The use of augmented reality and virtual reality for visual field expansion and visual acuity improvement in low vision rehabilitation: a systematic review.

Introduction: Developments in image processing techniques and display technology have led to the emergence of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)-based low vision devices (LVDs). However, their promise and limitations in low vision rehabilitation are poorly understood. The objective of this systematic review is to appraise the application of AR/VR LVDs aimed at visual field expansion and visual acuity improvement in low vision rehabilitation.

Validation of a portable, remotely delivered refraction approach compared to standard in-clinic refraction in a low-vision population.

Introduction: A low-vision assessment (LVA) is critical in developing a vision rehabilitation plan. A remotely delivered LVA that replicates a standard in-clinic assessment may bridge the gap for patients not accessing care due to the limited quantity and distribution of low-vision providers. Within an LVA, an accurate and consistent assessment of refraction error is an essential component.

Validation of the visual acuity iPad app Eye Chart Pro compared to the standard Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart in a low-vision population.

Introduction: A low-vision assessment (LVA) is central to developing a vision rehabilitation plan. However, access to LVAs is often limited by the quantity and geographic distribution of low-vision providers, as well as patient-centred transportation challenges. A tablet-based LVA tool kit, delivered virtually, has the potential to overcome many of these barriers.

Evaluating the efficacy of an educational ergonomics module for improving slit lamp positioning in ophthalmology residents.

Objective: To characterize changes in body positioning while performing a standardized slit lamp examination after exposure to an educational module on ergonomics.

Design: Prospective interventional pilot study.

Participants: Ten ophthalmology residents.

Punctal Plug Retention Rates for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Dry Eye: A Randomized, Double-Masked, Controlled Clinical Trial.

Purpose: To compare retention rates of Super Flex (Eagle Vision, Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Softplug-Oasis Medical Inc, Glendora, California, USA) vs Parasol (Odyssey Medical, Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Beaver Visitec International, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA) punctal plugs.

Design: Randomized, double-masked, interventional controlled clinical trial.

Methods: Institutional study at Hotel Dieu Hospital (Queen's University) of 50 eyes, from patients with moderate to severe dry eye.

Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive on a polyglactin scaffold in strabismus surgery: a laboratory study.

Background: The use of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives in strabismus surgery has been variously successful, depending primarily on achieving adequate bond strength and minimizing extraocular muscle slippage. We investigate a novel approach to this problem, involving cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive on a polyglactin 910 scaffold as a means to secure extraocular muscle to the sclera for strabismus surgery.

Methods: In this experimental laboratory study, butyl-cyanoacrylate was used to fix a polyglactin 910 scaffold to the sclera of cadaver eyes.

Predicting retinal tears in posterior vitreous detachment.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine whether patients with acute posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) who develop delayed retinal tears within the first 6 weeks after initial presentation have predictive characteristics.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Participants: All patients presenting to the Hotel Dieu Hospital Emergency Eye Clinic between September 2008 and July 2009 diagnosed with acute PVD were offered enrollment.

Visual function analysis in acute posterior vitreous detachment.

Objective: To determine whether the visual function of patients with posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)changes between the initial visit and a 6-week follow-up visit, and to compare their visual function with that of patients with macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma, low vision, cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, or diabetic retinopathy and a reference population.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Participants: All patients presenting to the Hotel Dieu Hospital Emergency Eye Clinic between September 2008 and June 2009 who were diagnosed with acute PVD were offered enrollment in the study.

Validation of patient symptom diary in acute posterior vitreous detachment.

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to determine the validity of an original patient symptom diary in recording symptoms of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, all patients presenting to the Hotel Dieu hospital emergency eye clinic between September 2008 and July 2009 diagnosed with acute PVD were offered enrollment in the study. Patients were given the Queen's University posterior vitreous detachment patient diary at the initial visit after detailed eye examination, assessment of risk factors for retinal tears and detachments and a thorough explanation of their presenting complaints to record their symptoms related to PVD.

Triaging herpes zoster ophthalmicus patients in the emergency department: do all patients require referral?

Objectives: The objective was to assess the predictive value of clinical signs and symptoms of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) for development of moderate to severe eye disease.

Methods: This was a prospective cohort multicenter study of 54 patients referred to the ophthalmology service after presenting to the emergency department (ED) or primary care clinic with a zosteriform rash of less than 10 days' duration. Upon referral to ophthalmology, easily assessable clinical signs and symptoms were documented.