Block copolymer micelles, formed by the self-assembly of amphiphilic polymers, address formulation challenges, such as poor drug solubility and permeability. These micelles offer advantages including a smaller size, easier preparation, sterilization, and superior solubilization, compared with other nanocarriers. Preclinical studies have shown promising results, advancing them toward clinical trials. Their mucoadhesive properties enhance and prolong contact with the ocular surface, and their small size allows deeper penetration through tissues such as the cornea. Additionally, copolymeric micelles improve the solubility and stability of hydrophobic drugs, sustain drug release, and allow for surface modifications to enhance biocompatibility. Despite these benefits, long-term stability remains a challenge. In this review, we highlight their preclinical performance, structural frameworks, preparation techniques, physicochemical properties, current developments, and prospects as ocular drug delivery systems.

UNASSIGNED: This retrospective cohort study presents a group of patients who underwent laser therapy for retinopathy of prematurity and presented with delayed anterior segment complications.
UNASSIGNED: The charts of infants treated with laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity at our institution between 1988 and 2020 were reviewed. The data extracted included demographics, treatment and clinical examination findings, and those on visual acuity, surgical procedures, and cycloplegic refraction. The inclusion criteria were documented anterior segment changes during the follow-up period. The exclusion criteria were any prior intraocular surgery or inflammation before signs of anterior segment complications developed. The exposure was laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity and the main outcomes were anterior segment complications, visual acuity, and cycloplegic refraction.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 183 charts were reviewed. Sixteen eyes of nine patients (4.4%) met the inclusion criteria. The mean follow-up period after laser treatment was 15.9 years (range 10 years-26 years). The mean gestational age at birth was 24.6 weeks (range 23 weeks-27 weeks), and the mean age at first clinical documentation of anterior segment complications was 8.7 years (range 1 years-25 years). The complications included cataract (n = five patients/eight eyes) and glaucoma (n = three patients/five eyes), with the most frequent complication being band keratopathy (n = nine patients/15 eyes). A total of five out of 16 eyes underwent surgical procedures due to anterior segment complications. After treatment, visual acuity improved back to its baseline value in four out of five of the treated eyes, and improved, but not to its baseline value, in one out of five of the treated eyes. All the patients developed progressive high myopia over the follow-up period.
UNASSIGNED: Anterior segment complications after laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity may develop later in life. They affect patients\' visual acuity and quality of life and may require treatment.

A number of hardware-based and software-based strategies have been suggested to eliminate motion artifacts for improvement of 3D-optical coherence tomography (OCT) image quality. However, the hardware-based strategies have to employ additional hardware to record motion compensation information. Many software-based strategies have to need additional scanning for motion correction at the expense of longer acquisition time. To address this issue, we propose a motion artifacts correction and motion estimation method for OCT volumetric imaging of anterior segment, without requirements of additional hardware and redundant scanning. The motion correction effect with subpixel accuracy for in vivo 3D-OCT has been demonstrated in experiments. Moreover, the physiological information of imaging object, including respiratory curve and respiratory rate, has been experimentally extracted using the proposed method. The proposed method offers a powerful tool for scientific research and clinical diagnosis in ophthalmology and may be further extended for other biomedical volumetric imaging applications.

BACKGROUND: To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) and anterior segment parameters between eyes with unilateral primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) and their fellow eyes with primary angle closure (PAC) or primary angle closure suspect (PACS).
METHODS: Subjects underwent anterior segment imaging using 360-degree swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT, CASIA Tomey, Nagoya, Japan) and ocular investigations including gonioscopy and IOP measurement. Each SS-OCT scan (divided into 8 frames, 22.5 degrees apart) was analysed and an average was obtained for the following anterior segment parameters: iridotrabecular contact (ITC), angle opening distance (AOD750), iris thickness and curvature, anterior chamber width, depth and area (ACW, ACD and ACA) and lens vault (LV).
RESULTS: Among 132 unilateral PACG subjects (mean age: 62.91 ± 7.2 years; 59.1% male), eyes with PACG had significantly higher presenting IOP (24.81 ± 0.94 vs. 18.43 ± 0.57 mmHg, p < 0.001), smaller gonioscopic Shaffer grade (2.07 ± 0.07 vs. 2.31 ± 0.07, p < 0.001) and a greater extent of peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS, 1.21 ± 0.21 vs. 0.54 ± 0.16 clock hours, p = 0.001). PACG eyes also exhibited increased ITC, ITC area, greater LV and smaller AOD750, ACD and ACA (all p < 0.05). Using the forward stepwise regression model, an increase in 1 mmHg in presenting IOP before laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) increases the odds of having PACG by 9% (95% confidence interval 5%-14%).
CONCLUSIONS: PACG eyes have higher presenting IOP, smaller anterior segment parameters, greater extent of PAS, and larger LV compared to their fellow eyes with angle closure. Narrower anterior chamber dimensions and higher presenting IOP before LPI may increase risk of chronic elevated IOP and glaucomatous optic neuropathy after LPI.

