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To determine the incidence, risk factors, and visual outcomes of cystoid macular edema (CME) after cataract surgery in the United States. Retrospective, longitudinal, case-control study. Patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent phacoemulsification cataract surgery. The American Academy of Ophthalmology IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight) was used to analyze patients who underwent cataract surgery between 2016 and 2019. Patients who received a diagnosis of CME within 90 days after cataract surgery were classified as cases, and the rest were classified as controls. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for risk factors associated with the development of CME as well as poor visual outcome (defined as a best-recorded visual acuity worse than 20/40 Snellen equivalent at postoperative month 12). Incidence, demographics, baseline characteristics, and visual outcomes. Of 3.1 million cataract surgeries performed during the study period, CME was diagnosed in 25 595 eyes (0.8%), with an average onset of 6 weeks. Patients with CME were more likely to be male, to be aged < 65 years, to be Black, and to have preexisting diabetic retinopathy. Patients with CME were more likely to have a poor visual outcome (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.66–1.84; P < 0.001), with a mean best-recorded visual acuity of 20/30 at postoperative month 12 (compared with 20/25 for those without CME; P < 0.001). Other factors associated with a poor visual outcome included smoking, Medicaid insurance, non-White race, and baseline ocular comorbidities such as macular degeneration and retinal vein occlusion. Although the incidence of CME after cataract surgery is low and most eyes achieve a visual acuity of 20/40 or better, there are significant outcome disparities that warrant further exploration. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate factors associated with prolonged length of stay and high cost among pediatric hospitalizations with a primary ophthalmic diagnosis. This retrospective, cross-sectional study utilized data on pediatric admissions with a primary ophthalmic diagnosis from the multicenter 2016 Kids' Inpatient Database. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for demographic, hospital, and admission characteristics were used to evaluate factors associated with prolonged stay and high cost, defined as exceeding the 75th percentile (>4 days and $12,642, respectively). An estimated 6,811 pediatric hospitalizations with a primary ophthalmic diagnosis in the United States in 2016 were included. On adjusted analysis, a prolonged length of stay was more likely with Medicaid (vs. private insurance, OR = 1.19, 95% CI: [1.02, 1.40], p =.03), non-trauma (vs. trauma, OR = 2.77, 95% CI: [2.12, 3.63], p <.001) and urban teaching hospitals (vs. rural, OR = 3.48, 95% CI: [1.04, 11.69], p =.04). A high cost of stay was more likely with higher income levels (Quartile 3 vs. 1, OR = 1.30, 95% CI: [1.02, 1.67], p =.04; Quartile 4 vs. 1, OR = 1.49, 95% CI: [1.08, 2.05], p =.02), private insurance (vs. Medicaid, OR = 1.26, 95% CI: [1.04, 1.53], p =.02), Western hospitals (vs. South, OR = 2.74, 95% CI: [1.83, 4.12], p <.001), and trauma (vs. non-trauma, OR = 3.29, 95% CI: [2.57, 4.21], p <.001). Children and young adults had higher odds of prolonged stay, while adolescents and young adults had higher odds of high cost compared to toddlers (p <.05 for all). Additional work addressing the factors associated with higher resource utilization may help promote the delivery of quality inpatient pediatric eye care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ophthalmic trauma represents an increasingly expensive burden to emergency departments in the United States. • Most emergency visits for ophthalmic trauma are for superficial injuries, which can be redirected to outpatient or urgent care facilities. • Orbital floor fractures and open globe injuries account for the most inpatient admissions and highest charges. To determine the incidence, characteristics, disposition, and economic burden of emergency department (ED) visits for ophthalmic trauma in the United States (US). Retrospective study. The Nationwide Emergency Department Sample was used to calculate and characterize ED visits for ophthalmic trauma in the US from 2009 to 2018. Linear regression was used to estimate trends in annual incidence and mean inflation-adjusted ED charges. Logistic regression was used to assess variables associated with inpatient admission. There were over 7.3 million ED visits for ophthalmic trauma in the US over the 10 years, with an annual incidence of 233 per 100,000 population. Patients were predominantly male (65 %), 21–44 years