Abstract:Fundus autofluorescence(FAF)imaging is based on the fluorescence excited by the endogenous fluorophores in the retinal pigment epithelium and choroid, mainly referring to lipofuscin(LF)and melanin. The non-invasive examination method can imply the function of retinal pigment epithelium by observing the spatial distribution of LF or melanin. This technique has unique advantages in the diagnosis and differentiation of age-related macular degeneration(ARMD). This guideline is to standardize and interpret the application of FAF in different stages and classifications of ARMD.

Abstract:AIM: To investigate the effectiveness of panretinal photocoagulation(PRP)combined with intravitreal conbercept(IVC)for patients with different stages of proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR).

METHODS: Retrospective study. The medical records for 100 patients(100 eyes)with PDR treated with PRP combined with IVC from January 2018 to June 2020 were reviewed, including 34 eyes with early PDR(group A), 43 with high-risk PDR(group B), and 23 with fibrovascular PDR(group C). The baseline information, best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central macular thickness(CMT), the rate of vitrectomy and retinal detachment of the patients in the three groups at 1, 3, 6mo and the last follow-up after combination treatment were observed.

RESULTS: The patients were followed up for 14.60±11.64mo(6-52mo), with a mean age of 54.22 ±9.32 years. We found 15 eyes(15.0%)who underwent vitrectomy after the combination treatment. The vitrectomy rates of the three groups were 2.9% in group A, 13.9% in group B, and 34.7% in group C. We found no instances of retinal detachment after the treatments. Most patients demonstrated improved BCVA and CMT values with the treatments.

CONCLUSION: PRP combined with IVC is safe and effective in patients with different PDR stages.

Abstract:AIM: To investigate the role and mechanism of N6-methyladenosine(m⁶A)methyltransferase 3(METTL3)in the pathogenesis of diabetic cataract.

METHODS: We cultured SRA01/04 cells in low and high sugar media for 24h and measured changes in epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)indicators(E-Cadherin, N-Cadherin, ZO-1 and α-SMA)using RT-qPCR and Western blot assays. Cell migration was also assessed using transwell and scratch assays. To investigate the expression level and localization of METTL3 in human lens anterior capsules tissues. Additionally, we used m⁶A dot blot assay to detect the m⁶A methylation level of cells cultured in low and high glucose media for 24h, and employed RT-qPCR and Western blot experiments to detect RNA and protein expression of METTL3 in cells. We then treated the cells with METTL3 inhibitor and measured changes in EMT markers by RT-qPCR and Western blot; m⁶A methylation level was detected by m⁶A dot blot test; cell migration was detected by Transwell. Finally, the expression of transforming growth factor-β(TGFβ₁)in cultured cells was assessed by immunofluorescence staining and the expression levels of TGFβ₁ and SNAIL in cells were determined using RT-qPCR and Western blot.

RESULTS: Under high glucose conditions, the expression of EMT markers, METTL3, and m⁶A methylation levels were significantly increased in cells(P<0.05). Furthermore, the migratory ability of cells was higher in high-sugar medium than in low-sugar medium. In human lens anterior capsules, METTL3 expression was higher in patients with diabetic cataract compared to those with age-related cataract. Importantly, treatment with the METTL3 inhibitor STM2457 inhibited EMT in cells, the expression of TGFβ1 and SNAIL, as well as m⁶A methylation levels in cells(all P<0.05)compared to high-sugar + dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO)group. Moreover, the migratory capacity of cells was reduced after the addition of STM2457 compared to the high-sugar + DMSO group.

CONCLUSION:METTL3 promotes the EMT in human lens epithelial cells under high glucose conditions by activating the TGFβ₁/SNAIL pathway, thus contributing to the development of diabetic cataracts.

Abstract:AIM: To investigate the effect of the expression of miR-375 on the proliferation and invasion of choroidal melanoma(CM)MUM-2B cells.

METHODS: MUM-2B cells were cultured and were transfected with miR-375 mimic sequence(mimic group), miR-375 inhibitor sequence(inhibitor group), negative control group and no treatment(blank group). The qRT-PCR, CCK-8, apoptosis and Transwell experiments were used respectively to detect the expression of miR-375, cell proliferation activity, apoptosis, cell migration and invasion.

RESULTS: Compared with the negative control group(1.01±0.10)and the blank group(1.03±0.07), the expression level of miR-375 in the cells of the mimic group(2.65±0.15)was increased, while the expression level of miR-375 in the cells of the inhibitor group(0.28±0.06)was decreased(P<0.05). Compared with the blank group and negative control group, the OD values of the cells in the mimic group at 24, 48, 72, and 96h were decreased(P<0.05), while the OD values of the cells in the inhibitor group at 24, 48, 72, and 96h were increased(P<0.05). Compared with the apoptosis rates in the blank group and negative control group, which were(20.54±4.01)% and(22.80±4.28)%, the apoptosis rate in the mimic group(39.11±3.37)% was increased(P<0.05), while it was decreased in the inhibitor group(10.13±2.17)%(P<0.05). Compared with the blank group and negative control group, the number of migration cell and the number of invasion cell in the mimic group were decreased(P<0.05), while the number of migration cell and the number of invasion cell in the inhibitor group were increased(P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Up-regulating the expression of miR-375 in MUM-2B cells can reduce cell proliferation activity, accelerate cell apoptosis, and inhibit cell migration and invasion, while down-regulating the expression of miR-375 has the opposite effect. It indicates that miR-375 may play the function of tumor suppressor in the course of CM.

Abstract:AIM: To examine the effects of salidroside on choroidal thickness, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α), dopamine(DA)and its D1 receptor expression in guinea pigs with lens-induced myopia(LIM).

