Ocular Pathology Research Articles

Long-Term Corneal Endothelial Parameters of COVID-19 Patients With Ocular Surface Symptoms.

This study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of COVID-19 on corneal endothelial cell morphology in patients with ocular symptoms to assess possible corneal involvement in patients who recovered. The COVID-19 group included patients diagnosed and treated at Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and ocular irritation symptoms. The control group was comprised of age- and sex-matched individuals. The controls had no ocular pathologies. Noncontact specular microscopy (Konan Cell Check SL, Hyogo, Japan) was performed using the center method after 156 ± 16 days of COVID-19 diagnosis. Parameters such as endothelial cell density (ECD), hexagonality (HEX), coefficient of variation, and central corneal thickness were analyzed. Specular microscopy results of 54 COVID-19 patients with ocular irritation symptoms and 72 controls were evaluated. Ocular symptoms in COVID-19 patients included conjunctival hyperemia, foreign body sensation, tearing, ocular secretion, and chemosis. Mean (±SD) ECD was 2770 ± 31 (cells/mm 2 ) in the COVID-19 group and 2897 ± 26 in the control group, and mean (±SD) HEX was 46.52 ± 6.38 in the COVID-19 group and 58.22 ± 13.94 in the control group. COVID-19 patients exhibited significantly lower endothelial ECD and HEX levels than controls ( P = 0.003 and P < 0.001, respectively). Coefficient of variation and central corneal thickness analyses did not reach statistical significance. COVID-19 can cause long-term alterations in the corneal endothelial cells, leading to decreased ECD and HEX. Future research should focus on the long-term implications of COVID-19 on the corneal health and visual outcomes.

Histologic correlates of "Choroidal abnormalities" in Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by proliferation of cells from neural crest origin. The most common manifestations are cutaneous, neurologic, skeletal and ocular. The distinction of NF1 from other syndromes with multiple café-au-lait macules may be difficult in the pediatric age group, and ocular findings, especially Lisch nodules (i.e., melanocytic hamartomas on the irides), are a useful, early diagnostic tool. In recent years, novel ocular manifestations descriptively referred to as "choroidal abnormalities", choroidal "hyperpigmented spots" and "retinal vascular abnormalities" have been recognized in NF1. Choroidal abnormalities (CA) appear as bright patchy nodules that can be best detected with near-infrared ocular coherence tomography imaging (NIR-OCT). Because of their high specificity and sensitivity for NF1, CA have been added as an ocular diagnostic criterion of NF1 as an alternative to Lisch nodules. Although CA are important ocular diagnostic criteria for NF1, the histologic correlates are controversial. We present the postmortem ocular pathology findings of an NF1 patient for whom clinical notes and ocular imaging were available. Findings in this patient included choroidal hyperpigmented spots on funduscopy and retinal vascular abnormalities, both of which have been reported to be closely associated with CA. Histologic examination of the eyes showed multiple clusters of melanocytes of varying sizes in the choroid. Pathologic review of 12 additional postmortem eyes from 6 NF1 patients showed multiple, bilateral choroidal melanocytic aggregates in all eyes. These findings suggest that the CA seen on NIR-OCT and the hyperpigmented spots seen clinically in NF1 patients are manifestations of multifocal choroidal melanocytic clusters, consistent with choroidal melanocytic hamartomas. Lisch nodules, often multiple, were present in all eyes with morphology that differed from the choroidal hamartomas. As such, although CA and Lisch nodules are melanocytic hamartomas, there are clear phenotypical differences in their morphologies.

