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AimTo assess the severity of dry eye disease (DED) in humans, its impact on quality of life (QoL) and to grade the damage incurred by the anterior ocular surface in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Patients and methodsForty-six patients (mean age ± SD = 63.8 ± 6.7 years) diagnosed with T2DM were enrolled in the experimental group and 26 healthy individuals constituted the control group (67.9 ± 8.9 years). The diagnosis and gradation of DED were conducted in accordance with the International Task Force severity grading scheme. Disease-specific questionnaires were used to obtain the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and assess the negative effects of the disease on the patient’s QoL. The severity of conjunctival redness and corneal/conjunctival staining was assessed by Efron and Oxford scales, respectively.ResultsAccording to OSDI scores, the entire experimental group presented symptoms of DED: 54.4% were diagnosed with mild DED and 46.6% with moderately severe DED. No cases of severe DED were diagnosed in either the experimental or control group. In the control group, 57.7% of individuals did not have the disease. A significant difference between the experimental and control groups was recorded for both OSDI scores (p < 0.01) and health-related QoL (p < 0.01). It was observed that keratopathy influenced the mean OSDI values of patients. The mean OSDI value was 25.14 ± 3 in the experimental group diagnosed with keratopathy, 19.3 ± 3.5 in the subgroup with no indications of corneal injury (p = 0.000002), and 13.0 ± 3.0 in the control group (p < 0.000002). Based on the DEWS scheme, a grade I severity level was observed in 46% of control subjects and 33% of patients diagnosed with T2DM (p = 0.4915); grades II and III were detected in the bulk of the experimental group (p = 0.0051; p = 0.1707). None of the subjects in the control or experimental groups manifested grade IV severity of DED.ConclusionIn comparison to healthy adults, DED adversely impacts the QoL of type 2 DM patients, regardless of the disease’s association with keratopathy.

Objectives: This study compared long-term surgical outcomes of the scleral flap versus scleral pocket technique for sutureless intrascleral one-piece intraocular lens (IOL) fixation. Methods: A retrospective comparative study was conducted at a single center, involving consecutive patients undergoing sutureless intrascleral one-piece IOL implantation, between January 2020 and May 2022. Eyes were divided into two groups based on the surgical technique: group 1 underwent scleral flap (n = 64), and group 2 received scleral pocket technique (n = 59). Visual acuity, refractive outcomes, and complications were assessed over a minimum 24-month follow-up period. Results: Both groups showed improvements in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), increasing from 0.84 ± 0.56 logMAR at baseline to 0.39 ± 0.23 logMAR (p = 0.042) at 24 months in group 1 and from 0.91 ± 0.63 logMAR at baseline to 0.45 ± 0.38 logMAR (p = 0.039) at 24 months in group 2. No significant differences in BCVA were observed between the groups at baseline (p = 0.991), 12 (p = 0.496) and 24 months (p = 0.557). Mean spherical equivalent (−0.73 ± 1.32 D in group 1 and −0.92 ± 0.99 D in group 2, p = 0.447), refractive prediction error (−0.21 ± 1.1 D in group 1 and −0.35 ± 1.8 D in group 2, p = 0.377), and surgically induced astigmatism (0.74 ± 0.89 D in group 1 and 0.85 ± 0.76 in group 2, p = 0.651) were comparable between the two groups. An IOL tilt of 5.5 ± 1.8 and 5.8 ± 2.0 degrees (p = 0.867) and an IOL decentration of 0.41 ± 0.21 mm and 0.29 ± 0.11 mm (p = 0.955) were obtained, respectively, in group 1 and group 2 at 24 months. Mean endothelial cell density remained stable at 24 months in both groups (p = 0.832 in group 1 and p = 0.443 in group 2), and it was 1747.20 ± 588.03 cells/mm2 in group 1 and 1883.71 ± 621.29 cells/mm2 in group 2 (p = 0.327) at baseline, 1545.36 ± 442.3 cells/mm2 in group 1 and 1417.44 ± 623.40 cells/mm2 in group 2 (p = 0.483) at 24 months. No cases of endophthalmitis were observed. Conclusions: The scleral pocket technique for sutureless intrascleral one-piece IOL fixation is comparable to the traditional scleral flap technique in terms of long-term visual outcomes and safety. The scleral pocket technique offers a simplified approach and a viable option even for less experienced surgeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Color vision deficiency (CVD) is an often-overlooked issue within the medical community, and its consequences remain insufficiently explored. We aim to evaluate how CVD affects diagnostic accuracy and distinguish between malignant choroidal melanoma and benign choroidal nevus among ophthalmologists. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we engaged ophthalmologists through a web-based survey distributed via the professional ophthalmology society's social media channels. The survey encompassed a series of three fundus images representing normal fundus, choroidal nevus, and choroidal melanoma. Each image underwent simulation for the three primary types of CVD—protanopia, deuteranopia, and tritanopia—alongside a non-simulated version. Results: The study included 41 participants, averaging 40 years of age (±9.2), comprising 28 (68%) men and 13 (32%) women. Significantly lower rates of identifying orange pigments were observed in simulated protanopia images compared to non-simulated ones (p = 0.038). In simulated deutranopia images, the recognition of melanotic lesions was notably reduced compared to non-simulated images (p = 0.048). No such limitation was observed for tritanopia. However, participants retained their ability to identify subretinal fluid and estimate tumor thickness in simulated and non-simulated images. Concerning simulated images of choroidal nevi, participants misdiagnosed nevi as choroidal melanoma in 37% of cases in simulated protanopia nevi images and 41% in simulated deutranopia nevi images. This resulted in unnecessary referrals of benign lesions as malignant, emphasizing the potential for mistaken diagnoses. Nevertheless, almost all simulated images of malignant melanoma were correctly referred for specialized oncological treatment. Conclusions: The simulated CVD conditions of protanopia and deuteranopia affected the accuracy of identifying the melanotic nature of the choroidal tumor and the presence of orange pigments. This limitation led to challenges in correctly diagnosing choroidal melanoma and choroidal nevus, resulting in extra referrals for nevus cases. However, participants were safe and could