METHODS: A total of 18 two-week-old guinea pigs were randomly divided into the normal control(NC)group, the LIM group, and the LIM + salidroside(LIM+SA)group, with 6 guinea pigs in each group. The guinea pigs in the NC group were fed normally and intragastrically administered with 2 mL/d saline; those in the LIM group wore a -5D lens in front of their right eyes to establish a myopia model, then they were intragastrically administered with 2 mL/d saline. Finally, those in the LIM+SA group wore glasses along with intragastric administration of 2 mL/d salidroside at a dose of 100 mg/kg. The refraction, axial length, and choroidal thickness of guinea pigs in each group were measured 4wk following the establishment of the model. In addition, the relative mRNA expression and protein content of HIF-1α in the choroid and retina of guinea pigs in each group were detected by real-time quantitative PCR(qPCR)and immunohistochemistry(IHC). Finally, the DA concentration and its D1 receptor expression were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)and Western blot.

RESULTS: At 4wk after model establishment, guinea pigs of LIM group and LIM+SA group exhibited increased negative refraction of the right eye, prolonged axial length, and decreased choroidal thickness compared to the NC group. The relative mRNA expression and protein content of HIF-1α in the choroid and retina of the guinea pigs increased. The concentration of DA and the expression of its D1 receptor both decreased. Moreover, compared to the LIM group, the diopter of the right eye of guinea pigs in LIM+SA group significantly reduced, the axial length was shorter, the thickness of choroid increased, the relative mRNA expression and protein content of HIF-1α in the choroid and retina decreased and the concentration of DA and the expression of its D1 receptor both increased.

CONCLUSION: Salidroside can delay myopia progression in myopic guinea pigs by affecting choroidal thickness and the expression of HIF-1α, DA and its D1 receptor.

Abstract:AIM: To investigate the relationship between blood biochemical parameters and choroidal thickness(CT)in naïve-treatment of patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR).

METHODS: Prospective cross-sectional study. A total of 92 patients(92 eyes)with naïve-treated NPDR were selected in the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University from July 2021 to July 2022. All of the patients included in this study were subjected to ophthalmologic examination including enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography(EDI-OCT), best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), fundus fluorescence angiography, intraocular pressure, slit lamp and fundus examination. At the same time, they were also underwent hematological examination including blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c), serum creatinine, uric acid, urea, β2 microglobulin, high density lipoprotein(HDL), low density lipoprotein(LDL), serum calcium, serum potassium and other tests. According to the glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)and CT, the patients were divided into normal, mild and moderate to severe renal function group, pachychoroid group and the leptochoroid group. The blood biochemical indexes, CT differences and theirs correlation were analyzed in naïve-treated NPDR patients.

RESULTS: A total of 92 cases(92 eyes)were included in this study, with 51 males(51 eyes), 41 females(41 eyes), 45 right eyes and 47 left eyes. There was no significant difference in age, axial length and disease duration among the three groups(all P>0.05). There were significant differences in nasal 0.5, 1.5mm, subfoveal and temporal 0.5, 1.5mm CT among three groups(all P<0.05). There was no statistical significance in age, axial length and the course of disease between the pachychoroid and leptochoroid groups(all P>0.05). There were significant differences in creatinine, eGFR, uric acid, urea, potassium and β2-microglobulin between the pachychoroid group and the leptochoroid group(all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, LDL, HbA1c, serum calcium and glucose between the two groups(all P>0.05). CT was negatively correlated with creatinine, urea, uric acid and β2-microglobulin, and positively correlated with eGFR. Multiple regression analysis showed that the thicker the nasal 0.5mm CT, the higher the eGFR(B=0.292, P<0.001). CT affected creatinine, eGFR, urea, uric acid and β2-microglobulin(B=16.5, 64.6, 24.1, 18.1, 20.3; P=0.008, <0.001, <0.001, 0.004, 0.001), while there were no significant effects on total cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, serum calcium, HDL and LDL(all P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: In patients with naïve-treated NPDR, the thicker the CT, the better the renal function. The decrease of CT in newly diagnosed NPDR patients is an important hint to pay attention to the renal function.

Abstract:AIM:To investigate the changes of anterior chamber depth(ACD)and lens suspensory ligament after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens(IOL)implantation in patients with ultra-high myopia cataract and related influencing factors.

METHODS: A total of 45 patients(60 eyes)with ultra-high myopia and cataract in our hospital from October 2016 to December 2022 were selected. All patients received phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. The patients were randomly divided into implantation group and non-implantation group. Implantation group was combined with capsular tension ring(CTR)implantation, and non-implantation group did not implant CTR during operation. The changes of ACD and lens suspensory ligament length before and after operation were compared and the correlation was analyzed. To observe the differences of ACD and the length of lens suspensory ligament between the two groups before and after operation.

RESULTS: The ACD of patients with ultra-high myopia complicated with cataract at 1 and 3mo after operation was higher than that before operation(all P<0.05). The positions of 3:00, 6:00, 9:00, 12:00 and the average length of lens suspensory ligament at 1 and 3mo post-operation were shorter than those pre-operation(all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the positions of 3:00, 6:00, 9:00, 12:00 and average length of suspensory ligament between 1mo and 3mo after operation(all P>0.05). The preoperative average length of lens suspensory ligament in patients with ultra-high myopia cataract was positively correlated with the ocular axis and the preoperative ACD(all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in ACD between the implantation group and the non-implantation before and at 1 and 3mo after operation(P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the length of lens suspensory ligament between implantation group and non-implantation group at the position of 6:00 before operation and 1mo after operation(P>0.05), but there was difference in lens suspensory ligament between groups at 3mo after operation and the position of 6:00(P<0.05). Furthermore, there was no significant difference at the positions of 3:00, 9:00, 12:00 and the average length of lens suspensory ligament between the implantation group and non-implantation group before and at 1 and 3mo after operation(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: The ACD deepen and lens suspensory ligament shortened in patients with ultra-high myopia and cataract after phacoemulsification; the length of lens suspensory ligament was affected by the combined use of CTR.

Abstract:AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of orthokeratology combined with 0.01% atropine solution in adolescents with myopia.

