AIM:To analyze the effect of conbercept treatment on different types of macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion(RVO-ME)using optical coherence tomography(OCT)images.METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who first received conbercept injections for RVO-ME at Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College from December 1, 2017, to March 31, 2022. Data on disease duration, age, hypertension, OCT images, central macular thickness(CMT), and best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)were collected before and at 4-6 wk after treatment. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to different types of macular edema: cystoid macular edema(CME), sponge-like diffuse retinal thickening(SDRT), serous retinal detachment(SRD), and mixed type(FULL). Changes in CMT and visual acuity before and after treatment were compared among the groups to analyze differences in the effect of conbercept treatment on different ME types, and the effect of baseline CMT and visual acuity on post-treatment visual acuity.RESULTS: Totally 139 patients(139 eyes)were classified as having macular edema, including 62 males(44.6%)and 77 females(55.4%), with a mean age of 58.9±10.9 years, and they were divided into 4 groups based on different types of macular edema, including 54 cases(54 eyes)(mean age 59.6±11.1 years)in the CME group, 23 cases(23 eyes; mean age 56.6±10.2 years)in the SDRT group, 22 cases(22 eyes; mean age 57.8±12.0 years)in the SDR group, and 40 cases(40 eyes; mean age 60.0±10.7 years)in the FULL group. There were no significant differences in the duration of disease or age between groups(P>0.05). There was a significant difference in preoperative CMT between groups(P=0.01, one-way ANOVA), with the CMT in the FULL group being significantly greater than that in the SDRT group(P=0.03). There were no significant differences in pre-treatment visual acuity between the four groups(P=0.26). After conbercept treatment, the macular central recess thickness was reduced and visual acuity was improved in all four groups, among which the CMT in the CME and FULL groups was reduced significantly compared with the other two groups(P<0.05), and the visual acuity in the CME and SRD groups was improved significantly compared with the other two groups(P<0.05). Postoperative visual acuity was negatively correlated with preoperative CMT(P=0.044)and positively correlated with preoperative visual acuity(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:The efficacy of intravitreal conbercept in the treatment of RVO and macular edema may be related to the type of edema observed on OCT images, in which the efficacy is best in patients with CME but poor in patients with SDRT.

AIM: To investigate the changes of retinal vascular parameters and retinal layer thickness in patients with multiple sclerosis(MS).METHODS: This single-centered case-control study was performed on a MS group of 42 patients diagnosed with MS and a control group of 43 healthy hospital staff matched in terms of age and sex at Iran University, department of neurology and ophthalmology from March 2020 to March 2021. The ophthalmic parameters of each patient were recorded, and optical coherence tomography was used to evaluate the retinal thickness in the layers.RESULTS: This study enrolled a total of 85 participants, with a mean age of 40.44±11.52 years, including 61 females(72%). The control group consisted of 43 individuals with a mean age of 39.49±11.07 years, while the MS group comprised 42 participants with a mean age of 41.40±12.01 years. The mean disease duration in the MS group was 8.45±6.04 a. The thickness of the ganglion cell layer in the right eye was significantly lower in the MS group compared to the control group(P=0.034). In addition, except for the left nasal sector(P=0.106), the mean peripapillary neurofibrillation in all examined sectors were significantly lower in the MS group than in the control group(P<0.05). The average vessel density in both the deep and superficial capillary plexuses across all regions of both eyes was lower in the MS group than in the control group, with all comparisons for the superficial capillary plexus showing statistical significance(P<0.05 for all except the left nasal sector).CONCLUSION: The thickness of the retina of patients with MS is significantly reduced. Therefore, optical coherence tomography results can be used as a reliable tool to evaluate disease progression and prognosis in MS patients.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 3% diquafosol sodium eye drops in children wearing orthokeratology lenses and with dry eye disease(DED)or at risk of DED.METHODS: Randomized controlled trials. Children with DED or at risk of DED were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 3% diquafosol sodium eye drops 6 times daily or a blank control at Chongqing Aier Children's Eye Hospital from November 2023 to November 2024. The primary endpoint was the change in the Dry Eye Questionnaire-5(DEQ-5)score from baseline at 12 wk. Secondary assessments included non-invasive breakup time(NIBUT), tear meniscus height, Schirmer's test, corneal fluorescein staining score, and axial length.RESULTS: A total of 80 participants(80 eyes)were enrolled(40 in each group), the average age of the participants was 11.11±1.88 years, with 43 females(54%)and 37 males(46%), and all completed the trial. After 12 wk, the DEQ-5 scores for the diquafosol sodium group and the blank control group were 1.88±2.02 and 2.88±2.79, respectively(P=0.079). The diquafosol sodium group demonstrated a significant improvement in DEQ-5 dryness symptom scores(-0.33±0.66 vs. 0.05±0.81, P=0.023)and NIBUT(6.18±3.73 vs. -1.09±4.40 s, P<0.001)at 12 wk. Additionally, the diquafosol sodium group showed no axial length elongation, in contrast to the blank control group, which exhibited elongation(0.00±0.08 vs. 0.05±0.10 mm, P=0.013). No other significant differences were found in the secondary endpoints. No adverse events occurred during the trial.CONCLUSION: Although no statistically significant improvements were noted in the overall DEQ-5 scores, the 3% diquafosol sodium eye drops significantly improved dryness symptoms and NIBUT when compared to the blank control group.

