Intense pulsed light therapy to improve signs and symptoms of contact lens discomfort.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy on signs and symptoms of Contact Lens Discomfort (CLD) in symptomatic contact lens (CL) wearers.

Methods: A prospective, randomised, double masked study was conducted on 36 eyes of 18 CL wearers (IPL: n = 20; sham: n = 16) with a Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire (CLDEQ-8) score ≥ 12. Participants received two IPL/sham treatments at three weeks intervals as per randomization.

Revolutionizing age-related macular degeneration treatment: Advances and future directions in non-invasive retinal drug delivery systems.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains a leading cause of vision loss worldwide. While anti-VEGF therapies are effective, they rely heavily on invasive intravitreal injections, which carry risks such as infection, retinal detachment, and poor patient compliance. Recent advances in nanotechnology and biomaterials have catalyzed the development of non-invasive drug delivery systems capable of targeting the retina through topical administration.

Current and emerging strategies for myopia control: a narrative review of optical, pharmacological, behavioural, and adjunctive therapies.

Myopia has become a leading cause of visual impairment globally, with a rapidly increasing prevalence among children, particularly in urbanised areas of East and Southeast Asia. High and pathologic myopia can lead to irreversible complications, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy. This narrative review synthesises current and emerging strategies for myopia control as of 2025, integrating evidence from optical, pharmacological, behavioural, and surgical domains.

The Ability of Bacteriophages to Reduce Biofilms Produced by Isolated from Corneal Infections.

() is a common antibiotic-resistant pathogen, posing significant public health threats worldwide. It is a major cause of ocular infections, mostly linked to contact lens wear. often produces biofilm during infections, and these are also associated with antibiotic resistance.

Clinical presentation, genotypic diversity, and intracellular bacteria in keratitis patients treated at a referral eye hospital in Sydney, Australia.

Objectives: keratitis (AK) is an emerging corneal infection. This study evaluated the prevalence of AK, assessed circulating genotypes, and identified potential sources of infection.

Methods: A prospective case series study was conducted at the Sydney Eye Hospital, Australia, from June 2021 and October 2022.

Staphylococcal exotoxins in ocular infection with focus on enterotoxins.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of principal etiological agents of bacterial keratitis, a blinding corneal infection. Traditional treatment strategies rely heavily on antibiotics.

Synergistic effects of peptide mimics against enveloped viruses.

The global health impact of viruses highlights the urgent need for innovative antiviral strategies. This study investigated the synergistic potential of two anthranilamide-based peptide mimics (RK610 and RK758) in combination, and one peptide mimic (RK610) in combination with the cationic peptides Mel4 and melimine, against murine hepatitis virus (a coronavirus; MHV-1), influenza virus (H1N1), and Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). Checkerboard assays demonstrated RK610+RK758 had synergy against MHV-1 and H1N1 (∑FICI values of 0.

TFOS DEWS III Digest Report.

This digest summarises the interdisciplinary research in dry eye disease (DED) published since the 2017 TFOS DEWS II reports. It comprises seven topics including Sex, Gender, and Hormones, Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Tear Film, Pain and Sensation, Iatrogenic and Clinical Trial Design and explores how each of these inform diagnostic methodology, disease subtype and management of DED. Sex- and gender-related differences significantly influence the ocular surface due to hormones, sex chromosomes, sex-specific autosomal factors, epigenetics, care-seeking behaviors, and service utilization.

Functionalized Phenyl Peptoids with Enhanced Antibacterial Potency.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to traditional antibiotics and natural peptides has been recognized as a global challenge requiring efforts to address its widespread impact. Peptoids represent a promising class of peptidomimetics with proven activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria and show less susceptibility to enzymatic degradation. In this study, building on our previous design of dimeric peptoids, 22 amino and guanidino compounds of functionalized phenyl-dimeric peptoids were synthesized, incorporating electron-withdrawing and donating substituents, as well as the parent peptoid without substituents.

Exploring the efficacy of plant-based nutraceuticals in managing diabetic neuropathy.

Diabetes-induced peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common complications in patients with diabetes. Plant-derived natural products have been tested in animal models as agents to treat this complex condition. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the therapeutic potential of plant-based nutraceuticals used for managing diabetic neuropathy in rat models using a systematic literature review approach.

Evaluation of the Synergistic Activity of Antimicrobial Peptidomimetics or Colistin Sulphate with Conventional Antifungals Against Yeasts of Medical Importance.

With rising multidrug-resistant yeast pathogens, conventional antifungals are becoming less effective, urging the need for adjuvants that enhance their activity at lower doses. This study evaluated the synergistic activity of antimicrobial peptidomimetics (TM8 and RK758) or colistin sulphate in combination with conventional antifungals against , , , , , and , and using the checkerboard microdilution test. RK758 was synergistic with fluconazole in 78% of isolates, with the remaining 22% of isolates still showing partial synergy; it showed synergy with amphotericin B in 56% of isolates, and with caspofungin, 78% of isolates exhibited either synergy or partial synergy.

Whole genome sequencing-based prediction of antibiotic-resistance of ocular Staphylococcus aureus across six continents.

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of ocular infections, resulting in vision loss in severe cases. Understanding the antibiotic resistance profiles of ocular S. aureus can help customize treatments.

β-Lactamase-activated antimicrobial dendron the amine uncaging strategy.