METHODS: A total of 100 adolescent myopic patients(100 right eyes)who received treatment at the Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Hengshui from January 2019 to January 2022 were enrolled. All patients were divided into two groups based on the patient's preferences and randomized controlled principles: control group(n=50)and experimental group(n=50). Patients in the control group received orthokeratology alone, while those in the experimental group received orthokeratology in combination with 0.01% atropine solution. Treatment data for both groups were collected at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12mo after treatment. The observed indicators included refraction, corneal curvature, axial length(AL), central corneal thickness(CCT), pupil diameter(PD), lipid layer thickness(LLT), break-up Time(BUT), root-mean-square of higher-order aberration(RMSh), subfoveal choroidal thickness(SFCT), corneal endothelial cell density(CD), and hexagonal cell ratio(HEX). The adverse reactions experienced during follow-up period were also observed and recorded.

RESULTS: After 12mo of treatment, the refraction, corneal curvature, and AL in the experimental group were -2.42±0.17D, 38.89±1.18D and 25.44±0.23mm, respectively, which were significantly better than the control group(-2.56±0.19D, 40.12±1.65D and 25.54±0.19 mm, all P<0.05). The CCT of the experimental group(538±33 μm)was lower than that of the control group(545±41 μm), while the PD of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group(6.38±0.38 mm vs. 6.12±0.37 mm, P<0.05). LLT and BUT in the experimental group was 61.14±8.41 nm and 9.24±2.05s, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group(56.14±7.22 nm and 7.27±1.99s, all P<0.05). RMSh in the experimental group was lower than that of the control group(0.73±0.21 μm vs. 0.85±0.12 μm, P<0.05), and SFCT in the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group(289±55 μm vs. 282±59 μm, P<0.05). Additionally, after 12mo of treatment, there was no significant difference in CD and HEX between the experimental group and the control group(all P>0.05). The main adverse reactions of both groups during treatment period were photophobia, anaphylaxis, conjunctivitis and keratitis, but there was no significant difference between the two groups(all P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: Compared to orthokeratology alone, the combination of orthokeratology and 0.01% atropine solution effectively prevents and improves the development of adolescent myopia without increasing the incidence of adverse reactions.

Abstract:Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is the most prevalent and severe ocular complication in people with diabetes, and it is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults. In recent years, drug therapy represented by anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)agents has become the first-line therapy in DR treatment, but it cannot reverse retinal non-perfusion areas, microaneurysms and abnormal teleangiectatic capillaries, those who cannot be treated on time are at risk of disease progression. Laser photocoagulation has been widely applied for more than 40 years, it can effectively reduce the rate of blindness by eliminating the non-perfusion areas of capillaries, and panretinal photocoagulation(PRP)has been the primary treatment for DR. With the continuing innovations in laser technology, on the basis of maintaining the curative effect, the aim of minimizing retinal damage and adverse side effects has been realized. A combination of laser photocoagulation and anti-VEGF agents can achieve complementary advantages and better efficacy. Deepening the clinical research on laser therapy and laser therapy combined with anti-VEGF agents in the treatment of DR may help to establish the personalized treatment corresponds with our national conditions. This article briefly reviews the latest application progress of laser therapy in DR treatment in the era of anti-VEGF agents.

Abstract:Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is the most common microvascular complication of patients with diabetes mellitus, and it has become one of the leading causes of visual impairment among working-age people worldwide. The pathogenesis of DR is complicated with multiple mechanisms. Plenty of studies have indicated that circadian rhythm and clock genes are closely related to the pathogenesis of DR. Circadian rhythm is a physiological process regulated by clock genes, which takes 24h as a cycle and is consistent with the changes of light and dark outside. Circadian rhythm regulates various physiological activities of the body. The disturbance of circadian rhythm induces DR by affecting the blood glucose level and the physiological homeostasis of the eye in patients with diabetes mellitus, and clock genes may be involved in the pathogenesis of DR by regulating oxidative stress response, inflammatory response, retinal autophagy rhythm, mitochondrial dysfunction and endothelial progenitor cell function. This paper will introduce the generation and regulation mechanism of circadian rhythm, as well as the internal circadian rhythm of retina, and further discuss the influence of circadian rhythm and clock genes on the occurrence and development of DR, aiming to provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of DR.

Abstract:Increasing prevalence and incidence of diabetes mellitus(DM)-the most common chronic consumptive disease worldwide-has a devastating impact on people's daily lives, particularly through the deterioration or complete loss of vision brought on by diabetic retinopathy(DR). Therefore, it is imperative to investigate the pathogenesis and effective treatment of DR. Meanwhile, Pueraria lobata is the extensively used dried root of kudzu or dried kudzu, also known as Pueraria flavonoids. Moreover, its roots are primarily composed of isoflavones, Pueroside ABC, triterpenes, and alkaloids, which can calm cardio-cerebrovascular smooth muscle and enhance microcirculation. Currently, it is widely employed for the treatment of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, osteonecrosis, DM and its complications, neurodegenerative disorders, endometriosis and tumor diseases. Inhibiting retinal neovascularization, alleviating ischemia and hypoxia, decreasing advanced glycation end products in diabetes, raising insulin-like growth factor(IGF)expression while decreasing tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-a)expression, decreasing vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)expression, reducing retinal nerve cell death, inhibiting the NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)inflammatory pathway and inhibiting ferroptosis are all mechanisms by which puerarin(Pue)has been found to protect the retina in recent studies. Thus, this article summarizes the current comprehension of the mechanism and protective effect of Pue on diabetic retina, serving as a guidepost for its future development and application.

Abstract:With the development of posterior chamber phakic intraocular lenses implantation and the constant improvement of the implantable collamer lens(ICL), ICL V4c implantation has become one of the main methods for correcting moderate and high myopia. Vault is an important indicator to evaluate the security of posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. In recent years, optimizing surgical procedures to obtain the ideal vault in ICL V4c implantation surgery has become a research hotspot. This paper aims to provide help for improving surgical safety by summarizing and analyzing the optimized programs of ICL V4c implantation surgery. The focus will be on preoperative examination, intraoperative surgical design, and postoperative follow-up.

