Performance of Automated Machine Learning in Predicting Outcomes of Pneumatic Retinopexy.

Purpose: Automated machine learning (AutoML) has emerged as a novel tool for medical professionals lacking coding experience, enabling them to develop predictive models for treatment outcomes. This study evaluated the performance of AutoML tools in developing models predicting the success of pneumatic retinopexy (PR) in treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). These models were then compared with custom models created by machine learning (ML) experts.

Improving long COVID-related text classification: a novel end-to-end domain-adaptive paraphrasing framework.

The emergence of long COVID during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has presented considerable challenges for healthcare professionals and researchers. The task of identifying relevant literature is particularly daunting due to the rapidly evolving scientific landscape, inconsistent definitions, and a lack of standardized nomenclature. This paper proposes a novel solution to this challenge by employing machine learning techniques to classify long COVID literature.

Phase I NT-501 Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor Implant Trial for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: Safety, Neuroprotection, and Neuroenhancement.

Purpose: To assess the safety and efficacy of a ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) intraocular implant on neuroprotection and neuroenhancement in glaucoma.

Design: Open-label, prospective, phase I clinical trial.

Participants: A total of 11 participants were diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Age-Related Changes in Dynamic Iris Behavior Assessed Using a Programmable Closed-Loop Iris Control System.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and test a programmable closed-loop system for tracking, modulating, and assessing dynamic iris behavior, including in the mid-dilated position.

Methods: A programmable closed-loop iris control system was developed by customizing an ANTERION OCT device (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). Custom software was developed to store camera and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, track pupillary diameter (PD), control a light-emitting diode (LED), and modulate ambient lighting to maintain the iris in a dilated, constricted, or mid-dilated position in real-time.

Retinal vein occlusion is associated with stroke independent of underlying cardiovascular disease.

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Thus, identifying associated risk factors may lead to earlier interventions aimed at reducing the risk of stroke development. Since cardiovascular disease simultaneously increases the risk of stroke and retinal vein occlusion (RVO), we sought to determine whether RVO is associated with the risk of stroke independent of underlying cardiovascular co-morbidities.

Choroidal imaging in uveitis: An update.

An important goal of advancements in ocular imaging algorithms and devices has been to improve the image acquisition and resolution of deeper ocular tissues, namely the choroid and its vasculature that are otherwise inaccessible to direct clinical examination. These advancements have contributed to the understanding of the pathophysiology of a number of ocular inflammatory conditions. We focus on the imaging characteristics of clinical conditions where imaging the choroid has improved or radically changed the understanding of the disease, has helped in differentiation of phenotypically similar but distinct lesions, and where imaging features have proven vital for monitoring disease activity.

One year outcome and predictors of treatment outcome in central serous chorioretinopathy: Multimodal imaging based analysis.

Purpose: To evaluate the follow up and treatment outcome of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) based on the new multimodal imaging-based classification and identify the predictors for anatomic and visual outcome.

Methods: Retrospective, multicentric study on 95 eyes diagnosed with CSCR and a follow up of at least 12 months were included. Eyes with macular neovascularization, atypical CSCR or any other disease were excluded.

Visual acuity correlates with multimodal imaging-based categories of central serous chorioretinopathy.

Objective: To evaluate visual acuity (VA) and factors influencing VA using new multimodal imaging-based classification of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).

Methods: Retrospective, observational and cross-sectional study on 229 naïve eyes diagnosed as CSCR with available baseline data and multimodal imaging. Each case was classified into (i) simple/complex/atypical; (ii) primary/recurrent/resolved; (iii) persistent or not; (iv) outer retinal atrophy(ORA) present/absent; (v) foveal involvement present/absent; and (vi) macular neovascularization(MNV) present/absent.

Influence of fellow eye on the diagnosis and classification of central serous chorioretinopathy.

Purpose: To assess the influence of fellow eye information on diagnosis and classification of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) using multimodal imaging-based classification.

Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study including patients with CSCR with unilateral or bilateral involvement. Multimodal images of both eyes of each patient were compiled and presented to two masked retina specialists subdivided into three groups: (1) both eye data, (2) right eye data and (3) left eye data.

Imaging in inherited retinal disorders.

Inherited retinal diseases, which results from mutations in over 260 identified genes, affect more than 2 million people globally. The diseases mostly cause severe vision loss in young working population and have severe impact on social economic status of the population. Advances in retinal imaging techniques along with developments in gene identification and cell biology techniques have yielded to a better understanding of the genetic and biochemical mechanisms causing these diseases.

