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High glycemic index/load is associated with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and total mortality. The impact on the Asian population may be higher.

Vitreous substitutes and tamponades occupy the vitreous cavity following vitrectomy in the management of various conditions such as retinal detachment, macular hole, and diabetic retinopathy. Such replacements can be for the short term (gases such as sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) and perfluoropropane (C3F8) or long term (such as silicone oils). Certain substitutes such as perfluorocarbon liquids are used only transiently during surgery as “a third hand” or rarely till a few days post surgery. Hydrogels and hyaluronan derivatives are among the newer vitreous substitutes that are showing promise for the future, albeit still under investigation. still being investigated for use as vitreous substitutes. These materials have properties similar to the natural vitreous and may offer advantages such as improved biocompatibility and biodegradability. Although vitreous substitutes are valuable tools in treating vitreoretinal conditions, they carry risks and potential complications such as cataract formation, glaucoma, and inflammation. The current communication extensively reviews the available literature on vitreous tamponades. It details the composition and properties of various vitreous substitutes and tamponades available for the clinician, highlighting the techniques of usage, indications, and limitations.

Purpose: In individuals aged >50 years, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Intravitreal injections of antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents (bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept) show good efficacy and similar incidences of systemic adverse events (SAEs). However, comparative studies between agents are limited. Our study aimed to compare the real-world SAE risks of bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept users. Methods: This retrospective cohort study identified new bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept users in a multi-institutional database in Taiwan between 2014 and 2019. Inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTW) with propensity scores was conducted to achieve homogeneity among groups. The Fine and Gray model was utilized to estimate the subdistribution hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval. Results: This study included 701 bevacizumab, 463 ranibizumab, and 984 aflibercept users. After IPTW, all covariates were well-balanced. All three anti-VEGF agents had a low and comparable number per 100 person-years of major adverse cardiac events, heart failure, thromboembolic events, major bleeding, all-cause admission, and all-cause death (all P > 0.05). No significant differences in long-term change of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and alanine transaminase (all P for interaction > 0.05) were observed among groups. Conclusion: Bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept had a good systemic safety profile in this study. All groups showed a low and similar SAE risk and no differences in their long-term change of laboratory data. Therefore, these anti-VEGF agents could be prescribed safely to patients with AMD.

Abstract To study the clinical characteristics of macula off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with peripheral causative breaks and concomitant macular hole (RRD+MH). This is a bi-center study. Consecutive eyes of macula off RRD with or without macular hole (MH) were collected. Eyes in these two groups were compared with best corrected visual acuity in logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR BCVA), the presence of choroidal detachment (CD), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and the extent of RRD. In the group of RRD+MH, regression analysis was used to evaluate the correlation of clinical factors and final logMar BCVA. In addition, optical coherence tomography was performed both pre-and post-operatively if possible. There were 40 eyes in the RRD+MH group and 80 eyes in the control group. Eyes with RRD+MH had worse initial and final logMar BCVA (p

Purpose: To analyze the associations between development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and regular use of aspirin or non-aspirin non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NA-NSAIDs). Methods: We retrospectively recruited individuals who received ≥28-day prescriptions of aspirin or NA-NSAIDs exclusively between 2008 and 2017 in one tertiary center as regular users. Non-regular users were free from regular use of any anti-inflammatory drugs and were matched to regular users in terms of age, sex, and visit date at a ratio of 1–4:1. The aspirin cohort included 36,771 regular users and 110,808 matched non-regular users, while the NA-NSAID cohort included 59,569 regular users and 179,732 matched non-regular users. Stratified multivariate Cox regression analyses with adjustment for systemic confounding factors were performed for the development of AMD and neovascular AMD. Results: In the aspirin cohort, the adjusted hazard ratios of aspirin use for AMD in the whole cohort, individuals without cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and those with CVDs were 0.664, 0.618, and 0.702, respectively (P

Aims: To measure the foveal pit morphology parameters and evaluate their correlations with age and sex. Settings and Design: A retrospective cross-sectional matched comparison study in a tertiary center. Methods and Materials: Forty men and 40 age-matched women who had normal macular structures and foveal contours were enrolled. Foveal pit parameters including top width, base width, nasal width, temporal width, minimal thickness, nasal thickness, temporal thickness, nasal height, temporal height, nasal slope, and temporal slope were measured on horizontal B-scan macular optical coherence tomography and compared between men and women. Statistical Analysis Used: Paired t-tests and Pearson's correlation analysis. Results: The average patient age was 51.4 ± 17.5 (21–84) years. Women had a wider base width (313.1 ± 68.0 μm vs 266.8 ± 70.9 μm, P = 0.006), wider temporal width (1043.1 ± 245.6 μm vs 968.9 ± 261.0 μm, P = 0.006), thinner nasal thickness (345.6 ± 36.2 μm vs 359.7 ± 35.8 μm, P = 0.048), and flatter temporal slope (11.60 ± 2.52° vs 12.98 ± 2.68°, P = 0.016) than men. With age, the base width (r = 0.35, P = 0.025) and temporal width (r = 0.54, P = 0.0003) tended to be wider and the temporal slope was flatter (r = -0.45, P = 0.003) in women but not men. The minimal thickness tended to be thinner in the elderly group (r = 0.038, P = 0.015). Conclusions: Women had a significantly wider base width, wider temporal width, thinner nasal thickness, and flatter temporal slope of the foveal pit than age-matched men. The base width and temporal width were wider and the temporal slope was flatter with age in women but not men.

Abstract Introduction To evaluate the real-world efficacy of aflibercept using the treat-and-extend (TnE) regimen in treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), and to analyze biomarkers using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to predict treatment outcomes. Methods Patients diagnosed with nAMD or PCV who received an intravitreal injection of aflibercept following the TnE regimen for ≥ 2 years were retrospectively reviewed. Data on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), number of injections, treatment interval, and OCT biomarkers, including central macular thickness, presence of subretinal fluid (SRF), and serous pigmented epithelial detachment, were collected at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after the first injection. Results A total of 43 patients were enrolled in this study, 24 of whom were diagnosed with nAMD and 19 with PCV. The BCVA in logMAR (mean ± standard deviation) improved from 0.75 ± 0.41 (baseline) to 0.60 ± 0.41 (P = 0.002) at 3 months after treatment initiation, and further improved to 0.66 ± 0.46 at 24 months (P = 0.137). The number of injections (mean ± standard deviation) within the 2-year treatment course was 10.95 ± 3.65. At month 24 of the TnE regimen, the treatment interval was extended to ≥ 16 weeks in 60.5% of all cases and to 78.9% of the PCV cases. After three loading injections, persistent subretinal fluid and intraretinal fluid were predictive of more frequent injections (P = 0.026) and poorer visual outcomes (P = 0.050), respectively. Conclusion Aflibercept combined with a TnE regimen was effective in treating nAMD and PCV in a real-world setting. The treatment interval could be extended to ≥ 16 weeks in 60.5% of the cases after a 2-year treatment regimen. OCT can be used to predict the treatment course and visual outcomes.

