AimThe aim of this study was to prospectively compare the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) vs micropulse laser trabeculoplasty (MLT) in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in open-angle glaucoma patients.Patients and methodsIn all, 38 patients were randomized to 360° MLT and 31 patients were randomized to 360° SLT. IOP was measured at intervals of 1 hour and 1, 1–6, 6–12, 6–24, 24–36, and 36–52 weeks. Patients completed a survey 1 week after the procedure. Patients with end-stage, neovascular, uveitic, or angle-closure glaucoma were excluded. Treatment response was defined as an IOP reduction of ≥20.0% or ≥3 mmHg from baseline.ResultsIOP was lowered to ≥3 mmHg from baseline among 37.0% of the micropulse patients and 36.0% of patients in the selective laser group at 24–52 weeks. Similarly, 29.6% of the micropulse patients and 36.0% of the selective laser patients experienced a 20.0% IOP decrease from baseline during the 24–52-week interval (P=0.77). Both groups revealed similar reductions in IOP as absolute values and percentage decreases from baseline at all intervals up to 52 weeks post treatment. There were more treatment failures in the micropulse group up to 52 weeks post laser treatment; however, this was not statistically significant. The micropulse group reported less pain both during and after the procedure (P=0.005).ConclusionMicropulse trabeculoplasty has demonstrated similar efficacy to SLT over a 52-week follow-up period with less discomfort experienced both during and after the procedure.

A trematode identified as a Philophthalmus sp was extracted from the bulbar conjunctiva of a patient in southern Texas with short-distance travel to Mexico. This parasite is very rarely reported from humans, and species identification is challenging. Aspects of diagnosis, zoonotic transmission, and unresolved questions about Philophthalmus spp are discussed.

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Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) has been shown to influence tissue wound healing but little is known about the impact of CAP on healthy corneal tissues and their ability to respond to injuries. The objective of this study is to examine the effect of CAP on wound healing after corneal epithelial and basement membrane ablation in New Zealand white rabbits. The rabbits were assigned into three groups. Ten Rabbits from two groups underwent a 6 mm corneal ablation to the right eyes. After ablation, five rabbits in group (A) received 2 minutes of CAP whereas the other five rabbits (B) were not treated with CAP. A third group (C) included two rabbits and received CAP without ablation. Eyes monitored for corneal haze, epithelial healing, lens clarity and any signs of inflammation. At 24 hours, two rabbits from group A and two from group B were sacrificed to harvest the corneas. Twenty days, all remaining rabbits in groups A, B, and C were sacrificed and corneas were harvested. Corneas were fixed in formalin and stained with H&E or used for immunofluorescence microscopy to assess scar formation using antibodies against fibronectin and a-smooth muscle actin. At 24 hours, corneas from group A had average epithelial defect of 9.25 mm 2 on day 1 whereas those from group B had average defect of 12.05 mm 2 , a difference of 2.8 mm 2 (P=0.57). H & E stained corneal sections didn't show abnormal responses to injury at 24 hours and 20 days. Epithelial thickness and stromal cell counts 20 days after injury showed no significant differences. Analysis of immunofluorescence microscopy images showed no differences between all groups. In conclusion, CAP application to cornea doesn't appear to have obvious adverse effects. CAP does not interfere with rate of wound closure or induce increased inflammation. CAP did not have an effect on corneal wound healing or lead to scar formation.

To report a case of macular fold formation following surgical repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in a 57year-old man treated with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), subretinal fluid endodrainage, gas-fluid exchange and sulfur hexafluoride tamponade, and postoperative face-down positioning. We also discuss etiology and prevention of macular fold following retinal detachment surgery and review the literature regarding current trends in the management of this complication. Methods: Case report and literature review. Results: The macular fold has resolved spontaneously with eventual flattening of and restoration of vision to 20/20 at 12 months postoperatively. Conclusions: This case and other recently published reports suggest good outcomes with conservative management of outer retinal folds and partial thickness macular folds. Further research is needed to identify clinical and imaging features that could be used to build criteria to guide management of this complication.