Visual Performance and Predictive OCT Biomarkers in Epiretinal Membrane Assessment: Beyond Distance Visual Acuity.

Purpose: This study aimed to comprehensively assess visual performance in eyes with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM). Additionally, it sought to explore the associations between optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging biomarkers and visual performance in patients with iERM.

Methods: In this prospective, non-interventional study, 57 participants with treatment-naïve iERM from the University of Turin, between September 2023 and March 2024 were enrolled.

Choriocapillaris flow in two different patterns of exudative type 1 macular neovascularization.

Background: To compare the characteristics of type 1 macular neovascularization (MNV) and the surrounding choriocapillaris (CC) perfusion in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) versus those with pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA).

Methods: This retrospective study included 64 treatment-naïve eyes (37 nAMD, 27 PNV) with type 1 MNV. SS-OCTA images were analysed to measure MNV area and perimeter, and CC flow deficits (FD) in five concentric rings surrounding the lesion.

Deep learning model for automatic detection of different types of microaneurysms in diabetic retinopathy.

Purpose: This study aims to develop a deep-learning-based software capable of detecting and differentiating microaneurysms (MAs) as hyporeflective or hyperreflective on structural optical coherence tomography (OCT) images in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).

Methods: A retrospective cohort of 249 patients (498 eyes) diagnosed with NPDR was analysed. Structural OCT scans were obtained using the Heidelberg Spectralis HRA + OCT device.

Topographical Quantification of Hyper-Reflective Foci May Predict the Development of Macular Atrophy in Patients With Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was o examine the optical coherence tomographic (OCT) characteristics of hyper-reflective foci (HRF) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and to assess the potential of HRF as a predictive factor for the development of macular atrophy following anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy.

Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 61 treatment-naïve eyes diagnosed with exudative AMD and type 1 macular neovascularization (MNV). The HRF was identified in the inner retina and outer retina layers, and the treatment response of HRF was documented.

Insights from a National Survey on Controlled Substance Diversion Practices in U.S. Hospital Pharmacies: Opportunities for Enhanced Surveillance and Compliance.

This study explored controlled substance (CS) diversion surveillance practices within hospital pharmacies across the United States. A survey with questions based on published CS diversion risk points was conducted in May 2024. A total of 66 participants from 31 states responded, with 54.

Seronegative Vaccinees May Not Benefit From Multiple Booster Doses of MMR Vaccine in Restoring Immunity.

Despite the availability of a highly efficacious vaccine, a global resurgence of measles infections has occurred, largely due to decreased vaccination coverage and waning immunity following the two-dose vaccination schedule. This study aims to assess the cellular immune response in individuals who did not respond to the two-dose MMR vaccine and evaluate the efficacy and durability of immune responses after booster doses. An observational study was conducted involving 24 individuals who were seronegative for measles years after completing the two-dose MMR vaccine schedule.

The Umbra and the Penumbra: Longitudinal Effects of Geographic Atrophy in AMD on the Outer Choroid by Imaging Analysis and Histopathological Correlation.

Purpose: To quantitate regional changes in the outer choroidal vessels in patients with geographic atrophy (GA) in AMD and to correlate with a histopathological donor sample.

Methods: We analyzed 35 participants with GA for in vivo analysis and 1 participant with subject for histopathological analysis. Participants underwent three structural optical coherence tomography scans spaced 6 months apart over 1 year.

Non-exudative OCT findings in neovascular AMD.

In this narrative review we describe the main optical coherence tomography biomarkers appearing in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that do not directly correspond to exudation. We highlight those signs that may mimic exudation and therefore do not require active treatment, such as outer retinal tubulations, pseudocysts, lipid globules, or hyporeflective wedges. Other signs may indicate impending exudation such as hyperreflective foci or shallow irregular retinal pigment epithelium elevation, and therefore should be carefully monitored.

Enhancing Outcomes in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment: An Economic Evaluation of Improving Medication Adherence for Buprenorphine Through Blister-Packaging.

Background: The opioid epidemic has severely impacted the US over the last 15 years. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist indicated for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) and is recognized as an effective treatment when taken as prescribed. However, adherence rates have been low in real-world settings.

Micropulse Laser versus Eplerenone for Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A 12-Month Comparison.

Introduction: To compare the long-term efficacy of navigated subthreshold micropulse laser (NSML) and continuous oral eplerenone (EPL) in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC).

Methods: This retrospective observational study included 44 eyes with cCSC (EPL: n = 26; NSML: n = 18). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), subretinal fluid (SRF) height, and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) were evaluated over 12 months.

Symptomatic Vitreous Opacities: Exploring the Mismatch between Clinical Observation of Vitreous Alterations and Self-Reported Symptoms.