Abstract Clinical practices on acute post-operative and endogenous endophthalmitis (EnE) are highly variable among clinicians due to a lack of up-to-date, high-quality evidential support. An expert consensus is thus much needed. A panel consisting of ten retinal specialists in Taiwan was organized. They evaluated relevant literature and developed key questions regarding acute post-operative and EnE that are cardinal for practice but yet to have conclusive evidence. The panel then attempted to reach consensus on all the key questions accordingly. There were eight key questions proposed and their respective consensus statements were summarized as follows: Gram staining and culture are still the standard procedures for the diagnosis of endophthalmitis. Vitrectomy is recommended to be performed earlier than the timing proposed by the Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study (EVS). Routine intracameral antibiotic injection for post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis prophylaxis is not recommended because of potential compounding error hazards and a lack of support from high-quality studies. Routine fundus examination is recommended for all patients with pyogenic liver abscess. In EnE, vitrectomy is recommended if diffused and dense vitritis is present, or if the disease progresses. These consensus statements may work as handy guidance or reference for clinical practices of acute post-operative and EnE.

Abstract Introduction To investigate the longitudinal changes in renal function and associated factors after intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) administration in diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods A total of 108 patients who had received intravitreal ranibizumab or aflibercept for DME and had follow-up visits for at least 2 years in one hospital were retrospectively enrolled. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at baseline and during the follow-up period and receipt of any renal replacement therapy were recorded. Linear regression and Cox regression models were used to evaluate factors associated with eGFR decline and renal replacement therapy. Results After intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment, eGFR showed a mean decline of −10.4 ± 23.2% and −16.5 ± 26.4% at months 12 and 24, respectively. Patients in the eGFR > 120 mL/min and 15–30 mL/min groups had the greatest decline (−32.0 ± 20.6% and −37.4 ± 30.9%, respectively) while those in the 61–90 mL/min group had the smallest decline (−4.3 ± 19.7%) in eGFR after the 2-year treatment. One out of 52 patients (1.9%) receiving ranibizumab and five out of 56 patients (8.9%) receiving aflibercept started hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis within the 2-year follow-up period (P = 0.21). Baseline eGFR correlated with renal replacement therapy after intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment (hazard ratio = 0.879 per increase of 1 in eGFR, P = 0.018). Conclusions In DME patients receiving intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment, a persistent decline in eGFR was observed during the 2-year treatment course. Patients with extremely high or low eGFR had greater eGFR decline, and those with poor baseline eGFR tended to require dialysis after intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment.

Abstract Background To demonstrate the associations between the morphology of macular retinal vasculature and disease severity of idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). Methods Macular structures were assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT), and were classified as “with pseudohole” or “without pseudohole”. The 3 × 3 mm macular OCT angiography images were analyzed using the Fiji software to obtain the vessel density, skeleton density, average vessel diameter, vessel tortuosity, fractal dimension, and foveal avascular zone (FAZ)-related parameters. The correlations between these parameters and ERM grading as well as visual acuity were analyzed. Results For ERM with or without a pseudohole, increased average vessel diameter, decreased skeleton density, and decreased vessel tortuosity were all associated with inner retinal folding and thickened inner nuclear layer, indicating more severe ERM. In 191 eyes without a pseudohole, the average vessel diameter increased, fractal dimension decreased and vessel tortuosity decreased with increasing ERM severity. The FAZ was not associated with ERM severity. Decreased skeleton density (r = -0.37), vessel tortuosity (r = -0.35), and increased average vessel diameter (r = 0.42) were correlated with worse visual acuity (All P

Abstract Introduction To investigate changes in the vitreoretinal interface after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment in highly myopic eyes. Methods Eyes with myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) treated with intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF in a single-center were retrospectively reviewed. Fundus abnormalities and features of optical computed tomography were studied. Results A total of 295 eyes from 254 patients were recruited to the study. Prevalence of myopic macular retinoschisis (MRS) was 25.4%, and the rates of progression and onset of MRS were 75.9% and 16.2%, respectively. Outer retinal schisis (β = 8.586, p = 0.003) and lamellar macular hole (LMH) (β = 5.015, p = 0.043) at baseline were identified risk factors for progression and onset of MRS, whereas male sex (β = 9.000, p = 0.039) and outer retinal schisis at baseline (β = 5.250, p = 0.010) were risk factors for MRS progression. Progression of MRS was first detected in outer retinal layers in 48.3% of eyes. Thirteen eyes required surgical intervention. Spontaneous improvements of MRS were observed in five eyes (6.3%). Conclusion Changes in the vitreoretinal interface, such as progression, onset, and improvement of MRS, were observed after anti-VEGF treatment. Outer retinal schisis and LMH were risk factors of progression and onset of MRS after anti-VEGF treatment. Intravitreal injection of ranibizumab and retinal hemorrhage were protective factors for surgical intervention for vision-threatening MRS.

Abstract Introduction Intravitreal dexamethasone and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medications have revolutionized ocular disease management and favorable ocular safety profiles, but few studies have compared their systemic adverse events (SAEs). This study investigated the SAEs of intravitreal dexamethasone and anti-VEGFs by using real-world data. Methods This retrospective cohort study sourced medical records from the largest multi-institutional database in Taiwan. Patients who received intravitreal dexamethasone (n = 137) or anti-VEGFs (n = 10,345) between 2014 and 2019 were enrolled. Propensity score matching was performed to achieve homogeneity between the two groups. Subdistribution hazard ratios (SHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the Fine–Gray model. Systemic as well as ocular clinical events and systemic biomarkers after 1-year follow-up were compared. Results Both groups demonstrated comparable risks of major cardiac adverse events (SHR 1.57, 95% CI 0.29–8.55), heart failure (SHR 0.62, 95% CI 0.07–5.33), major bleeding (SHR 0.23, 95% CI 0.03–1.77), all-cause admission (SHR 0.73, 95% CI 0.41–1.30), and all-cause death (SHR 2.11, 95% CI 0.35–12.71). There were no significant differences in longitudinal changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin, low-density lipoprotein, estimated glomerular filtration rate, or alanine aminotransferase between the groups. Both groups had a similar incidence of cataract surgery. Although the dexamethasone group exhibited a relatively high prevalence of antiglaucomatous medication use, there was not a significantly higher incidence of glaucoma surgery. Conclusion Intravitreal dexamethasone and anti-VEGF medications had comparable systemic safety profiles in our study. Both drugs represent efficacious and safe therapies for ocular diseases.