old (39 %), and from low-income households (56 %). Only 1 % of patients were hospitalized. Older age, male sex, metropolitan teaching hospitals, and trauma centers were associated with significantly higher odds of inpatient admission. The mean inflation-adjusted ED charge per visit more than doubled over the decade ($1,333 to $3,187) with total charges exceeding $14 billion. Superficial injuries (44 %) and eyelid/orbit wounds (20 %) accounted for the majority of visits. Orbital floor fractures (4 %) and open globe injuries (2 %) accounted for a minority of visits but were responsible for most admissions (49 % and 29 %, respectively) and the highest mean ED charge ($7,157 and $6,808, respectively). Ophthalmic trauma represents an increasingly significant burden to EDs in the US. Preventive efforts should target young males from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Strategies to improve outpatient access and redirect non-urgent injuries may help alleviate costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To characterize the epidemiology and outcomes of hyphema. Methods: Retrospective case series. Medical records from patients with traumatic and spontaneous hyphema seen at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins, from 2011 through 2017 were evaluated. Aetiology, demographics, clinical characteristics, complications, management and outcomes were ascertained. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), rebleeding and poor outcome (final visual acuity ≤ 20/40) in traumatic hyphema. A safe frequency of follow‐up was retrospectively determined. Results: Traumatic hyphema (n = 152) was more common in males (78%) and adults (55%), with sports/recreational activities being the most frequent cause (40%). Elevated IOP was the most common complication (39%). Rebleeding occurred in seven patients (5%) and was more likely with a higher IOP on presentation (OR:1.1; p = 0.004). Thirty‐seven patients (24%) had a poor outcome, mostly due to traumatic sequelae such as cataract (32%) or posterior segment involvement (30%). A poor outcome was more likely with worse presenting visual acuity (OR: 9.1; p = 0.001), rebleeding (OR: 37.5; p = 0.035) and age > 60 years (OR: 16.0; p = 0.041). Spontaneous hyphema (n = 28) did not have a gender predominance and was more common in adults > 60 years (71%). The most common cause was iris neovascularization (61%). Complications and visual outcomes were worse compared with traumatic hyphema. Conclusions: Traumatic hyphema continues to be common in young males engaging in sports, necessitating increased awareness for preventive eyewear. Older age and rebleeding can lead to poor outcomes. Elevated IOP at presentation predisposes to rebleeding and warrants frequent follow‐up. Otherwise, routine follow‐up at days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 is sufficient for uncomplicated cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the incidence, characteristics, and economic burden of orbital floor fractures in the United States. Retrospective, longitudinal study of the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS). Patients in the Emergency Department (ED). The NEDS, a representative sample of all hospital-based EDs in the US, was used to identify and describe ED visits with a primary diagnosis of orbital floor fracture from 2006 to 2017. Linear regression was used to estimate the trends in annual incidence and inflation-adjusted ED charges. Logistic regression was used to assess variables associated with inpatient admission. Incidence, injury mechanisms, demographics, clinical characteristics, disposition, and economic burden. From 2006 to 2017, there were an estimated 350 379 ED visits in the US with a primary diagnosis of orbital floor fracture. The incidence increased by 47% over the study period (P < 0.001): from 7.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.9–8.5) to 11.3 (95% CI, 10.0–12.6) per 100 000 population. The majority were male (67%), aged 21 to 44 years (46%), and from low-income households (32%). The most common cause was assault (43%), which was most frequent in young adults (65%) and increased modestly over time (3.5 to 4.5 per 100 000 population; P = 0.02). The second most common cause was falls (26%), most frequent in patients aged ≥65 years (86%) and more than doubled over time (1.6 to 3.5 per 100 000 population; P < 0.001). The rate of inpatient admission was 14%, with a higher likelihood for patients aged ≥65 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.21; 95% CI, 1.99–2.46; P < 0.001) and falls (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.27–1.86; P < 0.001). The total inflation-adjusted ED charges over the study period exceeded $2 billion, with the mean charge per visit increasing 