Objectives: This study compared the visual outcomes and optical quality of two monofocal, aspheric intraocular lenses (IOLs; CT LUCIA 621P, Carl Zeiss Meditec; Eyhance ICB00, Johnson & Johnson Vision) by evaluating visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and higher-order aberrations 1 month post-cataract surgery. Methods: In this retrospective, comparative study, 120 eyes (72 patients) that underwent cataract surgery with either CT LUCIA 621P (Lucia group) or Eyhance ICB00 (Eyhance group) implantation (60 eyes/group) were retrospectively investigated. Visual acuity at various distances and defocus curves were measured 1 month postoperatively. Optical quality was assessed by comparing contrast sensitivity and internal coma, spherical, and total aberrations by using iTrace (Tracey Technology), a ray-tracing-type aberrometer. Results: The visual acuity and defocus curves were similar between the two IOLs 1 month postoperatively. The Lucia group showed better contrast sensitivity at higher spatial frequencies: 12 cpd (p < 0.001, 1.32 LogCS vs. 1.02 LogCS) and 18 cpd (p = 0.009, 0.74 LogCS vs. 0.47 LogCS) unilaterally and 18 cpd (p = 0.044, 0.94 LogCS vs. 0.60 LogCS) bilaterally. Postoperative internal spherical aberration was significantly lower in the Lucia group (p < 0.001, −0.04 µm vs. −0.003 µm). Internal coma and total aberrations were similar. Conclusions: The visual acuity and defocus curves of the Lucia and Eyhance groups were comparable 1 month post-cataract surgery. The Lucia group’s superior contrast sensitivity and lower postoperative internal spherical aberration were due to differences in IOL designs, particularly the power variation patterns.

Objectives: To compare the long-term efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments using a 590-nm and an acne filter. Methods: In this prospective, randomized, paired-eye trial study, 30 patients with moderate and severe meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) were followed up for at least one month after their last treatment. Group A received IPL treatment with an acne filter, a type of notch filter that blocks wavelengths between 600 and 800 nm, allowing IPL to emit wavelengths between 400–600 nm and 800–1200 nm. Group B received treatment with a 590 nm filter, a type of cut-off filter that blocks wavelengths below 590 nm. Clinical parameters, including tear osmolarity, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression, tear break-up time, ocular surface staining scores, Schirmer’s test I, lid margin telangiectasia scores, MG expressibility/secretion scores, and Ocular Surface Disease Index scores, were measured at baseline, 1, 6, and 12 months after their last treatment. Results: In the linear mixed model, significant time effects on all clinical parameters, except for MMP-9 grades and Schirmer’s test I results, were observed within each group. However, interactions between time points (baseline, 6 months, 12 months) and groups (Group A, B) were not significant. The generalized estimating equation model showed no significant interaction between time points and groups for MMP-9 positivity; however, a significant time effect on MMP-9 positivity was observed in Group A, with a decrease at 12 months after their last treatment when compared to baseline and 6 months. Conclusions: The IPL treatment modality for moderate to severe MGD demonstrated a significant therapeutic effect for one year under strictly controlled self-administration of other treatments. IPL treatment using acne filter is a promising treatment option for reducing MMP-9 positivity in MGD patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in tear osmolarity and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and their relationships with ocular discomfort in patients after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS). This retrospective observational case series reviewed medical records of 51 eyes of 51 patients who underwent FLACS. Tear osmolarity and MMP-9 were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month postoperatively. Tear osmolarity ≥ 310 mOsm/L and MMP-9 ≥ trace positive were defined as abnormal results. The ocular surface disease index (OSDI) was evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 month. Tear osmolarity level and the number of eyes with abnormal tear osmolarity results did not change significantly up to 1 month after surgery. MMP-9 level and the number of eyes with abnormal MMP-9 results increased at 1-day postoperatively and then decreased at 1-month postoperatively (all p < 0.001). Among the OSDI subscales, ocular discomfort was aggravated (p < 0.001) but the visual function score improved at 1 month postoperatively (p < 0.001). Ocular discomfort aggravated after FLACS without an increase in either tear osmolarity or MMP-9. Ocular discomfort which patients commonly experience after FLACS may be due to etiology other than development or aggravation of dry eye disease.

