Biomedical subjects

Naoko Asano-Kato

Publications and source records attributed to Naoko Asano-Kato.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Collagen-immobilized poly(vinyl alcohol) as an artificial cornea scaffold that supports a stratified corneal epithelium.

The cornea is a transparent tissue of the eye, which is responsible for the refraction of incoming light. Both biological corneal equivalents and synthetic keratoprostheses have been developed to replace donor tissue as a means to restore vision. However, both designs have drawbacks in terms of stability and biocompatibility. Clinically available synthetic devices do not support an intact epithelium, which poses a risk of microbial infection or protrusion of the prosthesis. In the present study, type I collagen was immobilized onto poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA-COL) as a possible artificial cornea scaffold that can sustain a functional corneal epithelium. Human and rabbit corneal epithelial cells were air-lift cultured with 3T3 feeder fibroblasts to form a stratified epithelial layer on PVA-COL. The epithelial sheet expressed keratin 3/12 differentiation markers, the tight junction protein occludin, and had characteristic microvilli structures on transmission electron microscopy. Functionally, the stratified epithelium contained normal glycogen levels, and an apical tight-junction network was observed to exclude the diffusion of horseradish peroxidase. Furthermore, the epithelium-PVA-COL composite was suturable in the rabbit cornea, suggesting the possibility of using PVA-COL as a biocompatible material for keratoprosthesis.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Tear film lipid layer alterations in allergic conjunctivitis.

PURPOSE: To assess the alterations of the tear film lipid layer and tear functions in patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) and to compare the results with healthy control subjects. METHODS: Seventy-eight eyes of 39 consecutive patients diagnosed as SAC (mean age 32.6 years; 11 male, 28 female) as well as 20 eyes of 10 healthy control subjects (mean age 32.5 years; 6 male, 4 female) underwent slit-lamp examinations, tear film breakup time measurements (BUT), corneal fluorescein stain scoring, Schirmer test, and tear film lipid layer interferometry. The 2 groups were then compared for the examined parameters. RAST and serum IgE level evaluations were also carried out in the patients to confirm the diagnosis of allergy. RESULTS: The mean BUT was 3.4 +/- 1.5 seconds in patients with SAC compared with the mean value of 12.4 +/- 2.4 seconds in the controls (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in relation to Schirmer test values between the 2 groups; 78% of the patients with SAC had grade 3 or above dry eye change in tear film lipid layer interferometry, whereas none of the controls had an interferometry grade greater than 3 (grade 1-2 normal; grade 3-4 dry eye; grade 5 severe dry eye). Eyes with SAC had significantly higher tear film lipid layer thickness ranges compared with the control eyes (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SAC was associated with advanced tear instability and thickening of the tear film lipid layer. Evaluation of the tear film lipid layer thickness might be useful in the assessment of the extent of dry eye disease and the treatment outcomes in patients with allergy.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Quantitative evaluation of the early changes in ocular surface inflammation following MMC-aided papillary resection in severe allergic patients with corneal complications.

BACKGROUND: Atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) and vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) are chronic inflammatory allergic diseases that are associated with some common conjunctival and corneal complications.1 The clinical corneal manifestations of both entities may include superficial punctate keratitis, macroerosions, corneal ulceration, plaque formation, corneal neovascularization, and lipid infiltration. PURPOSE: To quantitatively evaluate the early ocular surface inflammation before and after mitomycin C (MMC)-aided papillary resection in severe allergy patients with corneal complications. METHODS: Three eyes with VKC and 5 eyes with AKC were included in this study. All eyes had cobblestone-like papillae on the upper tarsal conjunctiva and corneal complications such as corneal ulcers, defect, or erosions that were refractory to conventional treatment of more than 2 weeks. Papillary resection with intraoperative 0.05% MMC application for 5 minutes on the palpebral conjunctiva was carried out in all eyes. Corneal and conjunctival findings were evaluated before and 1 week and 2 weeks after surgery. Brush cytology (BC) and evaluation of tear eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) levels by radioimmunoassay techniques were performed as well pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: Corneal and conjunctival complications resolved in all patients within 7 days after resection. Postoperative tear ECP levels decreased significantly with papillary resection (P< 0.05). Concomitant brush cytology showed a significant decrease in the number of eosinophils and neutrophils following papillary resection (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: MMC-aided papillary resection provided a dramatic decrease in ocular surface inflammation as evidenced by decrease in the number of inflammatory cells as well as tear ECP levels with a rapid improvement of clinical corneal and conjunctival findings.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Comparison of LASIK using the NIDEK EC-5000 optimized aspheric transition zone (OATz) and conventional ablation profile.