Abstract:The implantable collamer lens(ICL)is a widely popular option for the correction of refractive errors. ICL implantation brings a whole new dimension to the vision, from the anterior chamber phakic ICL to the posterior and central hole ICL. Even though there are fewer reported complications, ICL size selection remains challenging due to the differences in device measurements and ICL sizing formulas. With the widening comprehensiveness of ICL implantation and the ongoing development of ophthalmic devices and technologies, particularly the advent of artificial intelligence, more and more indicators such as sulcus-to-sulcus(STS), crystalline lens rise(CLR), angle-to-angle(ATA), the iris pigment end to the iris pigment end(PTP), anterior chamber width(ACW), and anterior chamber angle(ACA)are providing references in the selection of ICL size, this article provides a review of ICL size selection.

Abstract:Mitochondrial function is essential for the viability of aerobic eukaryotic cells, as mitochondria provide energy through the generation of adenosine triphosphate(ATP), regulate cellular metabolism, provide redox balancing, participate in immune signaling, and initiate apoptosis. Mitophagy refers to the selective elimination of dysfunctional mitochondria in cells, thereby achieving mitochondrial quality control and maintaining cell homeostasis. Recent studies have indicated that abnormal mitophagy is involved in the development of various eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy(DR), age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the definition of mitophagy, and present the results of various studies using cell culture, animal, and human tissue models. Additionally, we review the molecular process of mitophagy and its role in DR, thus providing novel ideas for the treatment of DR.

Abstract:Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is a neurovascular disease caused by the neurovascular unit(NVU)impairment. Immune imbalance and inflammation are key factors that affect the normal function of NVU and lead to the progression of DR. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome is indicated as an important component of the inflammatory response, and it can identify endogenous danger signals, leading to the activation of caspase-1 and then activating a series of inflammatory cytokines and pyroptosis. Early activation of inflammasome maintains and promotes innate immunity against bacterial and viral infections, while excessive inflammasome activation results in excessive expression and ongoing action of inflammatory proteins, which in turn triggers off immune disorders and an inflammatory cascade that seriously harms the body. This review summarizes the recent research progress on the mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome in NVU impairment of DR, including the related drugs targeting NLRP3 pathways.

Abstract:Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is the main cause of substantial visual impairment of occupational active individuals in the world, which has become one of the most common eye diseases that lead to irreversible visual impairment of the working population. Precise identification and accurate intervention of early DR lesions are of great significance to block or delay the development of this disease. Recent studies have shown that DR nerve injury occurs before retinal microangiopathy, it has a series of characteristic clinical manifestations, such as dark adaptation delay, contrast sensitivity and decreased tone discrimination. These characteristic clinical manifestations are key events in the early stage of DR, which are closely related to apoptosis, glial cell proliferation, oxidative stress, inflammation, excitotoxicity of glutamate and imbalance of neurotrophic factors. In this paper, the research progress of DR nerve damage and its related factors are reviewed in order to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of DR.

Abstract:Retinopathy of prematurity(ROP)is a proliferative vascular disorder of the immature retina, and it is a major eye disease that causes blindness in children of developing and developed countries. Retinal laser photocoagulation and cryotherapy are the conventional treatment used for ROP but could cause permanent damage to retina, with a risk of complications such as visual field defect and high myopia. With more normal growth of retinal function and convenience and shorter time than coagulation therapy, intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)agents has gradually gained popularity and has even been advocated as the treatment of choice in treating zone I, zone II posterior or aggressive ROP. However, the serious systemic complications, minimum effective dose and late recurrence caused by anti-VEGF drugs in the treatment of ROP still need to be further studied. This review focuses on the use of anti-VEGF agents for the treatment of ROP.

Abstract:Myopia has become a major public health problem affecting the eye health of our nationals, especially adolescents, and is listed as one of the three major diseases in the world. The etiology of myopia is complex and it is currently considered to be mainly related to environmental factors and genetic factors. Dietary factors are less concerned, but it has been reported that there is a correlation between high-sugar diet and the occurrence and development of myopia. Studies have found that high-sugar diet can cause hyperinsulinemia, which mediates the increase of retinal insulin-like growth factor(IGF-1, IGF-2)expression level, and the decrease of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3(IGFBP-3)expression level in scleral fibroblasts, thereby activating signal transduction and transcriptional activator protein 3(STAT3)signaling pathway, and then acting on scleral matrix metalloproteinases(MMP)/transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)and other factors, resulting in a decrease in scleral extracellular matrix(ECM), eventually leading to scleral remodeling, eye axis growth and myopia. This article explores the relationship between high-sugar diet and the occurrence and development of myopia from the aspects of epidemiology and biological mechanisms by consulting relevant literature, and provides research directions for the prevention and control of myopia.

Abstract:AIM:To evaluate the correlation between axial lengths and anterior segment parameters using swept-source optical coherence tomography(SS-OCT).

METHODS:For the cross-sectional clinical study, a total of 109 adult volunteers with different degrees of myopia recruited from January 1, 2022, to March 31, 2022, at the ophthalmology clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were included. Participants were divided into 4 groups based on axial length(AL): group A(AL≤24.0mm), group B(24.0mm26.0mm). Anterior segment examinations were performed using SS-OCT, including: central corneal thickness(CCT), lens thickness(LT), anterior chamber depth(ACD), anterior chamber width(ACW), angle opening distance(AOD500), angle recess area(ARA500), trabecular iris space area(TISA500), trabecular iris angle(TIA500), crystalline lens rise(CLR). The relationships between these data and AL, spherical equivalent(SE)were analyzed.

