Morphological changes in intraretinal microvascular abnormalities after anti-VEGF therapy visualized on optical coherence tomography angiography.

Background: To examine the baseline morphological characteristics and alterations in intraretinal microvascular abnormalities (IRMAs) in response to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment, documented by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in diabetic eyes.

Methods: In this retrospective study, IRMAs were evaluated with multimodal imaging (fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, OCTA) in treatment-naïve diabetic eyes before and after anti-VEGF treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME) and/or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and compared to diabetic control eyes with similar diabetic retinopathy (DR) severity that did not receive anti-VEGF therapy. The morphological characteristics of IRMAs on enface OCTA imaging were graded by masked readers at baseline, then after anti-VEGF therapy in treated eyes or after observation in control eyes.

iStent inject trabecular microbypass stent implantation with cataract extraction in open-angle glaucoma: early clinical experience.

Background: Retrospective, consecutive case series to evaluate the implantation of two second-generation trabecular microbypass stents in combination with cataract surgery in a real-world, clinical setting.

Methods: The series included 56 eyes implanted with the iStent inject device with phacoemulsification. The series consisted of eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma ( = 52) and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma ( = 4).

Deep learning-based analysis of macaque corneal sub-basal nerve fibers in confocal microscopy images.

Background: To develop and validate a deep learning-based approach to the fully-automated analysis of macaque corneal sub-basal nerves using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM).

Methods: IVCM was used to collect 108 images from 35 macaques. 58 of the images from 22 macaques were used to evaluate different deep convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures for the automatic analysis of sub-basal nerves relative to manual tracings.

Corneal transplantation outcomes after the extrusion of an intrastromal keratoprosthesis: a pilot study.

This short report includes 5 eyes of 5 patients (mean age 63.2 ± 12 years) who underwent a tectonic keratoplasty [deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) or penetrating keratoplasty (PK)] in order to rehabilitate the eye after the extrusion of the non-perforating keratoprosthesis (Kpro) KeraKlear (KeraMed, USA). The non-perforating Kpro was extruded after a mean period of 21.

Ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty versus Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty: a fellow-eye comparison.

Background: To compare the visual outcome and patients' satisfaction after ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) performed on fellow eyes of the same patients.

Methods: In this retrospective study, the records of 18 pseudophakic patients affected by Fuchs endothelial dystrophy who underwent DMEK in one eye and UT-DSAEK in the fellow eye were reviewed. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal pachymetry, keratometry, corneal aberrations, photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivity, and endothelial cell counts measured 12 months after surgery in either eye were analyzed and compared.

Current review of Excimer laser Trabeculostomy.

Background: Excimer laser trabeculostomy (ELT) is a microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) that creates multiple laser channels through the trabecular meshwork using a cold laser system, which minimizes tissue fibrosis and aids in bypassing the main area of resistance to aqueous outflow. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current body of evidence surrounding ELT in terms of efficacy and review the safety profile of the procedure.

Main Text: Studies screened had to show clear inclusion and exclusion criteria as well as well-defined outcome measures.

SARS-CoV-2 in the ocular surface of COVID-19 patients.

The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread globally, while the routes of transmission of this virus are still controversial. We enrolled 33 patients, without any ocular manifestation, with their ocular surface swabs collected for virus detection. RNA was detected strong positive in samples of both eyes from two patients.

Application of machine learning in ophthalmic imaging modalities.

In clinical ophthalmology, a variety of image-related diagnostic techniques have begun to offer unprecedented insights into eye diseases based on morphological datasets with millions of data points. Artificial intelligence (AI), inspired by the human multilayered neuronal system, has shown astonishing success within some visual and auditory recognition tasks. In these tasks, AI can analyze digital data in a comprehensive, rapid and non-invasive manner.

Different fundus imaging modalities and technical factors in AI screening for diabetic retinopathy: a review.