PURPOSE: To compare a new ablation algorithm termed the optimized aspheric transition zone (OATz) with the conventional laser ablation profile for correction of myopic astigmatism. METHODS: LASIK using OATz profile #6 or using conventional ablation profile was performed on 98 eyes of 53 patients (OATz #6 group) and 111 eyes of 66 patients (control #6 group), respectively. Further, LASIK using OATz profile #5 or using the conventional ablation profile was performed on 109 eyes of 58 patients (OATz #5 group) and 109 eyes of 75 patients (control #5 group), respectively. The effective optical zone, uncorrected visual acuity, manifest refraction, aberrations, contrast sensitivity, and patient satisfaction at 3 months postoperatively were compared between the OATz #6 and control #6 groups and between the OATz #5 and control #5 groups. RESULTS: The effective optical zones in the OATz #6 group (6.45 +/- 0.29 mm) or OATz #5 group (6.40 +/- 0.21 mm) were significantly larger than those in the control #6 group (6.33 +/- 0.27 mm) or control #5 group (6.26 +/- 0.25 mm) (P < .01), respectively. Uncorrected visual acuity and manifest refraction were similar in all groups. The changes in contrast sensitivity were significant and favored the OATz #6 (P < .01) and OATz #5 groups (P < .05). The patient satisfaction survey found no statistical difference at 3 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with the OATz profiles had better visual quality as measured by contrast sensitivity and also had larger effective optical zones as compared with those treated by the conventional ablation profile.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

TGF-beta1, IL-1beta, and Th2 cytokines stimulate vascular endothelial growth factor production from conjunctival fibroblasts.

Giant papillary formation containing newly formed vessels is a major characteristic of severe allergic conjunctivitis, such as atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) or vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). We examined production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) from cultured conjunctival fibroblasts from normal volunteers under stimulation with type 1-, type 2-helper T cell derived and proinflammatory cytokines to investigate the mechanism of giant papillae formation in AKC/VKC. Primary cultured conjunctival fibroblasts were incubated with interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, IL-1beta, IL-2, tumor necrotizing factor (TNF)-alpha, interferon (IFN)-gamma, or transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1. Effects of cytokines on VEGF protein secretion in supernatant were assessed by ELISA, and VEGF mRNA expression in cultured cells were assessed by quantitative PCR. TGF-beta1 most effectively increased VEGF concentration with dose- and time-dependent manner IL-1beta, IL-4, and IL-13 significantly increased VEGF concentration. Though IL-2 also showed slight increase of VEGF concentration, it was not statistically significant. TNF-alpha and INF-gamma did not increase VEGF concentration. Quantitative PCR showed significant increase of VEGF mRNA in TGF-beta1, IL-1beta, and IL-4 stimulated fibroblasts. TGF-beta1, IL-1beta, and Th2 cytokines from allergic inflammatory cells induced VEGF production in conjunctival fibroblasts, and may play a crucial role in neovascularization and formation of giant papillae in AKC/VKC.

