September 2023

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Airaldi M, Zheng Y, Aiello F, Bachmann B, Baydoun L, Ní Dhubhghaill S, Dickman MM, Kaye SB, Fontana L, Gadhvi KA, Moramarco A, de Mora MRC, Rocha de Lossada C, Scorcia V, Viola P, Calza S, Levis HJ, Parekh M, Ruzza A, Ferrari S, Ponzin D, Semeraro F, Romano V. Preoperative surgeon evaluation of corneal endothelial status: the Viability Control of Human Endothelial Cells before Keratoplasty (V-CHECK) study protocol. BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2023;8(1)Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The success of keratoplasty strongly depends on the health status of the transplanted endothelial cells. Donor corneal tissues are routinely screened for endothelial damage before shipment; however, surgical teams have currently no means of assessing the overall viability of corneal endothelium immediately prior to transplantation. The aim of this study is to validate a preoperative method of evaluating the endothelial health of donor corneal tissues, to assess the proportion of tissues deemed suitable for transplantation by the surgeons and to prospectively record the clinical outcomes of a cohort of patients undergoing keratoplasty in relation to preoperatively defined endothelial viability. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: In this multicentre cohort study, consecutive patients undergoing keratoplasty (perforating keratoplasty, Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK), ultra-thin DSAEK (UT-DSAEK) or Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty) will be enrolled and followed-up for 1 year. Before transplantation, the endothelial viability of the donor corneal tissue will be evaluated preoperatively through trypan blue staining and custom image analysis to estimate the overall percentage of trypan blue-positive areas (TBPAs), a proxy of endothelial damage. Functional and structural outcomes at the end of the follow-up will be correlated with preoperatively assessed TBPA values. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol will be reviewed by the ethical committees of participating centres, with the sponsor centre issuing the final definitive approval. The results will be disseminated on ClinicalTrials.gov, at national and international conferences, by partner patient groups and in open access, peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05847387.
Akula JD, Lancos AM, AlWattar BK, De Bruyn H, Hansen RM, Fulton AB. A Simplified Model of Activation and Deactivation of Human Rod Phototransduction-An Electroretinographic Study. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023;64(12):36.Abstract
PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that a simple model having properties consistent with activation and deactivation in the rod approximates the whole time course of the photoresponse. METHODS: Routinely, an exponential of the form f = α·(1 - exp(-(τ·(t - teff)s-1))), with amplitude α, rate constant τ (often scaled by intensity), irreducible delay teff, and time exponent s-1, is fit to the early period of the flash electroretinogram. Notably, s (an integer) represents the three integrating stages in the rod amplification cascade (rhodopsin isomerization, transducin activation, and cGMP hydrolysis). The time course of the photoresponse to a 0.17 cd·s·m-2 conditioning flash (CF) was determined in 21 healthy eyes by presenting the CF plus a bright probe flash (PF) in tandem, separated by interstimulus intervals (ISIs) of 0.01 to 1.4 seconds, and calculating the proportion of the PF a-wave suppressed by the CF at each ISI. To test if similar kinetics describe deactivation, difference of exponential (DoE) functions with common α and teff parameters, respective rate constants for the initiation (I) and quenching (Q) phases of the response, and specified values of s (sI, sQ), were compared to the photoresponse time course. RESULTS: As hypothesized, the optimal values of sI and sQ were 3 and 2, respectively. Mean ± SD α was 0.80 ± 0.066, I was 7700 ± 2400 m2·cd-1·s-3, and Q was 1.4 ± 0.47 s-1. Overall, r2 was 0.93. CONCLUSIONS: A method, including a DoE model with just three free parameters (α, I, Q), that robustly captures the magnitude and time-constants of the complete rod response, was produced. Only two steps integrate to quench the rod photoresponse.
