Eye Cataract Research Articles

The ever ongoing cosmetic quest to change eye colour.

To provide a historical overview of the various efforts to change eye colour for purely cosmetic reasons, along with the associated potential risks and harms. Literature and online search. Eye drops containing adrenaline were used during World War II on involuntary inmates of concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. Prostaglandin drops, used in glaucoma therapy since 1996, can increase iris pigmentation as an undesired side effect. Commercial drops, available since 2011, are not effective and potentially dangerous. Iris implants, commercially available since 2011, led to serious complications like corneal decompensation, uveitis and glaucoma, and for this reason, implants had to be removed, leaving some patients almost blind. Also commercially in use since 2011 are laser treatments to make brown eyes blue. Among the possible complications are anterior uveitis and (pigmentary) glaucoma. Corneal tattooing has existed for almost 2000 years. Complications of modern, intrastromal keratopigmentation include corneal perforation, bacterial infection, allergic or toxic reaction to pigment, migration of pigment, and functional complications like visual field limitation and light sensitivity. Personal identity and self-esteem are likely contributing factors to undergo this potentially harmful cosmetic eye surgery. In addition to the earlier discussed complications, the artificial layer of colour can obscure ocular pathology of the cornea or iris. As the majority of individuals undergoing these procedures are relatively young, problems may arise in the future when they will need cataract or other eye surgeries. Permanently changing eye colour in healthy eyes for purely cosmetic reasons is a risky procedure.

A survey of ocular pathology in Warmblood horses in South Africa.

Warmblood horses are a popular breed around the world for equestrian sports. Previous studies have investigated ocular findings in other breeds of horses; however, no studies exist for the Warmblood breed. To determine the prevalence of ocular abnormalities in a convenience sample of Warmblood horses in South Africa and to determine if the prevalence of lens and chorioretinal lesions increase with age. Descriptive, observational study. Warmblood horses underwent a full ophthalmic examination which included a Schirmer tear test (STT), tonometry, fluorescein dye testing, slit lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Age was categorised into three groups namely <8 years old, 8-13 years old and 14+ years old for statistical analysis. Prevalence of lens and chorioretinal lesions were compared between age categories. One hundred and four horses (208 eyes) were examined. The age range was 5 months to 30 years (mean 11 years, standard deviation [SD] 6 years). Ocular pathology was noted in 125 eyes (60.1%) and 79 horses (76%). The highest number of lesions were noted in the choroid and retina, iris and lens. Chorioretinal lesions were seen in 100 eyes (48.1%) and in 65 horses (62.5%). Iridial lesions were seen in 19 eyes (9.1%) and 12 horses (11.5%). Cataracts were seen in 19 eyes (9.1%) and in 13 horses (12.5%). The presence of total chorioretinal lesions (eye level [p = 0.002]; horse level [p = 0.004]), focal chorioretinal lesions (eye level [p = 0.004]; horse level [p = 0.008]) and cataract (eye [p = 0.03]; horse level [p = 0.02]) were all shown to statistically increase with age. A small sample size and limited geographic area. There was a high prevalence of ocular pathology in this population of Warmblood horses in South Africa. This reiterates the importance of an ocular examination as a part of routine health checks, as well as during prepurchase examinations.

Retraction Note: Cataract eye detection by optik image analysis using encoder basis Boltzmann architecture integrated with internet of things and data mining

Retraction Note: Cataract eye detection by optik image analysis using encoder basis Boltzmann architecture integrated with internet of things and data mining

Intraocular Lens Rotational Stability after Cataract Surgery with and without Primary Posterior Continuous Curvilinear Capsulorrhexis.

To evaluate intraocular lens (IOL) rotational stability and capsular fusion process after cataract surgery with and without primary posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis (PPCCC). Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fujian, China. Prospective, intraindividual, randomized clinical trial. This study included 56 adult patients (112 eyes) with bilateral cataract undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery with PPCCC in one eye (PPCCC group) and conventional cataract surgery in the contralateral eye (NPCCC group). IOL axis orientation and fusion footprint length were measured at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year after surgery using OPD-Scan III, while capsular bend index (CBI) was assessed at the same time points using Pentacam AXL. No between-group difference was found in the absolute rotation from 1 day to 1 year (2.93 ± 1.72 vs 2.66 ± 1.61 degrees, P=0.54). The absolute rotation from 1 week to 1 month in NPCCC group was higher than that in PPCCC group (1.65 ± 0.68 vs 1.27 ± 0.32 degrees, P=0.01). At 1 month after surgery, both fusion footprint length (9.11 ± 2.74 vs. 10.67 ± 2.06 mm, P = 0.02) and CBI (2.92 ± 0.60 vs. 3.25 ± 0.59, P = 0.03) were lower in NPCCC group. Cataract surgery involving PPCCC demonstrates comparable outcomes to conventional procedures regarding long-term IOL rotational stability, therefore is a promising option for adult cataract patients scheduled for toric IOL implantation. PPCCC slightly reduces IOL rotation in the early postoperative period, which can be attributed to accelerated capsular fusion.