RESULTS:There was no difference in the comparison of CCT among the four groups(P>0.05). There were differences in SE, LT, ACD, ACW, AOD500, ARA500, TISA500, TIA500 and CLR among the four groups(all P<0.01). SE and LT were negatively correlated with AL(r=-0.75, -0.41, all P<0.01); ACD, ACW and CLR were positively correlated with AL(r=0.58, 0.45, 0.54, all P<0.01); AOD500, ARA500, TISA500 and TIA500(temporal and nasal side)were positively correlated with AL(all P<0.01). ACD and CLR were negatively correlated with SE(r=-0.21,-0.25, all P<0.01), and LT was positively correlated with SE(r=0.21, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:As AL increases, CCT remains unchanged while the ACD and ACW increase. The position of the crystalline lens moves backward and LT decreases.

Abstract:AIM: To explore the key genes related to immunity and immune cell infiltration levels in diabetes retinopathy(DR)using bioinformatics.

METHODS: Differential expression genes(DEGs)were obtained by “limma” R from Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)data from September to October 2022, Gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)were analyzed, and the infiltration of immune cell types in each sample was calculated based on CIBERSORT algorithm. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA)was used to screen for DEGs in immune-related gene modules. The protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was established by STRING online database and Cytoscape, and the hub genes were screened by MCODE and cytoHubba plug-ins.

RESULTS: The results showed that 1 426 up-regulated and 206 down-regulated differential genes were screened, where 7 immune cell types, including B cell naive, Plasma cells, CD4⁺T cells, T cells regulatory(Tregs), Macrophages M0, Macrophages M1 and Neutrophils were significantly overexpressed(P<0.05), while others were low expressed(P<0.05). After WGCNA, a total of 820 DEGs were found in the modules most related to immunity. After constructing the PPI network, 10 key genes were screened using plug-ins, and two key genes were further screened using the expression amount of each differential gene in PPI: DLGAP5 and AURKB.

CONCLUSION: This study used bioinformatics to screen the infiltration of immune cells and key genes related to immunity in patients with DR. These findings may provide evidences for future research, diagnosis, and treatment of DR.

Abstract:AIM: To investigate the clinical efficacy of diquafosol sodium(DQS)eye drops combined with Qingrun Yangmu oral liquid in the treatment of dry eye after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation.

METHODS:A total of 57 patients(65 eyes)with dry eye after cataract surgery, who were admitted to the ophthalmology department of our hospital from September 2020 to January 2021, were selected as the research objects. They were divided into a control group(28 cases, 32 eyes, treated with 3% DQS eye drops)and an observation group(29 cases, 33 eyes, treated with 3% DQS eye drops combined with the Qingrun Yangmu oral liquid)based on a random number table method. Indicators, such as ocular surface disease index(OSDI), non-invasive tear film break-up time(NIBUT), Schirmer I test(SIt), corneal fluorescein sodium staining(CFS), and TCM symptom score, were compared and analyzed between the two groups 1d before, 1wk after(before treatment), and 1mo after(after treatment)surgery.

RESULTS:The total effective rates of the observation group and the control group after treatment were 88% and 75%, respectively. The OSDI, NIBUT and SIt of the two groups after treatment showed significant improvement compared to those before treatment(P<0.05). The NIBUT, SIt, CFS, and TCM symptom scores of the observation group after treatment were better than those of the control group(P<0.05). No adverse reactions were observed in both groups.

CONCLUSION:Combined use of DQS eye drops and the Qingrun Yangmu oral liquid can improve symptoms and clinical indicators of dry eye after cataract surgery, providing a new treatment method for ocular surface management of dry eye during the perioperative period of cataract surgery.

Abstract:AIM: To analyze the clinical characteristics and treatment of patients with acute acquired concomitant esotropia(AACE)in different refractive status.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 110 patients with non-type I AACE treated from January 2020 to January 2022. The non-myopic group(30 cases, spherical equivalent>-0.5D)and the myopic group(80 cases, spherical equivalent≤-0.5D)were divided according to the refractive status. The degree of deviation, accommodative convergence and accommodation ratio(AC/A), visual function, and surgical methods were observed.

RESULTS: The non-myopic group had no difference in the degree of near deviation \〖(47.13±23.54)^△\〗 and the degree of distant deviation \〖(48.90±22.59)^△\〗(P>0.05); near deviation \〖(40.49±26.09)^△\〗 of myopic group was less than distant deviation \〖(50.09±25.41)^△\〗(P<0.001); and there was no difference in the same distance between the two groups(P>0.05). AC/A in the non-myopic group(5.40±2.23)was higher than that in the myopic group(3.14±3.10; P<0.05). Patients in the myopic group had better near stereopsis than the non-myopic group(P<0.05). The non-myopic group had a variety of surgical methods, while the myopic group mostly used lateral rectus resection or/and medial rectus recession.

CONCLUSION: AACE can occur in different refractive status. Non-myopic patients have the same degree of distant and near strabismus, high AC/A, and varied surgical methods. However, myopic patients have less degree of near deviation than distant deviation and have normal AC/A and better near stereopsis, and lateral rectus resection or/and medial rectus recession are commonly used.

Abstract:AIM: To observe the clinical efficacy of Yishen Yanggan Mingmu formula combined with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration(wARMD).

METHODS: A total of 58 patients(58 eyes)with wARMD who were treated in Ningbo Eye Hospital from September 2020 to November 2022 were collected. They were divided into two groups according to randomized digital table: 29 patients(29 eyes)for the combination group and the other 29 patients(29 eyes)for the injection group. The injection group was only given intravitreal injection of conbercept; the combination group was orally administrated with Yishen Yanggan Mingmu formula combined with intravitreal injection of conbercept. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central macular thickness(CMT)and the improvement of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndromes after 3mo of treatment were observed and the clinical efficacy was evaluated.