Emerging Therapies in Nonexudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration in 2020.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common causes of severe vision loss in the developed world. Advanced forms of AMD are seen in primarily 2 types, exudative AMD involving the presence of choroidal neovascularization and nonexudative or dry AMD with geographic atrophy. For the latter, the combination of vitamins and minerals known as the Age-Related Eye Disease Study-2 formulation has been shown to decrease the rate of progression of nonexudative to exudative AMD, as no other treatments are currently approved for nonexudative AMD.

Anterior Chamber Angle Assessment Techniques: A Review.

Assessment of the anterior chamber angle (ACA) is an essential part of the ophthalmological examination. It is intrinsically related to the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and has a role in its prevention. Although slit-lamp gonioscopy is considered the gold-standard technique for ACA evaluation, its poor reproducibility and the long learning curve are well-known shortcomings.

Current Choroidal Imaging Findings in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy.

Background: Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a chorioretinal disease affecting mostly middle age males. It is marked by the serous detachment of the neurosensory layer at the macula. This review of the literature provides a framework of the current characteristic/relevant imaging findings of CSCR.

Age-related macular degeneration masqueraders: From the obvious to the obscure.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide with increasing prevalence owing to increased life expectancy. Intravitreal injections of antivascular endothelial growth factor agents are commonly used in exudative AMD and oral antioxidant medication for nonexudative AMD; however, many disorders mimic exudative and nonexudative AMD, and misdiagnosis can seriously affect the management of these patients. We summarize the demographics and clinical and imaging characteristics of each of the conditions that masquerade as AMD.

Biomarkers for central serous chorioretinopathy.

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a common chorioretinal disease characterized by serous retinal detachment that most commonly involves the macular region. Although the natural history of the acute form shows a self-limiting course, a significant number of patients suffer from recurrent episodes leading to chronic disease, often leaving patients with residual visual impairment. Visual morbidity is often worsened by a delay in the diagnosis due to the incorrect understanding of the particular biomarkers of the disease.

Intraocular Pressure Measurement in Patients Wearing Filtering Facepiece Masks.

Ophthalmological examination requires a strict contact between caregivers and patients. In the COVID-19 era, this may be a risk factor for virus spread, and the use of facial masks for all in-office ophthalmological procedures has been recommended. In this case-series, we report about some errors in intraocular pressure measurement, that may occur during the slit-lamp examination of patients wearing filtering facepiece masks and N95 respirators.

Emerging Therapies in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in 2020.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common causes of vision loss. Advanced forms of AMD are seen in primarily 2 types-neovascular AMD (nAMD) with the presence of choroid neovascularization and nonneovascular AMD (nnAMD) with geographic atrophy. Although there are 4 anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs either widely used or approved for the former, there are no current treatments for the latter.

Loss of AKAP1 triggers Drp1 dephosphorylation-mediated mitochondrial fission and loss in retinal ganglion cells.

Impairment of mitochondrial structure and function is strongly linked to glaucoma pathogenesis. Despite the widely appreciated disease relevance of mitochondrial dysfunction and loss, the molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial fragmentation and metabolic stress in glaucoma are poorly understood. We demonstrate here that glaucomatous retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) show loss of A-kinase anchoring protein 1 (AKAP1), activation of calcineurin (CaN) and reduction of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) phosphorylation at serine 637 (Ser637).

Magnetic Human Corneal Endothelial Cell Transplant: Delivery, Retention, and Short-Term Efficacy.

Purpose: Corneal endothelial dysfunction leads to corneal edema, pain, and vision loss. Adequate animal models are needed to study the safety and efficacy of novel cell therapies as an alternative to corneal transplantation.

Methods: Primary human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) were isolated from cadaveric donor corneas, expanded in vitro, transduced to express green fluorescent protein (GFP), loaded with superparamagnetic nanoparticles, and injected into the anterior chamber of adult rabbits immediately after endothelial cell or Descemet's membrane stripping.

Opposing Effects of Growth and Differentiation Factors in Cell-Fate Specification.

Following ocular trauma or in diseases such as glaucoma, irreversible vision loss is due to the death of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) neurons. Although strategies to replace these lost cells include stem cell replacement therapy, few differentiated stem cells turn into RGC-like neurons. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of RGC differentiation in vivo may improve outcomes of cell transplantation by directing the fate of undifferentiated cells toward mature RGCs.

Pneumatic Retinopexy Experience and Outcomes of Vitreoretinal Fellows in the United States: A Multicenter Study.

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of patients undergoing pneumatic retinopexy (PR) performed by vitreoretinal fellows at 6 academic centers in the United States.

Design: Retrospective, multicenter, consecutive case series.

Participants: 483 patients with primary retinal detachments who underwent PR by 49 vitreoretinal fellows from 6 U.