The Role of Trace Elements in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome: A Cross-sectional Study

Purpose: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXF) is an age-related condition, characterized by deposition of whitish flake-shaped materials in the anterior segment of the eye. Although it occurs all over the world, a considerable racial variation exists. According to the high frequency of PXF in Iran and the importance of prevention and early treatment, we evaluated the plasma level of iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium in patients with PXF. Methods: In this study, 83 individuals were enrolled; 40 patients with cataract and PXF as the case group and 43 age- and sex-matched individuals with cataract but without PXF as the control group. The serum levels of the mentioned microelements were compared in two groups. Results: In the case group, 25 (62.5%) male and 15 (37.5%) female subjects participated. In the control group, the corresponding figures were 22 (51.2%) and 21 (48.8%), respectively. The mean age of the case group was 66.07 ± 9.46 and that for the control group was 66.88 ± 8.04 years. Regarding the case group, the serum levels of iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium were 60.58 ± 21.04, 84.7 ± 14.37, 120.23 ± 14.43, and 2.11 ± 0.23, respectively. These serum levels in the control group were 89.07 ± 26.06, 97.51 ± 17.42, 123.33 ± 19.01, and 2.14 ± 0.16. The serum levels of iron and zinc were significantly lower in the case group than the control group (P < 0.0001); however, such a difference was not observed in terms of copper and magnesium serum levels. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that the serum iron and zinc levels were lower in PXF patients. Nutritional deficiency may be a cause of zonular weakness in these patients. Heme is a cofactor for the enzyme which contributes to the biosynthesis of fibrillin, the major protein in zonular fibers. Therefore, iron can play a substantial role in the biosynthesis of the fibrils and also in the zonular stability

Candida albicans endophthalmitis following penetrating keratoplasty: A case report

Endophthalmitis is one of the most serious complications of intraocular surgeries, and Candida albicans constitutes the majority of cases of post penetrating keratoplasty (PK) endophthalmitis. The presenting case is a 21-year-old woman with known case of advanced keratoconus and vernal keratoconjunctivitis who underwent PK, and developed recalcitrant anterior uveitis and subsequent whitish lesion on the superonasal of the lens. She was on topical steroids with possible impression of Uretts Zavalia syndrome versus phacoantigenic uveitis following traumatic cataract up to the 50th day of post operation that manifested symptoms of frank endophthalmitis; and underwent deep vitrectomy, lensectomy, localized iridectomy and irrigation with diluted Imipenem and Amphotericin-B. Microbiologic study of a vitreous sample revealed growth of Candida albicans, however optisol culture was negative and donor rim was not evaluated. One week later, intravitreal Amphotericin-B was administered. The patient remained aphakic with clear graft in the 6th month follow up. Due to great correlation of positive donor rim culture with fungal endophthalmitis and the devastating effect of delayed diagnosis, routine donor rim culture is recommended, to aid us in earlier diagnosis in the presence of nonspecific early signs of fungal endophthalmitis

Recent advancements in nanomaterial-laden contact lenses for diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, review and update

Abstract Despite the existence of numerous eye drops in the market, most of them are not sufficiently effective because of quick clearance and the barriers within the eye. To increase the delivery of the drugs to the eye, various new formulations have been explored in recent decades. These formulations aim to enhance drug retention and penetration, while enabling sustained drug release over extended periods. One such innovative approach is the utilization of contact lenses, which were originally designed for cosmetic purposes and vision correction. Contact lenses have appeared as a promising formulation for ocular drug delivery, as they can increase the bioavailability of drugs in the eye and diminish unwanted side effects. They are specifically appropriate for treating chronic eye conditions, making them an area of interest for researchers in the field of ophthalmology. This review outlines the promising potential of nanomaterial-laden contact lenses for diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. It classifies therapeutic approaches based on nanomaterial type, summarizes diagnostic advances, discusses improvement of contact lenses properties, covers marketing perspectives, and acknowledges the challenges of these innovative contact lenses for glaucoma management