Fellow Eye Risk of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment in the United States: IRIS Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight) Analysis.

This study aimed to investigate the rate of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in the fellow eye of patients after developing an RRD in one eye. This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with a new RRD diagnosis in the American Academy of Ophthalmology IRIS Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight) from 2016 to 2020. The association between risk factors of RRD and fellow-eye RRD was evaluated using Cox regression. Among the 201,622 patients who developed a new RRD in at least one eye, 6,740 (3.34%) developed an RRD in the fellow eye at a mean time of 406.02 days (SD = 373.74) from the first eye diagnosis. Of those 6,740 eyes, 1,889 (28.03%) had lattice degeneration, 3,938 (58.43%) had PVD, 588 (8.72%) had cataract surgery, and 38 (0.56%) had complex cataract surgery. Adjusted regression modeling showed that male sex (HR 1.73, [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.64 to 1.83]; P < 0.001), younger age at first eye RRD diagnosis (HR 1.02, [95% CI 1.01 to 1.02]; P < 0.001), active smoking (HR 1.13, [95% CI 1.05 to 1.22]; P = 0.002), and cataract surgery (HR 1.33, [95% CI 1.23 to 1.45]; P < 0.001) were associated with increased risk of a fellow eye RRD. On the other hand, fellow eye PVD was associated with a lower risk of RRD (HR 0.80, [95% CI 0.76 to 0.84]; P < 0.001). Among patients with an RRD in one eye, male sex, younger age of first eye RRD diagnosis, active smoking, and cataract surgery were associated with a higher risk of developing a fellow eye RRD, whereas fellow eye PVD was associated with a lower risk of fellow eye RRD. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:XX-XX.].

Comparative Analysis of Cataract Eye Disease Detection Using Yolov8 and Yolov10

Comparative Analysis of Cataract Eye Disease Detection Using Yolov8 and Yolov10

Visual Outcomes Following Non-Diffractive Extended-Depth-of-Focus Intraocular Lens Implantation in Patients with Epiretinal Membrane in One Eye and Bilateral Cataracts.

This study aimed to characterize the visual performance in patients with bilateral cataracts and a unilateral epiretinal membrane (ERM) undergoing cataract surgery with non-diffractive extended depth of focus (EDoF) intraocular lens (IOL) placement in both eyes and phacovitrectomy in the eye with ERM. This was a prospective, descriptive, single-arm study. Visual outcomes were measured in monocular and binocular conditions in patients with bilateral cataracts and unilateral ERM stages 2 or 3 implanted with an EDoF IOL. At 6 months, visual acuity (uncorrected and corrected at different distances and contrast levels), contrast sensitivity, and visual disturbances assessed using a Light Distortion Analyzer were determined. We included 22 patients (50% females, mean age of 71.4 ± 5.8 years). Mean monocular best-corrected visual acuities at 100% contrast were 0.07 ± 0.09, 0.23 ± 0.10, and 0.48 ± 0.14 logMAR for eyes with ERM, and 0.02 ± 0.08, 0.19 ± 0.11, and 0.41 ± 0.18 logMAR for fellow eyes for far, intermediate, and near distance vision, respectively. No differences were observed in visual outcomes, contrast sensitivity, or visual disturbances between ERM and non-ERM eyes, except for near distance. No unexpected adverse events were observed. Non-diffractive EDoF IOL can be considered in patients with cataracts and stage 2 or 3 ERM pursuing spectacle independence.

