Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 13, 2026
04:48
Establishing a Severe Corneal Inflammation Model in Rats Based on Corneal Epithelium Curettage Combined with Corneal Sutures
Published on: November 22, 2024
1.0K
Keratoconus: an inflammatory disorder?
V Galvis1, T Sherwin2, A Tello1
11] Centro Oftalmologico Virgilio Galvis, Floridablanca, Colombia [2] Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autonoma de Bucaramanga, Floridablanca, Colombia.
Eye (London, England)
|May 2, 2015
Summary
Keratoconus may involve inflammation, challenging its traditional definition. Studies reveal elevated inflammatory markers in tears, suggesting a potential inflammatory component in this corneal disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biochemistry
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Keratoconus is traditionally defined as a non-inflammatory corneal disease causing thinning and steepening.
- Genetic and environmental factors are implicated, but recent research suggests a role for proteolytic enzymes, cytokines, and free radicals.
- The presence of inflammation in keratoconus has been increasingly questioned.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review biochemical changes in keratoconus.
- To investigate if these changes support an inflammatory basis for the condition.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published biochemical changes in keratoconus.
- Analysis of tear fluid biomarkers.
Main Results:
- Elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 are frequently found in the tears of keratoconus patients.
- Eye rubbing, a risk factor, increases tear levels of MMP-13, IL-6, and TNF-α.
- Elevated IL-1α and MMP-9 in ocular rosacea tears are associated with corneal thinning similar to keratoconus.
Conclusions:
- Biochemical evidence suggests keratoconus may have inflammatory components.
- Elevated inflammatory mediators in tears warrant further investigation into the role of inflammation in keratoconus pathophysiology.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
1.7K
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
1.7K
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
1.1K
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
1.1K
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
1.7K
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
1.7K
01:28Inflammatory Response
19.6K
An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
19.6K
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
5.2K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
5.2K
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
950
Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
950