still determine the possible risk of eyes with choroidal melanoma, so most referred melanoma cases to specialized oncologists as needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex and multifactorial condition that can lead to permanent vision loss once it progresses to the neovascular exudative stage. This review aims to summarize the use of deep learning in neovascular AMD. Materials and Methods: Pubmed search. Results: Deep learning has demonstrated effectiveness in analyzing structural OCT images in patients with neovascular AMD. This review outlines the role of deep learning in identifying and measuring biomarkers linked to an elevated risk of transitioning to the neovascular form of AMD. Additionally, deep learning techniques can quantify critical OCT features associated with neovascular AMD, which have prognostic implications for these patients. Incorporating deep learning into the assessment of neovascular AMD eyes holds promise for enhancing clinical management strategies for affected individuals. Conclusion: Several studies have demonstrated effectiveness of deep learning in assessing neovascular AMD patients and this has a promising role in the assessment of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intraocular surgeries are conventionally contraindicated for patients with active retinoblastoma (Rb) due to the potential risk of tumor dissemination. However, surgery is occasionally necessary to preserve vision in patients with a single eye when the eye is complicated by rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Objective: This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of surgical repair for RRD in pediatric patients with active Rb utilizing a non-drainage scleral buckling approach. Results: This cohort included six eyes from six patients who harbored active Rb and presented with RRD; one had a concurrent tractional component. All eyes (100%) had active intraocular Rb and were undergoing active therapy (systemic chemotherapy, cryotherapy, and thermal laser therapy) when RRD developed. RRD consistently manifested at the site of recent cryotherapy in all cases. RRD repair in the affected eyes was performed by scleral buckling without subretinal fluid drainage. Five of the six eyes (83%) achieved complete retinal reattachment. One eye (17%) with a tractional component exhibited partial reattachment and was eventually enucleated due to persistent active disease. At a median follow-up of 15 months (range 12–180 months) after scleral buckling, all five eyes had persistent retinal attachment, and no case developed orbital or distant metastasis. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that nondrainage scleral buckling is an effective and safe method for the surgical repair of RRD in eyes harboring active Rb, as most cases achieved persistent complete retinal reattachment without the risk of tumor spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess changes in choriocapillaris (CC) vascular density surrounding macular neovascularization (MNV) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) when transitioning from various anti-VEGF treatments to faricimab, using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). 25 eyes of 22 individuals who underwent intravitreal faricimab injections for neovascular AMD with type 1 MNV were included. OCTA images were obtained prior to (T0), after one (T1), and after three faricimab injections (T2); Noteworthy changes occurred in the first ring at T2 in comparison to T0. The percentage of CC flow deficit (FD%), FD average area (FDa), and FD number (FDn) in 5 rings (R1-R5) surrounding the dark halo around the MNV were calculated. A reduction in FD% at T2 compared to T0 (50.5 ± 10.2% at T0, 46.4 ± 10.6% at T2; p = 0.020) was seen, indicating CC reperfusion. Additionally, we observed a reduction in the average FDa (140.2 ± 172.1% at T0, 93.7 ± 101.8% at T2; p = 0.029). Our study highlights an FD% after three consecutive faricimab injections. The most pronounced effect was observed in the first ring, directly adjacent to the dark halo, suggesting a partial CC reperfusion surrounding the MNV, potentially indicating disease regression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroplasticity is a complex process that is heightened during time-sensitive periods of pre- and postnatal brain development. It continues, albeit to a lesser extent, throughout adolescence and young adulthood. Congenital visual deprivation is well-known and explored in human-model behavioral research. In this study, we review existing research on neuroadaptations and neuroplasticity of the visual pathway as a result of inherited retinal diseases (IRD), focusing on data concerning congenital bilateral visual deprivation in humans published in PubMed in the past 5 years, including 18 articles. We highlight evidence about the anatomical and behavioral aspects of neuroplasticity as different brain responses to different types of visual deprivation. We also focus on various very interesting aspects of the cross-modal functional reorganization of the visual and auditory cortex as an example of brain plasticity due to combined visual and auditory loss. Our study shows that central nervous system magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) advancements have allowed researchers to report previously elusive anatomical evidence. Patients with a known mechanism of IRD—examined with high magnetic field MRI and functional MRI—have been proven to be adequate models to explore neuroadaptations of the visual pathway due to bilateral, early, and late visual deprivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article provides an overview of photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser light therapy (LLLT), which has garnered attention in ophthalmology for its potential therapeutic benefits in various ocular diseases. Photobiomodulation involves the use of low-intensity lasers or light-emitting diodes to stimulate biological processes in target tissues without causing thermal damage. This article discusses how PBM has been explored across various ocular conditions, including ocular surface diseases, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, myopia, amblyopia, and glaucoma. It summarizes findings from human studies and clinical trials demonstrating positive outcomes of PBM treatment in these areas. Moreover, the article emphasizes the importance of establishing standardized treatment protocols in terms of session duration and frequency, light type, and patients' inclusion criteria to further validate the role of PBM in managing ocular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]