Ultrasonic A-Scan Signals Data Augmentation Using Electromechanical System Modelling to Enhance Cataract Classification Methods

The use of artificial intelligence in diverse diagnosis areas has significantly increased in the past few years because of the advantages it represents in clinical routine. Among the diverse diagnostic techniques, the use of ultrasounds is often preferred because of their simplicity, low cost, non-invasiveness, and non-ionizing characteristic. However, obtaining an adequate number of patients and data for training and testing machine learning models is challenging. To overcome this limitation, a novel approach is proposed for simulating data produced by ultrasonic diagnostic devices. The implemented method was based on a clinical prototype for eye cataract diagnosis, although the method can be extended to other applications as well. The proposed model encompasses the electric-to-acoustic signal conversion in the ultrasonic transducer, the wave propagation through the biological medium, and the subsequent acoustic-to-electric signal conversion in the transducer. Electrical modelling of the transducer was performed using a two-port network approach, while the acoustic wave propagation was modelled by using the k-Wave MATLAB toolbox. It was verified that the holistic modelling approach enabled the generation of synthetic data augmentation, presenting high similarity with real data.

InceptionResNetV2 Based Eye Cataract Detection

An eye lens is a key source for visualizing things. Sometimes it may be cloudy, caused by cataracts, and disturb the visualization process. It is necessary to detect and treat the cataract in its early stages; otherwise, it may lead to blindness. For the early detection of eye cataracts, many solutions have been proposed in past years by experts. However, it requires an expert ophthalmologist or eye surgeon to detect cataracts in its early stages because early detection of cataracts is a challenging task. Now this is the era of digitalization and AI. Everyone is talking about AI. Many researchers use AI to propose a solution to this problem. This study also proposed an AI-based cataract detection solution. A binary class eye fundus images data set was used for this research work. The ”Cataract” data set is a famous dataset for detecting cataracts on KAGGLE. Some image augmentation techniques were used to enhance the data set proficiency. In this study, InceptionResNetV2 was applied with some hyper-parameter tuning. The proposed methodology achieved a training accuracy of 99% and a validation accuracy of 98%.

Femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery in a cataract patient with low vaulted ICL following LASIK: a case report

BackgroundApart from the conventional utilization of ICL implantation for the correction of refractive errors, its recent applications extend to correcting refractive errors post laser refractive surgery. Notably, the development of cataracts stands out as a prevalent postoperative complication, often associated with low vault. Previous cases have demonstrated successful management of cataracts with ICL through the combination of FLACS and ICL removal coupled with IOL implantation, resulting in favorable postoperative visual outcomes. Herein, we present a case of cataract with low vault ICL following LASIK and its subsequent management.Case presentationA 46-year-old male presented with vision loss in the right eye for 9 months, and he had undergone LASIK 22 years prior and had ICL implantation in both eyes 2 years ago to correct refractive error. One day after ICL implantation, both eyes exhibited the UDVA of 1.2 and 1.0, well-positioned ICLs, and approximate vault of 150 μm and 200 μm. Six months ago, the patient became aware of blurred vision in the right eye for a duration of 3 months. Examination revealed cloudy lens cortex in the right eye. During the current review, the UDVA of the right eye was 0.6, where nasal wedge-shaped clouding was evident and worsened, while the left eye lens remained transparent. AS-OCT demonstrated the vault of 54 μm in the right eye and 83 μm in the left eye. Considering the patient’s history of LASIK and the presence of right eye cataract, a monovision approach was adopted. The patient underwent FLACS combined with ICL extraction and monofocal IOL lens implantation in the right eye. At 10 days postoperatively, the patient exhibited the UDVA of 1.0.ConclusionsOur report confirms the feasibility of FLACS in managing cataracts in patients with low vault ICL following LASIK. This procedure does not pose significantly greater challenges than in typical cataract cases, although meticulous care remains essential throughout every step of the surgery, particularly during laser scanning and positioning. With adequate preoperative preparation and precise calculation of the IOL power, surgical outcomes can meet expectations fully.

Comparative Analysis of AI Chatbots ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot’s Answers to Common Cataract Questions

Purpose: To compare the readability and quality of the answers given by artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots to the twenty-five most frequent searches about cataracts on Google. Study Design: Cross sectional comparative study. Place and Duration of study: Serdivan State Hospital's Ophthalmology Department from March 2024 to April 2024. Methods: The word 'Cataract' was entered into Google Trends, and 25 trending searches made worldwide since 2004 were identified. These 25 trending searches were entered separately into AI programs. The answers were examined for quality using the Ensuring Quality Information for Patients (EQIP) test, while the readability was evaluated using the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease (FKRE) and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL). Results: The keywords searched most frequently were ‘Cataract surgery,’‘Eye cataract and 'After Cataract’. The EQIP category of all three AI chatbots was found to be 'serious quality issues.' When EQIP scores were compared, ChatGPT had a lower median value than Gemini and Copilot (p:0.001, p:0.007, respectively), while there was no significant difference between Gemini and Copilot (p:0.098). When FKRE values were compared, ChatGPT had a lower median value than Gemini and Copilot (p:0.001, p:0.001, respectively), with no significant difference between Gemini and Copilot (p:0.557). When FKGL values were compared, ChatGPT had a higher median value than Gemini and Copilot (p:0.003, p:0.001, respectively), with no significant difference between Gemini and Copilot(p:0.245). Conclusion: All three AI chatbots had an EQIP category of 'serious issues with quality .'The readability of all three was not at the recommended level.