Megahertz multi-parametric ophthalmic OCT system for whole eye imaging

An ultrahigh-speed, wide-field OCT system for the imaging of anterior, posterior, and ocular biometers is crucial for obtaining comprehensive ocular parameters and quantifying ocular pathology size. Here, we demonstrate a multi-parametric ophthalmic OCT system with a speed of up to 1 MHz for wide-field imaging of the retina and 50 kHz for anterior chamber and ocular biometric measurement. A spectrum correction algorithm is proposed to ensure the accurate pairing of adjacent A-lines and elevate the A-scan speed from 500 kHz to 1 MHz for retinal imaging. A registration method employing position feedback signals was introduced, reducing pixel offsets between forward and reverse galvanometer scanning by 2.3 times. Experimental validation on glass sheets and the human eye confirms feasibility and efficacy. Meanwhile, we propose a revised formula to determine the “true” fundus size using all-axial length parameters from different fields of view. The efficient algorithms and compact design enhance system compatibility with clinical requirements, showing promise for widespread commercialization.

Understanding the Impact of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Review.

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial ocular pathology that destroys the photoreceptors of the macula. Two forms are distinguished, dry and wet AMD, with different pathophysiological mechanisms. Although treatments were shown to be effective in wet AMD, they remain a heavy burden for patients and caregivers, resulting in a lack of patient compliance. For dry AMD, no real effective treatment is available in Europe. It is, therefore, essential to look for new approaches. Recently, the use of long-chain and very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids was identified as an interesting new therapeutic alternative. Indeed, the levels of these fatty acids, core components of photoreceptors, are significantly decreased in AMD patients. To better understand this pathology and to evaluate the efficacy of various molecules, in vitro and in vivo models reproducing the mechanisms of both types of AMD were developed. This article reviews the anatomy and the physiological aging of the retina and summarizes the clinical aspects, pathophysiological mechanisms of AMD and potential treatment strategies. In vitro and in vivo models of AMD are also presented. Finally, this manuscript focuses on the application of omega-3 fatty acids for the prevention and treatment of both types of AMD.

Estudio de estabilidad fisicoquímica y microbiológica de dos nuevos colirios de metilprednisolona sin conservantes

ObjectiveTo study the physicochemical and microbiological stability over 90 days of two preservative-free methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MTPSS) 1 mg/ml and 10 mg/ml eye drops for use in ocular pathologies such as Sjögren’s syndrome and dry eye syndrome. MethodThe two eye drops were prepared from injectable MTPSS (Solu-moderin® and Urbason®), water for injection and normal saline solution. In accordance with ICH (International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use) guidelines, they were then stored in triplicate under refrigerated conditions (5 ±3 °C), at room temperature (25 ± 2 °C), and at 40 °C (±2 °C). In accordance with the USP (United States Pharmacopeia), physicochemical controls of the active ingredient content were carried out by HPLC-UV (High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Ultraviolet detection), together with controls of pH, osmolality, and visual examination. Microbiological sterility was also tested under refrigerated conditions up to 30 days in open containers and up to 90 days in closed ones. ResultsThe eye drops stored at 5 °C were the most stable; in the 1 mg/ml eye drops, degradation of the drug fell below 90% from day 21, and in the 10 mg/ml eye drops, from day 42. pH change did not vary by ≥1 unit in formulations stored at 5 °C, unlike the other formulations. Changes in osmolality did not exceed 5% on day 90 in any storage conditions. Samples of non refrigerate eye drops at 10 mg/ml, presented a white precipitate from day 14 and 28 respectively. Non-refrigerated 1 mg/ml eye drops presented suspended particles on day 90. There were no color changes. Microbiological analysis showed that sterility was maintained for over 90 days in the closed containers, although microbial contamination was detected from day 21 in the open containers. Conclusions1 mg/ml MTPSS eye drops show physicochemical and microbiological stability for 21 days under refrigeration, compared to 42 days for 10 mg/ml eye drops stored under the same conditions. However, since they do not include preservatives in their composition, they should not be used for more than 7 days after opening.

Drug Distribution After Intravitreal Injection: A Mathematical Model.

