of an equal mixture of 2% lidocaine and 0.5% bupivacaine (BL group), 7 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine (BPV group), or 7 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine (RPV group). According to the PA used, the primary outcome measure was postoperative pain perception assessed using the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), whereas the secondary outcome measures were as follows: demand for IROA and values of hemodynamic parameters reflecting quality or analgesia and hemodynamic stability. Results: A total of 175 patients were finally analyzed. No studied PA technique proved superior in terms of rate of incidence of IPPP, when IROA under AoA was administered (p = 0.22). PBB using ropivacaine resulted in an intraoperative reduction in the number of patients requiring IROA (p = 0.002; p < 0.05) with no influence on the dose of IROA (p = 0.97), compared to paracetamol, and little influence on hemodynamic stability of no clinical relevance in patients undergoing VRS under AoA-guided GA. Conclusions: PA using paracetamol or PBBs, regardless of LAs used, in patients undergoing VRS proved no advantage in terms of rate of incidence of IPPP and hemodynamic stability when AoA guidance for IROA administration during GA was utilized. Therefore, PA using them seems no longer justified due to the potential, although rare, side effects.

Abstract Background The Corvis® ST tonometer is an innovative device which, by combining a classic non-contact tonometer with an ultra-fast Scheimpflug camera, provides a number of parameters allowing for the assessment of corneal biomechanics. The acquired biomechanical parameters improve medical diagnosis of selected eye diseases. One of the key elements in biomechanical measurements is the correct corneal contour detection, which is the basis for further calculations. The presented study deals with the problem of outer corneal edge detection based on a series of images from the afore-mentioned device. Corneal contour detection is the first and extremely important stage in the acquisition and analysis of corneal dynamic parameters. Result A total of 15,400 images from the Corvis® ST tonometer acquired from 110 patients undergoing routine ophthalmologic examinations were analysed. A method of outer corneal edge detection on the basis of a series of images from the Corvis® ST was proposed. The method was compared with known and commonly used edge detectors: Sobel, Roberts, and Canny operators, as well as others, known from the literature. The analysis was carried out in MATLAB® version 9.0.0.341360 (R2016a) with the Image Processing Toolbox (version 9.4) and the Neural Network Toolbox (version 9.0). The method presented in this paper provided the smallest values of the mean error (0.16%), stability (standard deviation 0.19%) and resistance to noise, characteristic for Corvis® ST tonometry tests, compared to the methods known from the literature. The errors were 5.78 ± 9.19%, 3.43 ± 6.21%, and 1.26 ± 3.11% for the Roberts, Sobel, and Canny methods, respectively. Conclusions The proposed new method for detecting the outer corneal contour increases the accuracy of intraocular pressure measurements. It can be used to analyse dynamic parameters of the cornea.

AIM: To analyse the impact of ultrasound and optical intraocular lens (IOL) calculation methods on refractive outcomes of cataract phacoemulsification performed after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in keratoconus. METHODS: Phacoemulsification cataract surgery was performed on 42 eyes of 34 patients with keratoconus who had previously undergone PK. The IOL power was determined by using both standard and corneal topography-derived keratometry using the SRK/T formula. We used two independent methods-ultrasound biometry (UB) and interferometry [optical biometry (OB)] for IOL calculation. The analysed data from medical records included demographics, medical history, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) on Snellen charts, technique of IOL calculation and calculation formula and its impact on final refractive result. RESULTS: BCVA ranged from 0.01 to 0.4 (mean 0.09±0.19) before surgery and ranged from 0.2 to 0.7 (mean 0.38±0.14) at 1mo and from 0.2 to 1.0 (mean 0.56±0.16) (P

Aims: To evaluate the ocular and systemic factors involved in cataract surgery complications in a teaching hospital using artificial intelligence.Methods: One eye of 1,229 patients with a mean age of 70.2 ± 10.3 years old that underwent cataract surgery was selected for this study. Ocular and systemic details of the patients were recorded and then analyzed by means of artificial intelligence. A total of 1.25 billion simulations of artificial intelligence learning and testing were conducted on several variables and a customized model of analysis was developed.Results: A total of 73 complications were recorded in this study. According to the analysis performed, the main factors involved in cataract surgery complications were: a surgeon in training, axial length and intraocular lens power. The model predicted how long surgery would last with an error of