Corneal neovascularization (CoNV) is a vision-threatening ocular disease commonly secondary to infectious, inflammatory, and traumatic etiologies. Slit lamp photography, in vivo confocal microscopy, angiography, and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) are the primary diagnostic tools utilized in clinical practice to evaluate the vasculature of the ocular surface. However, there is currently a dearth of comprehensive literature that reviews the advancements in imaging technology for CoNV administration. Initially designed for retinal vascular imaging, OCTA has now been expanded to the anterior segment and has shown promising potential for imaging the conjunctiva, cornea, and iris. This expansion allows for the quantitative monitoring of the structural and functional changes associated with CoNV. In this review, we emphasize the impact of algorithm optimization in anterior segment-optical coherence tomography angiography (AS-OCTA) on the diagnostic efficacy of CoNV. Through the analysis of existing literature, animal model assessments are further reported to investigate its pathological mechanism and exhibit remarkable therapeutic interventions. In conclusion, AS-OCTA holds broad prospects and extensive potential for clinical diagnostics and research applications in CoNV.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of anterior segment parameters is crucial in ophthalmic procedures such as intraocular surgeries and contact lens fitting. However, the use of tropicamide in diabetic patients presents challenges due to its potential impact on biometric measurements. This study aims to investigate and compare the effects of 0.5% and 1% tropicamide on anterior segment parameters in diabetic patients.
METHODS: This double-masked randomized clinical trial enrolled 98 patients with diabetes mellitus. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 0.5% or 1% tropicamide. Anterior segment parameters were measured using Pentacam HR (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) before and 30 minutes after tropicamide administration. Parameters included anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), anterior chamber angle (ACA), keratometry, central corneal thickness (CCT), white-to-white distance (WTW), and pupillary diameter (PD).
RESULTS: Both concentrations of 0.5% and 1% tropicamide induced significant changes in anterior segment parameters. There was a notable increase in PD (2.99 ± 0.62, 3.11 ± 0.55, respectively, both P-values < 0.001), ACD (both 0.10 ± 0.05, both P-values < 0.001), ACV (16.69 ± 9.56, 17.51 ± 9.26, respectively, both P-values < 0.001), and WTW (0.06 ± 0.14, 0.03 ± 0.30, respectively, both P-values < 0.001), along with a decrease in ACA (-3.50 ± 10.65, -3.30 ± 6.87, P-value < 0.001 and P-value=0.001, respectively), and CCT (-6.10 ± 8.06, -6.39 ± 9.97, respectively, both P-values < 0.001) post-dilation. However, no significant changes were observed in keratometry (front Km (-0.03 ± 0.19, -0.04 ± 0.21, respectively), back Km (0.01 ± 0.05, 0.004 ± 0.05, respectively), P-values> 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Both concentrations of tropicamide exhibited comparable effects on anterior segment parameters in diabetic patients. These post-dilation changes should be considered for accurate intraocular lens power calculation and decision-making for cataract, phakic intraocular lens, and refractive surgeries.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the features of the anterior segment structures in neovascular glaucoma (NVG) and analyze its differences from primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG).
METHODS: This study included patients who were first diagnosed with monocular NVG and PACG at the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University during August 2019 to June 2022. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) was used to measure the anterior segment parameters of those eyes, including anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber width (ACW), anterior chamber area (ACA), iris area (IA), maximum iris thickness (ITMAX), middle iris thickness (ITMID), iris curvature (IC), lens vault (LV), angle opening distance (AOD500), trabecular iris angle (TIA500), trabecular-iris space area (TISA500) and peripheral anterior synechia (PAS) length.
RESULTS: In this study, paired samples t-test showed that IA [1.170(0.324) mm2], ITMAX [0.368(0.079) mm], ITMID [0.280(0.062) mm] and IC [0.147(0.037) mm] of NVG were smaller than F-NVG [2.058(0.195) mm2, 0.611(0.045) mm, 0.415(0.049) mm and 0.272(0.077) mm], the AOD500, TIA500, and TISA500 of NVG were also smaller than F-NVG. Independent samples t-test showed that ACD [2.349(0.350) mm] and ACA [16.326(3.547) mm2] of NVG were larger than PACG [1.971(0.240) mm, 12.030(1.860) mm2], but the IA [1.170(0.324) mm2], ITMAX [0.368(0.079) mm], ITMID [0.280(0.062) mm], IC [0.147(0.037) mm] and LV [0.436(0.172 mm)] were smaller than PACG [1.740(0.294) mm2, 0.548(0.084) mm, 0.404(0.065) mm, 0.283(0.060) mm and 0.737(0.196) mm]. Among the 16 patients with 360° angle-closure NVG, the PAS length was 0.834 (0.326) mm, which exceeded the Schwalbe line.
CONCLUSIONS: In NVG, the iris is atrophied, thinned, and straight, while the ACD is normal or slightly shallow. In 360° angle-closure NVG, the PAS length exceeds the Schwalbe line, presenting a pseudo angle phenomenon and a hockey stick sign. Notably, the anterior segment structure morphology of NVG exhibit differences from those of PACG.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of agreement and evaluate the reliability of measurements between two Scheimpflug imaging modalities, Scansys (MediWorks, China) and Sirius (CSO, Italy), in quantifying the anterior segment parameters in healthy eyes.
METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, the right eyes of 38 healthy participants without any ocular or systemic diseases were examined. A range of anterior segment parameters including anterior and posterior flat and steep keratometry, central corneal thickness (CCT), thinnest corneal thickness (TCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber angle (ACA), corneal volume, anterior chamber volume, and horizontal white to white diameter, derived from the sagittal curvature maps were measured. To evaluate the reliability of the measurements, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and correlation coefficient were measured. Additionally, Bland-Altman plots were employed to examine the agreement in mean (bias line) and 95% limits of agreement between the two devices.
RESULTS: The mean age was 31.5 ± 6.9 (range: 19-47) years. The ICC indicated that the majority of anterior segment parameters had an excellent or good level of reliability, surpassing the threshold of 0.9. Nevertheless, CCT and ACA exhibited a moderate level of reliability, with ICC values of 0.794 and 0.728, respectively. The correlation analysis showed a strong correlation for all the variables tested. The Bland-Altman plots revealed that the bias line was near zero and the 95% limits of agreement were narrow for most variables, except for the anterior flat and steep keratometry, which were found to range from - 0.57 to 0.84 D and - 0.68 to 0.87 D, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Scansys and Sirius devices can be effectively used interchangeably for the evaluation of most anterior segment parameters; however, for anterior corneal curvatures, CCT and ACA, their alternative use is not recommended.

