Our Summary
This research paper talks about a study conducted to improve the processes used for reconstructing the surface of the eye (ocular surface). Currently, a material called the amniotic membrane (AM) is commonly used for this purpose. However, it has several drawbacks, so scientists are exploring other options. One alternative that has shown promise is a type of film made from keratin, a protein found in human hair.
In past studies, this keratin film has shown good results when tested on rabbits. However, after such surgeries, patients usually need to use eye drops containing a drug called dexamethasone (DEX) to reduce inflammation. The frequent use of these eye drops can be inconvenient for patients, so the researchers in this study wanted to see if they could incorporate DEX directly into the keratin film.
They tried two different methods to do this and then tested the resulting films to see how they held up in terms of appearance, ability to absorb DEX, transparency, mechanical properties, and swelling behavior. They also tested how well corneal epithelial cells (the type of cells found on the surface of the eye) could grow on these films.
The researchers found that the amount of DEX incorporated into the films did affect their transparency and mechanical properties, but even films with a lot of DEX had properties similar to the amniotic membrane. The method where DEX was suspended in the film seemed to be the best approach as it allowed for prolonged release of the drug and did not negatively affect the ability of cells to grow on the film.
This suggests that these keratin films with incorporated DEX could potentially be a good alternative to amniotic membrane for ocular surface reconstruction, with the added benefit of built-in anti-inflammatory activity.
FAQs
- What are some of the disadvantages of using Amniotic membrane (AM) in ocular surface reconstruction?
- How does the incorporation of Dexamethasone (DEX) into Keratin films (KFs) impact the film’s characteristics and biocompatibility?
- What are the benefits of using drug-loaded Keratin films made from human hair in ocular surface reconstruction surgeries?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about ocular surgery is to make sure to follow the prescribed post-operative eye drop regimen, including any medications like dexamethasone, to help prevent inflammation and promote healing. It is important to adhere to the recommended schedule for administering eye drops to ensure the best possible outcome from the surgery.
Suitable For
Patients who may be recommended for ocular surgery include those with conditions such as corneal ulcers, severe dry eye, corneal dystrophies, keratoconus, cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal diseases. Ocular surgery may also be recommended for patients who have suffered trauma to the eye or who have congenital abnormalities affecting the eye. Additionally, patients with certain systemic diseases that can affect the eyes, such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases, may also be candidates for ocular surgery.
Timeline
Before ocular surgery, a patient typically undergoes a thorough examination by an ophthalmologist to determine the need for surgery and the best course of action. The patient may also need to undergo pre-operative testing, such as blood work or imaging scans.
During the surgery, the patient will be under anesthesia and the ophthalmologist will perform the necessary procedure, such as cataract removal or corneal transplant. After the surgery, the patient will be monitored for a period of time to ensure there are no complications.
In the post-operative period, the patient will likely experience some discomfort or pain, which can be managed with medication prescribed by the ophthalmologist. The patient will also need to follow specific instructions for post-operative care, such as using eye drops or wearing protective eyewear.
Over time, the patient will attend follow-up appointments with the ophthalmologist to monitor their progress and ensure proper healing. The patient may also undergo vision therapy or rehabilitation if necessary to optimize their visual outcomes.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about ocular surgery include:
- What type of surgery is recommended for my condition?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
- What is the expected outcome of the surgery?
- What is the recovery process like and how long will it take?
- Will I need to take any medications after the surgery, and if so, what are they and how should I take them?
- Are there any alternative treatments to surgery that I should consider?
- How often will I need to follow-up with you after the surgery?
- Are there any specific precautions I should take before or after the surgery?
- What can I do to optimize my chances of a successful outcome?
- Are there any lifestyle changes I should make to support my eye health post-surgery?
Reference
Authors: Schwab R, Reichl S. Journal: J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2022 Mar 4;33(3):29. doi: 10.1007/s10856-021-06638-z. PMID: 35244790