Intravitreal injection of drugs is commonly used for treatment of chorioretinal ocular pathologies, such as age-related macular degeneration. Injection causes a transient increase in the intraocular volume and, consequently, of the intraocular pressure (IOP). The aim of this work is to investigate how intravitreal flow patterns generated during the post-injection eye deflation influence the transport and distribution of the injected drug. We present mathematical and computational models of fluid motion and mass transport in the vitreous chamber during the transient phase after injection, including the previously unexplored effects of globe deflation as ocular volume decreases. During eye globe deflation, significant fluid velocities are generated within the vitreous chamber, which can possibly contribute to drug transport. Pressure variations within the eye globe are small compared to IOP. Even if significant fluid velocities are generated in the vitreous chamber after drug injection, these are found to have negligible overall effect on drug distribution.

Multifractal characterization of nystagmus eye movements.

In this work, we investigate the multifractal properties of eye movement dynamics of children with infantile nystagmus, particularly the fluctuations of its velocity. The eye movements of three children and one adult with infantile nystagmus were evaluated in a simple task in comparison with 28 children with no ocular pathologies. Four indices emerge from the analysis: the classical Hurst exponent, the singularity strength corresponding to the maximum of the singularity spectrum, the asymmetry of the singularity spectrum, and the multifractal strength, each of which characterizes a particular aspect of eye movement dynamics. Our findings indicate that, when compared to children with no ocular pathologies, patients with infantile nystagmus present lower values of all indices. Except for the multifractal strength, the difference in the remaining indices is statistically significant. To test whether the characterization of patients with infantile nystagmus in terms of multifractality indices allows them to be distinguished from children without ocular pathologies, we performed an unsupervised clustering analysis and classified the subjects using supervised clustering techniques. The results indicate that these indices do, indeed, distinctively characterize the eye movements of patients with infantile nystagmus.

Ocular sarcoidosis: A clinicopathological study

Abstract Purpose: This study aims to deliver an in-depth analysis and detailed account of 15 patients diagnosed with ocular and periocular sarcoidosis, each case substantiated by biopsy and histopathological examination. Furthermore, our series emphasizes the critical role of computed tomography (CT) scans in assessing the lacrimal gland, particularly when clinical symptoms, paraclinical findings, and radiological evidence suggest the presence of sarcoidosis. Methodology: We conducted a retrospective analysis of biopsy-diagnosed sarcoidosis cases at the MUHC-McGill University Ocular Pathology and Translational Research Laboratory spanning from 1995 to 2023. Pathological descriptions were thoroughly assessed, and clinical information was obtained from medical records for each patient. Results: A total of 15 cases were analyzed, 8 females and 7 males, with ages ranging from 16 to 89. All biopsies revealed granulomatous inflammation characterized by discrete, noncaseating granulomas. The most common site for biopsy was the lacrimal gland, followed by conjunctiva. Patients who underwent lacrimal gland biopsy exhibited bilateral, symmetrical enlargement of the gland, as confirmed by a CT scan. Conclusion: Diagnosing sarcoidosis presents significant challenges. Conducting blind biopsies is inadvisable and should be avoided. Targeted biopsies of abnormal lesions in the conjunctiva and eyelid have been proven to be diagnostic. In cases of suspected sarcoidosis, a CT scan of the orbit serves as an invaluable tool for determining the optimal biopsy site, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy.

Digenic Alport Syndrome in Children: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case Series