UNASSIGNED: Multidiagnostic systems have recently appeared on the market. Knowledge of the repeatability and validity of any instrument is mandatory before its introduction in clinical practice.
UNASSIGNED: The aim of this work is to examine the intrasession repeatability of anterior pole measurements provided by the multidiagnostic device Wave Analyzer Medica 700 (WAM700) and agreement with Pentacam measurements in normal eyes.
UNASSIGNED: In the right eyes of 113 participants, three repeat measurements of central keratometry, central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth and corneal eccentricity were made with the WAM700 and Pentacam in random order. Intrasession repeatability and agreement were determined.
UNASSIGNED: Employing WAM700, intrasession repeatability for keratometry, central corneal thickness and anterior chamber depth was good (ICCs ≥ 0.992; CV 0.48-0.98%), yet worse than the values obtained for the Pentacam (ICCs ≥ 0.998; CV 0-0.33%). WAM700 showed excellent intrasession repeatability when used to measure the anterior chamber depth (Sw 0.03 mm). However, the repeatability of this device was inferior for central corneal thickness (Sw 4.24 μm) and keratometry measurements (Sw < 0.21 D) and was poor for corneal eccentricity (Sw 0.07; ICC 0.908; CV 14.58%). Agreement between WAM700 and Pentacam showed a high ICC for the keratometry measurements, central corneal thickness and anterior chamber depth (>0.972) but lower for corneal eccentricity (ICC 0.762).
UNASSIGNED: In healthy eyes, the WAM700 multidiagnostic device showed good intrasession repeatability for keratometry, central corneal thickness and anterior chamber depth measurements. Agreement between WAM700 and Pentacam was good for the anterior chamber depth measurement. However, these instruments cannot be considered interchangeable for keratometry, central corneal thickness and eccentricity readings.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging field which could make an intelligent healthcare model a reality and has been garnering traction in the field of medicine, with promising results. There have been recent developments in machine learning and/or deep learning algorithms for applications in ophthalmology-primarily for diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. However, AI research in the field of cornea diseases is relatively new. Algorithms have been described to assist clinicians in diagnosis or detection of cornea conditions such as keratoconus, infectious keratitis and dry eye disease. AI may also be used for segmentation and analysis of cornea imaging or tomography as an adjunctive tool. Despite the potential advantages that these new technologies offer, there are challenges that need to be addressed before they can be integrated into clinical practice. In this review, we aim to summarize current literature and provide an update regarding recent advances in AI technologies pertaining to corneal diseases, and its potential future application, in particular pertaining to image analysis.