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Purpose: To understand the demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, visual and anatomic responses of patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) initially treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents in the real-world clinical setting.Patients and Methods: This retrospective cohort study used electronic health records to identify consecutively presenting patients with DME who received their first documented anti-VEGF injection (index injection) on or after 1 October 2015 and before 30 September 2016 (index period) at 4 clinical sites in Ontario, Canada. Patients receiving anti-VEGF injections in the study eye were followed for ≥ 18 months. After the first 3 monthly injections, patients were classified as "responder" (≥ 20% reduction in central retinal thickness [CRT] from index date) or "nonresponder" (< 20% reduction in CRT) to anti-VEGF treatment.Results: At 12 months, change from baseline (CFB) in best visual acuity (BVA) of responders (n = 30) was mean (SD) 12.8 (13.00) letters; CFB in nonresponders (n = 56) was 3.2 (16.3) letters. Sensitivity analyses stratified by initial BVA were supportive. Mean (SD) change in CRT (μm) was − 160.4 (111.4) in responders and − 62.2 (98.6) in nonresponders. While changes in anti-VEGF therapy were lower in responders versus nonresponders (10.0% vs 23.2%), mean number of injections was similar (8.3 in each cohort).Conclusion: Despite receiving a substantial number of injections and requiring changes in therapy more frequently, nonresponders showed a lack of clinically meaningful change in BVA and CRT. Nonresponders could be identified after 3 anti-VEGF injections. There remains an unmet need for treatment options in patients with DME who show a nonresponse after 3 months of anti-VEGF treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors of this letter express gratitude for the interest and comments on their paper regarding cytokine production during cataract surgery. They agree that understanding the sources of cytokines and minimizing them is crucial for safer surgical outcomes. While the paper did not explore the sources of cytokines, the impact of these inflammatory cytokines on tissue effects, such as macular edema and inflammation, is of clinical significance. The authors suggest future studies to investigate the release of cytokines from different tissues using laboratory-based models of cataract surgery. They also raise the question of the impact of cytokines released from lens epithelial cells in their dataset, particularly in femtosecond-laser-assisted cataract surgery. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: To determine astigmatic changes of intrastromal limbal-relaxing incisions (LRIs) performed during femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS). Design: Retrospective case series. Patients and Methods: Patients undergoing FLACS with adjunctive astigmatism management with intrastromal LRIs were included. All eyes had preoperative corneal cylinder (Kcyl) ≥ 0.20 D on ocular biometry. An intrastromal LRI nomogram of single, non-paired LRIs placed at the 9 mm optical zone was used. Keratometry was measured preoperatively, and postoperatively at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months (POM3). Alpins astigmatism analysis was used to calculate target-induced astigmatism (TIA, equivalent to preoperative Kcyl), surgically induced astigmatism (SIA), difference vectors (DV), and correction indices (CI). Secondary analysis included multivariable binary logistic regression to determine clinical factors associated with corrections > 125% (CI >  1.25). Results: A total of  154 eyes (125 patients) were studied. Mean preoperative Kcyl was 0.87± 0.42 D (SD), which did not significantly differ from POM3 Kcyl (0.87± 0.51 D, p=0.470). Only the against-the-rule (ATR) subgroup demonstrated a small but significant reduction in Kcyl from preoperative (0.96± 0.51D) to POM3 (0.89± 0.55D, p=0.032). Sixteen eyes (10.4%) had Kcyl ≤ 0.5 D preoperatively, compared to 46 eyes (29.9%) at POM3 (p< 0.0001). Mean SIA was 0.80± 0.52 D. Mean DV was 0.85± 0.47. Mean CI was 0.79. Fifty-one eyes (33%) had astigmatism correction > 125%. On multivariable regression analysis, ATR astigmatism class (p=0.026) and lower arc lengths (30º) (p=0.005) were associated with correction > 125%. Lower preoperative corneal astigmatism was inversely correlated with CI (p< 0.001). Conclusion: Although intrastromal LRIs can be conveniently performed during FLACS and appear safe, only patients with ATR astigmatism demonstrated a significant reduction in corneal