Background: Alport syndrome comprises inherited heterogeneous disorders involving kidneys with varying combinations of ocular pathologies and hearing loss. Digenic Alport syndrome is a pathologic variant of Alport syndrome in which there is a mutation in two out of three mutations in type IV collagen (COL4A) genes, either COL4A5 with COL4A3/COL4A4, or pathogenic variants in COL4A3 with COL4A4. There are scarce data regarding the genotype–phenotype associations in children with digenic Alport syndrome. Objective: The present systematic review focuses on clinical presentations, genetic abnormalities, pharmacological management, and associated extrarenal manifestations in digenic Alport syndrome. Methods: A comprehensive search was done in major databases, such as PubMed and Google Scholar, using defined search terms encompassing case reports or case series on digenic Alport syndrome. The identified reports underwent screening by two different authors for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Thirty-three cases were included, showing that the mean age at diagnosis was 6 years. Microhematuria was the most common kidney manifestation (85%), followed by nephrotic/nephritic range proteinuria (72%), while extrarenal features were a rare finding. The main diagnostic modality was genetic testing with specific findings on electron microscopy, such as thinning of the basement membrane (76.4%). Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis was the most common finding on light microscopy (50%). A missense mutation was the most common genetic mutation present in 65.7% of cases. The patients were primarily managed with medical management initially with no data regarding follow-up. Conclusion: The digenic phenotype of Alport syndrome presents with a mean age earlier than the other variants, with hematuria and proteinuria being the most common presentations, with rare extrarenal involvements. Furthermore, the most common genetic abnormality associated with the digenic variant of Alport syndrome is a missense mutation.

Attention flexibility is associated with retinal cup-to-disk ratio in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders

IntroductionIn recent years, there has been increasing interest in the potential use of retinal imaging as a non-invasive and easily accessible tool for investigating the neurobiological underpinnings of schizophrenia. Studies have suggested that patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) have structural abnormalities in the retina, including changes in retinal thickness and the ratio of the retinal cup-to-disk ratio.ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between retinal cup-to-disk ratio and cognitive performance in patients with SSD using a high-definition retinal imaging device – optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanner.MethodsThe sample was comprised of twenty patients with SSD (F20-F29 according to ICD-10 criteria). All diagnoses were confirmed by a researcher using the Mini International Psychiatric Interview. All patients underwent complete ophthalmological examination, excluding any ocular pathology. Retinal thickness was measured in both eyes of all patients with a high-definition spectral-domain OCT device. Examined retinal parameters were: total retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL); RNFL thickness in all eye quadrants (nasal, temporal, superior, inferior); RNFL symmetry; average macular volume (MV); average macular thickness (MT); ganglion cell layer thickness (GC); average retinal cup-to-disk (C/D) ratio, vertical C/D ratio. Cognitive performance of all patients was tested using the Intra/Extradimensional Set Shift Task (IED). IED is a component of a state-of-the-art computerized battery for cognitive assessment – Cambridge Neuropsychological Automated Test Battery. IED is a measure of maintenance, shifting and flexibility of attention. Associations between retinal variables and IED measures were determined with Pearson correlation analyses.ResultsMean age of patients was 33 ± 7.5 years. Fifty five percent of the sample was male, illness duration was 6.2 ± 3.9 years. Daily dosage of chlorpromazine was 225.7 ± 108.8 mg. Retinal C/D ratio in the right eye was positively associated with IED total errors (r=0.50; p=0.02) and negatively with IED stage progression (r=-0.52, p=0.18). Likewise, vertical C/D ratio was positively associated with IED total errors (r=0.49; p=0.02) and negatively with IED stage progression (r=-0.52, p=0.18).ConclusionsPrevious analyses of retinal parameters in patients with schizophrenia point towards enlargement of retinal cup-to-disk ratio, irrespective of any underlying somatic comorbidities. Our data shows worsening of attention flexibility in association with the increase of cup-to-disk ratio in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The significance of cup-to-disk retinal disturbance in schizophrenia spectrum disorders and its connection with cognitive performance should be further evaluated and supplemented with measurements of functional adaptation in these patients.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Pathomorphosis of eyelid tumor pathology in demodectic infection