Purpose. Long-term results of the patients with total LSCD, who had undergone keratolimbal allograft (KLAL) for limbal reconstruction followed by penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Methods. The study analyzes surgical treatment of 43 eyes with severe ocular surface disorders. All subjects underwent KLAL to achieve suitable conditions for consecutive PK. Due to failures of primary treatment in 17 eyes (39%), the KLAL was repeated. PK was performed in all the patients at 9-12 months after KLAL. As a retrospective study we analyzed data from the medical records including the preoperative and postoperative best corrected visual acuity, corneal clarity, surgical outcomes and complications, postoperative intraocular pressure, graft rejection, and other comorbidities and complications. Results. The preoperative visual acuity ranged from light perception to 0.01. The final improvement of visual acuity within a gain of one or more lines with the Snellen chart, including the results of successive surgical treatments after PK, was achieved in 23 operated eyes (53%). Early graft rejection was observed in 4 eyes (9%). In 3 eyes, it was manifested as endothelial rejection, and in 1 eye, as combined endothelial and epithelial rejection. PK failure requiring repetitive PK was present in 14 eyes (32%). Phthisis bulbi developed in 6 eyes (14%). Glaucoma or ocular hypertension was reported in 25 eyes (58%). A majority were treated with up to 3 topical agents or referred for trabeculectomy in 3 cases, transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in 2 eyes, and EX-PRESS glaucoma shunt implantation in 3 cases. Conclusions. Successful KLAL carries a high risk of subsequent PK failure. Visual function remains the second aim of treatment; the primary one is to stabilize the surface.

Purpose. To report on surgical approaches using amniotic membrane applications and patch grafts in corneal melting and perforations. Anatomical and functional results, including advantages and disadvantages of the interventions, will also be explored. Methods. A five-year retrospective analysis of 189 surgical treatments involving corneal melting with perforation was performed. In one evaluated treatment type, a graft of amniotic membrane, often folded one to three times, was sutured with the epithelial side facing the previously mechanically debrided corneal tissue. A larger monolayer amniotic patch was then sutured, with the epithelial side facing the top of the first membrane, to the perilimbal conjunctiva. For corneal patch grafts, the size-fitting technique of graft trephination was applied, and the donor-recipient junctions were sewn with interrupted sutures. All the procedures were evaluated, noting outcomes and complications of surgery, preoperative and postoperative visual acuities, postoperative intraocular pressures, graft rejection, and other late comorbidities and complications. Results. We performed 119 amniotic membrane applications (63%) and 70 corneal patch grafts (37%). Anatomical reconstruction of the anterior chamber was achieved in 157 eyes, of which 102 eyes (86%) received an amniotic membrane and 55 eyes (79%) were treated with the patch graft technique. In 63 eyes (33%), more than one amnion or graft treatment was necessary to close the corneal perforation. Conclusions. The success of medical and surgical management depends on the cause of corneal melting, and amniotic membrane applications often require further intervention; nevertheless, patch grafts deliver better tectonic reconstruction than amniotic membrane alone.

Aim. The comparative analysis of the central and peripheral corneal thicknesses using two different imaging systems: Scheimpflug camera and swept-source OCT was performed to investigate the differences in corneal thickness analysis in diabetic patients. Materials and Methods. The study group consisted of the 147 eyes of 107 diabetic patients who were examined and compared with 138 eyes of 89 nondiabetic cataract patients. The inclusion criteria for the study group was diabetes mellitus type II identified no less than 10 years ago, with NPDR not requiring prior laser treatment. The control group was recruited from nondiabetic patients. Measurements were obtained on the Pentacam Scheimpflug imaging system and Casia swept-source OCT. All study parameters from anterior chamber images were processed for five different zones, the central zone and four peripherals—superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal. A fit zone diameter of 4 mm was applied for both instruments. Results. The Pentacam system overestimated corneal measurements in the DM group when compared with the Casia OCT in superior corneal zone (p=0.04), inferior corneal zone (p=0.02), nasal corneal zone (p

