Tichenor,A., Cofield,S., Gann,D., Elder,M., Ng,A. Y., Walsh,K., Jones,L., Nichols,J. Frequency of Contact Lens Complications Between Contact Lens Wearers Using Multipurpose Solutions Versus Hydrogen Peroxide in the United States and Canada Eye & Contact Lens 2021;47(5):277-282 [ Show Abstract ]

Objectives: To retrospectively compare frequency of contact lens (CL) complications in soft CL users of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and multipurpose solutions (MPS).

Methods: This was a multicenter, retrospective chart review of CL records from each patient's three most recent eye examinations at academic and private practices. Patients must have used the same solution type for at least 3 years. Univariate analyses were conducted using t tests, and chi-square or Fisher's exact test for categorical measures.

Results: There were 1,137 patients included, with 670 (59%) using MPS and 467 (41%) H2O2. In total, 706 (62%) experienced at least one complication; 409 used MPS and 297 used H2O2. There was no difference in the proportion of patients experiencing at least one complication between MPS (61%) and H2O2 (64%) (P=0.38). Multipurpose solutions users were more likely to report discomfort compared with H2O2 users (P=0.04). Presumed microbial keratitis was experienced by 16 MPS and nine H2O2 users (P=0.60).

Conclusions: No significant differences were found in the frequency of CL complications between MPS and H2O2. H2O2 users were less likely to report discomfort and thus switching to a H2O2 system may be an alternative in CL users with discomfort.

Tonge,S., Jones,L., Goodall,S., Tighe,B. The ex vivo wettability of soft contact lenses Current eye research 2001;23(1):51-59 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose. To investigate the ex vivo wettability of Etafilcon A contact lenses over an eight hour period of wear and observe the influence of surfactant pre-treatment. Methods. Etafilcon A hydrogel lenses, comprising poly[2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid] and 58% water, were soaked for 12 hours in either 0.9% saline (control) or a 1% aqueous solution of poloxamine 1107 (treated). The advancing and receding contact angles were subsequently determined ex vivo after various periods of wear in six adapted contact lens wearers using a single-blind, randomised protocol. Contact angles were measured with a dynamic contact angle tensiometer, using the Wilhelmy plate technique. Patient comfort scores were recorded and the static surface tensions of the probe fluids assessed. Results. Control lenses exhibited no change in wetting angles over time, indicating a lack of surface modification by components within the tear film. Treated lenses exhibited a significantly reduced advancing angle (p > 0.001) and hysteresis angle (p < 0.001) when compared with control lenses. In addition, treated lenses were consistently rated as being more comfortable than control lenses (p = 0.04). Conclusions. This study has shown clearly that new Etafilcon A lenses do not exhibit significant changes in wettability during the initial four hour wearing period. Pre-treatment of such lenses with a polymeric surfactant results in wetting of the lenses due to the adsorption of surfactant. The surfactant is retained by the lens for at least eight hours of wear, resulting in significant improvements in subjective comfort, especially over the first 30 minutes of wear.

Troilo,D., Smith,E. L. 3rd, Nickla,D. L., Ashby,R., Tkatchenko,A. V., Ostrin,L. A., Gawne,T. J., Pardue,M. T., Summers,J. A., Kee,C. S., Schroedl,F., Wahl,S., Jones,L. IMI - Report on Experimental Models of Emmetropization and Myopia Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019;60(3):M31-M88 [ Show Abstract ]

The results of many studies in a variety of species have significantly advanced our understanding of the role of visual experience and the mechanisms of postnatal eye growth, and the development of myopia. This paper surveys and reviews the major contributions that experimental studies using animal models have made to our thinking about emmetropization and development of myopia. These studies established important concepts informing our knowledge of the visual regulation of eye growth and refractive development and have transformed treatment strategies for myopia. Several major findings have come from studies of experimental animal models. These include the eye's ability to detect the sign of retinal defocus and undergo compensatory growth, the local retinal control of eye growth, regulatory changes in choroidal thickness, and the identification of components in the biochemistry of eye growth leading to the characterization of signal cascades regulating eye growth and refractive state. Several of these findings provided the proofs of concepts that form the scientific basis of new and effective clinical treatments for controlling myopia progression in humans. Experimental animal models continue to provide new insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of eye growth control, including the identification of potential new targets for drug development and future treatments needed to stem the increasing prevalence of myopia and the vision-threatening conditions associated with this disease.