Background. Pathological changes in the tissues of the oculo-conjunctival region caused by the activity of the Demodex mite is represented by the development of inflammatory process. On detection of the parasite on eyelashes, the presence of the Demodex mite is diagnosed in half of adult patients seeking ophthalmic care. Pathomorphological descriptions of specific patterns associated with the presence of Demodex infection are practically absent. During pathological examination, in the vast majority of cases it is almost impossible to see the parasite in the test material. There are pathomorphological patterns associated with the presence of the mite as a commensal, not only on the eyelid surface or in the conjunctiva, but also in morphological structures formed against the background of pathological processes in this area. Aim. To find out the morphological patterns reflecting the pathomorphosis of some tumor processes in the eyelid thickness caused by demodectic invasion, which have not been identified so far in ophthalmopathological studies. Materials and Methods. We analyzed the archival material from the oculo-conjunctival region submitted to the ocular pathology laboratory within the period of 2020–2023. Surgical and biopsy specimens were processed by standard histologic methods. Results. One of the pathognomonic patterns of demodecosis are calcifications with fragments of the dead mite and cysts. When a mite rapidly destroys tissue, it leaves the site until it dies without retaining its fragments. Post-demodecosis pathomorphosis in basal cell carcinoma of the eyelids complicates the pathomorphologic diagnosis of the biopsy. Conclusions. Our results prove the presence of mites in tumor tissues and illustrate their influence on the development of the pathomorphological picture, which should be taken into account in the practical activity of a pathologist. Keywords: demodex mite, pathomorphology, ophthalmopathological examination, oculo-conjunctival region.

Advancements in Healthcare: Development of a Comprehensive Medical Information System with Automated Classification for Ocular and Skin Pathologies—Structure, Functionalities, and Innovative Development Methods

This article introduces a groundbreaking medical information system developed in Salesforce, featuring an automated classification module for ocular and skin pathologies using Google Teachable Machine. Integrating cutting-edge technology with Salesforce’s robust capabilities, the system provides a comprehensive solution for medical practitioners. The article explores the system’s structure, emphasizing innovative functionalities that enhance diagnostic precision and streamline medical workflows. Methods used in development are discussed, offering insights into the integration of Google Teachable Machine into the Salesforce framework. This collaborative approach is a significant stride in intelligent pathology classification, advancing the field of medical information systems and fostering efficient healthcare practices.

The Association between Diabetic Retinopathy and Macular Degeneration: A Nationwide Population-Based Study.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), particularly its exudative form, is a primary cause of vision impairment in older adults. As diabetes becomes increasingly prevalent in aging, it is crucial to explore the potential relationship between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and AMD. This study aimed to assess the risk of developing overall, non-exudative, and exudative AMD in individuals with DR compared to those without retinopathy (non-DR) based on a nationwide population study in Taiwan. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database (NHIRD) (2000-2013). A total of 3413 patients were placed in the study group (DR) and 13,652 in the control group (non-DR) for analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis and the Cox proportional hazards model were used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for the development of AMD, adjusting for confounding factors, such as age, sex, and comorbid conditions. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated a significantly higher cumulative incidence of AMD in the DR group compared to the non-DR group (log-rank test, p < 0.001). Adjusted analyses revealed that individuals with DR faced a greater risk of overall AMD, with an aHR of 3.50 (95% CI = 3.10-3.95). For senile (unspecified) AMD, the aHR was 3.45 (95% CI = 3.04-3.92); for non-exudative senile AMD, it was 2.92 (95% CI = 2.08-4.09); and for exudative AMD, the aHR was 3.92 (95% CI = 2.51-6.14). DR is a significant risk factor for both overall, senile, exudative, and non-exudative AMD, even after adjusting for demographic and comorbid conditions. DR patients tend to have a higher prevalence of vascular comorbidities; however, our findings indicate that the ocular pathologies inherent to DR might have a more significant impact on the progression to AMD. Early detection and appropriate treatment of AMD is critically important among DR patients.

Macular Pigment Assessment in Indian Population Using Degree of Polarization Threshold: Impact of Diet on Macular Pigment Density.