Aim. To conduct a retrospective analysis of secondary IOL implantation in patients who underwent PK with no simultaneous IOL implantation. Materials and Methods. The retrospective study of the secondary implantation of IOLs was conducted in 46 eyes that underwent a primary operation with PK and cataract/lens extraction with no IOL implantation due to capsule rupture or combining corneal or intraocular complications. The minimum period from PK was 12 months. All secondary IOL implantations were performed from January 2011 to August 2017. Aphakic postkeratoplasty patients were treated using one of the surgical techniques for secondary IOL implantation. In-the-bag IOL implantation was possible if the posterior capsule was complete. If the lens capsule remnants were sufficient to provide secure IOL support, an in-the-sulcus IOL implantation was performed. Scleral fixation was offered in eyes with extensive capsular deficiency or the presence of the vitreous body in anterior chamber. BCVA and expected and achieved refraction were evaluated; we included using two biometry devices, and results were compared. Results. The corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) before surgery ranged from 0.1 to 0.8 (mean 0.54 ± 0.17). After secondary IOL implantation, CDVA ranged from 0.2 to 0.8 (mean 0.43 ± 0.14) at postoperative 1 month and from 0.3 to 0.9 (mean 0.55 ± 0.15) at postoperative 6 months (p

Purpose. Evaluation of the indications, anatomical and functional results, and complications of total penetrating keratoplasty (TPK) in disorders involving whole cornea. Materials and Methods. We analyzed outcomes of the surgical treatment of 47 eyes of 46 patients that underwent TPK. Indications were infectious keratitis, autoimmune disease, injury of the eyeball (mainly chemical burns), and other combined disorders. The surgical technique involved dissection of affected tissues with a margin of 1.0 mm. The size of the corneal graft ranged from 10.0 to 14.0 mm. We analyzed indications, outcomes, and complications of surgery. Results. Final restoration of the ocular integrity and maintenance of the globe were achieved in 27 eyes (57%). More than one surgery was necessary in a total of 29 eyes (62%). The frequency of retransplantations did not vary significantly between the groups with different causes of corneal melting/perforation (63% of eyes with infection, 66% of eyes after trauma and 70% of eyes of patients with autoimmune disorders). Surgical treatment failed in 20 eyes (43%). Evisceration was necessary in 13 eyes (28%), phthisis occurred in 7 cases (15%). Conclusion. TPK should be considered as a last line treatment in huge corneal destruction to restore integrity of the eye globe.

Purpose. To report the surgical approach, anatomical and functional results, and complications in the group of patients with corneal perforation. Materials and Methods. 247 eyes with corneal perforation were operated on between January 2010 and July 2016. The three surgical procedures, dependent on size and location of perforation, were performed: full-sized penetrating keratoplasty, corneoscleral patch graft, and anterior lamellar keratoplasty. The eyes underwent the minimum 6-month follow-up visit. Results. Between January 2010 and July 2016, 247 surgeries were performed: 116 penetrating keratoplasties, 117 corneoscleral patch grafts, and 14 anterior lamellar keratoplasties. More than one procedure was necessary in 32 eyes. Final improvement of the visual acuity, within a gain of 2 or more lines with the Snellen test, was achieved in 56 operated eyes. To achieve better final visual acuity, 75 eyes required successive surgical treatment. Complications of the surgery comprised persistent epithelial defect, glaucoma or ocular hypertension, corneal oedema, graft melting, loose corneal sutures, reinfection, anterior synechiae and fibrinoid membranes, and endophthalmitis. In 26 eyes, the treatment failure was reported. Conclusions. There is no one general-purpose surgical technique to treat corneal perforations. The complex nature of this pathology remains the individual, careful but also very distinct and multifactorial approach.