astigmatism 3-months postoperatively under the current nomogram. Areas for future refinements to the nomogram were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the safety and effectiveness of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MPTSCPC) in non-incisional eyes with ocular hypertension (OHT) and early, moderate, and severe primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: Retrospective cohort study of eyes that underwent MPTSCPC from 2016 to 2019 at an outpatient clinic in Canada. Eyes were excluded if any incisional procedures, except cataract surgery, were performed prior to MPTSCPC treatment. Laser power ranged from 900 to 2500mW. Results: A total of 153 eyes from 93 patients were included (OHT n=22; early POAG n=46; moderate POAG n=35; severe POAG n=50). The baseline IOP was 18.37 ± 4.76mmHg in the total cohort. All cohorts experienced a significant mean IOP reduction by final follow-up (total p< 0.001; OHT p=0.003; early POAG p< 0.001; moderate POAG p=0.022; severe POAG p=0.015). Overall, 52.9% of eyes achieved an IOP reduction of ≥ 20% from baseline to final follow-up (OHT 59.1%; early POAG 58.7%; moderate POAG 45.7%; severe POAG 50.0%). There was worsening in best-corrected visual acuity in the total cohort (mean difference=0.11 ± 0.36 logMAR, p=0.11), mostly attributable to cataract progression (34.1% of phakic eyes) and ocular surface disease (7.2%). The number of topical medications and drug classes remained unchanged in the total cohort (p=0.425 and p=0.791, respectively). Twenty-two eyes (14.4%) required retreatment, which provided an additional IOP reduction of 1.26mmHg (p=0.344). By final follow-up, 8 eyes (5.2%) required escalation to incisional procedures. Conclusion: MPTSCPC is a safe and effective adjunct IOP-lowering treatment in non-incisional eyes with OHT and POAG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We report ophthalmic manifestations in four Jacobsen syndrome cases, review the literature, and suggest phenotype-genotype correlations. Methods: Chart review of Ocular Genetics Program patients at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada. Results: Four del11qter cases are presented. Hypertelorism/telecanthus, abnormally slanted palpebral fissures, abnormal retinal findings, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, anomalous extraocular muscles, amblyopia, and microcornea were found. Conclusions: We report typical findings and novel ocular presentations. Visual prognosis is generally good. Retinal dysplasia and coloboma seem associated with del11q23. ABCG4, NCAM, and Mfrp are candidate genes in this region that theoretically may be disrupted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To compare residual astigmatism prediction errors across Barrett toric calculations using predicted posterior corneal astigmatism (PCA) and PCA measured using the IOL Master 700 with total keratometry (IOLM). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken on patients with corneal astigmatism and no other ocular comorbidities that underwent uneventful refractive femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery with toric IOL implantation between May 2019 and November 2019. Toric calculations were performed using the Barrett toric calculator and the following values: predicted PCA with anterior corneal measurements from Pentacam, IOLM standard keratometry (SK), OPD scan, and median measurements from these devices; predicted PCA with IOLM total keratometry (TK); and measured PCA with IOLM SK or IOLM TK. Residual astigmatism prediction error was calculated for each device and method of calculation at postoperative month 1 and 3 using the astigmatism double angle plot tool. Results: A total of 24 eyes, 10 with-the-rule (WTR), 10 against-the-rule (ATR) and 4 oblique astigmatism, from 24 patients were included in this study. PCA ranged from 0.00 to 0.67 D with a mean of 0.24 ± 0.15 D in all eyes. PCA was significantly greater in WTR eyes (0.32 D) compared to ATR eyes (0.16 D; p < 0.05). In ATR eyes, calculations made using IOLM SK and measured PCA had significantly lower total corneal astigmatism and toric IOL cylinder power compared to calculations made using Pentacam and IOLM TK (p < 0.05). No significant difference in mean absolute or centroid residual astigmatism prediction error was observed across devices or calculation methods. The percentage of eyes with absolute astigmatism prediction errors ≤ 0.5 D was not significantly different across groups. Conclusion: Barrett toric calculations using predicted PCA and PCA measured using IOLM produced comparable residual astigmatism prediction errors. The incorporation of median measurements did not significantly impact calculation accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and manual cataract surgery (MCS) on proinflammatory cytokine expression in patients with diabetes vs nondiabetic patients. Setting: Outpatient surgical center in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada. Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: Patients with diabetes and nondiabetic patients undergoing noncomplicatedMCSor FLACS were assigned into 4 cohorts:MCS nondiabetic (n = 30), FLACS nondiabetic (n = 42), MCSdiabetic (n = 40), and FLACS diabetic (n = 40). Aqueous humor inflammatory mediator concentrations were evaluated at MCS onset and after femtosecond laser treatment. The presence of cystoid macular edema, anterior chamber (AC) inflammation, central retinal thickness, macular volume, and retinal microvascular changes (through optical coherence tomography angiography) were evaluated preoperatively and on postoperative day 1, week 1, month 1 (POM1), and month 3 (POM3). Results: Patients with diabetes receiving FLACS had a higher concentration of interleukin (IL)-7, IL-13, and interferon-induced protein-10 than MCS diabetic patients; they also demonstrated higher levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and lower levels of interferon (IFN)-g, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and IFNa2 compared with MCS nondiabetic patients. Macular volume appeared to be significantly higher in MCS diabetic vs MCS nondiabetic patients at POM1 and between FLACS diabetic vs FLACS nondiabetic patients at POM3. There were no other significant differences between the cohorts for any parameter. Conclusions: FLACS use in patients with diabetes demonstrated some differences in AC cytokine expression compared with nondiabetic FLACS or diabetic patients undergoing MCS; however, there was no increase in clinical inflammatory biomarkers. FLACS seems to be a safe technique to use in patients with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of half-dose verteporfin with photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of chronic central serous retinopathy (CSR). Design: Retrospective case series. Participants: 45 eyes in 39 patients with chronic CSR were included. Diagnosis of chronic CSR was confirmed by fluorescein angiography and persistence of subretinal fluid by optical coherence tomography for a minimum of 3 months duration. Methods: Each patient underwent treatment with half-dose verteporfin with full-fluence PDT; initial follow-up was defined as a 6-8 week visit following the treatment, and final follow-up ranged from 5 to 70 months. Results: The average follow-up period for treatment was 19.3 months. Best-corrected visual acuity increased from logMAR means of 0.52 to 0.42 (p<0.05). Central retinal thickness and choroidal thickness also significantly decreased at last follow-up (p<0.05). Eight of 45 eyes (18%) demonstrated a recurrence of CSR following treatment within the follow-up period. At the final follow-up, 41 out of the 45 eyes (91%) had complete resolution of subretinal fluid accumulation. Conclusion: Half-dose PDT is an effective treatment option for chronic CSR in a Canadian population, and it is both safe and durable. The positive treatment effect is realized rapidly, with the initial 6-week result highly correlated with the final follow-up result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of autologous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) drops for evaporative dry eye (EDE) disease from meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Methods: This is a retrospective, consecutive case series of 20 eyes of 10 patients with EDE from MGD treated with PRP drops from November 2020 to November 2021 at a single outpatient clinic in Ontario, Canada. PRP drops were prepared from whole blood using a two-step centrifugation method. Patients were instructed to instill these drops six times daily for 4 weeks. The Canadian Dry Eye Assessment (CDEA) questionnaire score, patient subjective assessment (PSA) score, first and average non-invasive break-up times (f/a NIBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), bulbar redness (BR), and meibograph grade (MG) were measured before and after the treatment course. Results: Significant improvements in dry eye symptoms and tear film parameters were observed. Dry eye symptoms significantly improved as per the CDEA (mean difference (MD) = − 5.