Background: Effective screening is a desirable method for the early detection and successful treatment for diabetic retinopathy, and fundus photography is currently the dominant medium for retinal imaging due to its convenience and accessibility. Manual screening using fundus photographs has however involved considerable costs for patients, clinicians and national health systems, which has limited its application particularly in less-developed countries. The advent of artificial intelligence, and in particular deep learning techniques, has however raised the possibility of widespread automated screening.

Artificial neural network to guide intracorneal ring segments implantation for keratoconus treatment: a pilot study.

Background: To analyze the clinical results of an artificial neural network (ANN) that has been processed in order to improve the predictability of intracorneal ring segments (ICRS) implantation in keratoconus.

Methods: This retrospective, comparative, nonrandomized, pilot, clinical study included a cohort of 20 keratoconic eyes implanted with intracorneal ring segments KeraRing (Mediphacos, Belo Horizonte, Brazil) using the ANN (ANN group) and 20 keratoconic eyes implanted with KeraRing using the manufacturer's nomograms (nomogram group). Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) (visual acuity is expressed in decimal value and in LogMAR value in brackets), manifest refraction, corneal topography, tomography, aberrometry, pachymetry and volume analysis (Sirius System.

A comprehensive Chinese experience against SARS-CoV-2 in ophthalmology.

The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has now swept through the continents and poses a global threat to public health. Several investigations have been conducted to identify whether COVID-19 can be transmitted through the ocular route, and the conclusion is that it is a potential route but remains uncertain. Due to the face-to-face communication with patients, frequent exposure to tears and ocular discharge, and the unavoidable use of equipment which requires close proximity, ophthalmologists carry a high risk of contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

A novel ophthalmic viscosurgical device-free phakic intraocular lens implantation makes myopic surgery safer.

Purpose: To assess the efficacy and safety of a novel ophthalmic viscosurgical device-free (OVD-free) method for posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) implantation in myopic eyes.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, the medical records of myopic eyes that underwent PIOL (Implantable Collamer Lens, ICL) implantation for myopia correction at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between May 2015 and March 2017 were reviewed. A total of 49 eyes with complete data that met follow up requirements (2 h, 1 day, 1 week, 3 months postoperatively) were recruited.

Decentration and tilt of plate-haptic multifocal intraocular lenses in myopic eyes.

Background: To investigate the decentration and tilt of plate-haptic multifocal intraocular lenses (MfIOLs) in myopic eyes.

Methods: Myopic (axial length [AXL] > 24.5 mm) and non-myopic (21.

Reduced macular inner retinal thickness and microvascular density in the early stage of patients with dysthyroid optic neuropathy.

Background: The goal was to investigate changes of the inner intra-retinal layer thicknesses and retinal capillary density (RCD) around the macula in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) patients with or without dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON).

Methods: Forty-four TAO patients including 23 non-DON and 21 DON patients, and 38 healthy participants were enrolled. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography equipped with Angiovue was used to obtain three-dimensional retinal thickness maps and microvascular images of the superficial and deep retinal capillary layers (SRCL and DRCL, respectively) around the macula.

In vivo confocal microscopy: qualitative investigation of the conjunctival and corneal surface in open angle glaucomatous patients undergoing the XEN-Gel implant, trabeculectomy or medical therapy.

Purpose: Assessing the quality of the ocular surface by in vivo scanning laser confocal microscopy (IVCM) in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients treated by Xen 45 Gel Stent, medical therapy and trabeculectomy.

Methods: Retrospective, single-center, single-masked, comparative study including 60 eyes of 30 patients (mean age 61.16 ± 10 years) affected by POAG.

Measurement of crystalline lens tilt in high myopic eyes before cataract surgery using swept-source optical coherence tomography.

Background: To measure the crystalline lens tilt in eyes with various degrees of myopia before cataract surgery using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT).

Methods: We used SS-OCT (IOLMaster 700) to scan 131 emmetropic eyes (axial length < 24.5 mm), 25 mild/moderate myopic eyes (axial length 24.