AIM:To investigate the effect of fibroblast growth factor 21(FGF21)on high glucose-induced oxidative stress in retinal pigment epithelial(RPE)cells and to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms.METHODS:Single-cell sequencing data from the GEO database were analyzed to determine the expression profile of the FGF21 receptor FGFR1 in RPE cells. Human ARPE-19 cells were cultured and randomly assigned to control, high glucose(30 mmol/L), and high glucose+FGF21 analog treatment groups, with additional siFGFR1 and PI3K inhibitor groups. Cell viability in different treatment groups was assessed using CCK-8 assay, intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels were quantified using DCFH-DA fluorescent probing combined with immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on cells from the high glucose group and high glucose+FGF21 group to analyze the enrichment level of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Western blotting was performed to detect phosphorylation levels of PI3K/Akt pathway components.RESULTS:Single-cell sequencing revealed specific expression of FGFR1 in RPE cells of retinal tissues from diabetic model mice. Under In vitro experiments, high glucose(30 mmol/L)exposure reduced ARPE-19 cell viability by 49.7% and increased ROS levels by approximately 2-fold. Whereas treatment with the FGF21 analog(60 ng/mL)restored cell viability and attenuated high glucose-induced ROS accumulation. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that FGFR1 knockdown inhibited the antioxidative stress of FGF21. Further validation of the molecular mechanism revealed that high glucose significantly suppressed the PI3K/Akt pathway activation(the levels of p-Akt and p-PI3K were decreased by 33.9% and 36.6%, respectively), while FGF21 effectively reversed this inhibitory effect and restored the expression of p-Akt and p-PI3K. Treatment with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 inhibited the cytoprotective effect of FGF21 and significantly increased the ROS-positive cells, these findings confirm that PI3K/Akt signaling is indispensable downstream mechanism for FGF21 to exert its effects.CONCLUSION:FGF21 alleviates high glucose-induced oxidative stress and cellular injury in RPE cells by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway through its receptor FGFR1.