Tse,J., Rizwan,M., Rasmussen,J., Jones,L., Yim,E. K. F. Gelatin Methacrylate as an Enzyme-Controlled Release Vehicle of Hyaluronic Acid for the Treatment of Recurrent Corneal Erosion Applied Bio Materials 2020;3(9):6214-6223 [ Show Abstract ]

Recurrent corneal erosion (RCE) is a condition where the superficial corneal epithelial cells sporadically shed because of poor attachment to the underlying basement membrane, resulting in pain and discomfort. RCE-afflicted corneas exhibit elevated biological factors and enzymes, such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9. Soft bandage contact lenses (BCLs) are a commonly recommended treatment as they permit continued vision during recovery. However, they do not outperform alternative treatments as they currently lack active ingredients for ocular surface repair. Development of BCLs with a sustained release of active ingredients to promote RCE wound healing over an extended period of time would be clinically valuable. We fabricated gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels with MMP-9-triggered controlled release for further BCL development. GelMA disks were characterized to determine the optimal concentration and methacrylation degree for sustained release in the presence of MMP-9. The chosen active ingredient, 60 kDa hyaluronic acid (HA), was verified to promote wound healing in rabbit corneal epithelial cell and human corneal epithelial cell wound assays. The active ingredient was loaded into GelMA hydrogels, and the bioavailability of the vehicle was determined. The GelMA hydrogels revealed a tunable profile for diffusion and enzyme-mediated controlled release of a model molecule. The 60 kDa HA-loaded GelMA disks showed improvement in wound healing at HA loadings of 150 and 250 μg by improving the wound healing rates by 28% (68.7% wound closure) and 26% (67.9% wound closure), respectively, compared to the control (50.5% wound closure) at 24 h. The HA-loaded GelMA disks with 150 and 250 μg HA also exhibited shortened wound closure time of 75 h compared to >147 h with a bolus daily delivery of HA for wound closure. Overall, we demonstrated that the fabricated GelMA hydrogels offered an enzyme-triggered option as a sustained release material for future RCE treatments.

Ulkuseven,E., McCanna,D. J., Subbaraman,L. N., Jones,L. W. The Effect of Antimicrobial Peptides on the Viability of Human Corneal Epithelial Cells Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins 2021;13(2):518-526 [ Show Abstract ]

Antimicrobial peptides are polypeptides composed of less than 100 amino acids and are a class of antibiotics with strong activity against some infectious bacteria. This study examined the safety of four chosen antimicrobial peptides using primary human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC) and explored their potential therapeutic use. The efficacy of the peptides was also studied by evaluating the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. One of the peptides (polymyxin E) was found to have antibacterial efficacy against a common Gram-negative bacterium (MIC 1.56 μg/mL for Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and another one (nisin) was found to have antibacterial efficacy against a common Gram-positive bacterium (MIC 125 μg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus). Metabolic activity and live/dead/apoptotic effects were measured with fluorescent dyes after HCEC were exposed to the peptides for 30 min. Three of the peptides exhibited lower toxicity against HCEC than a currently marketed eye drop product. Regarding both efficacy and safety, two of the peptides (polymyxin E and nisin) were found to have potential use for treating ocular infections.

Van Beek,M., Jones,L., Sheardown,H. Hyaluronic acid containing hydrogels for the reduction of protein adsorption Biomaterials 2008;29(7):780-789 [ Show Abstract ]

Recently, new contact lens materials have been introduced which are reported to improve comfort by incorporating wetting agents either in a releasable or nonreleasable form. In the present work, model lens materials based on poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) were developed which incorporate releasable or crosslinked and therefore physically entrapped hyaluronic acid (HA) of various molecular weights as a wetting agent. Crosslinked HA, despite being only present in very small amounts, resulted in consistently lower water contact angles over 4 h in comparison to controls, indicating that HA is present at the interface and was not being released over time. The presence of HA in the material was further confirmed by increases in the glass transition temperature measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and small increases in the stiffness as measured by Instron testing. This crosslinking procedure appeared to have no effect on optical transparency using 35 kDa HA, whereas small decreases in optical transparency at higher wavelengths were noted for the 169 kDa HA crosslinked material, as measured by UV spectrophotometry. Most importantly, protein adsorption results indicated that the adsorption of all proteins studied was considerably decreased by the presence of the small amount of crosslinked HA. The results provide insight into the mechanisms of comfort improvement with commercially available lens materials and suggest that HA containing materials may have significant potential for use in contact lens applications. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

van der Worp,E., Wolffsohn,J., Jones,L. When was the last time you fitted a soft lens? Cont Lens Anterior Eye 2020;43(5):415-417 [ Show Abstract ]

A recent webinar “discussing the topic of soft lenses, examining dropout rates and putting forward suggestions for how eye care practitioners can ‘get control’ over their fitting” was hosted by the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA). However, the webinar and this editorial addresses much more than merely’ lens fitting’ and ‘dropouts.’ It seems that the profession is almost at a crossroads in which its future is defined by whether the profession stands as contact lens fitters and specialists or whether contact lenses are simply a commodity that can be sold over the internet.