This paper proposes an intelligent stethoscope system that synchronously displays the electrocardiogram (ECG) and heart sound. The instrument, which accelerates auscultation, can be used for the diagnosis of valvular heart disease (VHD) for clinical physicians. The whole system with ECG patch and stethoscope includes four parts, namely, an analog front-end circuit for bio-signal acquisition, a heart sound-classifying integrated circuit with convolution neural network (CNN), a user-friendly application that synchronously displays the heart sound and ECG signals, and a cloud server with heart murmur detection algorithm for human study. In this system, three algorithms are used in processing both ECG and heart sound signals. The first algorithm is a synchronized algorithm, which can align heart sound and ECG signals simultaneously. The second algorithm is a heart sound-classifying algorithm that can distinguish the first (S1) and the second (S2) heart sound in heart sound signals for identifying the systolic and diastolic phases. The accuracies of the algorithm applied to normal heart sound and heart murmur are 100% and 96.7%, respectively. The third algorithm is heart murmur identification, which can detect systolic murmur and has a macro f1 score of 92.5%. The three algorithms proposed are beneficial for physicians in the diagnosis of VHD. After the establishment of the whole system, a CNN-based classification algorithm is also implemented with a $0.18 \mu \text{m}$ standard CMOS process for the demonstration of the edge computing. The machine learning techniques are implemented on the chip to accelerate the classification process.

This study aimed to investigate the characteristic choroidal changes in patients with diabetic retinopathy and identify factors affecting choroidal thickness (CTh), choroidal vascular index (CVI), and choriocapillaris flow. We retrospectively analyzed 79 eyes of 48 patients with diabetes between August 2021 and February 2022. We collected laboratory data, including HbA1c, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Optical coherence tomography images of the foveal avascular zone, retinal vascular density, choroidal flow, retinal thickness, CTh, and CVI were analyzed. Possible determining factors affecting CTh, CVI, and choriocapillaris flow were analyzed using nonparametric multivariate analysis. LDL (p < 0.001) positively correlated with CTh, whereas CVI (p = 0.007) was negatively correlated with CTh in diabetic patients with diabetes. We also identified a negative correlation between choriocapillaris flow and deep parafoveal retinal vessel density in patients with low-grade diabetic retinopathy (DR), which diminished in those with more advanced DR. Our study provides further information on the changes in choroidal structure and blood flow in patients with diabetes.

Purpose: To assess ocular involvement in sarcoidosis and to analyze the manifestations of ocular sarcoidosis (OS) in Taiwan. Methods: A retrospective review was performed in 364 patients diagnosed as sarcoidosis at National Taiwan University Hospital from 2015 to 2019. The OS diagnosis was based on the revised criteria of International Workshop on Ocular Sarcoidosis. Demographics, clinical manifestations, treatment and effects, complications, visual outcomes and risk factors of poor vision (

Abstract Background To identify the predictive parameter among preoperative measurements that best predicts postoperative visual outcome in the epiretinal membrane (ERM). Methods Thirty-three consecutive patients with idiopathic unilateral ERM patients between 2015 and 2018 were enrolled. Nineteen healthy normal eyes were selected as an independent age-matched group. Based on preoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT), we further divided the patients with ERM into two groups: type 1, loosely attached ERM, and type 2, tight adherent ERM. We documented the vision and thickness of various retinal layers: nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform layer (GCL + IPL), inner nuclear layer (INL), outer retinal layer (ORL), and retinal pigment epithelium/Bruch complex layer before and after the surgery. The association between postoperative visual acuity and these variables was analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis. Results All retinal layers of ERM eyes were thicker than the normal eyes (P

Abstract Emotion recognition deficit is related to impaired community functioning. Loneliness is also associated with impaired social performance. However, the way in which emotion recognition and loneliness may contribute to social functioning remains unclear in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder. We aimed to examine emotion recognition ability in Han Chinese euBD patients relative to healthy controls (HCs) and to investigate the associations between emotion recognition, loneliness, and social functioning. Thirty‐nine HCs and 46 euthymic BD patients completed an emotion recognition task and nonsocial cognitive measures related to executive function and attention. The UCLA loneliness scale and Social Performance Scale were administered to evaluate psychological loneliness and social functioning, respectively. We observed lower emotion recognition accuracy, higher loneliness, and poorer social functioning in the BD patients after adjustment for demographic data. Loneliness was negatively associated with global social functioning in both the BD and HC groups. Higher loneliness and lower emotion recognition accuracy were associated with poorer social functioning in euthymic BD in different subdomains. Our study confirmed a subtle impairment of emotion recognition ability in euthymic BD. Loneliness impacts globally on social functioning, while emotion recognition ability may affect specific subdomains of social functioning in euthymic BD. Alleviation of loneliness and enhancement of social cognition might improve social functioning in BD patients.