Bilateral electricity-induced cataract with dissimilar morphology in a young electrician

This report documents a rare case of bilateral electricity-induced cataracts presenting with dissimilar morphology in each eye following an electrocution incident, underscoring the significance of recognizing electrical injury as a causative factor for varied cataract presentations. A 22-year-old electrician experienced decreased vision in his left eye 11 months post electrocution. A comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp examination, and ultrasonography, was conducted to assess the cataracts’ morphological characteristics. Uniquely, the patient presented with a posterior subcapsular cataract in the right eye and a milky white cataract with snowflake-like anterior subcapsular opacifications in the left eye, confirming the diagnosis of bilateral electricity-induced cataracts with dissimilar morphology. This case highlights the critical need for an exhaustive ophthalmological assessment in electrocution victims, facilitating the early detection and management of varied ocular complications, including diverse cataract morphologies.

Screening for Eye Disease in Ebola Virus Disease Survivors: Program Implementation During an Active Outbreak in the North Kivu and Ituri Provinces, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

First identified in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC, formerly Zaire) in 1976, Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreaks have afflicted thousands of Congolese over the past several decades. The nation's largest outbreak of EVD in 2018-2020 was complicated by security challenges as well as large case numbers across an expansive geographic region. These factors provided challenges for logistical considerations as well as clinical coverage. In conjunction with the EVD survivor care program spearheaded by the Ministry of Health in DRC, the DRC Intitut National de Recherche Biomédicale, (DRC Institut National de Recherche Biomedicale, DRC National Institute of Biomedical Research) and others, we launched a multidimensional effort to provide ophthalmic care to EVD survivors. During the engagement period, 237 EVD survivors were screened, 56% of which were women. The 237 EVD survivors constituted ∼75% of the total EVD survivors who were discharged at the time of the intervention. The mean time from EVD symptom onset to evaluation was 4.6 months ± 1.8 SD (range: 24d to 8.5mo). Ninety-seven (41%) of EVD survivors screened reported ocular symptoms during or after acute illness, such as itchy eyes (49%), eye pain (25%), and tears (24%). Ophthalmic findings, including retinal scarring, active uveitis, dry eye disease, cataracts, and glaucoma, were also identified. The need for continued monitoring and longitudinal care for EVD survivors is evident from the expanding body of literature pertaining to post-acute sequelae, including ophthalmic manifestations. Initiatives for such care should be conducted across and in conjunction with multidisciplinary stakeholders for contextualization and effectiveness.

Updating the no-history method in intraocular lens power calculation after myopic laser vision correction.

To describe the Shammas-Cooke formula, an updated no-history (NH) formula for IOL calculation in eyes with prior myopic laser vision correction (M-LVC), and to compare the results with the Shammas PL, Haigis-L, and Barrett True-K NH formulas. Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (BPEI), The Lennar Foundation Medical Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida; Dean A. McGee Eye Institute (DMEI), University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and private practice, Lynwood, California, and St Joseph, Michigan. Retrospective observational study. We analyzed 2 large series of cataractous eyes with prior M-LVC. The training set (BPEI series of 330 eyes) was used to derive the new corneal power conversion equation to be used in the new Shammas-Cooke formula and the testing set (165 eyes of 165 patients in the DMEI series) to compare the updated formula with 3 other M-LVC NH formulas on the ASCRS calculator: Shammas PL, Haigis-L, and Barrett True-K NH. Mean prediction error was 0.09 ± 0.56 diopters (D), -0.44 ± 0.61 D, -0.47 ± 0.59 D, and -0.18 ± 0.56 D and the mean absolute error was 0.43 D, 0.60 D, 0.61 D, and 0.45 D for the Shammas-Cooke, Shammas PL, Haigis-L, and Barrett True-K NH, respectively. The percentage of eyes within ±0.50 D was 66.7% vs 47.9%, 48.5%, and 65.5%, respectively. The Shammas-Cooke formula performed better than the Shammas PL and Haigis-L (P < .001 for both) and as well as the Barrett True-K NH formula (P = .923).

