The mechanism of maintaining lens transparency has not been completely elucidated. We created a threedimensional cell aggregate model (3D model) using our own immortalized human lens epithelial cells (iHLEC-NY1) and evaluated the internal structure and expression of lens-specific proteins. Since we observed protein expression polarity and disappearance of cell nuclei similar to that of the biological lens, we were able to create a 3D model that retained the differentiation ability of lens epithelial cells. Furthermore, a tissue structure comparison between the iHLEC-NY1-3D model and Soemmering's ring showed that the cell arrangement and polarity of protein expression were similar, suggesting the possibility of this model as an in vitro drug development model for secondary cataract. On the other hand, when human iris-derived iPS cells (H-iris iPSCs) were generated and differentiated into lens epithelial cells and a 3D-model was created, A multilayered structure of epithelial-like cells expressing lens tissue stem cell markers was observed.

We previously found that instillation of nilvadipine (NIL) nanosuspensions delayed the onset of lens opacification. In this study, we compared the NIL levels in lens, retina and blood of rat instilled with NIL nanosuspensions (71 nm) or orally administered with NIL suspension (21 μm). The NIL levels in lens and retina of rat instilled with 0.6% NIL nanosuspensions (30 μl) were similar to that of rat orally administered with 50 mg/kg NIL. On the other hand, the plasma drug level in NIL nanosuspensions-instilled rat was obviously less in comparison with orally administrated-rat (50 mg/kg). Moreover, the 0.6% NIL nanosuspensions did not affect the blood pressure, although, both systolic and diastolic blood pressures in the orally administrated-rat (50 mg/kg) were lower than those of normal rat. These results show that the instillation of NIL nanosuspensions are more useful as a topical ophthalmic drug delivery system than oral administration.

Purpose: The visual function of dentists who received multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) was evaluated according to their near addition. Subjects and Methods: Dentists who had bilateral implantations of multifocal IOLs were included. The survey about postoperative vision and spectacle usage in dental practice (prosthetic, conservative, and oral surgery) and daily life was performed, and postoperative visual acuities were obtained from their medical records. Results: Of the 20 cases that responded, 15 were high addition group (bifocal, trifocal, and continuous focus IOLs) and 5 were in the extended depth of focus (EDOF IOL) group. Only about 8% of high addition group reported problems with vision during dental examinations, including prosthetic device polishing and root canal treatment. The rate of spectacle usage was 30-40% in high addition group and almost 100% in EDOF group. Spectacles for near were used in daily life by 15.4% of the high addition group and 50% of EDOF group. Uncorrected and corrected visual acuities were good in both groups. Conclusions: Both high addition and EDOF type multifocal IOLs were unlikely to interfere with a dental practice, and high addition type was useful in reducing spectacle dependence in both dental practice and daily life.

Lens hardening is an early symptom of age-related nuclear cataract. In this study, we measured the changes in lens elasticity in the selenite-induce rats by using kinetic analysis. The lens opacification was caused by a single subcutaneous injection of 3.5 mg/kg sodium selenite. On the other hand, the subcutaneous injection of 0.5-2.5 mg/ kg sodium selenite enhanced the lens hardening, although the lens was clear. Moreover, the kinetic analysis using exponential equation reflect the changes in lens hardening at multiple points, and the analysis was more suitable in evaluating changes in lens hardness than the conventional method without kinetic analysis. In conclusion, we showed that the application of kinetics analysis can more accurately evaluate changes in lens elasticity.

Purpose: To retrospectively compare postoperative refraction and uncorrected visual acuity of eyes with conventional monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) and enhanced IOLs with high-order aspheric profile. Methods: Clinical records of eyes who received enhanced (group D) or conventional (group Y) IOLs during cataract surgery and obtained best-corrected visual acuity of 0.8 or better, were reviewed. With manifest refraction spherical equivalent (SE) and uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), rates of UCVA of 0.8 and 1.0 or better and changes of UCVA with SE were analyzed. Results: In group D, there were UCVA of 0.8 and 1.0 or better when SE were between −1.0 and −2.5 D, and UCVA of 1.0 or better were sustained until −0.37 D of SE. Conclusion: It was demonstrated that SE tolerance of enhanced monofocal IOL for good UDVA was wider than conventional IOL.

Purpose: To identify water-soluble ascorbate free radical (AFR) reductase in lenses. Materials and Methods: AFR reductase was purified from the water-soluble fractions of rabbit lenses by gel filtration, cation exchange chromatography, isoelectric focusing, and two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis. Protein spots in 2-D gel were identified using MALDI TOF-MS, and peptide fragment sequences were determined by MALDI TOF/TOF. An expression vector was constructed to produce recombinant AFR reductase. The AFR reductase activity of the recombinant protein was assayed. Results: The active AFR reductase fraction separated from the water-soluble extract of rabbit lenses showed an isoelectric point of pI 8.4, and a molecular weight of approximately 30 kDa. Water-soluble AFR reductase was identified as cytochrome b5 reductase 2 isoform X1 or X2 by MALDI TOF-MS and MALDI TOF/TOF. Recombinant cytochrome b5 reductase 2 showed AFR reductase activity. Conclusions: This study identified water-soluble AFR reductase in lenses as cytochrome b5 reductase 2.