Cell Division↗

PubMed2005

Experience with the Artisan phakic intraocular lens in Asian eyes.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of implantation of an iris-claw phakic intraocular lens (PIOL), Artisan Myopia, in Asian eyes. SETTING: Minamiaoyama Eye Clinic, Tokyo, Japan. METHODS: Forty-four eyes of 32 Japanese patients and 1 Korean patient with high myopia had Artisan Myopia lens implantation to correct their refractive errors. Lens models, 5/8.5 or 6/8.5 (optic diameter/overall diameter), were chosen as standard lens model. A smaller lens model (5/7.5-Artisan Myopia Small) was implanted in eyes with corneal diameter less than 11.0 mm. Postoperative examinations were performed on 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), manifest refraction, corneal endothelial cell counts, intraocular pressure, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Artisan Myopia Small lenses were implanted in 4 eyes (9.1%) and 8.5 mm diameter lenses were implanted in 40 eyes. Preoperative UCVA (logMAR) improved from 1.57 to 0.09 at 1 month after surgery and no regression was observed thereafter. Postoperative manifest refraction was -1.02 +/- 0.87 D (-3.25 to -0.00 D), and within 1.0 D in 20 eyes (55.6%), within 2.0 D in 32 eyes (88.9%) at 1 month after surgery, and stable during the follow-up period. The final BCVA decreased 2 lines in 2 eyes (4.5%) due to progression of age-related cataract. No serious complications such as angle closure or progressive endothelial cell loss were observed. CONCLUSION: Implantation of an Artisan iris-claw PIOL implantation may be a safe and effective procedure for Asian eyes.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Pupil decentration and iris tilting detected by Orbscan: anatomic variations among healthy subjects and influence on outcomes of laser refractive surgeries.

PURPOSE: To investigate the anatomic variations of entrance pupil decentration and tilting angle of the iris in healthy subjects and the influence of these factors on the outcome of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). SETTING: Minamiaoyama Eye Clinic, Tokyo, Japan. METHODS: The degree of pupil decentration and tilting angle of the iris in 2280 eyes of 1144 myopic patients without abnormal findings by ophthalmologic examination were assessed using Orbscan. Of these, 901 eyes of 467 patients had LASIK. Multiple analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine risk factors for reduction of postoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) considering patient age, refractive power, tilting angle of the iris, pupil decentration, and corneal power. RESULTS: The mean pupil decentration in all eyes was 0.19 mm +/- 0.11 (SD) (range 0 to 0.9 mm); tilting angle of the iris was 4.06 +/- 1.41 degrees (range 0.19 to 12.69 degrees). By multiple ANOVA, refractive power, pupil decentration, and tilting angle of the iris were significant for the reduction of BSCVA. CONCLUSIONS: Some eyes with pupil decentration or tilting angle of the iris could not be detected under typical ophthalmologic examination but only with topographic examination. Attention should be paid to eyes with large pupil decentration and tilting angle of the iris because these may be risk factors for reduction of postoperative BSCVA during corneal refractive surgeries.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Ocular surface and MUC5AC alterations in atopic patients with corneal shield ulcers.

PURPOSE: To describe MUC5AC alterations and the ocular surface disorder in atopic patients with or without corneal ulcers. METHODS: Atopic patients' eyes were divided into two groups according to the presence and absence of corneal ulceration. The subjects underwent corneal sensitivity measurements, Schirmer test, tear film break-up time (BUT), fluorescein and Rose Bengal staining of the ocular surface and conjunctival impression cytology and brush cytology. Impression cytology samples underwent PAS and immunohistochemical staining for MUC5AC. Brush cytology specimens underwent evaluation for inflammatory cell expression and quantitative real-time PCR for MUC5AC mRNA expression. The differences related to the tear function and ocular surface examination parameters between patients with and without corneal ulceration and healthy control subjects were studied. In addition, the differences of the study parameters related to ocular surface epithelial health and inflammatory status between patient eyes with atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) and vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) were investigated. RESULTS: The mean corneal sensitivity and BUT values were significantly lower in atopic patients with corneal ulcers, compared to patients without ulcers and controls (p < 0.001). Brush cytology specimens from patients with corneal ulcers revealed significantly higher expression of inflammatory cells compared to patients without ulcers and controls (p < 0.001). Impression cytology samples from eyes with corneal ulcers showed significant squamous metaplasia and reduction in goblet cell density compared to eyes without ulcers and eyes of control subjects. The mean squamous metaplasia grade was significantly higher in eyes with AKC compared to eyes with VKC (p < 0.02). The mean goblet cell density was significantly lower in eyes with AKC compared to eyes with VKC (p < 0.01). Specimens from eyes with corneal ulcers showed PAS positive mucin pickup and did not stain positive for MUC5AC. MUC5AC mRNA expression was significantly lower in eyes with corneal ulcers compared to eyes without ulcers and eyes of control subjects. MUC5AC mRNA expression was also significantly lower in eyes with AKC compared to eyes with VKC. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular surface inflammation, tear film instability, and decreased conjunctival MUC5AC mRNA expression were thought to be important in the pathogenesis of noninfectious corneal shield ulcers in atopic ocular surface disease.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Histopathological findings of epithelial ingrowth after laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the histopathological features of epithelial ingrowth after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: Five epithelial ingrowth specimens of 4 patients (2 to 17 months after initial LASIK) were examined. The lesions were surgically removed and examined using light and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Early epithelial ingrowth was clinically observed as faint opacities with demarcation lines and epithelial pearls. Late epithelial ingrowth was observed as homogeneous whitish masses. Histopathologically, early epithelial ingrowth consisted of multilayered squamous epithelium resembling normal corneal epithelium, whereas late ingrowth was made up of clumps containing amorphous materials with scarce cellular elements. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that clinical appearance and histopathology of epithelial ingrowth from LASIK flap margins differ in early and late stages, which might reflect proliferative activity of the lesions.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Atopic ocular surface disease: implications on tear function and ocular surface mucins.