Variability of solar UV radiation in the northern mountains of the Czech Republic, 2020–2021

Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation has a crucial role in many atmospheric processes and a huge impact on living organisms. Its main positive effect is the synthesis of vitamin D, but it also causes problems such as sunburn, skin cancer or eye cataracts. In the mountains, high doses of UV frequently occur due to a specific combination of atmospheric and geographical factors such as a high ground reflection as a consequence of a large number of days with snow cover, or a lower concentration of atmospheric pollutants in comparison to lowland urban regions. This study used measurements of erythemal UV radiation from two high altitude areas: the Hrubý Jeseník Mountains (Vysoká hole meteorological station, 1 464 m a.s.l.) and the Giant Mountains (Luční bouda meteorological station, 1 413 m a.s.l.) in the Czech Republic, during 2020 and 2021. We evaluated the daily and monthly changes in erythemal dose and UV index. The maximum daily dose of 5.0 kJ.m-2 (8.9 of UV index) was measured on 28 June 2020 at Vysoká hole. The maximal UV index of 10.1 was observed at Luční bouda on 5 July 2020, while the maximum daily dose of 4.9 kJ.m-2 occurred on 14 June 2021. The main factors that caused changes in solar UV radiation were the amount of cloud cover as well as the total ozone column.

The Analysis Study of Prevalence, Diagnosis, and Management of Cataract in Adult Eye: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

Background: Cataract remains a major cause of visual impairment worldwide. However, in many countries cataract surgery is easily available. Cataract surgery is a kind of effective way to deal with cataract, but it is acompanied with many surgical complications and expensive costs that present enormous social and economic problems to a society, especially in the remote and poor areas of developing countries. The aim: The aim of this study to show about prevalence, diagnosis, and management of cataract in adult eye. Methods: By the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020, this study was able to show that it met all of the requirements. Result: Eight publications were found to be directly related to our ongoing systematic examination after a rigorous three-level screening approach. Subsequently, a comprehensive analysis of the complete text was conducted, and additional scrutiny was given to these articles. Conclusion: Cataracts to increase in the near future due to an increase in the aging population and pre-senile cataracts. The current study also provides clinical determinants for cataract and cataract surgery. Since cataract has emerged as a public concern and the cost burden for cataract surgery has increased with an aging population, it is expected that the present study will form a cornerstone for further investigations and the establishment of a public health plan.

In Vivo Assessment of the Pediatric Trabecular Meshwork, Schlemm Canal, and Iridocorneal Angle Using Overhead-Mounted Optical Coherence Tomography

PurposeTo describe the in vivo morphologic characteristics of the trabecular meshwork (TM), Schlemm canal (SC), and iridocorneal angle in pediatric patients with normal eyes, glaucoma and cataract. DesignProspective cohort study Study population70 eyes (41 children) were enrolled. 28 normal eyes, 19 eyes with glaucoma, and 26 eyes with cataract (15 pre-, 11 post-lensectomy). Average age was 2.8±3.0 years at imaging. MethodsPediatric patients undergoing clinically indicated examination under anesthesia underwent overhead-mounted optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of the outflow pathway. Images were then evaluated for abnormalities in the outflow pathway. Main outcome measurePresence of thickened TM, SC patency, any iridocorneal angle malformation, and episcleral vessel patency in normal eyes vs. all other eyes. ResultsThickened TM tissue was found in no normal eyes, 47.4% of eyes with glaucoma, and 53.8% of eyes with cataracts. A patent SC was demonstrated in all normal eyes, 32% with glaucoma, and 65.4% with cataracts. Iridocorneal angle abnormality was identified in no normal eyes, 94.7% with glaucoma, and 69.2% with cataracts. Prevalence of iridocorneal angle abnormality was similar in cataract eyes pre- and post-lensectomy. All but one eye with glaucoma secondary to anterior segment dysgenesis had patent episcleral vessels. Intraocular pressure (IOP) at imaging was lower in eyes with than without a patent SC (13.9±3.8mmHg vs. 28.2±11.7mmHg, p<0.001). IOP was lower in eyes with normal iridocorneal angles compared to those with angle malformation (13.9±3.2mmHg vs. 22.6±12.1mmHg, p<0.001). There was no significant difference in IOP between eyes with normal TM thickness compared to those with thickened TM (17.4±8.2mmHg vs.17.4±9.5mmHg, p = 0.943). ConclusionEyes of children with glaucoma demonstrated thickened TM, decreased patency of SC, and abnormalities of the iridocorneal angle on OCT imaging, compared to normal controls. These abnormal findings also appear in many pediatric eyes with cataracts, even prior to lensectomy. Future study is warranted to evaluate the role these structural differences may play in the development of glaucoma following cataract surgery and the significant variation in how individual glaucoma eyes respond to angle surgery.