Abstract To investigate optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) biomarkers for good visual outcomes in eyes with myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) following anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy. Patients diagnosed with mCNV via multimodal imaging were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline demographic data and biomarkers were collected. Anti-VEGF treatment based on a pro re nata (PRN) regimen was conducted on all eyes. The visual gains of ≥ 15 ETDRS letters or

Abstract Background We investigated whether antiplatelet/anticoagulant (APAC) therapy can protect patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from the development or progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods This is a retrospective cohort study using Longitudinal Health Insurance Database in Taiwan. A total of 73,964 type 2 diabetic patients older than 20 years old were included. Hazard ration (HR) of non-proliferative DR (NPDR), proliferative DR (PDR), and diabetic macular edema (DME) were analyzed with APAC usage as a time-dependent covariate. Age, sex, comorbidities, and medicines were further adjusted in a multi-variable model. Contributions of respective APAC was investigated with sensitivity analysis. Results Compared with nonusers, APAC users had a lower cumulative incidence of NPDR (P

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss. The present consensus provides suggestions on diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and follow-up strategies for nAMD from a panel of 11 practicing ophthalmologists. The experts suggest that the baseline visit for nAMD management should include a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination via a multimodal approach consisting of visual and anatomical evaluation. Patients diagnosed with nAMD should be subjected to treatment with the goal of maintaining visual function while diminishing anatomical disease activity and minimizing treatment burden. Currently, anti-VEGF therapy is the main treatment strategy for nAMD, and evaluation involving comprehensive ophthalmologic examination within 1 month of completion of the loading phase comprising three monthly injections is recommended to guide subsequent management. Either a treat-and-extend or pro re nata regimen can be considered for the maintenance phase of anti-VEGF therapy, and the regimen should be chosen and adjusted according to disease activity, reimbursement criteria, financial burden, and patient preferences. In the event of inactive nAMD or poor treatment outcomes, after thorough evaluation and patient education, anti-VEGF therapy may be stopped. The consensus provides practical nAMD management guidelines for ophthalmologists and fellow healthcare professionals.

Abstract Twenty-one consecutive patients (21 eyes) having proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and fibrovascular proliferation (FVP) with optical coherence tomography (OCT) available before and after full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) formation were retrospectively reviewed. Four types of FTMH formation pathways in PDR were identified and were quite different from those in idiopathic conditions. The activity, severity and locations of FVP varied in PDR eyes destined to develop FTMHs. Type 1 was characterized by epiretinal membrane (ERM) and/or vitreomacular traction (VMT) inducing foveoschisis, intraretinal cysts or foveal detachment, followed by formation of a FTMH or macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD). In type 2, ERM and/or FVP induced lamellar macular hole (LMH) with foveoschisis, followed by the formation of FTMH or MHRD. Type 3 was characterized by the initial tractional retinal detachment (TRD) with foveal cysts and/or foveoschisis and the subsequent formation of MHRD. Type 4 was characterized by TRD associated with foveal thinning, ensued by the formation of MHRD. The severity of FVP was grade 2 in 66.7% of eyes in both types 1 and 4, and grade 3 in 75% of eyes in type 3 while the severity of FVP was more evenly distributed in type 2.

Abstract To provide real-world experiences of treating polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) patients with photodynamic therapy (PDT) plus intravitreal injection of ranibizumab or intravitreal injection of aflibercept alone. Retrospective chart review of patients with PCV in a single tertiary referral center in Taiwan. Chart review of PCV patients treated with PDT and injection of ranibizumab or injection of aflibercept. A total of 101 eyes of 101 patients (38 females and 63 males) were reviewed. Of those, 48 and 53 eyes received primary/adjunctive PDT along with injections of ranibizumab or intravitreal injections of aflibercept only, respectively. Initial visual acuity (VA) and central subfield choroidal thickness were similar between the two groups (p > 0.05). In addition, changes in VA at 3, 6, and 12 months post treatment were similar. The central retinal thickness decreased with either treatment (p 0.05). In the subgroup analysis of pachychoroid and non-pachychoroid patients, better initial VA and post-treatment VA at 3 months and 6 months was noted in the latter group of patients treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monotherapy (p

Abstract To investigate choroidal neovascularization (CNV) characteristics after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and to assess the potential predictive role of combined qualitative and quantitative biomarkers for disease activity. Patients diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 CNV via multimodal imaging who had received anti-VEGF treatment were retrospectively reviewed. Qualitative and quantitative CNV responses on OCTA after serial injections were analyzed. The enrolled eyes were divided into two groups based on treatment intervals during follow-up, including an active group with less than 12 weeks intervals and a stable group with 12 weeks or longer intervals. Fifty-six eyes of 56 patients were included in the study. Twenty-seven eyes (48.2%) were classified as the “active group”, and 29 eyes (51.8%) were categorized as the “silent group”. Qualitative biomarkers of CNV showed significant differences between the two groups (branching capillaries: 48.1% vs 6.9%, p = 0.001; anastomoses and loops: 81.5% vs 13.8%, p

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of in vivo confocal microscopic neuroanalysis by beginners using manual and automated modules. Images of sub-basal corneal nerve plexus (SCNP) from 108 images of 18 healthy participants were analyzed by 7 beginner observers using manual (CCMetrics, [CCM]) and automated (ACCMetrics, [ACCM]) module. SCNP parameters analyzed included corneal nerve fiber density (NFD), corneal nerve branch density (NBD), corneal nerve fiber length (NFL), and tortuosity coefficient (TC). The intra-observer repeatability, inter-observer reliability, inter-module agreement, and left–right eye symmetry level of SCNP parameters were examined. All observers showed good intra-observer repeatability using CCM (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] > 0.60 for all), except when measuring TC. Two observers demonstrated especially excellent repeatability in analyzing NFD, NBD, and NFL using manual mode, indicating the quality of interpretation may still be observer-dependent. Among all SCNP parameters, NFL had the best inter-observer reliability (Spearman’s rank-sum correlation coefficient [SpCC] and ICC > 0.85 for the 3 original observers) and left–right symmetry level (SpCC and ICC > 0.60). In the additional analysis of inter-observer reliability using results by all 7 observers, only NFL showed good inter-observer reliability (ICC = 0.79). Compared with CCM measurements, values of ACCM measurements were significantly lower, implying a poor inter-module agreement. Our result suggested that performance of quantitative corneal neuroanalysis by beginners maybe acceptable, with NFL being the most reliable parameter, and automated method cannot fully replace manual work.

Abstract This study highlights the clinical features and treatment response of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) among three different branching vascular network (BVN) morphologies in optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), and further correlates the BVN features with those under fluorescent angiography (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). In total, we reviewed 70 eyes with PCV followed up for > 12 months. OCTA, ICGA and FA images were obtained at baseline and post-treatments. BVN was assessed using OCTA and divided into three types by a previously described BVN classification: type 1 (trunk), type 2 (glomeruli), and type 3 (stick). At baseline, type 1 BVN had the poorest vision and thinnest subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), whereas type 3 had the best vision and thickest SFCT. The aforementioned trend sustained after treatments. Each BVN morphology in OCTA showed typical features in FA + ICGA and encompassed significant correlation (p = 0.004). In conclusion, OCTA is an innovative imaging tool for the detection and classification of BVN in PCV. Furthermore, OCTA has advantages of being noninvasive and free of systemic toxicities. The BVN can be divided into three types based on morphological characteristics in OCTA, which play crucial roles in clinical presentations and treatment outcomes.