PURPOSE: To describe tear function, mucin alterations, and ocular surface disorder in patients with atopic diseases. METHODS: Subjects underwent corneal sensitivity measurements, Schirmer test, tear film break-up time (BUT) assay, and fluorescein and rose Bengal staining of the ocular surface. Conjunctival impression cytology and brush cytology were also conducted. Impression cytology samples underwent PAS and immunohistochemical staining for MUC5AC. Brush cytology specimens underwent evaluation for inflammatory cell expression and RT-PCR for MUC5AC mRNA expression. Differences related to tear function and ocular surface examination parameters among patients with and without corneal ulceration and healthy control subjects were studied. RESULTS: Mean corneal sensitivity and BUT values were significantly lower in atopic patients with corneal ulcers compared with patients without ulcers and controls (P<0.001). Brush cytology specimens from patients with corneal ulcers revealed significantly higher expression of inflammatory cells compared with patients without ulcers and controls (P<0.001). Impression cytology samples from eyes with corneal ulcers showed significant squamous metaplasia and reduction of goblet cell density compared with eyes without ulcers and control subjects. Specimens from eyes with corneal ulcers showed PAS (+) mucin pick up and did not stain positive for MUC5AC. MUC5AC mRNA expression was significantly lower in eyes with corneal ulcers compared with in eyes without ulcers and control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular surface inflammation, tear film instability, and decreased conjunctival MUC5AC mRNA expression are important in the pathogenesis of noninfectious corneal shield ulcers in atopic ocular surface disease.

Corneal Ulcer↗

PubMed2005

Tryptase increases proliferative activity of human conjunctival fibroblasts through protease-activated receptor-2.

PURPOSE: Tryptase that is released by mast cell degranulation has recently been thought to play a key role in wound healing in allergic bronchitis. Conjunctival fibroblasts secrete mediators and extracellular matrices that could exacerbate inflammation and papillary formation in allergic conjunctivitis. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of tryptase on the proliferation of conjunctival fibroblasts and studied whether this effect was mediated by protease-activated receptor (PAR)-2. METHODS: Conjunctival fibroblasts were cultured with or without tryptase (0.1 ng/mL to 1.0 microg/mL), and the proliferation rate was assessed after 48 hours. The effects of tryptase inhibitors (leupeptin, benzamidine) and a PAR-2 agonist (SLIGKV) were examined. The existence of PAR-2 mRNA and protein in conjunctival fibroblasts was examined by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. The existence of PAR-2 in cultured conjunctival fibroblasts and conjunctival papillae from patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis, as well as conjunctival tissue from normal subjects was examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Conjunctival fibroblast proliferation was upregulated by tryptase in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.001). Leupeptin and benzamidine inhibited tryptase-induced fibroblast proliferation (P < 0.05), and SLIGKV mimicked tryptase's effect. PAR-2 mRNA and protein were detected in cultured conjunctival fibroblasts using RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. PAR-2 immunoreactivity in both the cultured conjunctival fibroblasts and in stromal cells in excised conjunctival tissues was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Tryptase increased conjunctival fibroblast proliferation and this response appeared to be mediated by PAR-2. Mast cells are the most likely source of tryptase in the conjunctiva and may play an important role in chronic exacerbations with conjunctival papillary formation in allergic conjunctivitis.