RESULTS: After 3mo of treatment, the total improved effective rate of the combination group(76%)was higher than the rate of the injection group(66%). After the treatment, the BCVA of the two groups was both higher than that before treatment(P<0.05), the CMT in both groups was lower than that before the treatment(P<0.05), and the improvement of CMT of the combination group was better than the injection group(-155.93±143.79μm vs. -95.36±56.81μm, P<0.05). After 3mo of treatment, each kinds of TCM syndrome in the combination group were significantly improved compared with those syndromes before the treatment(P<0.001). In the injection group, only blurred vision was improved(P<0.05). After the treatment, the scores of dizziness and insomnia, soreness and weakness of waist and knees, paleness and cold limbs, dry eyes and fatigue in the combination group were significantly lower than the injection group(P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The Yishen Yanggan Mingmu formula combined with intravitreal anti-VEGF drug injection is effective in the treatment of wARMD.

Abstract:AIM: To investigate the efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy(PPV)combined with preoperative intravitreal injection of conbercept in the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR)and its effect on aqueous humor inflammatory factors.

METHODS: A non-randomized controlled clinical trial was designed. The clinical data of 100 patients(100 eyes)with PDR who were admitted to the hospital from March 2019 to January 2022 were collected(the heavier eye was selected when both eyes had PDR, while the right eye was selected when the PDR degree was the same)and divided into control group and combined group according to their treatment wishes. The 48 eyes in the control group received PPV alone, and 52 eyes in the combined group received intravitreal injection of conbercept combined with PPV. Follow-up period was 12mo. The operative time, pre-and post-operative best corrected visual acuity(BCVA LogMAR), central retinal thickness(CRT)and postoperative complications in the two groups were statistically analyzed. And the levels of inflammatory factors(IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ and TNF-α)in aqueous humor were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the levels of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ and TNF-α in aqueous humor in combination group were significantly decreased. The operation time of the combined group was significantly shorter than that of the control group, and the number of electrocoagulation, iatrogenic retinal hole and silicone oil filling were less in the combined group than those in the control group(all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in preoperative BCVA and CRT between the two groups(all P>0.05). The BCVA and CRT improved at 1, 6 and 12mo after surgery in both groups, but the improvement was more significant in the combined group(all P<0.05). The postoperative incidence of complications in the combined group were lower than that in the control group(11.5% vs. 35.4%, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate of PDR between the two groups(P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal injection of conbercept combined with PPV in the treatment of PDR has a significant effect, which can shorten the operation time, inhibit the inflammatory effect, reduce postoperative complications, and contribute to the improvement of patients' vision.

Abstract:AIM: To investigate the differences in visual recovery, corneal astigmatism, and rotation stability of Toric intraocular lens(TIOL)implantation in cataract patients with different axial lengths.

METHODS: Retrospective analysis. A total of 132 patients(132 eyes)with age-related cataract and corneal astigmatism who underwent phacoemulsification cataract extraction combined with TIOL implantation in our hospital's ophthalmology department from February 2021 to September 2022 were selected. They were divided into two groups based on the axial length: the group with axial length ≤24mm(79 cases, 79 eyes)and the group with axial length >24mm(53 cases, 53 eyes). Compare the best corrected distance visual acuity(BCDVA), corneal astigmatism, and TIOL rotation between the two groups of patients at 3mo after surgery.

RESULT: After 3mo of surgery, both groups of patients had improved BCDVA and significantly decreased corneal astigmatism compared to those before surgery(P<0.001). However, there was no difference in BCDVA and corneal astigmatism between the two groups(P>0.05), and there was no significant difference in TIOL rotation between the two groups \〖(5.24±3.72)° vs.(6.36±4.21)°, P=0.110\〗.

CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference in visual recovery, corneal astigmatism, and TIOL rotational stability after TIOL implantation in cataract patients with different axial lengths.

Abstract:AIM: To investigate the visual quality of LENTIS Comfort Toric intraocular lens implantation in cataract surgery.

METHODS: A retrospective controlled clinical study was conducted on 40 patients(40 eyes)who received phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation assisted by digital navigation, with LENTIS Comfort Toric(MF15T)implanted in group A(24 eyes)and monofocal Toric intraocular lens implanted in group B(16 eyes). The visual acuity at different distances, the postoperative astigmatism center of mass value, the lens loss rate, the change of defocus curve and the stability of intraocular lens were observed at 3mo after surgery.

RESULTS: There were no serious complications in both groups, and there was no significant difference in distance vision between group A and group B at 3mo after surgery(P>0.05); the visual acuity and near vision in group A were significantly better than those in group B(P<0.01); the postoperative lens loss rate in group A was 99%, and it was 45% in group B(P<0.05); the value of astigmatism center of mass in 3mo after surgery was improved compared with that before surgery, and there was no significant difference between groups(P>0.05); the defocus curve of group A peaked at +0.50 and -1.75D at 3mo after surgery, forming plateau and gently declining, while group B showed a steep decline after peaks at +0.25 and -0.25D. One eye(4%)in group A had the axial rotation of intraocular lens greater than 10° at 1d after surgery; In group B, 6 eyes(38%)had axial rotation of intraocular lenses greater than 10°, 2 eyes(33%)rotated clockwise, and 4 eyes(67%)rotated counterclockwise. No intraocular lens displacement occurred in either group.

CONCLUSION: Both kinds of intraocular lenses can correct astigmatism, among which LENTIS Comfort Toric intraocular lens can provide personalized choices for people with cataract and astigmatism, solve astigmatism and obtain full visual acuity at the same time, with low incidence of postoperative optical interference, better stability, high visual quality and satisfaction.

Abstract:AIM: To observe the medium-long-term efficacy of trabeculectomy in the treatment of pigmentary glaucoma(PG).

METHODS: The clinical data of 38 patients(51 eyes)who were diagnosed with PG and received trabeculectomy at the Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University from January 2010 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The postoperative follow-up ranged from 3 to 144mo. The intraocular pressure(IOP), visual acuity and refractive status were analyzed, complications were recorded and surgical efficacy was evaluated.