Background: Inappropriate and excessive use of gadgets can cause addiction and interfere with physical, psychological, and emotional health, increase social isolation, and negatively affect development, especially in children. The resulting impact will be greatly influenced by the role of parents, family and the environment. Purpose: This study aims to understand what education can be provided to parents of children with gadget addiction, along with how parents can choose toys and alternative games for children to reduce this gadget addiction. Methods: The design used in this article was a narrative review that involved collecting and analyzing journals using the keywords "addiction", "children", "education", "parent" and "gadget"; this obtained 10 journal articles from PubMed, two journal articles from ScienceDirect, 14 journal articles from Google Scholar published between 2015–2020, three books, and one collection of survey data from the web. Results: There were several strategies that could be applied in managing the use of gadgets by children. The authoritative type of parenting style, good parent-child relationships, parent-child attachment and family environment conditions could also affect the use of gadgets and its impact on children. Parents could additionally provide toys and alternative games suitable for the children’s age, developmental ability and safety needs. Conclusion: Parents are expected to understand how to manage children with gadget addiction and how they can choose toys and alternative games for children to reduce gadget addiction.

Background/Purpose: To verify the staging system of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition for uveal melanoma, and to propose the prognostic factors of uveal melanoma by a 45-year cohort study. Methods: We collected patients who underwent operation with pathological proof from 1973 to 2017. The demographic data including gender, age, laterality, metastatic pattern, and histopathology type were recorded. The predictability for survival and monotonicity of gradients of the AJCC 8th edition were evaluated. The prognostic factors for survival were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 72 patients were collected. The median age was 55 year-old (range 24–100). No specific gender predilection was revealed in our study. About 75.9% of metastases events happened in the first five-year of follow-up, and hepatic involvement was the most common. By the AJCC 8th edition, the distribution for stage I: II: III was 8 (11.1%), 37 (51.4%), and 27 (37.5%). The prognostic staging groups manifested fair predictability and monotonicity of gradients for survival outcome. The tumors with epithelioid cell type and ciliary body involvements had higher tumor-related mortality. Conclusion: The AJCC 8th edition prognostic staging groups for outcome prediction was validated. Periodic screening for metastases should be more frequent in the first five-year follow-up. The tumors with epithelioid cell pattern and ciliary body involvements were at risk of higher tumor-related mortality in Taiwanese patients.

Abstract Background Current principles of postoperative pain management are primarily based on the types and extent of surgical intervention. This clinical study measured patient’s self-anticipated pain score before surgery, and compared the anticipated scores with the actual pain levels and analgesic requirements after surgery. Methods This prospective observational study recruited consecutive patients who received elective surgery in the E-Da Hospital, Taiwan from June to August 2018. Patients were asked to subjectively rate their highest anticipated pain level (numeric rating scale, NRS 0–10) for the scheduled surgical interventions during their preoperative anesthesia assessment. After the operation, the actual pain intensity (NRS 0–10) experienced by the patient in the post-anesthesia care unit and the total dose of opioids administered during the perioperative period were recorded. Pain scores ≥4 on NRS were regarded as being unacceptable levels for anticipated or postoperative pain that required more aggressive intervention. Results A total of 996 patients were included in the study. Most of the patients (86%) received general anesthesia and 73.9% of them had a history of previous operation. Female anticipated significantly higher overall pain intensities than the male patients (adjusted odd ratio 1.523, 95% confidence interval 1.126–2.061; P = 0.006). Patients who took regular benzodiazepine at bedtime (P = 0.037) and those scheduled to receive more invasive surgical procedures were most likely to anticipate for higher pain intensity at the preoperative period (P

Abstract This retrospective study evaluated the association of hyperreflective foci (HRF) with treatment response in diabetic macular oedema (DME) after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. The medical records, including of ophthalmologic examinations and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, of 106 patients with DME treated with either intravitreal ranibizumab or aflibercept were reviewed. The correlations between best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) changes and HRF along with other OCT biomarkers were analysed. The mean logMAR BCVA improved from 0.696 to 0.461 after an average of 6.2 injections in 1 year under real-world conditions. Greater visual-acuity gain was noted in patients with a greater number of HRF in the outer retina at baseline (p = 0.037), along with other factors such as poor baseline vision (p

Abstract Three-dimensional (3D) configuration of in vitro cultivated cells has been recognised as a valuable tool in developing stem cell and cancer cell therapy. However, currently available imaging approaches for live cells have drawbacks, including unsatisfactory resolution, lack of cross-sectional and 3D images, and poor penetration of multi-layered cell products, especially when cells are cultivated on semitransparent carriers. Herein, we report a prototype of a full-field optical coherence tomography (FF-OCT) system with isotropic submicron spatial resolution in en face and cross-sectional views that provides a label-free, non-invasive platform with high-resolution 3D imaging. We validated the imaging power of this prototype by examining (1) cultivated neuron cells (N2A cell line); (2) multilayered, cultivated limbal epithelial sheets (mCLESs); (3) neuron cells (N2A cell line) and mCLESs cultivated on a semitransparent amniotic membrane (stAM); and (4) directly adherent colonies of neuron-like cells (DACNs) covered by limbal epithelial cell sheets. Our FF-OCT exhibited a penetrance of up to 150 μm in a multilayered cell sheet and displayed the morphological differences of neurons and epithelial cells in complex coculture systems. This FF-OCT is expected to facilitate the visualisation of cultivated cell products in vitro and has a high potential for cell therapy and translational medicine research.