Varikooty J., Srinivasan S., Subbaraman L., Woods C.A., Fonn D., Simpson T.L., Jones L.W. Variations in observable lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE) staining patterns in wearers of silicone hydrogel lenses Contact Lens and Anterior Eye 2015;38(6):471-476

Varikooty,J., Keir,N., Richter,D., Jones,L. W., Woods,C., Fonn,D. Comfort response of three silicone hydrogel daily disposable contact lenses Optometry and Vision Science 2013;90(9):945-953 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE: To evaluate subjective ocular comfort across the day with three silicone hydrogel daily disposables (SHDDs) in a group of adapted lens wearers. METHODS: Masked subjects (asymptomatic or symptomatic of end-of-day (EOD) dryness with habitual lenses) wore three SHDDs: DAILIES TOTAL1 (DT1), Clariti 1day (C1D), or 1-DAY ACUVUE TRUEYE (AVTE), each for 3 days. On day 2, wearing time (WT) and comfort ratings after insertion, at 4, 8, and 12 hours, and at EOD were recorded. Because not all subjects wore lenses for 12 hours, comfort was analyzed across the day (up to 8 hours, 8 to 12 hours), and a new variable ("cumulative comfort" [CC]) was calculated for EOD. RESULTS: One hundred four subjects completed the study (51 asymptomatic, 53 symptomatic). The two groups had different WTs (mean WT, 14.0 and 12.7 hours, respectively; p < 0.001). Ocular comfort was rated higher in the asymptomatic group throughout the day (p < 0.001). One hundred four subjects wore all three SHDDs for at least 8 hours, whereas 74 (45 asymptomatic, 29 symptomatic) subjects wore them for 12 hours or longer. Comfort ratings were higher with DT1 (least square means [LSM] = 91.0) than with C1D (LSM = 86.5; p < 0.001) and AVTE (LSM = 87.7; p = 0.011) for the first 8 hours and lower with C1D compared with DT1 (p = 0.012) from 8 to 12 hours. Mean EOD (± SD) comfort with the C1D lens was 72 ± 21, lower than both DT1 (mean, 79 ± 17; p = 0.001) and AVTE (mean, 78 ± 21; p = 0.010). Mean CC was higher in the asymptomatic group (mean, 1261 ± 59) compared with that in the symptomatic group (mean, 1009 ± 58; p < 0.001) and higher for DT1 (mean, 1184 ± 258) than C1D (mean, 1094 ± 318; p = 0.002) and AVTE (mean, 1122 ± 297; p = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: All three SHDDs had average WTs of 12 hours or longer for 1 day. Comfort during the first 12 hours was highest with DT1 (similar to AVTE between 8 and 12 hours) and lowest with C1D. End-of-day comfort was lowest with C1D, and CC was highest for DT1. Cumulative comfort may be a valuable new metric to assess ocular comfort during the day. © 2013 American Academy of Optometry.

Varikooty,J., Keir,N., Simpson,T. Estimating tear film spread and stability through tear hydrodynamics Optometry and Vision Science 2012;89(8):e1119-e1124 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE.: The stability and ease of spread of the tear-film over the contact lens surface may be an indicator of contact lens surface dewetting. The present in vivo methods of determining lens dewetting are complex. This study introduces a novel and objective way of determining the upward spread and stability of the tear-film through measurement of tear-film particle dynamics. METHODS.: Ten adapted contact lens wearers wore the same type of contact lens. Using a video camera mounted to a slit-lamp, the tear-film spread over the lens surface was recorded after a blink, at 8× magnification and capture rate of 30 frames per second, at morning after lens insertion, and after 8 h of lens wear. Images from 20 videos, without blinks and without an observable change in fixation were analyzed without any further postprocessing of the images. Using a customized calibrated ImageJ macro for particle tracking, the velocity of naturally occurring reflective particles was determined. The results were analyzed using the R program and ProFit. RESULTS.: The results established that the upward particle velocity was highest immediately after a blink and declined with time. The spread of the tear film measured through upward particle velocity was different on lens insertion than after 8 h of lens wear (p ≤ 0.001). The exponential time constants ± SE were 346.02 ± 29.0 for lens insertion at morning and 1413.13 ± 419.6 after 8 h of lens wear. CONCLUSIONS.: A novel and non-invasive way to measure in vivo spread and stability of the prelens tear-film has been developed. Additional studies are needed to understand whether this simple measure is able to differentiate the performance of different soft contact lenses and how this method may help in the understanding other aspects of lens performance such as non-invasive tear breakup time, surface deposition, and lens comfort. Copyright © 2012 American Academy of Optometry.

