Predicting central choroidal thickness from colour fundus photographs using deep learning.

The estimation of central choroidal thickness from colour fundus images can improve disease detection. We developed a deep learning method to estimate central choroidal thickness from colour fundus images at a single institution, using independent datasets from other institutions for validation. A total of 2,548 images from patients who underwent same-day optical coherence tomography examination and colour fundus imaging at the outpatient clinic of Jichi Medical University Hospital were retrospectively analysed.

An AI model to estimate visual acuity based solely on cross-sectional OCT imaging of various diseases.

Purpose: To develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model for estimating best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using horizontal and vertical optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans of various retinal diseases and examine factors associated with its accuracy.

Methods: OCT images and associated BCVA measurements from 2,700 OCT images (accrued from 2004 to 2018 with an Atlantis, Triton; Topcon, Tokyo, Japan) of 756 eyes of 469 patients and their BCVA were retrospectively analysed. For each eye, one horizontal and one vertical OCT scan in cross-line mode were used.

Deep-learning-based AI for evaluating estimated nonperfusion areas requiring further examination in ultra-widefield fundus images.

We herein propose a PraNet-based deep-learning model for estimating the size of non-perfusion area (NPA) in pseudo-color fundus photos from an ultra-wide-field (UWF) image. We trained the model with focal loss and weighted binary cross-entropy loss to deal with the class-imbalanced dataset, and optimized hyperparameters in order to minimize validation loss. As expected, the resultant PraNet-based deep-learning model outperformed previously published methods.

Atypical Focal Choroidal Excavation with Macular Hole in a Patient with Alagille Syndrome.

This study is aimed at reporting a rare and unusual focal choroidal excavation with a macular hole in a patient with Alagille syndrome (AGS). A 21-year-old woman with an established early-life AGS diagnosis was referred to our hospital prior to liver transplantation. Examination revealed best-corrected visual acuity of 16/20 and 20/20 in the right and left eye, respectively.

Cytokine profiles of macular neovascularization in the elderly based on a classification from a pachychoroid/drusen perspective.

Purpose: To classify macular neovascularization (MNV) based on pachychoroid and drusen features and to examine the aqueous humor cytokine signatures of each group.

Methods: In total, 106 consecutive eyes with treatment-naïve MNV and 104 control eyes were examined. The aqueous humor concentrations of 15 cytokines were compared among the MNV groups classified based on the presence of drusen and/or pachychoroid features.

Predicting the likelihood of need for future keratoplasty intervention using artificial intelligence.

Objective: To apply artificial intelligence (AI) for automated identification of corneal condition and prediction of the likelihood of need for future keratoplasty intervention from optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based corneal parameters.

Design: Cohort study.

Participants: We collected 12,242 corneal OCT images from 3162 subjects using CASIA OCT Imaging Systems (Tomey, Japan).

Half-dose photodynamic therapy for serous non-neovascular retinal pigment epithelial detachment.

To investigate the efficacy of half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) for treating symptomatic serous non-neovascular pigment epithelial detachment (PED) and to identify factors associated with treatment outcome. This is a single-institute retrospective case series involving 12 eyes of 12 consecutive patients with serous non-neovascular PED who received half-dose PDT. We investigated the temporal change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the anatomic outcomes of PED, including recurrence, central choroidal thickness (CCT), and also choroidal thickness as a possible factor associated with treatment outcome.

Keratoconus severity identification using unsupervised machine learning.

We developed an unsupervised machine learning algorithm and applied it to big corneal parameters to identify and monitor keratoconus stages. A big dataset of corneal swept source optical coherence tomography (OCT) images of 12,242 eyes acquired from SS-1000 CASIA OCT Imaging Systems in multiple centers across Japan was assembled. A total of 3,156 eyes with valid Ectasia Status Index (ESI) between zero and 100% were selected for the downstream analysis.

Applying artificial intelligence to disease staging: Deep learning for improved staging of diabetic retinopathy.

Purpose: Disease staging involves the assessment of disease severity or progression and is used for treatment selection. In diabetic retinopathy, disease staging using a wide area is more desirable than that using a limited area. We investigated if deep learning artificial intelligence (AI) could be used to grade diabetic retinopathy and determine treatment and prognosis.

An unusual presentation of concurrent congenital grouped pigmentation of the retina with albinotic spots.

A 10-year-old Japanese girl presented with multiple, small, flat, dark brown clusters of retinal pigment epithelium in both eyes. She had no other symptoms. The appearance was consistent with congenital grouped pigmentation of the retina or bear track spots.

Acute macular neuroretinopathy in a 15-year-old boy: optical coherence tomography and visual acuity findings.

Purpose: To report a case of acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) in a 15-year-old boy.

Methods: Images were obtained with fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Results: The patient complained of blurred vision and a small central scotoma in the left eye.

Ocular findings in two siblings with Joubert syndrome.

We describe two brothers with Joubert syndrome (JS). JS diagnosis was made on the basis of neurological findings and the presence of the characteristic "molar tooth sign", which was subsequently confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. Both brothers demonstrated ptosis, hypotropia, exotropia, and horizontal pendular nystagmus.

Correlations between choroidal abnormalities, Lisch nodules, and age in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1.

To evaluate correlations between choroidal abnormalities, Lisch nodules, and age in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), we examined ten cases with NF1 using near-infrared reflectance imaging. Patients ranged in age from 4 to 39 years. The angle used for near-infrared reflectance imaging was 55°.

Changes in optical coherence tomography findings in acute zonal occult outer retinopathy.

Purpose: To report a case of acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR) in a 39-year-old woman.

Methods: Images were obtained with fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT). A multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) was also obtained to evaluate retinal function.

Rare and unusual choroidal abnormalities in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Purpose: To report a case of rare and unusual choroidal abnormalities in a 42-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: Images were obtained using fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, near-infrared reflectance (NIR) imaging, and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Results: The patient had a history of SLE and central retinal artery occlusion in her right eye.

Retinal microvascular abnormalities in neurofibromatosis type 1 associated with congenital retinal macrovessels.

Here, we report a case of retinal microvascular abnormalities in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) associated with congenital retinal macrovessels. An abnormal retinal macrovessel, crossing the macula horizontally, was detected in the right eye. Additionally, retinal microvascular abnormalities were detected.

Prepapillary vascular loop associated with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous.

A 66-year-old woman was referred for evaluation of retinal vessel abnormality. She had no visual symptoms. The anterior segment showed a retrolental opacity in her right eye.

Optical coherence tomography imaging of choroidal abnormalities in neurofibromatosis type 1.

We report a case of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) examined by infrared fundus autofluorescence (IR-FAF) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to characterize the associated choroidal abnormalities. The conventional ophthalmoscopic findings were unremarkable. However, IR-FAF revealed multiple bright patchy lesions in the choroid of the posterior pole, in both eyes.

An optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence imaging study of peripapillary acute zonal occult outer retinopathy.

Purpose: To evaluate peripapillary acute zonal occult outer retinopathy in a 67-year-old man.

Methods: Images were obtained using fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Visual field testing and multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) were also performed to evaluate retinal function.

Optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence imaging study of chorioretinal atrophy involving the macula in Alagille syndrome.

We report the first case in the literature of chorioretinal atrophy involving the macula in an 11-year-old girl with Alagille syndrome, as examined by optical coherence tomography, and fundus autofluorescence imaging. Funduscopy revealed diffuse choroidal hypopigmentation with increased visibility of the choroidal vessels and symmetric, well circumscribed macular discoloration. Anomalous oblique configuration of the optic disc and peripapillary tortuous vessels were also detected.