Pediatric Ophthalmology Research Articles

Analysis of pediatric ophthalmology surgical activity in metropolitan France in 2016: Its impact on training capacities

AimsTo describe pediatric ophthalmology surgery activity in private or public practice in metropolitan France in 2016 and to anticipate training needs in surgical pediatric ophthalmology. MethodsWe used the French National Health Care System database to identify all pediatric ophthalmology surgical procedures performed in 2016. The study included all children aged ≤14 years who had undergone ophthalmologic surgery. We calculated the incidence of surgeries per 100,000 inhabitants aged ≤14 years, the number of surgeons, the mean age of the practitioners, and the number of surgeons aged >55 years. ResultsIn 2016, the overall incidence of pediatric ophthalmic surgery activity was 150.42/100,000 children aged ≤14 years. Out of 17,657 pediatric surgeries, 31.3 % were done by private surgeons performing at least 20 surgeries per year, 45.9 % in public centers with ≥20 surgeries per year, and 22.8 % by surgeons (public or private centers) doing <20 surgeries per year. This analysis included 204 surgeons, with a mean age of 41.7 ± 11.2 years (60.8 % female) in the public sector and 51.0 ± 9.5 years (37.3 % female) in private practice. More than a third of the surgeries (37.7 %) were performed in children aged 6–11 years, and the most frequent procedure was strabismus surgery (42.1 %). University regions with the fewest surgeons and regions with surgeons aged >55 years were identified. Within 5 years, to maintain pediatric ophthalmic surgical activity, it will be necessary to train 46 surgeons. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated disparities in the geographic distribution of pediatric ophthalmic surgeries in France and identified regions that need increased training capacities and/or incorporate new surgeons to ensure a sufficient activity.

Improving Sickle Cell Patient Appointment Compliance in a Hospital-Based Pediatric Ophthalmology Clinic

This quality improvement initiative aimed to reduce the no-show rate at a hospital-based tertiary sickle cell ophthalmology clinic. Missed appointments place a significant burden on the healthcare system, resulting in prolonged waiting times and underutilized clinical resources that impact the quality of care provided. Individuals with sickle cell disease commonly require multiple appointments to address the myriads of comorbidities associated with their disease. Nevertheless, the sickle cell ophthalmology clinic experienced an alarmingly high no-show rate of 49% from June to September of 2021 despite offering same-day appointments with the hematology clinic. To address this issue, we conducted a study in which we compared the baseline no-show rate with the rate after relocating both clinics to the same floor, aiming to overcome patient-related barriers. Following 3.5 months of the clinics sharing the same floor, the no-show rate decreased to 39%, reflecting a 10% improvement from the baseline rate. In summary, co-locating two related clinics can alleviate patient burdens, foster communication between multidisciplinary specialties, and contribute to an overall improvement in the quality of care and treatment provided.

Performance of Chatgpt in ophthalmology exam; human versus AI.

This cross-sectional study focuses on evaluating the success rate of ChatGPT in answering questions from the 'Resident Training Development Exam' and comparing these results with the performance of the ophthalmology residents. The 75 exam questions, across nine sections and three difficulty levels, were presented to ChatGPT. The responses and explanations were recorded. The readability and complexity of the explanations were analyzed and The Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) score (0-100) was recorded using the program named Readable. Residents were categorized into four groups based on their seniority. The overall and seniority-specific success rates of the residents were compared separately with ChatGPT. Out of 69 questions, ChatGPT answered 37 correctly (53.62%). The highest success was in Lens and Cataract (77.77%), and the lowest in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (0.00%). Of 789 residents, overall accuracy was 50.37%. Seniority-specific accuracy rates were 43.49%, 51.30%, 54.91%, and 60.05% for 1st to 4th-year residents. ChatGPT ranked 292nd among residents. Difficulty-wise, 11 questions were easy, 44 moderate, and 14 difficult. ChatGPT's accuracy for each level was 63.63%, 54.54%, and 42.85%, respectively. The average FRE score of responses generated by ChatGPT was found to be 27.56 ± 12.40. ChatGPT correctly answered 53.6% of questions in an exam for residents. ChatGPT has a lower success rate on average than a 3rd year resident. The readability of responses provided by ChatGPT is low, and they are difficult to understand. As difficulty increases, ChatGPT's success decreases. Predictably, these results will change with more information loaded into ChatGPT.

Evaluation of the diagnostic parameters of the amblyopia and risk factors for amblyopia screening protocol in 3-year-olds according to recommendations from the French Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AFSOP) compared with reference ophthalmological examination: the ORTHOPHTALMO study

ABSTRACT Introduction: The ORTHOPHTALMO study aims to evaluate the diagnostic parameters of the screening protocol for amblyopia and risk factors for amblyopia in 3-year-olds recommended in 2019 by the French Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AFSOP). This protocol uses visual acuity, photoscreening refraction, and cover test examination performed by an orthoptist. Patient referral to an ophthalmologist is only according to recommended referral criteria. Methods: A prospective, single-center study was performed between September 2020 and June 2021 on a consecutive series of 3-year-olds consulting the Ophthalmology Centre of Clinique Rive Gauche, Toulouse, France, for vision screening. Patients were first examined by an orthoptist following the screening protocol recommended by AFSOP. All patients were then systematically examined by an ophthalmologist for cycloplegic refraction measurement (reference examination). The ophthalmologist was blinded to the referral conclusion and refraction measurements of the orthoptist. Results: A total of 300 patients (149 girls and 151 boys) were included. Examination by an orthoptist was unreliable/incomplete in 7% of cases. An abnormality was detected by the orthoptist in ≥1 of the screening tests among 42% of patients; these patients were thus considered as requiring referral to an ophthalmologist. Reference ophthalmological examination found 41% of patients required treatment. The diagnostic parameters of this screening protocol were 90% for sensitivity and 89% for specificity. Discussion: We validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the AFSOP screening protocol for detection of amblyopia and risk factors for amblyopia in 3-year-olds as well as the recommended criteria for referral to an ophthalmologist. ClinicalTrials.gov https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04395560. Number: NCT04395560.