Varikooty,J., Keir,N., Woods,C. A., Fonn,D. Measurement of the refractive index of soft contact lenses during wear Eye and Contact Lens 2010;36(1):2-5 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: To determine whether the refractive index (RI) of a soft contact lens can be evaluated using refractometry while the lens remains on the eye and to compare this with more traditional ex vivo RI measurements. Methods: A slitlamp apparatus was modified to incorporate a customized Atago hand refractometer. With a double-masked study design, nine adapted symptomatic soft contact lens wearers wore a contact lens in each eye (lotrafilcon B and etafilcon A) in a randomized order. In vivo RI was determined from the relative Brix scale measurements immediately after lens insertion and after 1 and 10 hr of lens wear. Ex vivo refractometry was performed after 10 hr of lens wear for comparison. Means ± standard errors of the means are reported. Results: In vivo RI values at baseline were 1.422 ± 0.0004 (lotrafilcon B) and 1.405 ± 0.0021 (etafilcon A); after 1 hr of lens wear, values were 1.423 ± 0.0006 and 1.408 ± 0.0007, respectively; and after 10 hr of lens wear, values were 1.424 ± 0.0004 and 1.411 ± 0.0010, respectively. Ex vivo RI values at the end of the 10 hr wearing period were 1.424 ± 0.0003 (lotrafilcon B) and 1.412 ± 0.0017 (etafilcon A). The change in in vivo RI across the day was statistically significant for the etafilcon A lens (repeated-measures analysis of variance, P0.05). Conclusions: This novel adaptation of refractometry was able to measure the RI of soft contact lenses during wear (without lens removal). End of day RI measurements using in vivo and ex vivo refractometry were comparable with each other. Future work is required to determine whether this in vivo method can improve our understanding of the relationships between soft contact lens RI, hydration, on-eye lens performance, and symptomology. Copyright © Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, Inc.

Varikooty,J., Schulze,M. M., Dumbleton,K., Keir,N., Woods,C. A., Fonn,D., Jones,L. W. Clinical performance of three silicone hydrogel daily disposable lenses Optometry and Vision Science 2015;92(3):301-311 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose. To determine the clinical performance of DAILIES TOTAL1 (DT1), Clariti 1Day (C1D), and 1-DAY ACUVUE TruEye (AVTE) silicone hydrogel daily disposable contact lenses (SiHy DDCLs). Methods. Eligible participants, subdivided into asymptomatic and symptomatic groups, wore each SiHy DDCLs for three consecutive days. Each participant attended three visits (on day 1 at 0 hours; on days 1 and 3 after 8 hours ofwear) per lens type. The order of lens wear was randomized, with at least 1 day washout between lenses. Lens-related performance was evaluated by assessing lens surface deposits, wettability, pre-lens noninvasive tear breakup time, lens movement, and centration; ocular response assessments included conjunctival redness, corneal staining, and conjunctival staining and indentation. Results. Fifty-one asymptomatic and 53 symptomatic participantscompleted the study. For all visits, themeannoninvasive tear breakup timewas about 1 second longer withDT1 than withC1DandAVTE (p < 0.01).Overall, thewettability of all three lenses was good; however, DT1 was graded marginally better than the other lenses (both p < 0.01). On day 3, eyes wearing AVTE had significantly more dehydration-induced corneal staining compared with DT1 (AVTE, 24%; DT1, 11%; p < 0.01). After 8 hours, conjunctival staining was different between lenses (greatest with C1D and least with DT1; all p < 0.01). Conjunctival indentation was more prevalent with the C1D lenses (n = 70) compared with DT1 (n = 1; p < 0.01) and AVTE (n = 11; p < 0.01). Therewere no differences between asymptomatic and symptomatic lenswearers for any of the clinical parameters (all p 9 0.05). Conclusions. Each of the three SiHy DDCLs performed well. Noninvasive tear breakup time was longest and wettability was greater with DT1. C1D had the most conjunctival staining conjunctival indentation. There was no difference between asymptomatic and symptomatic wearers with regard to ocular response and contact lensYrelated parameters. These results suggest that SiHy DDCLs may be an excellent contact lens modality for the symptomatic patient.

