Search

Purpose: To explore the possible challenges and difficulties of using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in ophthalmic practice during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: This is a multicenter, international survey among practicing ophthalmologists across different countries. The survey was conducted from September 9th to October 24th, 2020. It included a total of 23 questions that navigated through the currently adopted recommendations in different clinical situations. The survey also assessed the convenience of using various PPE in ophthalmic practice and addressed the clarity of the examination field while using various PPE during clinical or surgical procedures. Results: One hundred and seventy-two ophthalmologists completed the survey (101 from Egypt, 50 from the USA, and 21 from four other countries). The analysis of the responses showed that most ophthalmologists use face masks without significant problems during their examinations, while face shields followed by protective goggles were the most inconvenient PPE in the current ophthalmic practice. Moreover, most of the participants (133, 77.3%) noticed an increase in their examination time when using PPE. Furthermore, a considerable percentage of the respondents (70, 40.7%) stopped using one or more of the PPE due to inconvenience or discomfort. Conclusions: Due to the unique nature of the ophthalmic examination, certain PPE are not ophthalmologist-friendly. Innovative PPE should be tailored for prompt, more convenient, and clearer ophthalmological practice.

Background: Multiple studies have described the utility of intraoperative spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) with two dimensional (2D) B-scan imaging in the management of numerous vitreoretinal disorders including macular holes, vitreomacular traction disorders, epiretinal membranes and retinal detachment. Some of these studies also described post-processing of the 2D B-scans to obtain 3D images. With the advancement of intraoperative OCT technology, live volumetric (4D, i.e. 3D over time) visualization of different anterior and posterior segment surgeries has been described in recent studies using intraoperative swept-source microscope-integrated OCT (SS-MIOCT). Our study aims to explore the potential utility of SS-MIOCT during vitrectomy for complications of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Aim of the work: To evaluate the use of live volumetric (4D) intraoperative swept-source microscope-integrated OCT (SS-MIOCT) in vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) complications.Patient and Methods: In this prospective study, we analyzed a subgroup of cases with PDR complications that required vitrectomy and that were imaged by the research SS-MIOCT system. In near real time, images were displayed in stereo heads-up display facilitating intraoperative surgeon feedback. Postoperative review included scoring image quality, identifying different diabetic retinopathy (DR)-associated pathologies and reviewing the intraoperatively documented surgeon feedback.Results: Twenty eyes were included. Indications for vitrectomy were tractional retinal detachment (TRD, 16 eyes), combined tractional-rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (2 eyes) and vitreous hemorrhage (2 eyes). Useful, good quality 2D (B-scans) and 4D images were obtained in 16/20 eyes (80%). In these eyes, multiple DR pathologies could be imaged. SS-MIOCT provided surgical guidance, e.g. in identifying dissection planes under fibrovascular membranes, and in determining residual membranes and traction that would benefit from additional peeling. In 4/20 eyes (20%) acceptable images were captured, but they were not useful due to high TRD elevation which was challenging for imaging.Conclusion: SS-MIOCT can provide important guidance during surgery for PDR complications through intraoperative identification of different pathologies and facilitation of intraoperative decision making.

Purpose We report a case of delayed onset Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes, formerly Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes) endophthalmitis with onset triggered by intravitreal steroid (triamcinolone acetonide; TA) injection in a pseudophakic patient, 7 years after cataract surgery.Methods/Patients: A 67 years old, male presented with gradual worsening of vision, eye redness and photosensitivity that started a month after intravitreal TA injection (Triescience, 4mg/0.1mL, Alcon Labs, Fort Worth, TX) for cystoid macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion in the right eye. Patient had undergone cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) in that eye 7 years prior. Exam showed visual acuity of counting fingers at 3 feet, conjunctival injection, with 2+ anterior chamber cell and 2+ vitreous haze. Uveitis work up including Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), Quantiferon Gold, and syphilis IgG screen was negative. Diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with intravitreal injection of antibiotics was performed and vitreous sample was sent for detailed laboratory analysis. Results Vitreous fluid analysis was positive for C. acnes and negative for viral, fungal and malignant cells. Although the patient received intravitreal antibiotics injection twice, the intraocular infection and inflammation persisted which eventually required an IOL and capsular bag removal, followed by insertion of a secondary IOL later. Conclusion Delayed onset C. acnes endophthalmitis may be triggered by an intravitreal steroid injection in pseudophakic patients.

A 2-month-old boy developed a protuberant, blue nodule inferomedial to the left medial canthus. It was unresponsive to oral and intramuscular antibiotics. After developing difficulty breathing, he was admitted, with the diagnosis of a dacryocele, and, after an inconclusive ultrasound, underwent probing and irrigation with nasal endoscopy. Intraoperatively, the lesion appeared discontinuous with the nasolacrimal system and could not be decompressed. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging suggested a hemangioma or possible collapsed dacryocele. Doppler ultrasound confirmed a perinasolacrimal duct hemangioma. Systemic propranolol treatment was initiated.