Effect of orthokeratology on precision and agreement assessment of a new swept-source optical coherence tomography biometer.

Background: To evaluate the effect of orthokeratology on precision of measurements in children using a new swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) optical biometer (OA-2000), and agreement between its measurements and those provided by the commonly used IOLMaster based on partial coherence interferometry (PCI).

Methods: This study recruited fifty-one eyes of 51 normal children (8-16 years). An operator took measurements with the two biometers.

Correction to: Faulty homocysteine recycling in diabetic retinopathy.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s40662-019-0167-9.].

Changes in higher order aberrations after central corneal regularization - a comparative two-year analysis of a semi-automated topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy combined with corneal cross-linking.

Background: The optical quality in progressive keratoconus deteriorates due to ectasia and distortion of the corneal shape and optics. While corneal cross-linking (CXL) aims at stopping disease progression, "CXL-Plus" combines CXL with excimer laser ablation to improve visual function. Central Corneal Regularization (CCR) represents a therapeutic excimer laser modality specifically designed to smoothen the ectatic corneal shape and to reduce higher order aberrations (HOA).

Evening exercise is associated with lower odds of visual field progression in Chinese patients with primary open angle glaucoma.

Background: Exercise is widely known to lower intraocular pressure and increase ocular blood flow, which may be beneficial for glaucoma management. However, there are few studies that have reported on the relationship between exercise and glaucoma progression. The aim of our study was to investigate the exercise habits of those with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and its association with the progression of visual field (VF) loss.

Biomechanical diagnostics of the cornea.

Corneal biomechanics has been a hot topic for research in contemporary ophthalmology due to its prospective applications in diagnosis, management, and treatment of several clinical conditions, including glaucoma, elective keratorefractive surgery, and different corneal diseases. The clinical biomechanical investigation has become of great importance in the setting of refractive surgery to identify patients at higher risk of developing iatrogenic ectasia after laser vision correction. This review discusses the latest developments in the detection of corneal ectatic diseases.

Clinically relevant factors associated with quantitative optical coherence tomography angiography metrics in deep capillary plexus in patients with diabetes.

Background: To test clinically relevant factors associated with quantitative artifact-free deep capillary plexus (DCP) metrics in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods: 563 eligible eyes (221 with no diabetic retinopathy [DR], 135 with mild DR, 130 with moderate DR, and 77 with severe DR) from 334 subjects underwent optical coherence tomography-angiography (OCT-A) with a swept-source OCT (Triton DRI-OCT, Topcon, Inc., Tokyo, Japan).

Aqueous deficiency is a contributor to evaporation-related dry eye disease.

Dry eye disease aetiologies can be classified dichotomously into aqueous deficient and evaporative types although many cases involve combinations of both. Differential diagnosis can be confounded by some features of dry eye disease being common to both aetiologies. For example, short tear break-up times are prime diagnostic findings of tear instability due to lipid and/or mucin deficiencies, but thin tear layers in aqueous deficient eyes also shorten tear break-up times, even at normal range rates of evaporation in eyes without lipid and/or mucin deficiencies.

Safety and efficacy outcomes of the Xen45 Gel Stent use for refractory glaucoma: a surgery series from surgeon trainees at a tertiary teaching hospital.

Background: To study the effect of an ab interno gelatin stent (XEN45 Gel Stent, Allergan Inc., Irvine, California, USA) on intraocular pressure (IOP) as placed by glaucoma fellowship trainees in eyes with refractory glaucoma.

Methods: A prospective noncomparative study at a tertiary training center on 28 unique eyes undergoing ab interno gelatin stent implantation by glaucoma fellowship trainees.

Design and baseline data of a population-based metabonomics study of eye diseases in eastern China: the Yueqing Ocular Diseases Investigation.

Background: China is undergoing a massive transition toward an urban and industrial economy. These changes will restructure the demographics and economy which will eventually influence the future patterns of disease. The risk factors of vision-impairing eye diseases remain ambiguous and poorly understood.