RESULTS: The average preoperative use of IOP lowering drugs was 2.90±0.12, with a mean IOP of 18.89±7.40mmHg. The IOP at 3d, 1, 3, 6mo, 1a after surgery and the last follow-up visit were 14.68±5.08, 13.99±2.95, 14.25±2.50, 14.36±2.83, 14.33±2.66, 14.94±1.95mmHg, respectively, and postoperative IOP was significantly lower at all time points than that before surgery(P<0.05), while there was no significant difference at all time points after surgery(P>0.05). During the follow-up period, the visual acuity of all patients was stable, and no endophthalmitis or malignant glaucoma occurred. At the last follow-up, the complete success rate was 90%, the qualified success was 8%, and the failure rate was 2%.

CONCLUSION: Trabeculectomy is a safe and effective treatment method for PG, which can effectively control the IOP, and stabilize the visual acuity and relieve the reverse pupil block.

Abstract:AIM: To evaluate the application of single-pass four-throw releasable suture drainage tube ligation technique in Ahmed glaucoma valve(AGV)implantation.

METHODS: A total of 78 patients(78 eyes)with refractory glaucoma who underwent AGV implantation in the People's Hospital of Leshan from May 2020 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the treatment, the patients were divided into the modified AGV implantation group, with 43 patients(43 eyes)treated by modified AGV implantation, ligating the drainage tube with single-pass four-throw releasable suture, and the traditional AGV implantation group, with 35 patients(35 eyes)treated by traditional AGV implantation. Followed-up for 6mo, the intraocular pressure(IOP), success rate and complications were observed at 1d, 1 and 2wk and 1 and 6mo after operation.

RESULTS: Postoperative IOP at all follow-up visits was significantly lower than that before surgery in both groups(all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in IOP between groups at all follow-up visits(all P>0.05). The incidence of shallow anterior chamber was 5% in the modified AGV implantation group and 23% in the traditional AGV implantation group at 1wk after surgery(P<0.05). At 6mo after operation, the overall success rate was 98% in modified AGV implantation group and 89% in the traditional AGV implantation group(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION:During AGV implantation, ligation of drainage tube with single-pass four-throw releasable suture can effectively reduce IOP and reduce the incidence of shallow anterior chamber in early postoperative stage. Furthermore, the technique is safe and efficacious.

Abstract:AIM: To evaluate the damage to optic nerve by detecting the morphological and functional changes of optic nerve in patients with acute primary angle-closure glaucoma.

METHODS: The correlation among the positive rates of fundus photography, visual field examination, optical coherence tomography(OCT)scan of the optic nerve, and pattern visual evoked potentials(P-VEP)were analyzed in 28 patients with acute primary angle-closure glaucoma affecting.

RESULTS: Among 28 eyes of 28 patients, optic nerve images were obtained in 25 eyes(89%), optic disc color in 25 eyes: there were 9 normal eyes and 16 eyes with congestion and edema, without pallor; C/D: < 0.6 in 5 eyes, > 0.6 in 1 eye, and indistinguishable in 19 eyes; disk edge: 6 eyes were normal, and 19 eyes could not be distinguished.Optic nerve images could not be obtained in 3 eyes(11%). Visual field examination: 9 eyes(32%)were normal, 2 eyes(7%)had visual field damage, 8 eyes(29%)had no reference value due to cataract visual field examination, 2 eyes(7%)had false positive rate ≥15%, and 7 eyes(25%)could not cooperate with the examination. The retinal nerve fiber layer thickness around optic disc was measured by OCT in 26 eyes(93%), of which the thickness of nerve fiber layer was normal in 24 eyes and local thinning in 2 eyes. Severe opacification of refractive stroma could not be measured in 2 eyes(7%). PVEP showed that the peak of P100 was normal in 18 eyes(64%)and prolonged in 10 eyes(36%). The amplitude of P100 wave was normal in 11 eyes(39%)and decreased in 17 eyes(61%).

CONCLUSION: After a major acute attack of primary angle-closure glaucoma, the optic nerve does not exhibit typical glaucomatous damage but may present with optic disc congestion and edema. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation combining subjective and objective examination methods is necessary for optic nerve assessment, and currently, no more precise assessment method is available.

Abstract:AIM: To compare the efficacy of aflibercept and ranibizumab in the treatment of diabetic macular edema(DME).

METHODS: Prospective randomized controlled trial. A total of 35 patients(60 eyes)with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy complicated with DME confirmed in our hospital from June 2020 to September 2021 were included. Intravitreal injection was performed using the 3+PRN protocol in all cases, of which 17 cases(30 eyes)received aflibercept treatment(aflibercept group)and 18 cases(30 eyes)received ranibizumab(ranibizumab group). The two groups were followed up for 12mo, observing the central macular thickness(CMT)and the best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)of the two groups, and recording the number of intravitreal injections and the occurrence of complications.

RESULTS: After treatment, CMT and BCVA in the aflibercept group were significantly better than that in the ranibizumab group at 1, 3, 6 and 12 mo(all P<0.001). During the follow-up period, the number of intravitreal injections in the aflibercept group was lower than that in the ranibizumab group(4.23±0.86 vs. 6.40±0.97, P<0.05), there were no serious complications such as drug-related adverse reactions, intraocular infection, and vascular embolism in either group.

CONCLUSION: Both aflibercept and ranibizumab have clear efficacy and safety in the treatment of DME, and aflibercept may be a more effective and convenient treatment option than ranibizumab for DME patients.

Abstract:AIM: To analyze the correlation between SLC52A2 and uveal melanoma(UM)based on the cancer genome atlas(TCGA)database, and preliminarily explore the influence of SLC52A2 on the prognosis of UM patients and potential mechanism.

METHODS: The clinical information on 80 patients with UM and mRNA expression data of SLC52A2 were collected from TCGA database. According to the expression level of SLC52A2, 80 patients were divided into high and low expression groups by median method. The relationship between the expression of SLC52A2 and clinical pathological features, as well as the prognosis was analyzed. The age, sex, clinical stage, pathological stage, and mRNA expression of SLC52A2 were analyzed by univariate and multivariate Cox analysis to search the prognostic factors of UM. Enrichment analyses were used to predict the possible regulatory pathway of SLC52A2 in UM.