Corneal diseases are a major cause of blindness and visual impairment worldwide. Although conventional pharmacological therapies can alleviate mild to moderate corneal disorders, they often fail to restore vision in advanced disease, leaving corneal transplantation as the current standard treatment. However, donor tissue shortages, graft rejection, and surgical complications continue to limit its long-term success, highlighting the urgent need for effective nonsurgical therapeutic strategies. Gene therapy has emerged as a promising approach for treating inherited and acquired corneal diseases by targeting the underlying molecular mechanisms that drive disease progression. Recent advances in genome-editing technologies, gene-delivery systems, and vector engineering have substantially expanded the clinical potential of gene-based interventions. This review summarizes current progress in gene-editing strategies, gene-delivery platforms, and their therapeutic applications across a broad spectrum of corneal diseases. In addition, we discuss the major challenges and future perspectives associated with delivery efficiency, safety, vector optimization, and clinical translation. Collectively, these advances highlight the potential of gene therapy to transform the management of corneal diseases by providing safe, targeted, and long-lasting therapeutic strategies for restoring corneal function and vision.

Objectives: To investigate the effectiveness of scleral lenses following corneal cross-linking (CXL) in patients with progressive keratoconus. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed patients with keratoconus who underwent CXL and subsequently used scleral lenses for at least one year. A total of 21 patients (23 eyes) with progressive keratoconus were included. CXL was performed using the epithelium-off cross-linking technique following the Dresden protocol. Corneal astigmatism (CA), white-to-white distance, thinnest corneal thickness, and central corneal thickness (CCT) were assessed using corneal topography and tomography. Data were collected before CXL, at one month postoperatively, at the time of scleral lens prescription, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after scleral lens use. Results: The mean age of the patients was 24.6 ± 4.6 years. The baseline uncorrected visual acuity (logMAR) before CXL was 1.05 ± 0.52. The baseline Kmax and CA were 53.01 ± 6.99 and −5.83 ± 3.23 D, respectively. The mean CCT was 444.09 ± 61.82 µm. The mean interval between CXL and scleral lens prescription was 6.75 ± 8.49 months. Following CXL, the Kmean decreased from 49.61 to 45.79 (p = 0.056), Kmax decreased from 53.01 to 51.32 (p = 0.053), and CA decreased from −5.83 to −4.91 D (p = 0.051), albeit statistically non-significant. At the 12-month follow-up after scleral lens prescription, Kmean and Kmax values remained stable, indicating no disease progression. Compared with baseline values before CXL, Kmean, Kmax, and CA were significantly reduced at the 12-month follow-up after scleral lens prescription (p = 0.047, p = 0.049, and p = 0.042, respectively). Scleral lens-corrected visual acuity was significantly better than habitual corrected visual acuity at all follow-up time points. Conclusions: Scleral lens application following CXL was associated with improved corrected visual acuity, and corneal keratometric values remained stable during lens wear.

Corneal neovascularization is a pathological response to corneal injury and inflammation characterized by the abnormal growth of blood vessels into the normally avascular cornea, resulting in corneal opacity, scarring, lipid deposition, and impaired visual function. Its development is driven by a complex imbalance between pro- and anti-angiogenic factors and is closely associated with inflammatory responses, immune activation, and tissue remodelling. Despite advances in understanding these mechanisms and the availability of various treatments, effective management of persistent and established corneal neovascularization remains challenging, particularly because existing therapies may provide incomplete or temporary vascular regression. This review provides an overview of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying corneal neovascularization and critically evaluates established therapeutic approaches, as well as emerging molecular and adjuvant therapies. Emphasis is placed on their therapeutic potential, current limitations, and the challenges of achieving effective and sustained vascular regression. Finally, future perspectives are discussed, highlighting the need for more targeted and durable therapeutic approaches that address the multifaceted mechanisms underlying pathological corneal neovascularization. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms may facilitate the development of more effective treatments and ultimately contribute to improved corneal transparency and visual outcomes.