The Eye as the Window to the Heart: Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Biomarkers as Indicators of Cardiovascular Disease.

Alterations in microvasculature represent some of the earliest pathological processes across a wide variety of human diseases. In many organs, however, inaccessibility and difficulty in directly imaging tissues prevent the assessment of microvascular changes, thereby significantly limiting their translation into improved patient care. The eye provides a unique solution by allowing for the non-invasive and direct visualization and quantification of many aspects of the human microvasculature, including biomarkers for structure, function, hemodynamics, and metabolism.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Antagonists: Promising Players in the Treatment of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treatment has been revolutionized by the introduction of vascular endothelial growth factor antagonists (anti-VEGF), but the need for frequent intravitreal injections poses a heavy burden to patients and physicians. Evolving anti-VEGF therapies include longer duration agents, approaches that target multiple pathways, topical anti-VEGF agents, sustained-release, and genetic therapies. Abicipar pegol, a designed ankyrin repeat protein (DARPin), demonstrated the ability to maintain stable visual acuity with 12-week dosing, but was not approved by the FDA due to higher than usual rates of intraocular inflammation.

Circadian Rhythm and Glaucoma: What do We Know?

Purpose: The current understanding of circadian regulation disorders and their involvement in glaucoma pathophysiology are poorly understood, yet they may have a substantial impact on the onset and progression of glaucoma. Herein, we review and summarize all the available literature on circadian rhythm disorder and glaucoma to uncover the impact on glaucoma risk, and we highlight future research and potential novel targets for glaucoma management.

Materials And Methods: A review of the relevant literature was performed through PubMed through August 1, 2019.

EFFICACY OF DEXAMETHASONE INTRAVITREAL IMPLANT FOR REFRACTORY MACULAR EDEMA CAUSED BY RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION.

Purpose: To investigate efficacy of dexamethasone intravitreal (DEX) implant in treating refractory macular edema caused by retinal vein occlusion.

Methods: Retrospective chart review.

Results: Twenty-two eyes with refractory macular edema caused by retinal vein occlusion were treated with a mean of 2.