Comprehensive patient care requires an integrated approach that often includes different specialties. Of these specialties, Ophthalmology stands out with its variable pathologies, unique tools and special examination techniques which are not part of the standard training of internal medicine or other specialties. Consequently, ophthalmology consultation for admitted patients is commonly requested at tertiary hospitals. The consulting team plays an important role in triaging and evaluating the vision problems of their admitted patients. It is imperative for any physician to be familiar with the presentations of the potentially sight threatening disorders as well as the less acute disorders and the non-urgent eye issues that could be better managed in an outpatient setting. Understanding these different acuity levels helps with delivering appropriate eye care to the inpatients in a timely fashion. We review prior studies focused on inpatient ophthalmology consultations, common reasons for inpatient ophthalmology consultation and the recommended approach to the most common ocular complaints that could present to the inpatient provider. We also shed light on the basic ocular history and eye examination that should be obtained before requesting an ophthalmic evaluation.

Combined hamartomas of the retina and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) produce intraretinal lesions with preretinal gliosis, which can be monitored with optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Purpose To evaluate the use of live volumetric (4D) intraoperative swept-source microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography in vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy complications. Methods In this prospective study, we analyzed a subgroup of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy complications who required vitrectomy and who were imaged by the research swept-source microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography system. In near real time, images were displayed in stereo heads-up display facilitating intraoperative surgeon feedback. Postoperative review included scoring image quality, identifying different diabetic retinopathy-associated pathologies and reviewing the intraoperatively documented surgeon feedback. Results Twenty eyes were included. Indications for vitrectomy were tractional retinal detachment (16 eyes), combined tractional-rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (2 eyes), and vitreous hemorrhage (2 eyes). Useful, good-quality 2D (B-scans) and 4D images were obtained in 16/20 eyes (80%). In these eyes, multiple diabetic retinopathy complications could be imaged. Swept-source microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography provided surgical guidance, e.g., in identifying dissection planes under fibrovascular membranes, and in determining residual membranes and traction that would benefit from additional peeling. In 4/20 eyes (20%), acceptable images were captured, but they were not useful due to high tractional retinal detachment elevation which was challenging for imaging. Conclusion Swept-source microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography can provide important guidance during surgery for proliferative diabetic retinopathy complications through intraoperative identification of different complications and facilitation of intraoperative decision making.

Purpose We develop and assess the impact of depth-based, motion-stabilized colorization (color) of microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography (MIOCT) volumes on microsurgical performance and ability to interpret surgical volumes. Methods Color was applied in real-time as gradients indicating axial position and stabilized based on calculated center of mass. In a test comparing colorization versus grayscale visualizations of prerecorded intraoperative volumes from human surgery, ophthalmologists (N = 7) were asked to identify retinal membranes, the presence of an instrument, its contact with tissue, and associated deformation of the retina. In a separate controlled trial, trainees (N = 15) performed microsurgical skills without conventional optical visualization and compared colorized versus grayscale MIOCT visualization on a stereoptic screen. Skills included thickness identification, instrument placement, and object manipulation, and were assessed based on time, performance metrics, and confidence. Results In intraoperative volume testing, colorization improved ability to differentiate membrane from retina (P < 0.01), correctly identify instrument contact with membrane (P = 0.03), and retinal deformation (P = 0.01). In model microsurgical skills testing, trainees working with colorized volumes were faster (P < 0.01) and more correct (P < 0.01) in assessments of thickness for recessed and elevated objects, were less likely to inadvertently contact a surface when approaching with an instrument (P < 0.01), and uniformly more confident (P < 0.01 for each) in conducting each skill. Conclusions Depth-based colorization enables effective identification of retinal membranes and tissue deformation. In microsurgical skill testing, it improves user efficiency, and confidence in microscope-independent, OCT-guided model surgical maneuvers. Translational Relevance Novel depth-based colorization and stabilization technology improves the use of intraoperative MIOCT.

Purpose We advance studies of subretinal treatments by developing a microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography (MIOCT) image-based method for measuring the volume of therapeutics delivered into the subretinal space. Methods A MIOCT image-based volume measurement method was developed and assessed for accuracy and reproducibility by imaging an object of known size in model eyes. This method then was applied to subretinal blebs created by injection of diluted triamcinolone. Bleb volumes obtained from MIOCT were compared to the intended injection volume and the surgeon's estimation of leakage. Results Validation of the image-based volume measurement method showed accuracy to ±1.0 μL (6.0% of measured volume) with no statistically significant variation under different imaging settings. When this method was applied to subretinal blebs, four of 11 blebs without surgeon-observed leakage yielded a mean volume of 32 ± 12.5 μL, in contrast to the intended 50 μL volume injected from the delivery device. This constituted a mean difference of −18 μL (mean percent error, 36 ± 25%). For all 11 blebs, the surgeon's estimations of leakage were significantly different from and showed no correlation with the volume loss based on image-based volume measurements (P < 0.001, paired t-test; intraclass correlation = 0). Conclusions We validated an accurate and reproducible method for measuring subretinal volumes using MIOCT. Use of this method revealed that the intended volume might not be delivered into the subretinal space. MIOCT can allow for accurate assessment of subretinal dose delivered, which may have therapeutic implications in evaluating the efficacy and toxicity of subretinal therapies. Translational Relevance Use of MIOCT can provide feedback on the accuracy of subretinal injection volumes delivered.