Alabi R, Stryjewski TP, Vora RA, Eliott D, Moussa K. RESCUE INTRAVITREAL METHOTREXATE TREATMENT FOLLOWING EARLY RECOGNITION OF PROLIFERATIVE VITREORETINOPATHY. Retin Cases Brief Rep 2023;17(5):616-619.Abstract
PURPOSE: To report a case of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in a man with recurrent retinal detachment successfully managed without surgical intervention following the initiation of intravitreal methotrexate injections to arrest progression of PVR. METHODS: Report of a case. RESULTS: A 60-year-old man presented to the retina clinic 4 weeks after undergoing vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and was found to have an inferior recurrent retinal detachment. He underwent repeat vitrectomy and scleral buckling with successful reattachment of the retina in the immediate postoperative period. At postoperative Week 2, preretinal membranes were noted inferiorly with stretching of the causative retinal break and localized subretinal fluid, consistent with early PVR. The patient underwent immediate laser barricade, and a course of intravitreal methotrexate injections was started. At the final follow-up 7 months later, the retina was fully attached without progression of PVR. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal methotrexate may play a role in arresting progression of early postoperative PVR and obviating the need for surgical intervention.
Ambrosio L, Akula JD, Harman JC, Arellano IA, Fulton AB. Do the retinal abnormalities in X-linked juvenile retinoschisis include impaired phototransduction?. Exp Eye Res 2023;234:109591.Abstract
X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS), a hereditary retinal disorder primarily affecting males, is characterized by the formation of cystic spaces between the outer plexiform layer and outer nuclear layer of the retina. Mutations in the RS1 gene, which encodes the extracellular binding protein retinoschisin, are responsible for XLRS pathogenesis. While the role of retinoschisin in maintaining retinal integrity is well established, there is growing evidence suggesting compromised photoreceptor function in XLRS. To investigate the molecular pathways affected by RS1 deficiency, particularly in phototransduction, we performed electroretinographic (ERG) and proteomic analyses on retinae from Rs1 knockout mice, a model of human XLRS. The Rs1 knockout mice had reduced ERG a-wave amplitudes. Correspondingly, differential expression analysis revealed downregulation of proteins crucial for phototransduction, with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) highlighting "phototransduction" as the most significantly downregulated biological theme. Compensatory mechanisms were also observed in the IPA, including upregulation of synaptic remodeling, inflammation, cell adhesion, and G-protein signaling. These findings strongly implicate an underrecognized role of photoreceptor dysfunction in XLRS pathology. We speculate that entrapment of mutant retinoschisin protein within photoreceptor inner segments as well as disrupted reciprocal regulation between L-type voltage-gated calcium channels and retinoschisin contribute to the dysfunction in photoreceptors.
Azad AD, Yuan M, Weinert M, Rosenblatt TR, Miller JW, Lorch A. The Transition to Ophthalmology Residency: A National Survey of the Combined Ophthalmology PGY-1 Program. J Acad Ophthalmol (2017) 2023;15(2):e188-e196.Abstract
Background  In 2017, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education announced all ophthalmology residency programs would provide a combined transitional or joint preliminary program for first postgraduate year (PGY-1) residents, with mandatory implementation by 2023. Purpose  This study aimed to survey ophthalmology residency program directors, postgraduate year 2 (PGY-2) ophthalmology residents who were a part of the first, official combined ophthalmology PGY-1 year, and postgraduate year 3 (PGY-3) residents who were a PGY-1 resident the year prior to integration to evaluate characteristics and perspectives on the combined ophthalmology PGY-1 year. Methods  A national, internet survey-based study approved by the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO) was disseminated to the AUPO listserv of program directors (PDs) and PGY-2 and PGY-3 ophthalmology residents from July to August 2022 and then again April to June 2023. Results  Twenty-six PDs completed the survey (response rate 20.3% out of 128 PDs). Forty-one PGY-2 ophthalmology residents who underwent the combined ophthalmology PGY-1 year and 33 PGY-3 ophthalmology residents also completed the survey. Most PGY-1 curricula focused on exposure to comprehensive ophthalmology and provided indirect ophthalmoscope, slit lamp, and refraction skills training to residents. Early exposure to fundamentals and clinical workflows were commonly cited benefits to the integration. When PDs were surveyed about how well-prepared PGY-1 residents who went through the combined year are for the PGY-2 relative to the prior year's class, 16 (61.5%) responded "better prepared." PGY-2 residents also reported a relatively higher level of clinical preparedness and familiarity with ophthalmology co-residents than PGY-3 residents. Several areas of improvement cited by both PDs and residents were identified including a dedicated didactic curriculum and more time in ophthalmology during the PGY-1 year. Conclusions  We found an overall net benefit from the integration of the combined ophthalmology PGY-1 year. Benefits include early exposure to clinical skills and knowledge specific to ophthalmology, leading to increased confidence and preparedness for the rigorous transition to ophthalmology residency. We also identified many areas for improvement to optimize the PGY-1 year including a formal curriculum and additional time in ophthalmology. Programs should work closely with their residents, faculty, and non-ophthalmology PDs to refine the PGY-1 for the benefit of future ophthalmologists.