Purpose: To develop a deep learning image assessment software VeriSee™ and to validate its accuracy in grading the severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods: Diabetic patients who underwent single-field, nonmydriatic, 45-degree color retinal fundus photography at National Taiwan University Hospital between July 2007 and June 2017 were retrospectively recruited. A total of 7524 judgeable color fundus images were collected and were graded for the severity of DR by ophthalmologists. Among these pictures, 5649 along with another 31,612 color fundus images from the EyePACS dataset were used for model training of VeriSee™. The other 1875 images were used for validation and were graded for the severity of DR by VeriSee™, ophthalmologists, and internal physicians. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for VeriSee™, and the sensitivities and specificities for VeriSee™, ophthalmologists, and internal physicians in diagnosing DR were calculated. Results: The AUCs for VeriSee™ in diagnosing any DR, referable DR and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) were 0.955, 0.955 and 0.984, respectively. VeriSee™ had better sensitivities in diagnosing any DR and PDR (92.2% and 90.9%, respectively) than internal physicians (64.3% and 20.6%, respectively) (P

Abstract Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a distinctive type of neovascular age-related macular degeneration prevalent in many Asian countries. However, there is still some controversy in how the subtypes of PCV are classified. This post-hoc study redefined the branching vascular network (BVN) and PCV subtypes through retrospective review of indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) and fluorescein angiography images from two observational studies (RENOWNED/REAL). Of the visual outcomes for each angiographic subtype and treatment pattern investigated, BVN was identified in 56.3% of PCV patients. The proportions and features of the re-defined PCV subtypes were 43.8%, 10.4%, and 45.8% for subtype A (without distinctive features of BVN), B (with BVN but no leakage), and C (with BVN and leakage), respectively. Subtype A had better visual outcomes when compared to subtype C. This possibly resulted from a better baseline visual acuity in subtype A. Moreover, combination therapy [photodynamic therapy plus anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] may lead to better visual improvement than mono-anti-VEGF treatment alone. This study provides the prevalence of PCV subtypes in Taiwan and may serve as a reference for PCV treatment strategies in a real-world setting, especially for the combination therapy and patients without distinctive features of BVN.

AIM: To evaluate and compare the incidences of ocular hypertension and severe intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation after posterior subtenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide (PSTA) for various diseases. METHODS: Totally 179 eyes that had received PSTA for diabetic macular edema (n=108), pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (n=20), branch retinal vein occlusion (n=16), central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO, n=14), choroidal neovascularization (n=14) or noninfectious uveitis (n=7) were retrospectively enrolled. The primary outcomes included ocular hypertension defined as an IOP>21 mm Hg, and severe IOP elevation defined as a rise of 10 mm Hg or more in IOP compared with baseline. Cox regression models were used to analyze the hazard ratios (HRs) among different diseases. RESULTS: After PSTA, the mean IOPs from month 1 to month 6 all significantly increased (P

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to explore short-term refractive and ocular parameter changes and their correlations after cycloplegia with atropine. METERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective clinical trial that enrolled 96 eyes of 96 participants (mean age, 8.5 ± 2.1 years). Spherical equivalent refractive error (SER), axial length (AL), mean keratometric value (mean-K), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured at baseline and 1 week after topical use of 0.125% atropine. Postcycloplegic changes of refractive error and ocular parameters were evaluated, and their correlations were analyzed with multiple linear regression models. RESULTS: After topical atropine use, the mean AL decreased by 0.016 mm (P = 0.008), and the mean ACD increased by 0.58 mm (P < 0.0001). There was no significant change in the Mean-K or IOP. Eighty-two eyes (85%) had an emmetropic or hyperopic shift, and 14 (15%) had a myopic shift. Those with an emmetropic or hyperopic shift had their mean AL shortened by 0.023 mm, whereas the eyes with myopic shifts had their mean AL lengthened by 0.026 mm (P = 0.003). Change in SER was negatively correlated with change in AL (−2.57 D for an increase of 1 mm in AL, P < 0.001) and positively correlated with change in ACD (+0.96 D for an increase of 1 mm in ACD, P = 0.013). CONCLUSION: Most eyes had emmetropic or hyperopic changes after short-term topical atropine use, and AL shortening and anterior chamber deepening both contributed to the hyperopic changes. Meanwhile, myopic change may be observed in some eyes (15%), which were related to transient AL elongation but not invalid myopic control. This encouraged clinicians to sustain the atropine treatment for a longer period before switching to other modalities for myopic control in clinical practice. The clinical trial registration number NCT03839888 (clinicaltrials.gov).

This study investigated the impact of retinal fluid tolerance on retinal thickness and visual acuity in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration after 18 months of treatment using intravitreal aflibercept. This retrospective study was based on the medical records of 90 eyes presenting persistent or recurrent retinal fluid retention after 3 months of aflibercept loading injections. We defined the fluid tolerance ratio as the sum of fluid-tolerance duration divided by the total duration of retinal fluid observed throughout the follow-up period. Eyes were categorized into strict, intermediate, and relaxed group based on their fluid tolerance ratio (= 0, = 30%, respectively). The mean total follow-up time was 556 days. The relaxed group required fewer injections than the strict group (4.92 vs 7.50 injections, P < 0.01) and presented a similar reduction in retinal thickness (-57.50 vs -71.65 μm, P = 0.83). Nonetheless, the two groups were similar in terms of final visual acuity (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution 0.72 vs 0.70, P = 0.95) and visual gains (4.21 vs -1.12 letters, P = 0.56). These results indicate that in the setting of limited medical resources, a fluid-tolerant approach provides comparable gains in visual acuity. Reducing the number of injections may also improve adherence to therapy.

PurposeTo compare 2-year treatment outcomes of ranibizumab using treat-and-extend (T&E) or pro re nata (PRN) regimens for diabetic macular edema (DME) in clinical settings.MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled 34 patients (34 eyes) with DME treated with ranibizumab using the T&E regimen, and 34 patients (34 eyes) treated with ranibizumab using the PRN regimen and matched to cases in the treat-and-extend group by baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT). BCVA and CFT changes, number of injections and recurrence of macular edema over 2 years were compared between the groups.ResultsThe average BCVA gain in the T&E and PRN groups was 16.2 and 7.6 ETDRS letters at 2 years (p = 0.011), respectively. The mean CFT reduction was 145.5 ± 127.3 and 97.3 ± 152.5 μm in the T&E and PRN groups at 2 years (p = 0.035), respectively. The T&E group had a higher proportion of patients with BCVA gain ≥ 15 letters at months 18 (p = 0.015) and 24 (p = 0.029) than the PRN group. During the 2-year treatment periods, the T&E group received more injections than the PRN group (11.0 ± 3.2 vs. 6.2 ± 2.0; p < 0.001), while the PRN group had more recurrence of macular edema than the T&E group (71 vs. 41%; p = 0.015).ConclusionsAfter 2-year ranibizumab treatment for DME, better visual and anatomical improvement and less recurrence of macular edema were achieved in the T&E group, with more injections administered.