To determine macular pigment (MP) density scores in healthy Indians and examine correlations with demographic and lifestyle variables. We observed 484 Indians without an ocular pathology. Body mass index (BMI) and self-reported lifestyle factors (sunglasses usage, physical activity, and smoking) were noted. MP density was assessed as the threshold of perception of the shadow of their macular pigments on their retina using a new MP assessment tool (MP-eye). Lutein and zeaxanthin intake was assessed using a prevalidated questionnaire regionally designed for the Indian diet. Clusters of participants were created for statistical analysis based on MP-eye scores secondarily to detect any relevant effects in very low, low, medium, and high ranges of MPs. Data analyzed included 235 males and 249 females with mean age of 36.1 ± 12.9 years (range, 14-72). The median MP-eye score was 6 (range, 0-10, with 10 being high). Most were non-smokers (413, 85.3%) and did not use sunglasses (438, 90.5%), and 314 (64.9%) had low physical activity. Diabetes was present in 62 participants (12.8%) and hypertension in 53 (10.9%). Advancing age (r = -0.209; P < 0.000) and BMI (r = -0.094; P = 0.038) had weak negative correlation with MP-eye scores. Hypertension was less prevalent (7/88) in the cluster with the highest median MP-eye score (P = 0.033). Dietary intake of MPs and other lifestyle factors did not correlate significantly with MP-eye score overall or when analyzed in clusters. MP-eye scores of an Indian population were normally distributed. Higher age, high BMI, and presence of hypertension were weakly associated with lower MP-eye scores. The impact of diet on MPs requires further evaluation. This normative regional database enables risk stratification of macular degeneration.

Aspheric hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens outcomes in patients with additional ocular pathology

Objectives: The objective of the study was to examine the real-world visual performance, refractive outcomes, and glistening occurrence of a hydrophobic acrylic aspheric monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) in patients with ocular comorbidities. Materials and Methods: All cases of cataract surgery with the implantation of a hydrophobic acrylic aspheric monofocal IOL in a single centre between September 2020 and March 2022 were reviewed in a retrospective cohort study. Refraction (autorefract), visual acuity, peri- and post-operative complications, and the presence of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) and glistenings were recorded. Due to facility and surgeon preference, this lens was utilised predominantly for younger patients with additional ocular pathology. Results: Data regarding 15 patients (21 eyes) were collected. The mean age was 57.3 years (Range: 37–70). Eleven patients (73%) had ocular pathology in addition to cataracts. One patient was excluded due to a lack of follow-up. Post-operative refraction was available for 13 eyes (61%). The median follow-up time was five months. Corrected distance visual acuity (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) improved from 0.52 ± 0.54 to 0.17 ± 0.21 (mean ± standard deviation; P = 0.01); 95% confidence interval 0.08–0.26). 77% of eyes were within 0.5 D of the refractive target, and 92% were within 0.7 D. Six patients (30%) had documented PCO, with two requiring YAG capsulotomy. No patients had IOL glistenings. Conclusion: The hydrophobic aspheric monofocal IOL performs well for young patients with ocular pathology in addition to cataracts. Further, long-term follow-up will help to support its use for patients who require greater than standard longevity from an IOL.

Semiautomated MRI-Based Method for Orbital Volume and Contour Analysis.

The architecture of the orbital cavity is intricate, and precise measurement of its growth is essential for managing ocular and orbital pathologies. Most methods for those measurements are by CT imaging, although MRI for soft tissue assessment is indicated in many cases, specifically pediatric patients. This study introduces a novel semiautomated MRI-based approach for depicting orbital shape and dimensions. A retrospective cohort study. Patients with at least 1 normal orbit who underwent both CT and MRI imaging at a single center from 2015 to 2023. Orbital dimensions included volume, horizontal and vertical lengths, and depth. These were determined by manual segmentation followed by 3-dimensional image processing software. Differences in orbital measurements between MRI and CT scans. Thirty-one patients (mean age 47.7 ± 23.8 years, 21 [67.7%]) females, were included. The mean differences in delta values between orbital measurements on CT versus MRI were: volume 0.03 ± 2.01 ml, horizontal length 0.53 ± 2.12 mm, vertical length, 0.36 ± 2.53 mm, and depth 0.97 ± 3.90 mm. The CT and. MRI orbital measurements were strongly correlated: volume (r = 0.92, p < 0.001), horizontal length (r = 0.65, p < 0.001), vertical length (r = 0.57, p = 0.001), and depth (r = 0.46, p = 0.009). The mean values of all measurements were similar on the paired-samples t test: p = 0.9 for volume (30.86 ± 5.04 ml on CT and 30.88 ± 4.92 ml on MRI), p = 0.2 for horizontal length, p = 0.4 for vertical length, and p = 0.2 for depth. We present an innovative semiautomated method capable of calculating orbital volume and demonstrating orbital contour by MRI validated against the gold standard CT-based measurements. This method can serve as a valuable tool for evaluating diverse orbital processes.

