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Survey of Ophthalmology 2020Primary Sjögren syndrome is an autoimmune disease that mainly affects exocrine glands such as the salivary and lacrimal glands. In addition, systemic involvement is... (Review)
Review
Primary Sjögren syndrome is an autoimmune disease that mainly affects exocrine glands such as the salivary and lacrimal glands. In addition, systemic involvement is common. Primary Sjögren syndrome is of particular interest to ophthalmologists as it constitutes an important differential diagnosis in conditions with dry eye disease. In addition, ocular tests for more precisely diagnosing and monitoring primary Sjögren syndrome have become increasingly important, and new therapeutics for local and systemic treatment evolve as a result of increased understanding of immunological mechanisms and molecular pathways in the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren syndrome. We provide an update of interest to ophthalmologists regarding pathogenesis, diagnosis, investigative procedures, and treatment options.
Topics: Animals; Autoimmune Diseases; Autoimmunity; Biopsy; Dry Eye Syndromes; Humans; Lacrimal Apparatus; Sjogren's Syndrome
PubMed: 31634487
DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2019.10.004 -
Current Opinion in Ophthalmology Jul 2021Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disease affecting approximately 5-50% of individuals in various populations. Contributors to DED include, but are not limited... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disease affecting approximately 5-50% of individuals in various populations. Contributors to DED include, but are not limited to, lacrimal gland hypofunction, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), ocular surface inflammation, and corneal nerve dysfunction. Current DED treatments target some facets of the disease, such as ocular surface inflammation, but not all individuals experience adequate symptom relief. As such, this review focuses on alternative and adjunct approaches that are being explored to target underlying contributors to DED.
RECENT FINDINGS
Neuromodulation, stem cell treatments, and oral royal jelly have all been studied in individuals with DED and lacrimal gland hypofunction, with promising results. In individuals with MGD, devices that provide eyelid warming or intense pulsed light therapy may reduce DED symptoms and signs, as may topical Manuka honey. For those with ocular surface inflammation, naturally derived anti-inflammatory agents may be helpful, with the compound trehalose being farthest along in the process of investigation. Nerve growth factor, blood-derived products, corneal neurotization, and to a lesser degree, fatty acids have been studied in individuals with DED and neurotrophic keratitis (i.e. corneal nerve hyposensitivity). Various adjuvant therapies have been investigated in individuals with DED with neuropathic pain (i.e. corneal nerve hypersensitivity) including nerve blocks, neurostimulation, botulinum toxin, and acupuncture, although study numbers and design are generally weaker than for the other DED sub-types.
SUMMARY
Several alternatives and adjunct DED therapies are being investigated that target various aspects of disease. For many, more robust studies are required to assess their sustainability and applicability.
Topics: Complementary Therapies; Dry Eye Syndromes; Humans; Lacrimal Apparatus
PubMed: 34010229
DOI: 10.1097/ICU.0000000000000768 -
Cell Stem Cell Jul 2021The lacrimal gland is essential for lubrication and protection of the eye. Disruption of lacrimal fluid production, composition, or release results in dry eye, causing...
The lacrimal gland is essential for lubrication and protection of the eye. Disruption of lacrimal fluid production, composition, or release results in dry eye, causing discomfort and damage to the ocular surface. Here, we describe the establishment of long-term 3D organoid culture conditions for mouse and human lacrimal gland. Organoids can be expanded over multiple months and recapitulate morphological and transcriptional features of lacrimal ducts. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing reveals the master regulator for eye development Pax6 to be required for differentiation of adult lacrimal gland cells. We address cellular heterogeneity of the lacrimal gland by providing a single-cell atlas of human lacrimal gland tissue and organoids. Finally, human lacrimal gland organoids phenocopy the process of tear secretion in response to neurotransmitters and can engraft and produce mature tear products upon orthotopic transplantation in mouse. Together, this study provides an experimental platform to study the (patho-)physiology of the lacrimal gland.