48% (P < 0.001): from $5881 (95% CI, 5499–6263) to $8728 (95% CI, 8074–9382). Orbital floor fractures are becoming an increasingly common and costly injury in the United States. Preventive strategies aimed at reducing assault and falls will be crucial to mitigate the burden of orbital floor fractures on the healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report the clinical characteristics, complications, and outcomes of hyphema in patients with sickle cell trait (SCT). Design: Retrospective case series. Methods: Medical records of SCT patients (confirmed by hemoglobin electrophoresis) presenting with hyphema at the Wilmer Eye Institute over 10 years (January 2008 through December 2017) were reviewed in detail. Data were collected regarding etiology, demographics, clinical course and management. Main outcome measures included intraocular pressure (IOP) and visual acuity (VA). Results: A total of 14 black patients (males: 57%; median age: 20 years) were included in the study with a median follow-up of 4 months (range: 1 week to 6 years). Ten patients had traumatic hyphema with a mean presenting VA of approximately 1.10 logMAR (Snellen equivalent=20/250) and a mean presenting IOP of 40 mmHg. Nine of them required medical intervention to lower IOP, and six of them ultimately required surgical intervention, primarily in the form of anterior chamber paracentesis and/or washout. The mean time to achieve IOP control was 3 days, and the mean final VA was approximately 0.10 logMAR (Snellen Equivalent=20/25). Four patients had non-traumatic hyphema with a mean presenting VA of approximately 1.8 logMAR (Snellen equivalent=20/1260) and a mean presenting IOP of 31 mmHg. Three of them required medical intervention to lower IOP, and two of them ultimately required surgical intervention. Overall, seven patients underwent anterior chamber washout, six needed an anterior chamber paracentesis to lower the IOP, two required tube shunt placement procedures and one patient underwent a trabeculectomy. The mean time to achieve IOP control was 5 days, and the mean final VA was approximately 0.80 logMAR (Snellen equivalent=20/125). Conclusion: Patients with SCT are likely to develop elevated IOP in the setting of hyphema, with a majority requiring one or more surgical interventions to achieve IOP control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUNDIn retinitis pigmentosa (RP), rod photoreceptors degenerate from 1 of many mutations, after which cones are compromised by oxidative stress. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) reduces oxidative damage and increases cone function/survival in RP models. We tested the safety, tolerability, and visual function effects of oral NAC in RP patients.METHODSSubjects (n = 10 per cohort) received 600 mg (cohort 1), 1200 mg (cohort 2), or 1800 mg (cohort 3) NAC bid for 12 weeks and then tid for 12 weeks. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), macular sensitivity, ellipsoid zone (EZ) width, and aqueous NAC were measured. Linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate the rates of changes during the treatment period.RESULTSThere were 9 drug-related gastrointestinal adverse events that resolved spontaneously or with dose reduction (maximum tolerated dose 1800 mg bid). During the 24-week treatment period, mean BCVA significantly improved at 0.4 (95% CI: 0.2-0.6, P < 0.001), 0.5 (95% CI: 0.3-0.7, P < 0.001), and 0.2 (95% CI: 0.02-0.4, P = 0.03) letters/month in cohorts 1, 2, and 3, respectively. There was no significant improvement in mean sensitivity over time in cohorts 1 and 2, but there was in cohort 3 (0.15 dB/month, 95% CI: 0.04-0.26). There was no significant change in mean EZ width in any cohort.CONCLUSIONOral NAC is safe and well tolerated in patients with moderately advanced RP and may improve suboptimally functioning macular cones. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial is needed to determine if oral NAC can provide long-term stabilization and/or improvement in visual function in patients with RP.TRIAL REGISTRATIONNCT03063021.FUNDINGMr. and Mrs. Robert Wallace, Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Wallace, Rami and Eitan Armon, Marc Sumerlin, Cassandra Hanley, and Nacuity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance It is important to establish reliable outcome measures to detect progression in retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Background: To evaluate progression of RP using multimodal imaging, including spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT), fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and microperimetry (MP). Design: Retrospective longitudinal study at a tertiary teaching hospital. Participants: 205 eyes of 106 patients with RP with 1 to 5 y of