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Blanco T, Musayeva A, Singh RB, Nakagawa H, Lee S, Alemi H, Gonzalez-Nolasco B, Ortiz G, Wang S, Kahale F, Dohlman TH, Chen Y, Dana R. The impact of donor diabetes on corneal transplant immunity. Am J Transplant 2023;23(9):1345-1358.Abstract
Corneal transplantation is the most common form of solid tissue grafting, with an approximately 80% to 90% success rate. However, success rates may decline when donor tissues are derived from patients with a history of diabetes mellitus (DM). To evaluate the underlying immunopathologic processes that cause graft rejection, we used streptozotocin-induced type 1 DM (DM1) and transgenic Lepob/ob type 2 DM (DM2) diabetic murine models as donors and nondiabetic BALB/c as recipients. DM resulted in an increased frequency of corneal antigen-presenting cells (APCs) with an acquired immunostimulatory phenotype. Following transplantation, recipients that received either type of diabetic graft showed increased APC migration and T helper type 1 alloreactive cells, impaired functional regulatory T cells, and graft survival. Insulin treatment in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice led to an increased tolerogenic profile of graft APC, lower T helper type 1 sensitization, and a higher frequency of functional regulatory T cells with high suppressive capacity, reflected in increased graft survival. We conclude that both DM1 and DM2 in donors can impact corneal APC functional phenotype, rendering the tissue more immunogenic and thereby increasing the risk of graft failure.
Böhm MS, Wylegala A, Leon P, Ong Tone S, Ciolino JB, Jurkunas UV. One-Year Clinical Outcomes of Preloaded Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Versus Non-Preloaded Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty. Cornea 2021;40(3):311-319.Abstract
PURPOSE: To compare the one-year outcomes of preloaded Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (pDMEK) and non-preloaded DMEK (n-pDMEK) in patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). METHODS: This retrospective comparative cohort study consecutively included 68 eyes with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy who underwent either pDMEK (n = 38) or n-pDMEK (n = 30) performed by cornea fellows with an experienced surgeon between 2016 and 2018 at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Exclusion criteria were previous surgery (other than uncomplicated cataract surgery) and any documented evidence of macular or other corneal diseases. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), central corneal thickness, intraocular pressure, patient characteristics, postprocessing endothelial cell count, donor graft data, and complications were compared. RESULTS: CDVA showed similar results for pDMEK (0.12 ± 0.11 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution [LogMAR]) and n-pDMEK (0.13 ± 0.13 LogMAR) (P = 0.827). Sixty-six percent of the pDMEK eyes and 57% of the n-pDMEK eyes achieved a VA of ≥0.1 LogMAR, and 95% and 97%, respectively, achieved a CDVA ≥0.3 LogMAR. The preoperative central corneal thickness of pDMEK and n-pDMEK (644 ± 62.2 μm, 660.5 ± 56.2 μm) decreased significantly after surgery (525.1 ± 43.6 μm, 526.5 ± 45.2 μm, P < 0.001), with no difference between groups (P = 0.840). The postprocessing endothelial cell count did not differ between pDMEK (2959.2 ± 182.9 cells/mm2) and n-pDMEK (2939.3 ± 278.7 cells/mm2) (P = 0.484). Complication rates were comparable with just the rebubbling performed in a minor procedure room showing a lower rate for pDMEK (13.16%) compared with n-pDMEK (33.33%) (P < 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: One-year clinical outcomes were similar between pDMEK and n-pDMEK procedures, rendering eye bank-prepared pDMEK tissues a useful tool in the treatment of endothelial dysfunction.