Aims. To investigate the applicability of deep learning image assessment software VeriSee DR to different color fundus cameras for the screening of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods. Color fundus images of diabetes patients taken with three different nonmydriatic fundus cameras, including 477 Topcon TRC-NW400, 459 Topcon TRC-NW8 series, and 471 Kowa nonmyd 8 series that were judged as “gradable” by one ophthalmologist were enrolled for validation. VeriSee DR was then used for the diagnosis of referable DR according to the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy Disease Severity Scale. Gradability, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated for each camera model. Results. All images (100%) from the three camera models were gradable for VeriSee DR. The sensitivity for diagnosing referable DR in the TRC-NW400, TRC-NW8, and non-myd 8 series was 89.3%, 94.6%, and 95.7%, respectively, while the specificity was 94.2%, 90.4%, and 89.3%, respectively. Neither the sensitivity nor the specificity differed significantly between these camera models and the original camera model used for VeriSee DR development (p=0.40, p=0.065, respectively). Conclusions. VeriSee DR was applicable to a variety of color fundus cameras with 100% agreement with ophthalmologists in terms of gradability and good sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of referable DR.

Purpose. The aim of the study is to present the clinical characteristics and surgical treatment of secondary full-thickness macular hole (MH) after diabetic vitrectomy (DV) in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Methods. In this retrospective, observational, and longitudinal study, we enrolled consecutive patients with PDR who developed MH after DV. The macular structure was evaluated using optical coherence tomography. The clinical characteristics, surgical techniques, and outcomes were also recorded. Results. Three patients developed MH within 6 weeks, which was associated with foveal thinning, residual fibrovascular proliferation, or anterior proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Six patients developed MH originating from the epiretinal membrane (ERM) with lamellar MH (LMH) after a median interval of 16.5 months. Three of them were complicated with retinal detachment (RD). Various surgical procedures were performed according to the clinical scenarios, including internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, inverted ILM flap insertion, temporal inverted ILM flap, lens posterior capsular flap insertion, and neurosensory retinal free flap insertion. All patients achieved MH closure after surgery, and 5 patients exhibited improved visual acuity. Conclusions. MH may develop after successful DV, with a high rate of associated RD. Rapid MH formation was attributed to unreleased tractional force and weakened foveal structure. The development of ERM and LMH also led to MH. Various surgical techniques could be used for MH closure.

COVID-19 has profoundly impacted the global economy, particularly the agricultural sector. However, relatively little attention has been paid to the relationship between COVID-19 and the farmland market. A few descriptive studies have speculated about the impact of COVID-19 on farmland prices but presented no quantitative evidence. This study provides quantitative evidence on the causal effect of COVID-19 on farmland prices using the difference-in-differences method with population-based data on farmland transactions in Taiwan. While prior descriptive studies argued that increased farmland prices associated with COVID-19 were largely driven by macroeconomic conditions, we found that the onset of COVID-19 increased farmland prices by 5.1%, even after controlling for macroeconomic conditions and parcel-level farmland characteristics. Furthermore, we found that government payments are likely responsible for these increases in farmland prices. Financial assistance easing the economic burdens of the agricultural sector can also stabilize farmland prices.

Background: Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease mainly characterized by dryness, fatigue, and pain. Current therapies for SS in Western medicine are limited. The purpose of this clinical study was to explore the efficacy and safety of using a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula on patients with primary SS.Methods: We performed a 12-week, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial at Chung Shan Medical University Hospital. We included 42 patients with SS between the ages of 20 and 80 years who met the classification criteria of the American and European Consensus Group (AECG). Patients who had other severe systemic manifestations or diseases were excluded from this trial. After screening, patients were randomly assigned to the TCM treatment group or placebo group (ratio of 2:1). We treated the TCM group with 6 g of Gan-Lu-Yin granules after breakfast and 6 g of Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San combined with 1 g of Suan-Zao-Ren-Tang and 1 g of Ye-Jiao-Teng every night after dinner. Patients in the control group were treated with a placebo with the same appearance and flavor but only one-tenth the dosage of that received by the treatment group. The European League Against Rheumatism Sjogren's Syndrome Patient-Reported Index (ESSPRI) was used as the primary endpoint at week 12. Secondary endpoints were the Sjogren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (SSDAI), physician global assessment (PGA), visual analogue scale (VAS), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-36, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Score (PSQI). Adverse events were also recorded.Results: Of the 42 randomized patients, 28 patients were assigned to the TCM treatment group and 14 patients were assigned to the controlled group. During the study period, 5 patients withdrew from the TCM group and 7 withdrew from the control group. At week 12, the ESSPRI scores of both groups had improved. The ESSPRI score of the treatment group decreased by 0.62 (95% CI P = 0.557) and that of the placebo group decreased by 0.91 (P = 0.557). However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups. Sleep duration in the PSQI was −0.61, which exhibited an improvement of more than the −0.21 compared with the placebo group (P = 0.914).Conclusion: At week 12, the ESSPRI scores did not reveal that the use of the TCM formula was efficacious for treating patients with Sjogren's syndrome. However, the PSQI scores indicated that this formula could prolong patient sleep duration. We also found that this formula could decrease the blood pressure of patients.

Abstract Introduction Thinning of optical coherence tomography–measured retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (GC‐IPL) thickness has been found in patients with Alzheimer's disease. However, the association of these retinal markers and cognition in nondemented elders may not be linear. Methods This cross‐sectional study included 227 community‐dwelling elders (age 65+ years). Multivariable regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between retinal nerve fiber layer/GC‐IPL and global/domain‐specific cognition. Results The performance of global cognition decreased as mean GC‐IPL of bilateral eyes deviated from the sample mean (77.5 μm) (quadratic GC‐IPL: β = –0.49 × 10−2; 95% confidence interval: −0.74 × 10−2 to −0.23 × 10−2). Similar associations were also found for logical memory. No significant association was observed between retinal nerve fiber layer and cognition. Discussion Either thinning or thickening of GC‐IPL was associated with poor cognition in nondemented elderly (a U‐shaped association). GC‐IPL may serve as a noninvasive preclinical predictor of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract Background Lower gestational age may increase autism spectrum disorder (ASD) vulnerability; however, the incidence of ASD diagnosis through a direct assessment on every very preterm birth child on the population base remains unclear. Moreover, the behavioral characteristics of preterm birth ASD are unknown. Methods Every very preterm birth child (gestational age 37 weeks) ASD children characterized by ADOS and ADI-R were group matched to the preterm birth ASD by age at examination for comparison. ADOS severity scores were calculated by the Mann–Whitney U test and ADI-R by multivariate analysis of variance and canonical discriminant analysis. Results Two hundred forty-six (87%) of the 283 very preterm survivors were followed prospectively to 5 years of age. Nineteen (7.7%) of the 246 children fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of ASD. After excluding 1 patient with cerebral palsy and profound mental disability, 18 preterm ASD children were compared with 44 term birth ASD children. The two ASD groups were comparable for age at examination, gender, and intelligence quotient. The two groups showed comparable ADOS severity scores in social affect deficits, restricted repetitive behaviors, and total score, but had differences in qualitative abnormalities in reciprocal social interaction (Wilks lambda F value = 6.2, P