Topics: Animals; Dry Eye Syndromes; Humans; Lacrimal Apparatus; Mice; Organoids; Stem Cells; Tears
PubMed: 33730555
DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.02.024 -
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology Apr 2023Dry eye disease (DED) is prevalent in all age groups and is known to cause chronic ocular discomfort and pain, and greatly affects the quality of life. Patients with... (Review)
Review
Dry eye disease (DED) is prevalent in all age groups and is known to cause chronic ocular discomfort and pain, and greatly affects the quality of life. Patients with ocular surface disease (OSD) may also have reduced tear secretion due to lacrimal gland damage, thus leading to aqueous deficient DED. Even with conventional management modalities such as lubricating eyedrops, topical corticosteroids, autologous serum eyedrops, or punctal plugs, many patients continue to suffer from debilitating symptoms. Contact lenses are increasingly being used in OSD providing surface hydration, protection from environmental insults, mechanical damage from abnormal lids, and as a modality for constant drug delivery to the ocular surface. This review describes the role of soft lenses and rigid gas-permeable scleral lenses in the management of DED associated with OSD. The efficacy of contact lenses, lens selection, and optimal lens fit are reviewed for specific indications.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Dry Eye Syndromes; Contact Lenses; Lacrimal Apparatus; Ophthalmic Solutions
PubMed: 37026246
DOI: 10.4103/IJO.IJO_2778_22 -
Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia 2021The purpose of this article was to report a case of intraconal lacrimal gland tissue and to review the literature on lacrimal gland choristoma. The magnetic resonance... (Review)
Review
The purpose of this article was to report a case of intraconal lacrimal gland tissue and to review the literature on lacrimal gland choristoma. The magnetic resonance imaging findings of a biopsy-proven orbital case are also presented. A PubMed database search was performed using the key terms heterotopic, ectopic, aberrant, choristoma, and lacrimal gland to identify all the previously documented studies on lacrimal gland choristoma, in English, Spanish, and French. We classified the lacrimal gland choristoma cases classified according to the location of the lesions, clinical appearance, management, and outcome. The search targeting the period between 1887 and 2019 returned 79 articles, which were reviewed. We found a total of 113 cases of choristomas with normal lacrimal gland tissue. Only two of them were not associated with the eye or its adnexa while the remaining 111 lesions were found either on the ocular surface (n=46) or in the orbit (n=34). Intraocular choristomas were found in 18 patients, and the rest of the lesions were noted either on the eyelids (n=10) or in the lacrimal drainage system (n=3). Orbital and intraocular choristomas are the most harmful lesions as orbital choristomas are frequently associated with permanent diplopia while intraocular lacrimal gland choristomas have a poor visual prognosis and are a common cause of enucleation of the eye. In one of the reported cases, a corneal lacrimal gland choristoma had been experimentally induced by activating the FGF10 signaling pathway. Lacrimal gland choristomas are not uncommon. This peculiar type of lesion has been experimentally induced and may appear in a variety of locations associated with the globe and its adnexa.
Topics: Choristoma; Cornea; Humans; Lacrimal Apparatus; Orbit
PubMed: 35416898
DOI: 10.5935/0004-2749.20220029 -
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual... Mar 2022To investigate microenvironment changes of the lacrimal gland after obstruction of lacrimal gland ducts.
PURPOSE
To investigate microenvironment changes of the lacrimal gland after obstruction of lacrimal gland ducts.
METHODS
The ducts of rat exorbital lacrimal gland were ligated by sutures for different durations. After that, the sutures in some animals were released, and they were observed for 21 days to evaluate the recovery of the lacrimal gland. Slit lamp and tear secretion test was performed to evaluate ocular surface and lacrimal gland function. The lacrimal gland and cornea were harvested and processed for hematoxylin and eosin staining, oil red O staining, LipidTOX staining, Masson staining, quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence staining.
RESULTS
After the lacrimal gland ducts were blocked, tear secretion and the weight of the lacrimal gland were reduced. Incidence of corneal neovascularization increased after seven days. Intraglandular ducts dilated and acini destroyed. Long-term ligation induced fibrosis and lipid accumulation of the lacrimal glands. Inflammatory cell infiltrated and inflammatory factors upregulated. Proliferative and apoptotic cells increased. Structure of myoepithelial cells and basement membrane was destroyed. The p63 expression increased whereas Pax6 expression decreased. After suture release, tear secretion and structure of acini could recover in less than seven days after ligation, with a decrease in inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis relief. Apoptotic cells and proliferative cells increased at five days thereafter. The structure of the myoepithelial cells and basement membrane could not recover three days after ligation, and the number of mesenchymal cells increased in ligation after five to 14 days.
CONCLUSIONS
Blockage of the lacrimal gland ducts results in dystrophy of lacrimal gland acini cells, inflammation, and lipid accumulation of the lacrimal gland microenvironment. Long-term duct blockage will cause irreversible lacrimal gland failure.