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Chang Y-H, Staffa SJ, Yavuz Saricay L, Zurakowski D, Gise R, Dagi LR. Sensitivity, specificity and cutoff identifying optic atrophy by macular ganglion cell layer volume in syndromic craniosynostosis. Ophthalmology 2023;Abstract
PURPOSE: Determine sensitivity, specificity, and cut-off of macular ganglion cell layer (GCL) volume consistent with optic atrophy in children with syndromic craniosynostosis (CS). Investigate whether obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), Chiari malformation, history of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), CS diagnosis, age, or sex independently alter GCL volume with CS. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: Patients with syndromic CS evaluated at Boston Children's Hospital (2010 - 2022) with reliable macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans. METHODS: Latest ophthalmic examination that included OCT macula scans was identified. Age at examination, sex, ethnicity, best-corrected logMAR visual acuity, cycloplegic refraction, and funduscopic optic nerve appearance were recorded in addition to history of primary or recurrent elevated ICP, Chiari malformation and OSA. Spectral domain-OCT software quantified segmentation of macula retinal layers, and was manually checked. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was determining sensitivity, specificity and optimal cutoff of GCL volume consistent with optic atrophy. Secondary outcome was determining possible independent association of previously elevated ICP, OSA, Chiari, CS diagnosis, logMAR acuity, age, or sex with altered GCL volume. RESULTS: Median age at examination was 11.9 years (interquartile range (IQR), 8.5-14.8 years). Fifty-eight of 61 patients had reliable macula scans, 74% were female, and diagnoses were Apert (n=14); Crouzon (n=17); Muenke (n=6); Pfeiffer (n= 6); and Saethre-Chotzen (n=15). Optimal cutoff identifying optic atrophy was GCL volume <1.02mm3 with a sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 77%. Univariate analysis demonstrated significantly lower macular GCL volume with optic atrophy on fundus exam (P<0.001), Apert syndrome (P<0.001), history of elevated ICP (P=0.015), Chiari malformation (P=0.001), OSA (P<0.001), in males (P=0.027) and with worse logMAR acuity (-0.36, P<0.001). Multivariable median regression analysis confirmed that only OSA (P=0.005), optic atrophy on fundus exam (P=0.003), and worse logMAR acuity (P=0.042) independently associated with lower GCL volume. CONCLUSIONS: Macular GCL volume <1.02mm3 predicted optic atrophy in patients with CS with sensitive of 83% and specificity of 77%. OSA, a treatable often concomitant disorder, was independently associated with lower GCL volume. Surveillance for optic neuropathy by GCL volume proved effective in a population where cognitive skills can limit acquisition of other key ophthalmic measures.
Chang DS-T, Jiang Y, Kim JA, Huang S, Munoz B, Aung T, He M, Foster PJ, Friedman D. Cataract progression after Nd:YAG laser iridotomy in primary angle-closure suspect eyes. Br J Ophthalmol 2023;107(9):1264-1268.Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Prophylactic laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) is performed in primary angle-closure suspect (PACS) eyes to prevent acute angle-closure attacks. However, accelerated cataractogenesis is a potential risk of the procedure that may result in decreased visual acuity. We aimed to assess the long-term impact of LPI on cataract formation in Chinese PACS. METHODS: In the Zhongshan Angle Closure Prevention Trial, eligible bilateral PACS participants received LPI in one randomly selected eye, while the fellow eye remained untreated. Cataract was graded using the Lens Opacity Classification System III, and progression was defined as an increase in grade by at least two units in any category or cataract surgery. RESULTS: In total, 889 participants were randomly assigned to LPI in one eye only (mean age 59±5 years, 83% female). At 72 months, treated eyes had slightly higher average nuclear grades (p<0.001). However, there were no differences between eyes for predefined cataract progression (cumulative probability at 72 months: 21.2% in LPI vs 19.4% in control, p=0.401) or cataract surgery (1% for both). While LPI-treated eyes had a 10% higher risk of progression over 6 years (HR=1.10 (95% CI 0.88 to 1.36)), this was not statistically significant. Visual acuity at 72 months was similar in treated and untreated eyes (p=0.43). CONCLUSION: Although lenses were graded on average as slightly more opaque in laser-treated eyes, prophylactic neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet LPI did not cause significant cataract progression. Our results suggest that LPI treatment of asymptomatic narrow angles does not increase the risk of developing clinically meaningful cataract worsening over time. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN45213099.