Varikooty,J., Simpson,T. L. The interblink interval I: The relationship between sensation intensity and tear film disruption Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2009;50(3):1087-1092 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE. To find the relationship between tear film drying and sensation during the interblink period. METHODS. One eye was taped shut, and after a blink the subjects were required to keep the other eye open. Digital video images of the ocular surface (with fluorescein) were obtained using a slit lamp biomicroscope while 23 subjects rated the intensity of the ocular surface sensation by adjusting a one-turn potentiometer to represent the strength of the sensation. They were trained to use the potentiometer before the data were collected. In addition, the characteristics of the sensation as spoken by the subject were recorded. RESULTS. The sensation was generally triphasic, with initial constant sensation and a subsequent biphasic period, with intensity increasing slowly followed by a rapid increase before the subjects blinked (correlations were all r > 0.95). Tear film drying dynamics were also biphasic, and drying and sensation were strongly associated, with a correlation of 0.94 between the break in the bilinear functions of sensation and drying. CONCLUSIONS. The method provides novel information about the development of ocular sensation during ocular surface drying. As evidenced by the complex functions required to adequately describe the relationships, tear film drying and ocular surface sensations are associated in complex ways. © Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.

Varikooty,J., Srinivasan,S., Jones,L. Atypical manifestation of upper lid margin staining in silicone hydrogel lens wearers with symptoms of dry eye Contact Lens and Anterior Eye 2008;31(1):44-46 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: To report an atypical manifestation of upper lid margin staining (ULMS) that occurred in adapted silicone hydrogel (SH) contact lens wearers who complained of ocular surface dryness. Methods: Sequential staining with sodium fluorescein (FL) and lissamine green (LG) strips was performed in 38 SH lens wearers. The "wiper area" of the upper lid was examined with the slit lamp, at 8× and 12× magnifications. Results: Four out of 38 subjects (10.5%) showed fimbriated or "feathery" extensions from the superior margin of the subtarsal fold onto the upper tarsal plate. The extent of these feathery extensions varied between subjects, with a mean (±S.D.) length of 2 ± 0.8 mm. In all cases a broad band of staining with both FL and LG was demonstrated, which extended along the entire length of the lid margin. Conclusion: The staining patterns shown on the subjects' upper lid margins and tarsal plates suggest that ULMS may include more complex variants. The putative tissue damage revealed through the staining, points to a mechanism not simply restricted to the upper lid margin. © 2007 British Contact Lens Association.

Vega,J. A., Simpson,T. L., Fonn,D. A noncontact pneumatic esthesiometer for measurement of ocular sensitivity: A preliminary report Cornea 1999;18(6):675-681 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate a prototype noncontact pneumatic esthesiometer for measuring sensitivity of the eye. Methods. To evaluate the instrument's repeatability, central corneal sensitivity was recorded on two separate occasions with a 24-h interval between the two measures. In a separate experiment, corneal edema was induced with a thick hydrogel lens, and the eye was closed and patched. Corneal sensitivity was measured before wearing the lenses for 3 h, immediately after lens removal, and 15 min later. Corneal sensitivity also was measured before the instillation of a single drop of proparacaine (Alcaine, 0.5%) and at 2 and 18 min later. Sensitivity was measured at the corneal apex and at a temporal conjunctival location 3 mm from the limbus. Results. A high correlation was found between clays 1 and 2 (r = 0.90; p = 0.0001). The coefficient of repeatability (COR = 0.87 mm Hg) showed that 95% of the difference between test and retest measures were between ±0.87 mm Hg. Corneal sensitivity decreased by 55% after lens-induced corneal swelling and by 159% after instillation of the topical anesthetic. Central corneal sensitivity was found to be significantly higher than that of the temporal conjunctiva (p = 0.0001). Conclusion. We conclude that this pneumatic esthesiometer provides repeatable and reliable measures of ocular-surface sensitivity.

Verma,M. S., Chen,P. Z., Jones,L., Gu,F. X. Branching and size of CTAB-coated gold nanostars control the colorimetric detection of bacteria RSC Advances 2014;4(21):10660-10668 [ Show Abstract ]

Rapid detection of pathogenic bacteria is challenging because conventional methods require long incubation times. Nanoparticles have the potential to detect pathogens before they can cause an infection. Gold nanostars have recently been used for colorimetric biosensors but they typically require surface modification with antibodies or aptamers for cellular detection. Here, CTAB-coated gold nanostars have been used to rapidly (<5 min) detect infective doses of a model Gram-positive pathogen Staphylococcus aureus by an instrument-free colorimetric method. Varying the amounts of gold nanoseed precursor and surfactant can tune the size and degree of branching of gold nanostars as studied here by transmission electron microscopy. The size and morphology of gold nanostars determine the degree and rate of color change in the presence of S. aureus. The optimal formulation achieved maximum color contrast in the presence of S. aureus and produced a selective response in comparison to polystyrene microparticles and liposomes. These gold nanostars were characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy to monitor changes in their surface plasmon resonance peaks. The visual color change was also quantified over time by measuring the RGB components of the pixels in the digital images of gold nanostar solutions. CTAB-coated gold nanostars serve as a promising material for simple and rapid detection of pathogens. © 2014 The Royal Society of Chemistry.

