Browse articles on EyeWorld.org from the Cornea section. EyeWorld is the award-winning member publication of ASCRS. The magazine provides news and updates from the Society as well as clinical features in the areas of cataract, refractive, cornea, glaucoma, and practice management. It publishes quarterly with editorial direction from its medical editorial board and staff.
While the Dresden protocol of epithelium removal, riboflavin loading, and UV light treatment remains the gold standard for crosslinking to stop progression of keratoconus, over the years there has been significant research on new techniques and adjuncts to enhance the effect, make the procedure less invasive, and/or expand its indications. One of these potential therapies for keratoconus still under investigation uses violet light-emitting glasses (KeraVio, Tsubota Laboratory).
Clara C. Chan, MD
Cornea Editor
Cornea Editor Clara Chan, MD, discussed challenges of the past year, as well as the challenge of handling complicated cases.
A graft detachment is a fairly common complication that can occur with DSAEK and DMEK procedures. Two surgeons shared when detachments can happen and how to address them.
It’s important for surgeons to be aware of preexisting corneal conditions that could have an impact on outcomes prior to cataract surgery. Several experts spoke about some of the conditions to look for, tests to use, and how to treat before proceeding with cataract surgery.
Patients may describe ocular surface pain in a myriad of ways. For some reason, the corneal nerves are firing. It’s the physician’s job to figure out why, and in some cases, the reason is not so clear.
Clara C. Chan, MD
Cornea Editor
Clara Chan, MD, Cornea editor, discussed the topics covered in this section.
Stage 3 shows an epi defect with stromal thinning.
Source (all): Kenneth Beckman, MD
With neurotrophic keratitis (NK), there is a lot to consider in terms of staging, making a diagnosis, and treatment. Three experts shared how they work up NK patients and some of options for handling these cases.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the screening and use of corneal donor tissue for corneal transplants. Three surgeons spoke about the evolving regulations, tissue eligible for use, and more.
Clara C. Chan, MD
Cornea Editor
Clara Chan, MD, Cornea editor, shared an experience that emphasizes the value patient history can have on a diagnosis, in this case recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages from conjunctivochalasis, which is the focus of an article in the section, as well as other issue highlights.
While in recent months mask use has been relaxed somewhat as health guidelines are updated to reflect increased vaccination status and declining case numbers, there are situations where mask wear continues. These have been credited with playing a role in saving lives, but they have been associated with some unintended ocular consequences as well.