Chang EK, Chiou CA, Lefebvre DR, Stagner AM. A Rapidly Expanding Hemorrhagic BRAF-Mutant Orbital Atypical Glomus Tumor. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg 2024;40(1):e11-e14.Abstract
A healthy 32-year-old woman presented with the acute onset of left sided eye pain, upper eyelid fullness, and binocular diplopia during light weightlifting. Examination elevated intraocular pressure, proptosis, upper eyelid ptosis, and motility deficits. CT demonstrated a well-circumscribed, homogeneous-appearing extraconal mass in the superior left orbit. The patient underwent an urgent orbitotomy with the excision of a hemorrhagic mass. Histopathology showed a glomus tumor with atypical features and hemorrhagic infarction, best classified as having uncertain malignant potential. A B-Raf proto-oncogene V600E mutation was detected with immunohistochemistry, which suggests a more aggressive tumor behavior yet presents an opportunity for targeted primary or adjunctive therapy. This is the first reported case of a B-Raf proto-oncogene-mutant atypical glomus tumor arising in the orbit.
Chen A, Gluckstein JA, Gittinger JW. Seeing Past the Disc. J Neuroophthalmol 2023;
Cullen PF, Mazumder AG, Sun D, Flanagan JG. Rapid isolation of intact retinal astrocytes: a novel approach. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023;11(1):154.Abstract
Astrocytes are a major category of glial support cell in the central nervous system and play a variety of essential roles in both health and disease. As our understanding of the diverse functions of these cells improves, the extent of heterogeneity between astrocyte populations has emerged as a key area of research. Retinal astrocytes, which form the direct cellular environment of retinal ganglion cells somas and axons, undergo a reactive response in both human glaucoma and animal models of the disease, yet their contributions to its pathology and progression remain relatively unknown. This gap in knowledge is largely a function of inadequate isolation techniques, driven in part by the sparseness of these cells and their similarities with the more abundant retinal Müller cells. Here, we present a novel method of isolating retinal astrocytes and enriching their RNA, tested in both normal and ocular hypertensive mice, a common model of experimental glaucoma. Our approach combines a novel enzyme assisted microdissection of retinal astrocytes with selective ribosome immunoprecipitation using the Ribotag method. Our microdissection method is rapid and preserves astrocyte morphology, resulting in a brief post-mortem interval and minimizing loss of RNA from distal regions of these cells. Both microdissection and Ribotag immunoprecipitation require a minimum of specialized equipment or reagents, and by using them in conjunction we are able to achieve > 100-fold enrichment of astrocyte RNA.
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Dissing-Olesen L, Walker AJ, Feng Q, Barr HJ, Walker AC, Xie L, Wilton DK, Das I, Benowitz LI, Stevens B. FEAST: A flow cytometry-based toolkit for interrogating microglial engulfment of synaptic and myelin proteins. Nat Commun 2023;14(1):6015.Abstract
Although engulfment is a hallmark of microglia function, fully validated platforms that facilitate high-throughput quantification of this process are lacking. Here, we present FEAST (Flow cytometric Engulfment Assay for Specific Target proteins), which enables interrogation of in vivo engulfment of synaptic material by brain resident macrophages at single-cell resolution. We optimize FEAST for two different analyses: quantification of fluorescent material inside live cells and of engulfed endogenous proteins within fixed cells. To overcome false-positive engulfment signals, we introduce an approach suitable for interrogating engulfment in microglia from perfusion-fixed tissue. As a proof-of-concept for the specificity and versatility of FEAST, we examine the engulfment of synaptic proteins after optic nerve crush and of myelin in two mouse models of demyelination (treatment with cuprizone and injections of lysolecithin). We find that microglia, but not brain-border associated macrophages, engulf in these contexts. Our work underscores how FEAST can be utilized to gain critical insight into functional neuro-immune interactions that shape development, homeostasis, and disease.
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Faria V, Talbert C, Goturi N, Borsook D, Lebel A, Kaptchuk TJ, Kirsch I, Kelley JM, Moulton EA. Placebos in pediatrics: A cross-sectional survey investigating physicians' perspectives. J Psychosom Res 2023;172:111421.Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Placebo responses are significantly higher in children than in adults, suggesting a potential underused treatment option in pediatric care. To facilitate the clinical translation of these beneficial effects, we explored physicians' current practice, opinions, knowledge, and likelihood of recommending placebos in the future. METHODS: A cross-sectional web-based survey administered by REDCap was conducted at Boston Children's Hospital between October 2021 and March 2022. Physicians (n = 1157) were invited to participate through an email containing a link to a 23-item survey designed to assess physicians' attitudes and perceptions towards the clinical use of placebo in pediatrics. RESULTS: From 207 (18%) returned surveys, 109 (9%) were fully completed. Most respondents (79%) believed that enhancing the therapeutic components that contribute to the placebo response may be a way of improving pediatric care. However, whereas most (62%) found placebo treatments permissible, only one-third reported recommending them. In pediatrics, placebos are typically introduced as a medicine that "might help" (43%). The most common treatments recommended to enhance placebo effects are physical therapy, vitamins, and over-the-counter analgesics. Physicians most frequently recommend placebos for occasional pain, headaches, and anxiety disorders. Finally, the great majority of physicians (87%) stated they would be more likely to recommend placebo treatments if there were safety and ethical guidelines for open-label placebos. CONCLUSIONS: Placebo treatments seem permissible to physicians in pediatric care, but the development of safety and ethical guidelines may be necessary before physicians systematically incorporate the benefits of the placebo effect in pediatrics.