To assess the mismatch between the clinical observation of vitreous alterations and self-reported symptoms in young patients complaining of symptomatic vitreous opacities (SVO). The ophthalmic medical records of young patients presenting primarily with SVO were retrospectively evaluated. Symptoms severity was assessed using a questionnaire.

The no-retina-touch technique: vitrectomy and platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of lamellar macular hole. New insights into pathogenesis.

Purpose: To explore the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a potential therapeutic adjuvant strategy for treating degenerative lamellar macular holes (LMHs).

Design: A prospective interventional case series.

Methods: Seven consecutive patients (8 eyes) with a diagnosis of LMH underwent a pars-plana vitrectomy with PRP injection under air tamponade.

Improving Adherence and Reducing Health Care Costs Through Blister-Packaging: An Economic Model for a Commercially Insured Health Plan.

Purpose: To model the potential clinical and economic impact of blister-packaging medications for chronic conditions on medication adherence and healthcare costs in a commercially insured population.

Methods: A health economic model was developed to evaluate the potential impact of blister-packaging chronic medications for a commercially insured population. The chronic medication classes assessed were renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) antagonists, statins, non-insulin oral antidiabetics, and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

Longitudinal structural changes in central serous chorioretinopathy: A multimodal imaging-based study.

Purpose: To analyse the longitudinal changes in imaging parameters in eyes with acute or chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).

Methods: This was a multicentric, retrospective, longitudinal, observational study in patients with a diagnosis of CSCR and having at least 4 years of follow-up. Trend in choroidal thickness (CT), area of double layer sign (DLS), area of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) alterations, and area of hyper-autofluorescence were analysed.

Estimating the economic impact of blister-packaging on medication adherence and health care costs for a Medicare Advantage health plan.

Background: Medication nonadherence is a persistent challenge in the United States, leading to increased health care resource utilization (HCRU) and health care costs and worsened health outcomes. Medicare Star Ratings is a program developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to evaluate Medicare health plan quality and performance. Three of the Medicare Part D Star Ratings quality measures assess medication adherence, showing the importance CMS places on improving medication adherence in older adults.

Topographical Quantification of Retinal Fluid in Type 3 MNV and Associations With Short-Term Visual Outcomes.

Purpose: This study aims to quantify the volume of intraretinal fluid (IRF), subretinal fluid (SRF), and subretinal pigment epithelium (sub-RPE) fluid in treatment-naïve Type 3 macular neovascularization (MNV) eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to investigate the correlation of these fluid volumes with visual acuity (VA) outcomes at baseline and following antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment.

Design: Retrospective, clinical cohort study.

Methods: In this study, we analyzed patients diagnosed with exudative AMD and treatment-naïve Type 3 MNV undergoing a loading dose of anti-VEGF therapy.

Interreader and Intermodality Variability in Macular Atrophy Quantification in Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration: Comparison of 6 Imaging Modalities.

Purpose: Macular atrophy is a common complication in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and is associated with poorer visual outcomes. This study evaluated interreader and intermodality variability in measuring macular atrophy in previously treated neovascular AMD eyes without exudation using 6 imaging modalities.

Design: Prospective, cohort study.

Choriocapillaris in Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial disease characterized by progressive alterations of different retinal structures ultimately leading to vision loss. Among these, the choriocapillaris (CC) has been found to be affected in different stages of AMD. In this review we provide a discussion on the different stages of AMD, focusing particularly on the alterations involving the CC.

Vitrectomy in Small idiopathic MAcuLar hoLe (SMALL) study: conventional internal limiting membrane peeling versus inverted flap.

Background: To compare conventional internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling versus inverted flap technique in small idiopathic macular hole.

Methods: Retrospective, multicentre cohort study including consecutive eyes with a ≤250 μm idiopathic macular hole treated with primary vitrectomy. The primary outcome was best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) change and macular hole closure rate.

Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) associated with Paracentral Acute Middle Maculopathy (PAMM) and Cilioretinal Artery Occlusion (CILRAO): multimodal imaging of a newly described clinical association.

Purpose: To report multimodal imaging features of a novel association of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM), and cilioretinal artery occlusion (CILRAO).

Methods: A 74-year-old male patient presented complaining of an acute subjective decline in visual acuity in the right eye over the previous days. This patient underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological assessment, including multimodal retinal imaging and visual field test.

Comparison of diabetic retinopathy screening between hospital-based multidisciplinary and general practice-based settings: insights from a regional study in Italy.

Purpose: To compare diabetic retinopathy screening among patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes under care in two distinct setups: hospital-based multidisciplinary and general practice-based.

Materials And Methods: In this retrospective observational case series, we collected data from a total of 133 diabetic patients: subjects from the hospital-based multidisciplinary setting were referred by the diabetologist and screened by an ophthalmologist using the Optomed Aurora IQ fundus camera. These patients were compared with those who underwent DR screening arranged through a general practice-based setting.