AIM: To explore the effect of dihydroquercetin on visual function in mice with form deprivation myopia based on the NOD-like receptor thermoprotein domain-related protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome pathway.METHODS: The C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group and form deprivation myopia model group, and the form deprivation myopia model group was constructed by covering the right eye with a translucent eye patch. After successful modeling, the mice in the model group of form deprivation myopia were randomly divided into model group, low-, medium- and high-dose dihydroquercetin groups, and high-dose dihydroquercetin + NLRP3 agonist group. The diopter and axial length of mice in each group were detected. The kit was used to detect the levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and malondialdehyde(MDA)in retinal tissue. RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated spot-like protein(ASC), Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 in retinal tissues. Western blot was used to detect the expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 proteins in retinal tissues. TUNEL staining was used to detect apoptosis in retinal tissue.RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the diopter of the mice in the model group decreased, and axial length increased, and the SOD decreased whereas MDA, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18 increased, and the rate of apoptosis in retinal tissue increased(all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the diopter of mice in the low-, medium- and high-dose dihydroquercetin groups increased, axial length shortened, the SOD increased, whereas MDA, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18 decreased, and the rate of apoptosis in retinal tissue decreased(all P<0.05). Compared with the high-dose dihydroquercetin group, the high-dose dihydroquercetin+NLRP3 agonist group had reduced diopter, increased axial length, decreased SOD levels, elevated MDA, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 levels, as well as increased apoptosis rate in retinal tissue(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Dihydroquercetin can improve visual function in mice with form deprivation myopia by inhibiting pyroptosis and oxidative stress responses, which may be related to the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome. NLRP3 agonists can partially mitigate the effects of high-dose dihydroquercetin on form deprivation myopia in mice.

AIM: To investigate expression differences and mechanism of action of serine/threonine kinase 1(AKT1), ATP synthase F1 subunit(ATP5F1), and Bcl-2-associated anti-apoptotic gene 3(BAG3)in the occurrence and progression of pterygium.METHODS:Pterygium-related gene expression data were retrieved from GEO database to screen differentially expressed genes(DEGs). String and Cytoscape were used to construct protein-protein interaction(PPI)networks and identify core targets. GO/KEGG enrichment analyzed mitochondrial metabolic pathways. The pterygium samples(head/body)were collected; pathological features were evaluated by HE staining, and the expression of AKT1, ATP5F1, and BAG3 was detected via immunohistochemistry(IHC).RESULTS:A total of 1 264 DEGs were identified(585 upregulated, 679 downregulated). GO analysis showed significant enrichment of mitochondrial pathways regarding to biological processes, cell components and molecular functions; KEGG analysis highlighted oxidative phosphorylation and chemical carcinogenesis-reactive oxygen species(ROS)pathways. The head and body pterygium samples were collected from 28 cases(28 eyes)that received pterygium surgery, including 7 males(7 eyes)and 21 females(21 eyes), with a mean age of 69.32±8.98 years. HE staining showed more severe dysplasia, disordered stroma, and inflammation in the pterygium head versus the body. IHC detection confirmed significantly lower AKT1, ATP5F1, and BAG3 expression in the head compared with the body(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION:GEO-based bioinformatics and experiments confirmed that AKT1/ATP5F1/BAG3(mitochondrial genes)had significant differential expression in pterygium, correlating with pathological progression. They may regulate mitochondrial metabolism to mediate pterygium progression, offering new insights for targeted therapy.