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Gomes PJ, Ciolino JB, Arranz P, Gonzalo A, Fernández N, Hernández G. Bilastine 0.6% preservative-free eye drops, an effective once-daily treatment to reduce signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis: A pooled analysis of two randomized clinical trials. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2023;Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Allergic conjunctivitis is the most common type of ocular allergy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a new once-daily, preservative-free, bilastine 0.6% eye drop formulation for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. METHODS: Two double-masked, vehicle controlled, clinical studies (a Phase 2 Dose Ranging Study and a Phase 3 Efficacy Study) were conducted to assess the efficacy of bilastine ophthalmic solution for the treatment of signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. Both studies used the Ora-CAC® Conjunctival Allergen Challenge (CAC) Model to allow observations of allergic responses under controlled conditions. Each study was analyzed separately and then combined to create an integrated dataset. RESULTS: Efficacy was achieved for the primary efficacy endpoint of ocular itching for three bilastine concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%) at 15 minutes and 8 hours post-instillation and bilastine 0.6% ophthalmic solution was also efficacious at 16 hours post-instillation. Bilastine 0.6% ophthalmic solution demonstrated non-inferiority to ketotifen 0.025% at the onset of action. From the integrated data set, differences between vehicle and bilastine 0.6% were significant at all time points both at onset (15 minutes) and at a prolonged duration (16 hours) after instillation. CONCLUSION: This multi-trial assessment suggests that bilastine 0.6% ophthalmic solution is efficacious for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, with a rapid and prolonged duration of action, and has a favorable safety profile. The added convenience of a once-a-day dosing regimen may contribute to patient adherence and improve their quality of life.
Goto S, Zhang Y, Vyas SA, Zhu Q, Wildsoet CF. Changes in Expression in BMP2 and Two Closely Related Genes in Guinea Pig Retinal Pigment Epithelium during Induction and Recovery from Myopia. Biomolecules 2023;13(9)Abstract
PURPOSE: We previously reported differential gene expression of the bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Bmp2) in guinea pig retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) after 1 day of hyperopic defocus, imposed with a negative contact lens (CLs). The study reported here sought to obtain insights into the temporal profiles of gene expression changes in Bmp2, as well as those of two closely related genes, the inhibitor of DNA binding 3 (Id3) and Noggin (Nog), both during myopia induction and when the CL treatment was terminated to allow recovery from induced myopia. METHODS: To induce myopia, 2-week-old pigmented guinea pigs (New Zealand strain, n = 8) wore monocular -10 diopter (D) rigid gas-permeable (RGP) CLs for one week, while the other eye served as a control. Ocular measurements were made at baseline, 3 days, and 7 days after the initiation of CL wear, with treatment then being terminated and additional measurements being made after a further 3 days, 1 week, and 2 weeks. Spherical equivalent refractive errors (SERs), axial length (AL), choroidal thickness (ChT), and scleral thickness (ScT) data were collected using retinoscopy, optical biometry (Lenstar), and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), respectively. RPE samples were collected from both eyes of the guinea pigs after either 1 day or 1 week of CL wear or 1 day or 2 weeks after its termination, and RNA was subsequently isolated and subjected to quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses, targeting the Bmp2, Id3, and Nog genes. RESULTS: Mean interocular differences (treated-control) in AL and SER were significantly different from baseline after 3 and 7 days of CL wear, consistent with induced myopia (p < 0.001 for all cases). Termination of CL wear resulted in the normalization (i.e., recovery) of the ALs and SERs of the treated eyes within 7 days, and the earlier significant ChT thinning with CL wear (p = 0004, day 7) was replaced by rapid thickening, which remained significant on day 7 (p = 0.009) but had normalized by day 14. The ChT changes were much smaller in magnitude than the AL changes in both phases. Interocular differences in the ScT showed no significant changes. The Bmp2 and Id3 genes were both significantly downregulated with CL wear, after 1 day (p = 0.012 and 0.016) and 7 days (p = 0.002 and 0.005), while Bmp2 gene expression increased and Nog gene expression decreased after the termination of CL wear, albeit transiently, which was significant on 1 day (p = 0.004 and 0.04) but not 2 weeks later. No change in Id3 gene expression was observed over the latter period. Conclusions: The above patterns of myopia induction and recovery validate this negative RGP-CL model as an alternative to traditional spectacle lens models for guinea pigs. The defocus-driven, sign-dependent changes in the expression of the Bmp2 gene in guinea pig RPE are consistent with observations in chicks and demonstrate the important role of BMP2 in eye growth regulation.