Verma,M. S., Chen,P. Z., Jones,L., Gu,F. X. "Chemical nose" for the visual identification of emerging ocular pathogens using gold nanostars Biosensors and Bioelectronics 2014;61:386-390 [ Show Abstract ]

Ocular pathogens can cause serious damages in the eye leading to severe vision loss and even blindness if left untreated. Identification of pathogens is crucial for administering the appropriate antibiotics in order to gain effective control over ocular infection. Herein, we report a gold nanostar based "chemical nose" for visually identifying ocular pathogens. Using a spectrophotometer and nanostars of different sizes and degrees of branching, we show that the "chemical nose" is capable of identifying the following clinically relevant ocular pathogens with an accuracy of 99%: S. aureus, A. xylosoxidans, D. acidovorans and S. maltophilia. The differential colorimetric response is due to electrostatic aggregation of cationic gold nanostars around bacteria without the use of biomolecule ligands such as aptamers or antibodies. Transmission electron microscopy confirms that the number of gold nanostars aggregated around each bacterium correlates closely with the colorimetric response. Thus, gold nanostars serve as a promising platform for rapid visual identification of ocular pathogens with application in point-of-care diagnostics. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.

Verma,M. S., Chen,P. Z., Jones,L., Gu,F. X. Controlling "chemical nose" biosensor characteristics by modulating gold nanoparticle shape and concentration Sensing and Bio-Sensing Research 2015;513-18 [ Show Abstract ]

Conventional lock-and-key biosensors often only detect a single pathogen because they incorporate biomolecules with high specificity. "Chemical nose" biosensors are overcoming this limitation and identifying multiple pathogens simultaneously by obtaining a unique set of responses for each pathogen of interest, but the number of pathogens that can be distinguished is limited by the number of responses obtained. Herein, we use a gold nanoparticle-based "chemical nose" to show that changing the shapes of nanoparticles can increase the number of responses available for analysis and expand the types of bacteria that can be identified. Using four shapes of nanoparticles (nanospheres, nanostars, nanocubes, and nanorods), we demonstrate that each shape provides a unique set of responses in the presence of different bacteria, which can be exploited for enhanced specificity of the biosensor. Additionally, the concentration of nanoparticles controls the detection limit of the biosensor, where a lower concentration provides better detection limit. Thus, here we lay a foundation for designing "chemical nose" biosensors and controlling their characteristics using gold nanoparticle morphology and concentration. © 2015 The Authors.

Verma,M. S., Rogowski,J. L., Jones,L., Gu,F. X. Colorimetric biosensing of pathogens using gold nanoparticles Biotechnology Advances 2015;33(6):666-680 [ Show Abstract ]

Rapid detection of pathogens is crucial to minimize adverse health impacts of nosocomial, foodborne, and waterborne diseases. Gold nanoparticles are extremely successful at detecting pathogens due to their ability to provide a simple and rapid color change when their environment is altered. Here, we review general strategies of implementing gold nanoparticles in colorimetric biosensors. First, we highlight how gold nanoparticles have improved conventional genomic analysis methods by lowering detection limits while reducing assay times. Then, we focus on emerging point-of-care technologies that aim at pathogen detection using simpler assays. These advances will facilitate the implementation of gold nanoparticle-based biosensors in diverse environments throughout the world and help prevent the spread of infectious diseases. © 2015 Elsevier Inc.