Purpose: To report the one-year outcomes of diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with ranibizumab under a real-life setting in Taiwan, and to identify the prognostic factors. Methods: Between July 2013 and January 2015, 119 eyes receiving intravitreal ranibizumab for DME were retrospectively recruited. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) measured with optical coherence tomography were collected at baseline and at Month 3, 6, and 12. Linear regression was used to identify the predicting factors for changes in BCVA and CFT at Month 12. Results: The average number of ranibizumab given within one year was 4.36 ± 1.87. The BCVA (logMAR) improved from 0.74 ± 0.30 at baseline to 0.64 ± 0.37 at Month 12 (p = 0.002). A better improvement in BCVA at Month 3 was significantly correlated with a better visual improvement at Month 12 (p

Objective: We report the tri-center 1-year outcomes of a treat-and-extend (T&E) regimen in four-week intervals with ranibizumab for diabetic macular edema (DME).Methods: In this retrospective study, all eyes received 3 monthly loading injections of 0.5 mg ranibizumab, followed by a T&E regimen for DME. Regression models were used to evaluate the associating factors for visual and anatomical outcomes.Results: Ninety one eyes from 64 patients were enrolled. Mean LogMAR best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 0.58 at baseline to 0.36 at month 12 and mean central retinal thickness (CRT) decreased from 411 μm at baseline to 290 μm at month 12. Younger age and eyes having thinner baseline CRT, with ellipsoid zone disruption (EZD), and without epiretinal membrane (ERM) were associated with better final CRT. Moreover, eyes with thicker baseline CRT tend to receive more injections. Among the parameters, only having ERM or EZD was associated with significant BCVA recovery.Conclusions: A T&E regimen with ranibizumab by 4-week intervals is effective in improving BCVA and reducing CRT with efficacy notable starting from the third month. Clinical parameters including age, initial CRT, and presence of ERM or EZD significantly influenced therapeutic outcomes. Moreover, the presence of ERM should not preclude DME patients from receiving anti-VEGF therapy. Future studies with larger cohorts are warranted.

This study is aimed at evaluating a deep transfer learning-based model for identifying diabetic retinopathy (DR) that was trained using a dataset with high variability and predominant type 2 diabetes (T2D) and comparing model performance with that in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The Kaggle dataset, which is a publicly available dataset, was divided into training and testing Kaggle datasets. In the comparison dataset, we collected retinal fundus images of T1D patients at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan from 2013 to 2020, and the images were divided into training and testing T1D datasets. The model was developed using 4 different convolutional neural networks (Inception-V3, DenseNet-121, VGG1, and Xception). The model performance in predicting DR was evaluated using testing images from each dataset, and area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity were calculated. The model trained using the Kaggle dataset had an average (range) AUC of 0.74 (0.03) and 0.87 (0.01) in the testing Kaggle and T1D datasets, respectively. The model trained using the T1D dataset had an AUC of 0.88 (0.03), which decreased to 0.57 (0.02) in the testing Kaggle dataset. Heatmaps showed that the model focused on retinal hemorrhage, vessels, and exudation to predict DR. In wrong prediction images, artifacts and low-image quality affected model performance. The model developed with the high variability and T2D predominant dataset could be applied to T1D patients. Dataset homogeneity could affect the performance, trainability, and generalization of the model.

PURPOSE:To evaluate the clinical characteristics and evolution of lamellar macular hole (LMH) in high myopia and the parameters associated with structural worsening, defined as the development of foveal detachment or full-thickness macular hole. METHODS:Patients with high myopia and LMH were retrospectively recruited. The clinical characteristics and various parameters of optical coherence tomography were identified at baseline and during follow-up visits. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the hazard ratios for foveal detachment and full-thickness macular hole. RESULTS:Among 112 eyes (98 patients), 64.3% were female; the mean axial length of all eyes was 29.6 ± 1.9 mm. The 'LMH without retinoschisis' group accounted for 39.3% of the eyes. Forty-two percent developed structural worsening within a median follow-up of 67 months. Multivariable regression on all cases showed elevated tissue inside the LMH (P = 0.003) protected against structural worsening while V-shaped LMH (P = 0.006) predicted it. In the "LMH with retinoschisis group", ellipsoid zone disruption (P = 0.035), and V-shaped LMH (P = 0.014) predicted structural worsening, while elevated tissue inside the LMH (P = 0.028) protected against it. In the "LMH without retinoschisis group", no associated factor was identified. CONCLUSIONS:LMHs in high myopia are unstable, especially those with V-shaped LMH. Elevated tissue inside LMHs have a protective effect against further structural worsening.

PurposeTo compare the anatomical and functional outcomes of severe diabetic macular edema (DME) with massive hard exudates managed by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling or nonsurgical treatment.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 40 eyes with DME and massive hard exudates treated with either PPV with ILM peeling (vitrectomy group, 21 eyes) or nonsurgical treatment with anti-vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) and/or steroids (nonsurgical group, 19 eyes). Changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) and resolution of macular hard exudates were compared between the two groups.ResultsAfter treatment, CRT decreased steadily in the vitrectomy group but fluctuated in the nonsurgical group. Compared with eyes in the nonsurgical group, eyes in the vitrectomy group had better visual improvement (P < 0.05 at 6 and 12 months and the final visit) and greater decrease in CRT (P < 0.05 at 3 and 6 months and the final visit) after adjustment for baseline BCVA. Hard exudates resolved more rapidly in the vitrectomy group than in the nonsurgical group, with 94.1% versus 47.4% eyes showing significant absorption after 6 months of the treatment (P = 0.003). In the vitrectomy group, 62% eyes did not require any further injections for treating DME after the operation.ConclusionsPPV with ILM peeling resulted in rapid resolution of hard exudates with significant anatomical and functional improvement in DME with massive hard exudates.