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Heinzman Z, Linton E, Marín-Franch I, Turpin A, Alawa K, Wijayagunaratne A, Wall M. Validation of the Iowa Head-Mounted Open-Source Perimeter. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023;12(9):19.Abstract
PURPOSE: To assess the validity of visual field (VF) results from the Iowa Head-Mounted Display (HMD) Open-Source Perimeter and to test the hypothesis that VF defects and test-retest repeatability are similar between the HMD and Octopus 900 perimeters. METHODS: We tested 20 healthy and nine glaucoma patients on the HMD and Octopus 900 perimeters using the Open Perimetry Interface platform with size V stimuli, a custom grid spanning the central 26° of the VF, and a ZEST thresholding algorithm. Historical data from the Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) were also analyzed. Repeatability was analyzed with the repeatability coefficient (RC), and VF defect detection was determined through side-by-side comparisons. RESULTS: The pointwise RCs were 2.6 dB and 3.4 dB for the HMD and Octopus 900 perimeters in ocular healthy subjects, respectively. Likewise, the RCs were 4.2 dB and 3.5 dB, respectively, in glaucomatous patients. Limits of agreement between the HMD and Octopus 900 perimeters were ±4.6 dB (mean difference, 0.4 dB) for healthy patients and ±8.9 dB (mean difference, 0.1 dB) for glaucomatous patients. Retrospective analysis showed that pointwise RCs on the HFA2 perimeter were between 3.4 and 3.7 dB for healthy patients and between 3.9 and 4.7 dB for glaucoma patients. VF defects were similar between the HMD and Octopus 900 for glaucoma subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The Iowa Virtual Reality HMD Open-Source Perimeter is as repeatable as the Octopus 900 perimeter and is a more portable and less expensive alternative than traditional perimeters. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: This study demonstrates the validity of the visual field results from the Iowa HMD Open-Source Perimeter which may help expand perimetry access.
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Jacoba CMP, Salongcay RP, Aquino LAC, Salva CMG, Saunar AV, Alog GP, Peto T, Silva PS. Comparisons of handheld retinal imaging devices with ultrawide field images for determining diabetic retinopathy severity. Acta Ophthalmol 2023;101(6):670-678.Abstract
PURPOSE: To compare diabetic retinopathy (DR) severity identified on handheld retinal imaging with ultrawide field (UWF) images. METHODS: Mydriatic images of 225 eyes of 118 diabetic patients were prospectively imaged with the Aurora (AU) handheld retinal camera [5-field protocol (macula-centred, disc-centred, temporal, superior, inferior)] and compared with UWF images. Images were classified based on the international classification for DR. Sensitivity, specificity, kappa statistics (K/Kw) were calculated on an eye and person-level. RESULTS: Distribution of DR severity by AU/UWF images (%) by eye was no DR 41.3/36.0, mild non-proliferative DR (NPDR) 18.7/17.8, moderate 10.2/10.7, severe 16.4/15.1, proliferative DR (PDR) 13.3/20.4. Agreement between UWF and AU was exact in 64.4%, within 1-step 90.7%, k = 0.55 (95% CI:0.45-0.65), and kw = 0.79 (95% CI:0.73-0.85) by eye, and exact in 68%, within 1-step 92.9%, k = 0.58 (95% CI:0.50-0.66), and kw = 0.76 (95% CI:0.70-0.81) by person. Sensitivity/specificity for any DR, refDR, vtDR and PDR were as follows: 0.90/0.83, 0.90/0.97, 0.82/0.95 and 0.69/1.00 by person and 0.86/0.90, 0.84/0.98, 0.75/0.95 and 0.63/0.99 by eye. Handheld imaging missed 37% (17/46) eyes and 30.8% (8/26) persons with PDR. Only 3.9% (1/26) persons or 6.5% (3/46) eyes with PDR were missed if a referral threshold of moderate NPDR was used. CONCLUSIONS: Data from this study show that comparing UWF and handheld images, when PDR was the referral threshold for handheld devices, 37.0% of eyes or 30.8% of patients with PDR were missed. Due to the identification of neovascular lesions outside of the handheld fields, lower referral thresholds are needed if handheld devices are used.