RESULTS: The survival prognosis of patients with low expression of SLC52A2 was better than that of patients with high expression of SLC52A2(P<0.05). The level of SLC52A2 has no significant correlation with the age, sex, clinical stage, and pathological stage of patients in both groups(P>0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that the high expression of SLC52A2 was a risk factor for poor prognosis. The nomogram prediction model developed by combining the expression of SLC52A2 with clinical pathological features could accurately predict the survival probability of UM patients. The infiltration abundance of Th2 and Treg cells in both groups has difference(all P<0.001). GSEA analysis showed that the gene of JAK-STAT(FDR=0.028, P=0.004)and PI3K/AKT(FDR=0.017, P=0.002)were rich in samples with high expression of SLC52A2.

CONCLUSION: The high expression of SLC52A2 is a risk factor for the prognosis of UM patients. SLC52A2 can be used as a biomarker to predict the prognosis and to become a new target for the treatment of patients with UM.

Abstract:AIM: To compare the changes in retinal nerve fiber layer(RNFL)and macular ganglion cell complex(GCC)measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT)in non-glaucoma subjects with low, moderate, and high myopia.

METHODS: A total of 400 subjects(400 eyes)with myopia who attended our hospital from December 2019 to November 2022 were selected to participate in this study, and the subjects were divided into the following groups according to their degree of myopia: low myopia group(142 cases, 142 eyes, 35.5%), moderate myopia group(139 cases, 139 eyes, 34.8%)and high myopia group(119 cases, 119 eyes, 29.8%). RNFL thickness profiles were measured, including mean, superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal RNFL thickness. GCC parameters were measured, including mean, superior, superior temporal, inferior, inferior temporal, superior nasal, and inferior nasal. Correlation between RNFL thickness measured by OCT, mean GCC parameters, and axial length was evaluated.

RESULTS: The mean RNFL thickness above, below and nasal side was significantly higher in the low and moderate myopia groups and the temporal RNFL thickness was significantly lower than the high myopia group(all P<0.05); the mean GCC thickness above, above temporal, below, below temporal, above nasal, below nasal and mean GCC thickness were significantly higher in the low and moderate myopia groups than in the high myopia group(all P<0.05); In the moderate myopia group, the mean RNFL and GCC thickness were both negatively correlated with axial length(r=-0.387, -0.309, all P<0.05). In the high myopia group, both RNFL and GCC thickness means were negatively correlated with eye axis length(r=-0.499, -0.503, all P<0.01).

CONCLUSION:RNFL and GCC thicknesses tend to be thinner in subjects with high myopia than in subjects with low and moderate myopia.

Abstract:AIM:To observe the effect of implantable collamer lens V4c(ICL V4c)implantation on high myopia, and the changes in anterior segment morphology.

METHODS:A prospective study was conducted on 100 patients(200 eyes)with high myopia who were treated with ICL V4c implantation in the hospital from February 2018 to March 2021. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA), intraocular pressure, higher-order aberration, anterior segment morphology \〖iridocorneal angle(ICA), central anterior chamber depth(ACD), anterior chamber volume(ACV), central corneal thickness(CCT)and K-value(K)\〗, photopic and scotopic contrast sensitivity before operation and 6 and 12mo after operation were comparatively analyzed.

RESULTS:All patients were followed-up. UCVA and BCVA were significantly improved at 6 and 12mo after operation(P<0.05). Total higher-order aberration, horizontal coma and vertical coma showed no significant difference before and after operation(P>0.05). Spherical aberration, ICA, ACD and ACV at 6 and 12mo after operation were significantly smaller than those before operation(P<0.05). Under photopic state, the contrast sensitivity of 3.0 and 6.0 c/d was significantly higher at 6 and 12mo after operation when compared with that before operation(P<0.05). Under scotopic state, the contrast sensitivity of 6.0 c/d was significantly higher at 6 and 12mo after operation when compared with that before operation(P<0.05); there was no significant difference in CCT, K, or intraocular pressure before and after operation(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION:Although ICA, ACD and ACV in patients with high myopia are reduced after ICL V4c implantation, the operation can effectively improve visual acuity and visual quality.

Abstract:AIM: To study the correlation between meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD)patients and their sleep quality.

METHODS: Retrospective case-control study. A total of 150 MGD patients treated in our hospital from January 2021 to October 2022 were selected and divided into sleep disorder group(75 cases, PSQI>10 points)and control group(75 cases, PSQI≤10 points)according to the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI). Both groups were scored using the ocular surface disease index(OSDI), underwent meibomian gland-related examinations(eyelid margin morphology, meibomian gland secretion ability, meibomian gland secretion quality score), corneal fluorescein staining(FL)score, Schirmer Ⅰ test(SⅠt), tear film break-up time(BUT)was measured, and sleep indicators(sleep quality, sleep latency, subjective sleep quality, sleep time)were evaluated.

RESULTS: There were significant differences in OSDI score, FL score, SⅠt, BUT, eyelid margin morphology score, meibomian gland secretion ability score, and meibomian gland secretion quality score between the two groups(P<0.05). In the sleep disorder group, PSQI score, sleep latency score, subjective sleep quality score, and sleep time score were significantly positively correlated with OSDI score, FL score, meibomian gland secretion ability score, and meibomian gland secretion quality score(P<0.05); PSQI score, subjective sleep quality score, and sleep time score were significantly positively correlated with eyelid margin morphology score(P<0.05); PSQI score, sleep latency score, and subjective sleep quality score were significantly negatively correlated with BUT and SⅠt(P<0.05); sleep time score was significantly negatively correlated with BUT(P<0.05); sleep latency score was not significantly correlated with eyelid margin morphology score(P>0.05); sleep time score was not significantly correlated with SⅠt(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION:The ocular surface condition of MGD patients is correlated with multiple sleep quality indicators, and a decline in sleep quality may increase the risk of MGD.