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [− 7.9, − 3.1], p< 0.001) and PSA (MD = − 2.6, 95% CI = [− 3.9, − 1.2], p< 0.001). There were significant improvements in tear film parameters including fNIBUT (MD = 3.85s, 95% CI = [1.2, 6.8], p=0.006), aNIBUT (MD = − 6.81s, 95% CI = [5.7, 11.1], p< 0.001) and TMH (MD = 0.08, 95% CI = [0.003, 0.2], p=0.045). There was an improvement in conjunctival injection as measured by BR (MD = − 0.36, 95% CI = [− 0.4, − 0.15], p=0.373). Five eyes experienced a one-grade improvement in MG (p=0.453), and none experienced worsening in MG with treatment. No temporary or permanent adverse effects were noted. Conclusion: Four weeks of PRP therapy resulted in significant functional improvements in dry eye symptoms and tear film quality and quantity. Improvements in conjunctival injection and microstructural improvements in meibomian glands were also observed in some eyes. Overall, PRP is a promising treatment option for patients with EDE from MGD refractory to conventional treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This prospective cohort study examined the relationship between diabetic macular edema (DME), diabetic retinopathy (DR) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients after 1 year of treatment with anti-VEGF injection and/or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Patients and Methods: The study included adults with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy. Polysomnography metrics were measured at baseline. Ophthalmologic metrics were measured at baseline, six-month (6m) and twelve-month (12m) follow-up. All DME+ patients received standard care, and all OSA+ patients were advised continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Logistic regression between DR severity and OSA severity was performed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed between subgroups. Results: Seventy-four eyes of 49 patients with DR were included. Prevalence of OSA was significantly higher in the DME+ group (70.7%) than DME- group (42.4%, p < 0.05). A significantly lower average minimum SaO2 was noted in OSA+DME+ (81.74%) than OSA+DME- eyes (88.23%, p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis of ophthalmological and sleep metrics showed no correlation between DR and OSA severity. CPAP adherence was 20% (6/30) in the OSA+DME+ cohort and 36% (5/14) in the OSA+DME- cohort. At 12m, CPAP-adherent OSA+DME+ showed significantly lower DR severity score (1.00 ± 0.0) than CPAP non-adherent OSA+DME+ (1.36 ± 0.80, p = 0.042). No significant patterns were noted for visual acuity and mean central retinal thickness. Conclusion: DME is associated with the presence of OSA. Minimum SaO2 is a significant OSA clinical variable for DME. DR severity is not associated with OSA severity. CPAP coupled with intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy may be helpful for reducing DR severity in DME+ eyes. Presence of OSA may diminish intravitreal anti-VEGF efficacy on anatomical (mean CRT) and functional (VA) outcomes of DME. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: BroadBand light intense pulsed light (BBL-IPL) therapy has shown to reduce hordeolum and blepharitis frequency. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BBL-IPL therapy in patients with dry eye disease (DED) from meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Methods: This is a retrospective, consecutive case series of 48 patients with DED from MGD who underwent BBL-IPL therapy from October 2016 to January 2019 at a single, outpatient clinic in Ontario, Canada. Clinical outcomes included first and average non-invasive keratograph tear break-up times (NIKBUT), bulbar redness (BR) scores, tear meniscus heights (TMH), visual acuity (VA) and meibograph grades. Patient-reported outcomes included the Canadian dry eye assessment (CDEA) questionnaire and patient subjective assessment (PSA) scores. Outcomes were measured at baseline and after completion of 4 monthly BBL-IPL sessions. Results: The mean severity of dry eye symptoms as measured by the CDEA and PSA decreased significantly from 19.78 ± 9.62 to 12.08 ± 7.40 (p< 0.001) and from 7.65 ± 1.74 to 4.77 ± 2.03 (p< 0.001), respectively. Twenty-five percent of patients reported no dry eye symptoms after treatment. The meibograph grade improved significantly in both eyes (p< 0.001). Approximately 71.0% and 80.1% of patients had an improved meibograph grade in the right and left eye, respectively. Near-significant improvements were observed for BR scores and VA. There was also a trend towards improved first/average NIKBUT and TMH scores. No adverse events were noted. Conclusion: BBL-IPL appears to be an effective and safe treatment modality in improving dry eye symptoms and meibomian gland function in patients with DED from MGD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]