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Kang J, De Arrigunaga S, Freeman SE, Zhao Y, Lin M, Liebman DL, Roldan AM, Kim JA, Chang DS, Friedman DS, Elze T. Comparison of Perimetric Outcomes from a Tablet Perimeter, Smart Visual Function Analyzer, and Humphrey Field Analyzer. Ophthalmol Glaucoma 2023;6(5):509-520.Abstract
PURPOSE: The tablet-based Melbourne Rapid Fields (MRF) visual field (VF) test and the IMOvifa Smart Visual Function Analyzer (SVFA) are portable perimeters that may allow for at-home monitoring and more frequent testing. We compared tablet and SVFA results with outputs from the Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) 24-2 Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm Standard program. DESIGN: Observational cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: Adult participants with a diagnosis of glaucoma, suspected glaucoma, or ocular hypertension seen in the Massachusetts Eye and Ear glaucoma clinic were enrolled. All participants were reliable and experienced HFA testers. METHODS: Participants were tested with the SVFA and HFA. The study staff also trained participants on the MRF tablet with instructions to take weekly tests at home for 3 months. Visual field results from the 3 devices were compared. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean deviation (MD), pattern standard deviation (PSD), reliability parameters, and point sensitivity. RESULTS: Overall, 79 participants (133 eyes) with a mean age of 61 ± 13 years (range, 26-79 years) were included; 59% of the participants were female, and the mean HFA MD was -2.7 ± 3.9 dB. The global indices of MD and PSD did not significantly vary between HFA and the 2 novel devices, except that the tablet VF reported a 0.6 dB higher PSD compared with HFA. However, tablet and SVFA sensitivities significantly differed from those of the HFA at 36 and 39 locations, respectively, out of 52 locations. Relative to HFA, the tablet overestimated light sensitivity in the nasal field while underestimating the temporal field. The SVFA generally underestimated light sensitivity, but its results were more similar to HFA results compared with the tablet. CONCLUSIONS: Although average MD values from the 2 novel devices suggest that they provide similar results to the HFA, point-by-point comparisons highlight notable deviations. Differences in specific point sensitivity values were significant, especially between the tablet and the other 2 devices. These differences may in part be explained by differences in the devices' normative databases as well as how MD is calculated. However, the tablet had substantial differences based on location, indicating that the tablet design itself may be responsible for differences in local sensitivities. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Lains I, Ung C, Gong D, Parikh D, Eliott D. Polychromatic Aqueous and Vitreous Crystals Due to Phacolytic Glaucoma in a Patient With Marfan Syndrome and Lens Dislocation. J Vitreoretin Dis 2023;7(5):435-439.Abstract
Purpose: To describe a patient with Marfan syndrome and crystalline lens luxation who developed phacolytic glaucoma with polychromatic crystals in the anterior chamber and vitreous. Methods: We present a retrospective case report. Results: A 58-year-old man with Marfan syndrome and crystalline lens luxation since childhood presented with 2 days of pain in the left eye. The visual acuity was 20/30 OS with an aphakic contact lens, and the intraocular pressure (IOP) was 31 mm Hg. Polychromatic crystals were evident in the anterior chamber and vitreous. The retina was attached. Despite medical treatment, the IOP remained elevated; therefore, a pars plana vitrectomy and lensectomy were performed. At the last follow-up, the IOP was normal and the retina remained attached. Conclusions: Phacolytic glaucoma can be seen in eyes with a subluxated or luxated mature or hypermature lens. In these rare cases, iridescent crystals can be observed in the aqueous and vitreous. Vitrectomy with lensectomy is the definitive treatment.

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