Verma,M. S., Tsuji,J. M., Hall,B., Chen,P. Z., Forrest,J., Jones,L., Gu,F. X. Towards point-of-care detection of polymicrobial infections: Rapid colorimetric response using a portable spectrophotometer Sensing and Bio-Sensing Research 2016;1015-19 [ Show Abstract ]

Infectious diseases spread rapidly because current diagnostic methods are slow, expensive, and require technical expertise. Biosensors have recently been used as devices that can be deployed at the point-of-care for rapid and accurate diagnosis. Here, we show that a “chemical nose” biosensor based on gold nanoparticles can be coupled with a portable spectrophotometer to detect monomicrobial and polymicrobial solutions of pathogenic bacteria within 2 min of data collection. The design presented here exploits the rapid kinetics of gold nanoparticle aggregation around bacteria, which leads to a dramatic color change. The “chemical nose” produces unique signals based on the surface characteristics of the bacteria—such as the presence of extracellular polymeric substances, distribution of charged lipids, and localization of proteins—and hence provides a versatile platform for detection. We present a biosensor design that can easily be translated to the point-of-care because of its rapid response and simple output. © 2016 The Authors

Verma,M. S., Wei,S. -C, Rogowski,J. L., Tsuji,J. M., Chen,P. Z., Lin,C. -W, Jones,L., Gu,F. X. Interactions between bacterial surface and nanoparticles govern the performance of "chemical nose" biosensors Biosensors and Bioelectronics 2016;83:115-125 [ Show Abstract ]

Rapid and portable diagnosis of pathogenic bacteria can save lives lost from infectious diseases. Biosensors based on a "chemical nose" approach are attracting interest because they are versatile but the governing interactions between bacteria and the biosensors are poorly understood. Here, we use a "chemical nose" biosensor based on gold nanoparticles to explore the role of extracellular polymeric substances in bacteria-nanoparticle interactions. We employ simulations using Maxwell-Garnett theory to show how the type and extent of aggregation of nanoparticles influence their colorimetric response to bacteria. Using eight different species of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, we demonstrate that this "chemical nose" can detect and identify bacteria over two orders of magnitude of concentration (89% accuracy). Additionally, the "chemical nose" differentiates between binary and tertiary mixtures of the three most common hospital-isolated pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (100% accuracy). We demonstrate that the complex interactions between nanoparticles and bacterial surface determine the colorimetric response of gold nanoparticles and thus, govern the performance of "chemical nose" biosensors. © 2016 Elsevier B.V.

Vincent,S. J., Cho,P., Yin Chan,K., Fadel,D., Ghorbani-Mojarrad,N., González-Méijome,J. M., Johnson,L., Michaud,L., Simard,P., Jones,L. CLEAR - Orthokeratology Contact Lens Anterior Eye 2021;44(2):240-269 [ Show Abstract ]

Orthokeratology (ortho-k) is the process of deliberately reshaping the anterior cornea by utilising specialty contact lenses to temporarily and reversibly reduce refractive error after lens removal. Modern ortho-k utilises reverse geometry lens designs, made with highly oxygen permeable rigid materials, worn overnight to reshape the anterior cornea and provide temporary correction of refractive error. More recently, ortho-k has been extensively used to slow the progression of myopia in children.

This report reviews the practice of ortho-k, including its history, mechanisms of refractive and ocular changes, current use in the correction of myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia, and presbyopia, and standard of care. Suitable candidates for ortho-k are described, along with the fitting process, factors impacting success, and the potential options for using newer lens designs. Ocular changes associated with ortho-k, such as alterations in corneal thickness, development of microcysts, pigmented arcs, and fibrillary lines are reviewed. The safety of ortho-k is extensively reviewed, along with an overview of non-compliant behaviours and appropriate disinfection regimens. Finally, the role of ortho-k in myopia management for children is discussed in terms of efficacy, safety, and potential mechanisms of myopia control, including the impact of factors such as initial fitting age, baseline refractive error, the role of peripheral defocus, higher order aberrations, pupil size, and treatment zone size.

von Ahrenschildt,A., Hanneberg,L., Robich,M., Jones-Jordan,L., Marx,S., Sickenberger,W., Powell,D., Kwan,J. T., Wong,S., Srinivasan,S., Jones,L., Pucker,A. D. Morphological characteristics of Meibomian Glands and their Influence on Dry Eye disease in contact lens wearers Ocular Surface 2022;24(April):93-99 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose:
Meibomian glands (MG) are now easily imaged via clinical meibography machines. The purpose of this work was to explore the utility of the known MG morphology metrics for predicting dry eye disease (DED) in contact lens (CL) wearers.

Methods:
Successful and previous CL wearers were recruited. DED was diagnosed if the participant's worst eye had a reduced tear meniscus height (TMH) of <0.2 mm or non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT) of [removed]5.0. Meibography was performed and images were subjectively graded by two examiners for the following MG characteristics: distorted, tortuous, hooked, abnormal gap, overlapping, fluffy areas, tadpoling, thinned, thickened, ghost, no extension to lid margin, shortened and dropout (atrophy). DED diagnostic ability of each metric was determined with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results:
A total of 112 participants were recruited, with 18.8% having DED and 60.7% being female. The only MG morphology metrics that were marginally predictive of DED were thickened upper eyelid MGs (p = 0.046), thickened mean upper plus lower eyelid MGs (p = 0.007), and atrophy of upper eyelid MGs (p = 0.043); however, none of these metrics reached a meaningful area under the curve in ROC analysis (all <0.70).