follow‐up. Methods: Demographics and visual acuity (VA) were recorded, and each modality was graded at baseline and every annual follow‐up. SD‐OCT was graded for the width of ellipsoid zone (EZ), FAF was graded for the diameter and area of the hyperautofluorescent ring (if present), and MP was graded for mean, central and paracentral sensitivity. Spearman's correlation was used to measure correlations at baseline. Mixed effects models were used to estimate the annual change of each parameter, adjusted for disease duration. Main Outcome Measures: Rate of progression. Results: The median VA at baseline was 75 letters and was positively correlated with mean and central sensitivity (r: 0.372 and 0.394; P = 0.01 for both). All parameters (except paracentral sensitivity) were strongly correlated with each other (r: 0.673‐0.991; P < 0.001 for all). The annual rates of change for each parameter were as follows: VA, −2.3 letters (P < 0.001); EZ, −151 μm (P < 0.001); ring diameter, −132 μm (P < 0.001); ring area, −0.4 mm2 (P < 0.001); mean sensitivity, −0.3 dB (P < 0.001); central sensitivity, −0.7 dB (P < 0.001); paracentral sensitivity, −0.4 dB (P < 0.001). Conclusions and Relevance: Structural and functional measures are well correlated in RP and can reliably measure disease progression within the course of a year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate artifacts in optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) images of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and healthy controls. Materials and methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted at the Department of Neurology and the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Subjects included patients with an established diagnosis of MS and healthy volunteers. OCT-A was performed using Spectralis® OCT-A prototype, OCT2 (Heidelberg, Germany). The type and frequency of artifacts, the clinical factors associated with them, and their impact on vessel density measurements were assessed. Results: Overall, 385 images from 102 participants were analyzed. The majority of images (97.1%) had some degree of artifact. The most frequent was motion artifact (96.3%), followed by blinking (51.9%), and loss of focus (25.1%). MS patients were more likely to have any artifact vs. controls (OR [95% CI], 3.83 [1.12–12.92]), and were more likely to have motion artifacts with longer disease duration (OR [95% CI], 1.11 [1.03–1.20]) or history of optic neuritis (OR [95% CI], 4.24 [1.19–15.16]). The relative area occupied by the artifact was found to underestimate vessel density measurements in both MS patients and controls. Conclusions: Artifacts are common with OCT-A imaging using this particular Spectralis® OCT-A prototype and can impact quantitative vascular density metrics. Future studies should review images for artifacts before drawing definitive conclusions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The retinal vasculature may be altered in multiple sclerosis (MS), potentially acting as a biomarker of disease processes. Objective: To compare retinal vascular plexus densities in people with MS (PwMS) and healthy controls (HCs), and examine correlations with visual function and global disability. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 111 PwMS (201 eyes) and 50 HCs (97 eyes) underwent optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Macular superficial vascular plexus (SVP) and deep vascular plexus (DVP) densities were quantified, and poor quality images were excluded according to an artifact-rating protocol. Results: Mean SVP density was 24.1% (SD = 5.5) in MS eyes (26.0% (SD = 4.7) in non-optic neuritis (ON) eyes vs. 21.7% (SD = 5.5) in ON eyes, p < 0.001), as compared to 29.2% (SD = 3.3) in HC eyes (p < 0.001 for all MS eyes and multiple sclerosis optic neuritis (MSON) eyes vs. HC eyes, p = 0.03 for MS non-ON eyes vs. HC eyes). DVP density did not differ between groups. In PwMS, lower SVP density was associated with higher levels of disability (expanded disability status scale (EDSS): R 2 = 0.26, p = 0.004; multiple sclerosis functional composite (MSFC): R 2 = 0.27, p = 0.03) and lower letter acuity scores (100% contrast: R 2 = 0.29; 2.5% contrast: R 2 = 0.40; 1.25% contrast: R 2 = 0.31; p < 0.001 for all). Conclusions: Retinal SVP density measured by OCTA is reduced across MS eyes, and correlates with visual function, EDSS, and MSFC scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Falls is a leading cause of injuries nationally and can lead to serious ophthalmic injuries. The purpose of this study is to examine the incidence and characteristics of ophthalmic trauma in patients with fall-related hospitalizations in the United States. Retrospective, cross-sectional study. National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried to identify all ophthalmic trauma associated with fall-related hospitalizations from 2000 to 2017. Patients were identified using relevant International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. National estimates, annual incidences and characteristics were produced from trend weights provided by the NIS sampling frame and population data from the US Census Bureau. There were 21,415,120 fall-related hospitalizations of which 425,725 (2.0%) had ophthalmic trauma. Ophthalmic injury incidence increased from 4.26 to 14.31 per 100,000 population (P <.01) from 2000 to 2017. Mean (±SEM) age was 69.2 ± 20.1 years and 56.9% were females. Of the patients with specified fall mechanism, the most common mechanisms were tripping or stumbling (48.0%), falls related to furniture (18.3%), and falls related to stairs (16.3%). The most common ophthalmic injuries were contusions of the eye and adnexa including hyphema and commotio retinae (50.1%), orbital fractures (20.7%), and eyelid lacerations (14.9%). Incidence of ophthalmic trauma in patients with fall-related hospitalizations has increased and our study provides valuable information for targeting preventive measures particularly for the elderly and falls due to tripping, stairs, and furniture related accidents. The most common associated ophthalmic injuries are contusions, orbital fractures and eyelid lacerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To describe the epidemiology of Emergency Department (ED) visits related to opioid abuse with primary ophthalmic diagnoses in the United States (US). This retrospective cross-sectional study used National ED Sample (NEDS) (2006–2015), a representative sample of all US EDs, to analyze and compare the epidemiology of primary ophthalmic diagnoses in opioid abusers and a control group of non-opioid users. National incidence and descriptive statistics were calculated for demographics and prevalent diagnoses. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare outcomes between primary ophthalmic diagnoses in opioid and non-opioid abusers. An estimated 10,617 visits had a primary ophthalmic diagnosis and an accompanying opioid abuse diagnosis, and the incidence increased from 0.2 in 2006 to 0.6 per 100,000 US population in 2015. Opioid abuse group had more adults (6,747:63.5%) and middle-aged (3,361:31.7%) patients, while in controls adults (7,905,003:40.4%) and children (4,068,534:20.8%) were affected more. Leading etiologies were similar: traumatic and infectious etiologies were most common; however, opioid abuse patients had more severe ophthalmic diagnoses such as orbital fractures (8.4%), orbital cellulitis (7.4%), globe injury (3.4%) and endophthalmitis (3.2%) compared to controls. Patients in the opioid abuse group were also more likely to be admitted (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR], 28.38 [95% CI, 24.50–32.87]). In the era of opioid crisis, an increase in ED visits with ophthalmic complaints is seen, with increasing direct and indirect costs on the healthcare system. More research is needed to establish causality and devise strategies to lower this burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the thickness of individual retinal layers in eyes with resolved diabetic macular edema (DME) after treatment with ranibizumab (RBZ). Methods: Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans of 25 eyes (25 patients) with DME that had been treated with RBZ (and shown resolution of edema as evident by the absence of fluid in a high-resolution grid placed on the fovea) were acquired using Spectralis HRA + OCTTM. Thickness measurements of individual layers were calculated using papillomacular bundle (PMB), central subfield, and inner- and outer-ring Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grids. Measurements were compared to 45 normal eyes with no known retinal disease. A post-hoc analysis was done correlating visual acuity (VA) with individual retinal layer thickness. Results: Full retinal thickness (FRT) was thinner than normal individuals across all 4 grids. There were similarities and differences among the 4 grids; however, PMB and inner-ring ETDRS grids displayed the most resemblance. The VA significantly correlated with the FRT measured in PMB (p = 0.004), central subfield (p = 0.02), and inner-ring (p = 0.006) ETDRS. Conclusions: Segmentation of OCT scans revealed significant differences in the overall thickness of the retina and of individual retinal layers in patients with resolved DME. PMB grid showed a stronger correlation between affected retinal layers and VA compared to ETDRS. PMB also showed significance with VA in layers that were shown to be not significant in ETDRS grid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]