Benzamidines↗

PubMed2004

Effect of preoperative tear function on early functional visual acuity after laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of preoperative tear function on early changes in functional visual acuity (FVA) after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). SETTING: Minamiaoyama Eye Clinic, Tokyo, Japan. METHODS: This prospective single-center study assessed the effect of preoperative and postoperative tear functions on FVA in 30 eyes of 15 patients who had LASIK. Functional visual acuity was defined as the binocular recognition acuity measured by the FVA tester (Wellsystem) during a 10-second, blink-free period. All patients had a Schirmer test with anesthesia and tear-film breakup time (BUT) measurements preoperatively and 1 day and 1 week after LASIK. Corneal topography and Landolt visual acuity and FVA measurements were performed before surgery and 1 day and 1 week after LASIK. Eyes with a Schirmer test reading less than 5.0 mm and a BUT less than 5 seconds were grouped as definite dry eye (DDE). Eyes with a normal Schirmer test score but a shortened BUT were grouped as probable dry eye (PDE). RESULTS: In all patients, the best uncorrected Landolt visual acuity was 20/20 or better at the postoperative examination times. In the DDE group, the mean preoperative FVA declined from 1.2 to 0.75 +/- 0.16 (SD) at 1 day and increased to 1.2 at 1 week. No change in FVA was observed postoperatively in the PDE group. CONCLUSION: Laser in situ keratomileusis patients with low basal tearing and full uncorrected distance Landolt acuity may experience a transient decrease in FVA that returns to baseline within 1 week.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Kaposi varicelliform eruption associated with 0.1% tacrolimus ointment treatment in atopic blepharitis.

OBJECTIVE: To report the association of Kaposi varicelliform eruption (KVE) with 0.1% tacrolimus ointment treatment of atopic blepharitis in a patient with atopic dermatitis (AD). METHOD: We encountered KVE in a 20-year-old male patient with atopic blepharitis and AD who developed generalized herpetic lesions on his face 28 days after commencement of treatment. RESULT: The lesions resolved quickly with intravenous acyclovir treatment. CONCLUSION: Ophthalmologists should be well aware of KVE as a complication of immunosuppressive treatment in patients with atopic blepharitis.

Acyclovir↗

PubMed2004

Detection of neutrophils in late-onset interface inflammation associated with flap injury after laser in situ keratomileusis.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case with late-onset interface inflammation associated with traumatic flap injury at 7 months after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and to describe the type of infiltrating cells in the tears of the patient. METHODS: Interventional case report. A 24-year-old male patient who underwent uneventful LASIK on both eyes received blunt trauma from the tip of a shoe in the left eye 7 months after surgery. The corneal flap of his left eye was lacerated across the pupillary area. Inflammatory cells were observed under the lacerated flap segment. Tear fluid was collected from his left eye 3 days after the injury and assessed by tear cytology. For controls, tears of 2 patients who underwent LASIK and developed no interface inflammation were collected the next day after their surgeries and examined. RESULTS: Tear fluid of the patient with interface inflammation contained numerous neutrophils. Tears of control patients contained only a few epithelial cells and cell debris but no inflammatory cells. The inflammation was decreased by systemic and topical steroids. However, irregular astigmatism caused by stromal scarring remained, resulting in decreased best-corrected visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Interface inflammation can be caused by late-onset flap injury. Neutrophils detected in the tears may reflect a major component of cells infiltrating the interface after LASIK.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

A comparative evaluation of the efficacy of intraoperative mitomycin C use after the excision of cobblestone-like papillae in severe atopic and vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of intraoperative 0.02% mitomycin-C (MMC) use after excision of cobblestone-like papillae on preventing corneal recurrences compared with simple papillary resection. METHODS: Thirteen cases of atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) and 6 cases of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) with a mean age of 12.0 +/- 3.4 years participated in this study. All patients had cobblestone-like papillae on the upper tarsal conjunctiva and corneal ulcers or erosions that were refractory to conventional treatment. Seventeen eyes received simple papillary excision. Papillary excision with intraoperative application of MMC was performed in 7 eyes: 0.02% MMC was applied for 2 minutes to the upper palpebral conjunctiva immediately after papillary excision. Recurrence of corneal lesions and regrowth of papillae were evaluated and compared retrospectively between the 2 groups. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 12 to 18 months. RESULTS: Papillary regrowth was observed in 14 out of 17 eyes (82.4%) in the simple resection group, whereas regrowth was noted in 4 out of 7 eyes (57.1%) in the MMC group (P > 0.05). The recurrence of corneal lesions was observed in 8 out of 17 eyes (47.1%) in the simple resection group (mean onset 1.5 +/- 1.7 months) compared with 1 eye with corneal recurrence 6 months after surgery in the MMC group (14.3%). The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). No complications related to MMC use were observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: MMC-aided papillary resection may be rewarding in well-selected severe AKC and VKC cases in preventing recurrence of corneal complications, but the potential complications of MMC use would suggest caution in its consideration.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