К вопросу расчета ИОЛ у пациентов с витреоретинальной патологией

Purpose. To estimate the probability of a change in the calculated IOL after microinvasive vitrectomy 25G in patients with operated macular rupture. Methods. A retrospective analysis of patients operated on for a macular rupture with a diameter from 400 microns to 1000 microns was performed. The exclusion criteria were: the axial length of the eye is less than 22.0 mm and more than 26.0 mm, recurrence of previously operated macular ruptures, the presence of concomitant ocular pathology that can affect the final postoperative result (macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic and postocclusive retinopathy), the presence of previously performed surgical interventions on the retina. The study involved 64 eyes, of which 34,37 % (22 eyes) with a native lens; 14,06 % (9 eyes) with artifacia before vitrectomy; 6,25 % (4 eyes) vitrectomy with cataract phacoemulsification and IOL implantation and 45,31 % (29 eyes) cataract phacoemulsification with IOL implantation was performed within 4–9 months after primary vitrectomy. These patients were the study group. The comparison parameters are best corrected visual acuity, K1, K2, Ave. K1, Ave. K2, Axis, Ave. K2-K1, axial length of the eye, Ave. axial length of the eye, as well as calculated models of IOL and implantable after vitreoretinal surgery. Results. The change in the optical strength of the IOL occurred in 44,82 %. The change in the IOL model is 37,93 %. The change in the optical strength and model of the IOL is 20,68 %. The change in the optical strength of the previous IOL model is 24,1%. The change in the strong axis of more than 20 ° with the previous IOL parameters is 13,79 %. Only in 27,58 % there were no changes in the calculation of IOL. Conclusion. An individual approach to the calculation and selection of intraocular lenses in patients with vitreoretinal pathology allows implantation of all types of IOLs with maximum patient satisfaction with the functional result. Keywords: biometric indicators, IOL, vitrectomy, cataract, phacoemulsification, keratometry

Machine Learning Methods Using Artificial Intelligence Deployed on Electronic Health Record Data for Identification and Referral of At-Risk Patients From Primary Care Physicians to Eye Care Specialists: Retrospective, Case-Controlled Study.