Managing Traumatic Cataract in the Left Eye Following Blunt Trauma

Cataract is an opacity of the lens that causes a progressive decrease in visual acuity. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world and can be caused by many factors. This case report aims to identify and recognize the symptoms of cataract and appropriate management in a patient with traumatic cataract. A 54-year-old male patient came to the Eye Polyclinic of Dr. Zainoel Abidin Regional General Hospital Banda Aceh with complaints of blurred vision in the left eye like a fog that has been felt since 8 months ago after an accident and the left eye was hit by a motorcycle handlebar where the patient felt the complaint worsened in the past 2 months. Initially the patient felt glare when looking at light or car lights at night. On ophthalmologic status examination, it was found that the OS visus was 1/300 and the OS lens was cloudy. The patient was diagnosed with traumatic cataract OS ec blunt trauma. The management performed on the patient was lens extraction using the small incision cataract surgery (SICS) method and intraocular lens (IOL) insertion. The patient's vision improvement after cataract surgery was 5/24 at the first follow-up, 5/18 at the second follow-up, 5/9 at the third follow-up and there were no other ocular abnormalities due to trauma.

BAKTI SOSIAL SKRINING MATA DAN OPERASI KATARAK GRATIS RS. AHMAD WARDI DAN DOMPET DHUAFA BERSAMA MAHASISWA KULIAH KERJA MAHASISWA (KKM)

This free eye screening and cataract surgery social service activity is a tangible form of concern for Ahmad Wardi Hospital and Dompet Dhuafa, which collaborate with Student Work Lecture (KKM) students. The main goal of this activity is to help the underprivileged to get free access to eye health checks and treatments, especially for those who suffer from cataracts. Through eye screening, the medical team can detect vision problems early, while cataract surgery is given to patients who meet the criteria to improve their vision. KKM students play an important role in this activity, starting from helping with preparations, providing education to the community, to being directly involved in the implementation in the field. With this program, it is hoped that people can feel the improvement in the quality of life, especially in terms of eye health, as well as grow awareness of the importance of maintaining eye health and conducting early checkups.

Introduction and Validation of Low-Cost Ocular Biometry in Healthy and Cataractous Eyes Using a Thermally Tunable Swept-Source Laser

To introduce and validate a novel substantially lower-priced and rapid swept-source investigational optical biometer in healthy and cataractous eyes, using a thermally tuned laser diode used extensively in cell phones and data communication as an alternative swept source. Prospective accuracy, validity, and reliability analysis. A total of 60 eyes of 59 subjects (29 eyes of 29 healthy subjects and 31 eyes of 30 cataract patients) were enrolled in a prospective comparative study at the Vienna General Hospital between August 2021 and April 2023. Averaged intraocular distances were acquired in 2.5 seconds from datasets consisting of 5000 consecutive A-scans at a single position by a low-cost swept-source optical biometry (SSOB) system. Instrument repeatability was assessed via standard deviations (SDs) and coefficients of variation (CoVs) of parameters such as axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), and central corneal thickness (CCT). Healthy subjects and cataract patients were subsequently measured on the same day with the SSOB and a referential partial coherence interferometry (PCI) biometer (IOLMaster 500) to establish AL inter-device correlation (r) for instrument calibration. AL and ACD as shared parameters between both biometers were evaluated for their limits of agreements (LoA) using Bland-Altman analysis. Repeated measurements of AL, ACD, LT, and CCT revealed SDs of 18 µm, 12 µm, 12 µm, and 10 µm, respectively. All parameters except for CCT had a COV <1%. Except for 1 eye with white cataract, 59 eyes of 59 study participants with various degrees and types of cataract could be measured with both devices. The AL inter-device correlation was excellent (r > 0.99). The 95% LoAs between both biometers were -0.14 to 0.13 mm for AL and -0.28 to 0.25 mm for ACD. Optical biometry using a thermally tunable VCSEL swept-source light source has the potential to provide clinically relevant biometric parameters at an unprecedented 100-fold lower price point than currently used state-of-the-art optical biometers, paving the way for compact devices in remote care settings.