AIM: To compare the clinical efficacy of goniosynechialysis versus trabeculectomy combined with cataract phacoemulsification in treating glaucoma complicated with cataract.METHODS:From January 2019 to January 2024, patients with glaucoma complicated with cataract diagnosed in our hospital were included as the study subjects. They were assigned into trabeculectomy group and goniosynechialysis group based on different surgical methods. The trabeculectomy group was treated with cataract phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy, while the goniosynechialysis group was treated with cataract phacoemulsification combined with goniosynechialysis. The improvement of visual acuity, anterior chamber depth, chamber angle width, intraocular pressure, whole en face vessel density within the optic disc head and in the peripapillary region, and complications were compared between two groups.RESULTS: A total of 120 patients(120 eyes)with glaucoma combined with cataract were included in this study, among which 60 eyes were in the trabeculectomy group and 60 eyes in the goniosynechialysis group. The age of the trabeculectomy group was 60.72±6.16 years, including 28 males and 32 females. The age of the goniosynechialysis group was 61.04±6.24 years, including 31 males and 29 females. At 3 mo after surgery, the visual acuity of patients in both groups improved significantly, and the improvement of visual acuity in the goniosynechialysis group was significantly better than that in the trabeculectomy group(all P<0.01). At 3 mo after surgery, the anterior chamber depth and chamber angle width of patients in both groups were higher than those before surgery, and with the goniosynechialysis group being higher than the trabeculectomy group(all P<0.01), while the intraocular pressure was lower than that before surgery, and with the goniosynechialysis group being lower than the trabeculectomy group(all P<0.01). Before surgery, there was no significant difference in the whole en face vessel density within the optic disc head between the two groups(P>0.05), however, the whole en face vessel density within the optic disc head in both groups on 1 d after surgery were significantly lower than before surgery(all P<0.05); and compared with 1 d after surgery, there was a significant increase at 1 wk, 1, and 3 mo after surgery(all P<0.05); the whole en face vessel density within the optic disc head in the goniosynechialysis group was significantly higher than that in the trabeculectomy group at various time points after surgery(all P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the whole en face vessel density in the peripapillary region between the two groups before surgery and various time points after surgery(all P>0.05). Within 3 mo after surgery, the incidence of complications in the goniosynechialysis group(8.3%)was significantly lower than that in the trabeculectomy group(21.7%; P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Goniosynechialysis combined with phacoemulsification is more effective than trabeculectomy combined with phacoemulsification in the treatment of patients with glaucoma complicated with cataract in improving the visual acuity and whole en face vessel density within the optic disc head of patients, increasing the anterior chamber depth and chamber angle width, reducing intraocular pressure and the risk of complications. It has high safety and ideal short-term efficacy.

Mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes(MAMs)are crucial structural links between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, formed by a complex protein network. They play a central role in cellular calcium signaling homeostasis, mitochondrial stability, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and inflammatory response. In recent years, advances in subcellular ultrastructure research techniques have gradually uncovered the relationship between MAMs dysfunction and blinding ocular diseases. Studies indicate that structural or functional impairments in MAMs can disrupt retinal pigment epithelial cells homeostasis, compromise the survival microenvironment of retinal ganglion cells, and trigger corneal endothelial cells apoptosis, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of various blinding ocular diseases including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, and glaucoma. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms linking MAMs in common blinding ocular diseases.

Glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, remains a central focus of ophthalmic research, particularly with regard to surgical management. Conventional procedures, such as trabeculectomy with mitomycin and glaucoma drainage device implantation, continue to be considered the gold standard because of their strong intraocular pressure lowering efficacy. However, these operations are associated with relatively high rates of postoperative complications, and perioperative fluctuations in intraocular parameters can introduce refractive prediction errors that ultimately compromise visual quality. In recent years, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery(MIGS)has gained increasing attention for its advantages in reducing complications, shortening operative time, minimizing incision size, and accelerating visual recovery, while better preserving postoperative refractive stability. This review systematically summarizes the differences in refractive outcomes between conventional surgery and MIGS, examines the underlying mechanisms, and discusses practical clinical strategies to manage refractive shifts. The aim is to provide a theoretical foundation for precise refractive management in glaucoma surgery, thereby enhancing patients' visual quality and overall quality of life.

Diabetic macular edema(DME)may occur at any stage of diabetic retinopathy(DR)and represents a significant cause of visual impairment in patients with DR. The pathogenesis of DME is complex, involving numerous risk factors. Recent studies have increasingly revealed that the occurrence and development of DME represents an intertwined pathophysiological process involving metabolic disorders, disruption of the blood-retinal barrier, amplified inflammatory responses, hemodynamic alterations, and the formation of hypoxic microenvironments. Multiple risk factors, including hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, and genetic factors, synergistically drive this process. Risk factors and pathogenesis are a dynamic, interactive relationship in the progression of disease. Comprehensive management of risk factors such as blood glucose and blood lipids, along with multi-target interventions on core pathogenic mechanisms—such as combined anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and anti-inflammatory treatments, exploration of gene therapy and regulation of metabolic pathways—are expected to become key strategies for delaying the progression of DME.