Identification and referral of at-risk patients from primary care practitioners (PCPs) to eye care professionals remain a challenge. Approximately 1.9 million Americans suffer from vision loss as a result of undiagnosed or untreated ophthalmic conditions. In ophthalmology, artificial intelligence (AI) is used to predict glaucoma progression, recognize diabetic retinopathy (DR), and classify ocular tumors; however, AI has not yet been used to triage primary care patients for ophthalmology referral. This study aimed to build and compare machine learning (ML) methods, applicable to electronic health records (EHRs) of PCPs, capable of triaging patients for referral to eye care specialists. Accessing the Optum deidentified EHR data set, 743,039 patients with 5 leading vision conditions (age-related macular degeneration [AMD], visually significant cataract, DR, glaucoma, or ocular surface disease [OSD]) were exact-matched on age and gender to 743,039 controls without eye conditions. Between 142 and 182 non-ophthalmic parameters per patient were input into 5 ML methods: generalized linear model, L1-regularized logistic regression, random forest, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and J48 decision tree. Model performance was compared for each pathology to select the most predictive algorithm. The area under the curve (AUC) was assessed for all algorithms for each outcome. XGBoost demonstrated the best performance, showing, respectively, a prediction accuracy and an AUC of 78.6% (95% CI 78.3%-78.9%) and 0.878 for visually significant cataract, 77.4% (95% CI 76.7%-78.1%) and 0.858 for exudative AMD, 79.2% (95% CI 78.8%-79.6%) and 0.879 for nonexudative AMD, 72.2% (95% CI 69.9%-74.5%) and 0.803 for OSD requiring medication, 70.8% (95% CI 70.5%-71.1%) and 0.785 for glaucoma, 85.0% (95% CI 84.2%-85.8%) and 0.924 for type 1 nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), 82.2% (95% CI 80.4%-84.0%) and 0.911 for type 1 proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), 81.3% (95% CI 81.0%-81.6%) and 0.891 for type 2 NPDR, and 82.1% (95% CI 81.3%-82.9%) and 0.900 for type 2 PDR. The 5 ML methods deployed were able to successfully identify patients with elevated odds ratios (ORs), thus capable of patient triage, for ocular pathology ranging from 2.4 (95% CI 2.4-2.5) for glaucoma to 5.7 (95% CI 5.0-6.4) for type 1 NPDR, with an average OR of 3.9. The application of these models could enable PCPs to better identify and triage patients at risk for treatable ophthalmic pathology. Early identification of patients with unrecognized sight-threatening conditions may lead to earlier treatment and a reduced economic burden. More importantly, such triage may improve patients' lives.

New targets of nascent lymphatic vessels in ocular diseases.

Recent advancements in the field of endothelial markers of lymphatic vessels and lymphangiogenic factors have shed light on the association between several ocular diseases and ocular nascent lymphatic vessels. The immune privilege of corneal tissue typically limits the formation of lymphatic vessels in a healthy eye. However, vessels in the eyes can potentially undergo lymphangiogenesis and be conditionally activated. It is evident that nascent lymphatic vessels in the eyes contribute to various ocular pathologies. Conversely, lymphatic vessels are present in the corneal limbus, ciliary body, lacrimal glands, optic nerve sheaths, and extraocular muscles, while a lymphatic vasculature-like system exists in the choroid, that can potentially cause several ocular pathologies. Moreover, numerous studies indicate that many ocular diseases can influence or activate nascent lymphatic vessels, ultimately affecting patient prognosis. By understanding the mechanisms underlying the onset, development, and regression of ocular nascent lymphatic vessels, as well as exploring related research on ocular diseases, this article aims to offer novel perspectives for the treatment of such conditions.

Recent Advances in Nanomedicine for Ocular Fundus Neovascularization Disease Management.

As an indispensable part of the human sensory system, visual acuity may be impaired and even develop into irreversible blindness due to various ocular pathologies. Among ocular diseases, fundus neovascularization diseases (FNDs) are prominent etiologies of visual impairment worldwide. Intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs remains the primary therapy but is hurdled by common complications and incomplete potency. To renovate the current therapeutic modalities, nanomedicine emerged as the times required, which is endowed with advanced capabilities, able to fulfill the effective ocular fundus drug delivery and achieve precise drug release control, thus further improving the therapeutic effect. This review provides a comprehensive summary of advances in nanomedicine for FND management from state-of-the-art studies. First, the current therapeutic modalities for FNDs are thoroughly introduced, focusing on the key challenges of ocular fundus drug delivery. Second, nanocarriers are comprehensively reviewed for ocular posterior drug delivery based on the nanostructures: polymer-based nanocarriers, lipid-based nanocarriers, and inorganic nanoparticles. Thirdly, the characteristics of the fundus microenvironment, their pathological changes during FNDs, and corresponding strategies for constructing smart nanocarriers are elaborated. Furthermore, the challenges and prospects of nanomedicine for FND management are thoroughly discussed.