Self-assessment of Knowledge vs. Real Reactions in Simulated Emergency Situations among Contact Lens Wearers in Switzerland.

Background: If used properly, contact lenses (CLs) provide a safe and effective alternative to eyeglasses for refractive error correction. However, often due to patient noncompliance, CL-related complications may occur, such as discomfort, dry eye, as well as serious conditions like infectious keratitis. Our study aimed to assess the perceived knowledge and behavior of CL wearers in Switzerland regarding the handling of CLs and associated ocular health risks.

Comparison of Analytical Methods for the Validation of the Sterility of Autologous Serum Eye Drops.

Purpose: For specific samples, there are different methods and requirements for testing sterility. Blood and blood products are analyzed using automated blood culture methods, while pharmacopeial sterility is assessed using membrane filtration or direct inoculation according to the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.

Exit Strategy for Treatment of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in a Real-World Setting: Wishful Thinking?

Introduction: To analyze our outcome for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with aflibercept in a treat-and-extend regimen pursuing an exit strategy (with best possible adherence to the "Bern" exit criteria) over 6 years in a real-world setting. The primary objective of the study was to investigate the proportion of patients who were able to achieve and maintain treatment exit.

Methods: This is a retrospective chart review study of treatment-naïve patients diagnosed with nAMD receiving intravitreal aflibercept injections performed at our department with at least 2 years of follow-up visits.

National Consensus on the Assessment of Visual Function for Driving in Switzerland.

Purpose: To establish a national consensus on assessing visual function for fitness to drive in Switzerland.

Methods: The minimum medical requirements for visual function for fitness to drive are regulated by Swiss Federal Law, namely, by the Traffic Licensing Ordinance (TLO). The medical examination techniques relevant in this context and their assessment are not further specified therein, which leads to legal inequality among drivers and uncertainty among examiners.

Long-Term Prevalence of Fungal Keratitis at a Swiss Tertiary Eye Clinic.

Fungal keratitis is a rare yet severe infection of the cornea. Fungal species distribution depends on the climate and socioeconomic status and can show regional variation. This retrospective single-center study was conducted at a tertiary eye care center and the collaborating Institute of Medical Microbiology in Switzerland.

Assessing PCR-Positive Acanthamoeba Keratitis-A Retrospective Chart Review.

Ophthalmologists' diagnostic and treatment competence in Acanthamoeba keratitis varies widely. This investigator-initiated, retrospective, single-center chart review examined the electronic patient files regarding PCR-positive Acanthamoeba keratitis. We included corneal and contact lens assessments.

Ophthalmological Outcomes in Patients with Susac Syndrome.

Background: To report ophthalmological outcomes and treatment regimen in patients with Susac syndrome.

Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of patients with Susac syndrome treated between November 2015 and March 2023. Multimodal imaging findings, ophthalmic examination data, information on neurological and sensorineural involvement, and therapeutic regimen were reviewed.

Evaluation of Increase in Retinal Thickness as Diagnostic Marker in Central Artery Occlusion.

Purpose: To evaluate the increase in retinal thickness as a marker in predicting the onset of central retinal artery occlusions.

Methods: Retrospective clinical study conducted at one Swiss hospital. Electronic records were filtered for patients with artery occlusions.

National Consensus on Contraindications for Corneal Donation for Transplantation in Switzerland.

Purpose: To establish a national consensus on contraindications for corneal donation for transplantation in Switzerland.

Methods: Swisstransplant (SWT), the Swiss national foundation coordinating tissue and organ donations, convened a working group consisting of six national corneal surgeons and eye bankers and donation experts to create a contraindication list for corneal donation. The group reviewed available national and international guidelines and recommendations, while adhering to Swiss law and transplant regulations.

A Novel Technique of Aseptic Manufacture of Autologous Serum Eye Drops (ASEDs) and Sterility Analysis of the Bottled Ophtioles.

Purpose: To introduce a novel technique of the aseptic manufacture of autologous serum eye drops (ASEDs) with a prefiltered closed system and to analyze the sterility of the produced ophtioles between 2018 and 2022.