Topics: Animals; Cornea; Fibrosis; Inflammation; Lacrimal Apparatus; Lipids; Rats
PubMed: 35289845
DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.3.14 -
Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology... 2017Tumors of the lacrimal sac are rare but their recognition and early management are imperative, as they are locally invasive and potentially life-threatening. Because of... (Review)
Review
Tumors of the lacrimal sac are rare but their recognition and early management are imperative, as they are locally invasive and potentially life-threatening. Because of their rarity, large clinical studies with statistically significant data on the natural course, management, and prognosis of these neoplasms are unavailable. Current practices are therefore based on a few case series and a small number of isolated case reports. Most tumors are primary and of epithelial origin (60-94%), of which 55% are malignant. Lacrimal sac tumors typically present with epiphora and a palpable mass over the medial canthus and are thus often erroneously diagnosed as chronic dacryocystitis. A full history with clinical and diagnostic workup is essential to plan treatment, which is often multi-disciplinary. Statistically significant associations have been shown with higher tumor staging and size with increased metastatic risk and lower survival rates. Management usually involves complete surgical resection with adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy for malignant lesions. Long-term follow-up is required, as recurrences and metastases can occur many years after initial treatment.
Topics: Combined Modality Therapy; Disease Management; Eye Neoplasms; Humans; Lacrimal Apparatus; Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases
PubMed: 28399337
DOI: 10.22608/APO.201713 -
Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology... 2017Lacrimal gland tumors are rare and constitute a wide spectrum of different entities ranging from benign epithelial and lymphoid lesions to high-grade carcinomas,... (Review)
Review
Lacrimal gland tumors are rare and constitute a wide spectrum of different entities ranging from benign epithelial and lymphoid lesions to high-grade carcinomas, lymphomas, and sarcomas with large differences in prognosis and clinical management. The symptoms and findings of a lacrimal gland lesion are a growing mass at the site of the lacrimal gland, including displacement of the eyeball, decreased motility, diplopia, and ptosis. Pain is the cardinal symptom of an adenoid cystic carcinoma. Radiological findings characteristically include an oval, well-demarcated mass for benign lesions whereas malignant lesions typically display calcifications, destruction of bone, and invasion of adjacent structures. The diagnosis ultimately relies on histology, as does the choice of treatment and the prognosis. In recent years, the understanding of the biology of numerous types of lacrimal gland neoplasia has improved and the choice of treatment has changed accordingly and holds further promise for future targeted therapies. Treatment of benign epithelial lesions is surgical excision whereas carcinomas often require adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. In contrast, the cornerstone in management of lymphoid lesions is chemotherapy, often including a monoclonal antibody. This article presents an update on the clinical, radiological, histological, and molecular features, along with treatment strategies for tumors of the lacrimal gland.
Topics: Combined Modality Therapy; Eye Neoplasms; Humans; Lacrimal Apparatus; Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases; Neoplasm Staging; Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial; Prognosis
PubMed: 28399336
DOI: 10.22608/APO.201707 -
The Ocular Surface Apr 2020The bacterial communities that collectively inhabit our body are called the microbiome. Virtually all body surface harbors bacteria. Recent advances in next-generation... (Review)
Review
The bacterial communities that collectively inhabit our body are called the microbiome. Virtually all body surface harbors bacteria. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing that have provided insight into the diversity, composition of bacterial communities, and their interaction are discussed in this review, as well as the current knowledge of how the microbiome promotes ocular health. The ocular surface is a site of low bacterial load. Sjögren Syndrome is an autoimmune disease that affects the exocrine glands, causing dry mouth and dry eye. Systemic antibiotic treatment and germ-free mice have demonstrated that commensal bacteria have a protective role for the ocular surface and lacrimal gland. The existence of a gut-eye-lacrimal gland axis-microbiome is discussed.
Topics: Animals; Dry Eye Syndromes; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Lacrimal Apparatus; Microbiota; Sjogren's Syndrome
PubMed: 31644955
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2019.10.006 -
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology Sep 2017Myxomas are rare neoplasms of mesenchymal origin. Cases of conjunctival, corneal, and orbital myxomas have been reported in the literature; however, to the best of our...
Myxomas are rare neoplasms of mesenchymal origin. Cases of conjunctival, corneal, and orbital myxomas have been reported in the literature; however, to the best of our knowledge, there is no report of a lacrimal gland myxoma. We report a case of an orbital myxoma involving the lacrimal gland and its management.
Topics: Aged; Biopsy; Diagnosis, Differential; Eye Neoplasms; Humans; Lacrimal Apparatus; Male; Myxoma; Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 28905841
DOI: 10.4103/ijo.IJO_226_17