Conclusion:
While abnormal MG morphology is likely suggestive of DED in CL wearers, none of the MG morphology metrics evaluated alone in this study had clinically meaningful predictive value for detecting DED in this group of current and previous CL wearers.

Wallerstein,A., Jackson,W.B., Chambers,J., Moezzi,A., Lin,H., Simmons,P.A Management of post-LASIK dry eye: a multicenter randomized comparison of a new multi-ingredient artificial tear to carboxymethylcellulose Clinical Ophthalmology 2018;12:839-848 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of a preservative-free, multi-ingredient formulation of carboxymethylcellulose 0.5%, hyaluronic acid 0.1%, and organic osmolytes (CMC-HA), to preservative-free carboxymethylcellulose 0.5% (CMC) in the management of postoperative signs and symptoms of dry eye following laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).
Methods: This was a double-masked, randomized, parallel-group study conducted in 14 clinical centers in Canada and Australia. Subjects with no more than mild dry eye instilled CMC-HA or CMC for 90 days post-LASIK. Ocular Surface Disease Index© (OSDI; primary efficacy measure), corneal staining, tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer’s test, acceptability/tolerability surveys, and visual acuity were assessed at screening and days 2, 10, 30, 60, and 90 post-surgery. Safety analyses included all enrolled.
Results: A total of 148 subjects (CMC-HA, n=75; CMC, n=73) were enrolled and assigned to receive treatment, and 126 subjects completed the study without any protocol violations. Post-LASIK, dry eye signs/symptoms peaked at 10 days. OSDI scores for both groups returned to normal with no differences between treatment groups at day 90 (P=0.775). Corneal staining, Schirmer’s test, TBUT, and survey results were comparable. Higher mean improvements in uncorrected visual acuity were observed in the CMC-HA group at all study visits, reaching statistical significance at day 30 (P=0.013). Both treatments were well tolerated.
Conclusion: CMC-HA-containing artificial tears relieved post-LASIK ocular dryness as well as CMC alone, and demonstrated incremental benefit in uncorrected vision, with a favorable safety profile. Results support use of CMC-HA eye drops to reduce signs and symptoms of ocular dryness post-LASIK.

Walline,J. J., Holden,B. A., Bullimore,M. A., Rah,M. J., Asbell,P. A., Barr,J. T., Caroline,P. J., Cavanagh,H. D., Despotidis,N., Desmond,F., Koffler,B. H., Reeder,K., Swarbrick,H. A., Wohl,L. G. The current state of corneal reshaping Eye and Contact Lens 2005;31(5):209-214 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose. The application of contact lenses to alter the shape of the cornea and temporarily reduce or eliminate myopia is known as orthokeratology, corneal refractive therapy, or corneal reshaping. It was first introduced in the 1960s, but high oxygen permeable materials and more sophisticated designs allow patients to wear contact lenses only during sleep, while dramatically improving the predictability and rate of myopia reduction. Many studies have shown that most corneal reshaping patients achieve uncorrected visual acuity of 20/25 or better that lasts all day long in one to two weeks of nighttime wear. 1-3 Treatment is primarily effective through central epithelial thinning and midperipheral epithelial and stromal thickening. Much remains to be learned about corneal reshaping contact lenses and their effects on the cornea. Methods. The authors reviewed existing knowledge and determined what needs to be learned in order to provide patients with appropriate informed consent prior to corneal reshaping contact lens wear. Results. While corneal reshaping contact lenses are effective at temporarily reducing or eliminating myopia, claims about the progress of myopia being controlled with corneal reshaping contact lenses should not be made until further studies are published in peer-reviewed literature. The incidence and prevalence of microbial keratitis related to corneal reshaping contact lens wear is not known. Any overnight wear of contact lenses increases the risk of infection, but it is not known whether the risks of microbial keratitis are greater for corneal reshaping overnight contact lens wearers than other form of overnight contact lens wear. It is also not known whether the risk of microbial keratitis is greater for children than adults, but we must determine if children are at greater risk than adults because many children are wearing corneal reshaping contact lenses. Conclusions. Finally, it is recommended that ongoing education be provided to practitioners and staff regarding safety, informed consent, and prevention of potential problems, with special emphasis on the critical need to properly and thoroughly disinfect lenses that will be worn overnight. © 2005 Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, Inc.