The relation of conjunctival and corneal findings in severe ocular allergies.

OBJECTIVE: Corneal lesions such as ulcers and erosions are major complications observed in patients with severe ocular allergic diseases. We aimed to look into the relationship between specific clinical conjunctival findings and the severity of corneal complications. METHODS: Thirty eyes of 6 patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and 13 patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) were evaluated in this study. Slit-lamp photographs of upper tarsal conjunctiva and cornea were used to evaluate the clinical findings objectively. The corneal findings and clinical findings of upper tarsal conjunctiva such as conjunctival injection, edema, the height of papillae, and mucous discharge were evaluated and graded. Statistical correlations between conjunctival findings and the severity of corneal damage were analyzed. RESULTS: Conjunctival injection and edema significantly correlated with the severity of corneal complications. The height of the papillae and the amount of mucous discharge did not correlate with the severity of corneal complications. CONCLUSION: Direct signs of inflammation such as injection and edema correlated with corneal damage. The height of papillae did not show a significant correlation with the corneal findings. Our results suggest that inflammation of the conjunctiva rather than mechanical factors may play a greater role in the formation of corneal damage in severe ocular allergies.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Quantitative evaluation of eyelid elasticity using the cutometer SEM575 and its clinical application in assessing the efficacy of tacrolimus ointment treatment in eyelid atopic dermatitis.

PURPOSE: To study the clinical efficacy of a noninvasive suction device that measures eyelid skin elasticity in the treatment of eyelid atopic dermatitis using tacrolimus (FK-506) ointment. METHODS: Ten patients with eyelid atopic dermatitis treated with tacrolimus ointment and 10 normal volunteers participated in this study. The cutometer SEM575 was used to quantitatively evaluate eyelid skin elasticity. Severity of the eyelid atopic dermatitis was scored, and comparisons were made before and after treatment. RESULTS: Skin elasticity of patients with eyelid atopic dermatitis was significantly lower than that of normal volunteers (31.3 +/- 5.2% vs 40.2 +/- 7.8%, respectively). Skin elasticity of patients with eyelid atopic dermatitis improved significantly to 37.5 +/- 6.3% after treatment with tacrolimus ointment. The total severity score for eyelid atopic dermatitis also improved from 2.77 +/- 1.11 to 1.77 +/- 1.15. CONCLUSION: Measurement of skin elasticity using the cutometer SEM575 is a useful and reliable method for objective and quantitative evaluation of eyelid skin condition in patients with eyelid atopic dermatitis. The efficacy of short-term tacrolimus ointment treatment in patients with eyelid atopic dermatitis was confirmed quantitatively using this apparatus.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Dramatic healing of an allergic corneal ulcer persistent for 6 months by amniotic membrane patching in a patient with atopic keratoconjunctivitis: a case report.

PURPOSE: To present a case of allergic corneal ulcer in a patient with atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) that was persistent for 6 months and healed by amniotic membrane patching. CASE REPORT: A 27-year-old male patient with a corneal ulcer associated with AKC persistent for 6 months despite conventional treatment underwent amniotic membrane patching. On removal of the amniotic membrane patch after 1 week, the corneal ulcer that had been persistent for 6 months had healed completely. CONCLUSION: We experienced a case with corneal ulcer that was persistent for 6 months and healed dramatically within 1 week with improved vision and corneal clarity. In such severe and persistent cases requiring rapid epithelialization, amniotic membrane should be considered as an adjunct to conventional therapy.

Adult↗