The development of new antimicrobial agents to combat multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, especially those that produce β-lactamase enzymes, is a critical step in preventing a post-antibiotic era. Herein, we develop a new membrane-active antimicrobial prodrug (BLM-Dendron) based on the amine uncaging strategy (AUS) whereby the amine groups of a cationic amphipathic dendron are caged/masked initially but can be uncaged specifically in the presence of β-lactamase enzymes (, penicillinase) to enable precise antimicrobial activation. BLM-Dendron undergoes self-assembly in water to form spherical nanoparticles with average hydrodynamic diameter ( ) of 200 nm and is bacteriostatic against (MDR) , and in the presence of penicillinase.

Association between disinfectant resistance genes in exoU and exoS Pseudomonas aeruginosa with sensitivity to multipurpose disinfecting solutions and antibiotics.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine differences in susceptibility of exoU and exoS Pseudomonas aeruginosa to multi-purpose disinfecting solutions (MPDS) and antibiotics and their association with disinfectant resistance genes.

Methods: A total of 16 exoU and 24 exoS P. aeruginosa keratitis isolates were tested for susceptibility against four multipurpose disinfecting solutions (OPTI-FREE PureMoist, Acuvue RevitaLens, Biotrue, and Renu Advanced Formula) using minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum bactericidal (MBC) concentrations.

Differences in antimicrobial resistance between exoU and exoS isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Purposes: This study compared antimicrobial resistance between exoU and exoS Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from microbial keratitis (MK) and examined their resistance genotypes.

Methods: The presence of exoU and exoS was determined in 187 MK isolates using PCR. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, gentamicin, and tobramycin were measured.

Hydrophobic Silicon Quantum Dots for Potential Imaging of Tear Film Lipid Layer.

The tear film, consisting of the aqueous and lipid layers, maintains the homeostasis of the ocular surface; therefore, when disturbed, it can cause dry eye, which affects millions of people worldwide. Understanding the dynamics of the tear film layers is essential for developing efficient drug delivery systems for dry eye disease. Quantum dots (QDs) offer the potential for real-time monitoring of tear film and evaluating its dynamics.

Multidrug-Resistance and Biofilm Formation among Acinetobacter baumannii Isolated from Clinical Specimens.

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as a problematic pathogen due to its ability to become resistant to antibiotics and form biofilms. The aim of this study was to explore antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation, and examine any correlation between these in Acinetobacter baumannii isolates.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the 750-bed Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Nepal.

Novel cationic dihydropyrrol-2-one compounds as antimicrobial agents and quorum sensing inhibitors.

Antimicrobial resistance has grown to become a global crisis consistently participating in the death of millions worldwide and accumulating costs on healthcare. Quorum sensing inhibition is a new alternative antimicrobial strategy that has been gaining attention due to its ability to suppress the resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA). This approach shows great potential in overcoming bacterial resistance and could provide a much needed substitute to conventional antibiotics in the future.

Antimicrobial activity of peptoids against Metallo-β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and other WHO priority pathogens, including Candida auris.

Aims: The World Health Organization has identified ESKAPE bacteria and Candida auris as priority pathogens, emphasizing an urgent need for novel antimicrobials to combat them. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of antimicrobial peptidomimetics, specifically peptoids with sequence-specific N-substituted glycines, against ESKAPEE pathogens, including metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) producers, as well as C. auris strains.

Designing a contact lens with atropine base using a microemulsion technique.

Purpose: Myopia or near-sightedness is a global vision problem. Atropine eye drops and myopia-controlling contact lenses can help to slow down its progression, but neither is sufficient alone. The present research work was conducted to design a contact lens embedded with an atropine base within a microemulsion system.

Mel4-coated hyaluronic acid-laden etafilcon A contact lenses: Improved wettability with retained antimicrobial properties.

Soft contact lenses are a common mode of vision correction used worldwide. However, contact lens wearers often experience discomfort and are at risk of developing microbial infections. To address these issues, we designed Mel4-coated hyaluronic acid-laden etafilcon contact lenses to improve wettability while providing antimicrobial properties.

Harnessing Non-Antibiotic Strategies to Counter Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Pathogens with Special Reference to Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Coatings.

Antimicrobial resistance is a critical global challenge in the 21st century, validating Sir Alexander Fleming's warning about the misuse of antibiotics leading to resistant microbes. With a dwindling arsenal of effective antibiotics, it is imperative to concentrate on alternative antimicrobial strategies. Previous studies have not comprehensively discussed the advantages and limitations of various strategies, including bacteriophage therapy, probiotics, immunotherapies, photodynamic therapy, essential oils, nanoparticles and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) within a single review.

Repeatability of lipid layer thickness using LipiView® following removal of contact lenses and its relationship to comfort.

Purpose: To assess the repeatability of lipid layer thickness (LLT) measurement using the LipiView® interferometer after daily disposable contact lens (CL) wear and correlation with ocular comfort in soft contact lens wearers.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted over two consecutive months, wherein CL wearers (n = 20) wore either Somofilcon A or Verofilcon A daily disposable CLs in a crossover design, switching lenses after 1 month. The pre-corneal tear film LLT was measured at the end of each month after CLs had been worn for at least 6 h.

The effect of immobilisation strategies on the ability of peptoids to reduce the adhesion of P. aeruginosa strains to contact lenses.

Aim: Previous studies have demonstrated that contact lenses coated with the antimicrobial cationic peptide Mel4, a derivative of melimine, can reduce the occurrence of keratitis. However, the antimicrobial activity of Mel4 weakened over time due to its susceptibility to proteolytic degradation. Oligo-N-substituted glycine peptoids such as TM5 and TM18 possess antimicrobial properties and are resistant to proteolytic breakdown.