Methods: This is a prospective single-center study conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology at a Swiss University Hospital between 2018 and 2022. For regulatory reasons, closed systems for manufacturing ASEDs are strongly recommended.

Analysis of Blood Flow in the Macula and Optic Nerve Head in Healthy Young Volunteers Using Laser Speckle Flowgraphy.

Purpose: To assess optic nerve head (ONH) and macular blood flow in young healthy volunteers using laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG).

Methods: This is a prospective single-center study conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich from May to November 2021. Young, healthy men aged ≥ 18 years without ocular or systemic diseases were included.

Natural Course of Solar and Laser-Associated Retinal and Macular Injuries at a Primary Care Hospital in Switzerland.

Background: Solar and laser-associated retinopathies are rare occurrences. The two retinopathies are both photo-induced but differ in the involved intensity and duration of exposure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and natural course of these two entities, with a focus on the changes in the outer retina over time.

Severe Complications after Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL).

Purpose: To present a case series of rare and severe complications after corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) of keratoconus patients.

Methods: Single-center descriptive case series covering the period of 2012 to 2022 at the Department of Ophthalmology at the University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.

Results: We present four eyes of four patients that showed severe unusual complications within the first month after CXL.

Analysis of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) Parameters in Young Adults after SARS-CoV-2 Infection (COVID-19) Compared with Healthy Young Controls.

Purpose: To compare retinal changes in young adults with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection with healthy young controls using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Methods: This prospective single-center study was conducted at the University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. Participants were imaged from May to November 2021 using the device (Visionix International SAS, Pont-de-l'Arche, France).

Anesthesia personnel's visual attention regarding patient monitoring in simulated non-critical and critical situations, an eye-tracking study.

Background: Cognitive ergonomics design of patient monitoring may reduce human factor errors in high-stress environments. Eye-tracking is a suitable tool to gain insight into the distribution of visual attention of healthcare professionals with patient monitors, which may facilitate their further development.

Methods: This prospective, exploratory, high-fidelity simulation study compared anesthesia personnel's visual attention (fixation count and dwell-time) to 15 areas of interest on the patient monitor during non-critical and critical anesthesia situations.

Faster Time to Treatment Decision of Viscoelastic Coagulation Test Results through Improved Perception with the Animated Visual Clot: A Multicenter Comparative Eye-Tracking Study.

As the interpretation of viscoelastic coagulation test results remains challenging, we created Visual Clot, an animated blood clot aiming to facilitate raw rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) parameters. This study investigated anesthesia personnel’s cognitive processing in managing simulated bleeding scenarios using eye-tracking technology. This multicenter, international, computer-based study across five large, central European hospitals included 35 participants with minimal to no prior experience interpreting viscoelastic test results.

Improving Visual-Patient-Avatar Design Prior to Its Clinical Release: A Mixed Qualitative and Quantitative Study.

Visual-Patient-avatar, an avatar-based visualisation of patient monitoring, is a newly developed technology aiming to promote situation awareness through user-centred design. Before the technology's introduction into clinical practice, the initial design used to validate the concept had to undergo thorough examination and adjustments where necessary. This mixed qualitative and quantitative study, consisting of three different study parts, aimed to create a design with high user acceptance regarding perceived professionalism and potential for identification while maintaining its original functionality.

Assessing Choroidal Nevi, Melanomas and Indeterminate Melanocytic Lesions Using Multimodal Imaging-A Retrospective Chart Review.

Using multimodal imaging, the literature proposed the following risk factors for choroidal nevus growth into melanoma: increased tumor thickness, subretinal fluid, decreased visual acuity, presence of orange pigment, ultrasound acoustic hollowness, and increased tumor diameter. This study investigated the presence of the mentioned risk factors in choroidal nevi, choroidal melanomas, and indeterminate choroidal melanocytic lesions. This retrospective, single-center chart review assessed choroidal melanocytic tumors with multimodal imaging.