Social media and amblyopia: evaluating content and intent on Instagram

ABSTRACT Introduction: Social media is a widely-used avenue for the public to find health information. In particular, Instagram is a popular social media platform among adults who may have children within the amblyogenic age range, and it may be used to find amblyopia-related information. The purpose of this study is to assess the quality of the amblyopia information on Instagram. Methods: The top 200 publicly available Instagram posts about amblyopia from October to December 2022 were reviewed and scored using the Currency, Reliability, Authority, and Purpose (CRAP) test. Results: A quarter of posts were from healthcare providers (ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians), and only 3% of posts were specifically from pediatric ophthalmologists. Most posts, however, were from businesses (51%), which were of lower quality than posts by providers. Discussion: Instagram represents a tremendous opportunity to educate the public. Better utilizing this resource may allow medical professionals to broadly spread accurate, unbiased data.

Genetic background of high myopia in children.

High myopia is a significant risk factor for irreversible vision loss and can occur in isolation or as a component of various syndromes. However, the genetic basis of early-onset high myopia remains poorly understood. We aimed to identify the causative genetic variants for high myopia in a cohort of Slovenian children. The study included children referred to a tertiary paediatric ophthalmology centre at the University Eye Clinic in Ljubljana between 2010 and 2022. The participants met the following inclusion criteria: age ≤ 15 years and high myopia ≤-5.0 D before the age of 10 years. Genetic analysis included exome sequencing and/or molecular karyotyping. Participants were categorized based on clinical presentation: high myopia with systemic involvement, high myopia with ocular involvement, and isolated high myopia. Genetic analysis of 36 probands revealed a genetic cause of high myopia in 22 (61.1%) children. Among those with systemic involvement (50.0%), genetic causes were identified in 13 out of 18 children, with Stickler's and Pitt-Hopkins being the most common syndromes. Among cases of high myopia with ocular involvement (38.9%), a genetic cause was found in 8 out of 14 probands, including (likely) pathogenic variants in genes related to retinal dystrophies (CACNA1F, RPGR, RP2, NDP). The non-syndromic ARR3- associated high myopia was identified in the isolated high myopia group. A genetic cause of high myopia was identified in 61.1% of children tested, demonstrating the value of genetic testing in this population for diagnosis and proactive counseling.

Study on the impact of refractive anisometropia on strabismus, stereopsis, and amblyopia in children.

To preliminarily explore the correlation between different types and degrees of refractive errors and strabismus, amblyopia, and stereopsis. A retrospective collection was conducted on a total of 145 patients with anisometropia who visited our hospital for strabismus and pediatric ophthalmology from January 2023 to August 2023.Based on the nature of anisometropia in both eyes, it was divided into 4 groups: Farsighted anisometropia (36 cases); myopic anisometropia (38 cases); astigmatic anisometropia (35 cases); mixed anisometropia (36 cases), and 30 children with normal vision were collected. Both groups of subjects underwent routine slit lamp and fundus examinations to exclude other organic eye diseases. The test indexes were: visual acuity, diopter, strabismus, far-stereoscopic vision, near-stereoscopic Titmus, and random static zero-order stereoscopic vision. The results of this study showed that compared with the normal control group, the incidence of strabismus was higher in the anisometropia group. When the refractive error was ≥1.00D, the far stereopsis and random dot static 0-order stereopsis in the anisometropia group decreased more significantly, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (P < .05). Far-sighted and mixed astigmatism were more prone to amblyopia than myopia and regular astigmatism (P < .05). However, there was no statistical difference in near stereopsis Titmus between the anisometropia group and the control group (P > .05). Children with anisometropia are more likely to have strabismus, stereopsis and amblyopia than normal children.

“We are very family like”: How do relationships with colleagues affect career satisfaction for surgeons?

PurposeThe objective of this research was to explore the role of surgeon relationships with their colleagues on career satisfaction. MethodsThis qualitative study employed a thematic analysis based on the core elements of The Grounded Theory Method. Forty-two pediatric neurosurgeons, cardio-thoracic surgeons and ophthalmologists were recruited from 9 countries around the globe and interviewed in-depth about the role of their collegial relationships on their career satisfaction. Data was coded line-by-line to extract themes and to identify patterns across the interviews. ResultsCareer satisfaction was greatly enhanced by having a cohesive and healthy team. ‘Healthy’ teams were described as those that were emotionally supportive of each other, where colleagues could be trusted to back each other up, where communication was open and transparent, and where collaboration was the departmental norm. Career satisfaction was greatly diminished when there were interpersonal conflicts and personality clashes between surgeons, where there was poor departmental leadership creating a culture of fear and insecurity, when colleagues were perceived as egotistical, in competitive departments, where there was perceived to be an unequal distribution of work, and when surgeons felt alone and unsupported. ConclusionsOur study found that healthy teams had very specific qualities that could be cultivated and enhanced on surgical teams by making a conscious effort to improve the workplace culture and psychological safety among the team. In the conclusions, a number of recommendations are made on how to go about achieving this goal.

Comparison of the GoCheck Kids and Spot Screener photoscreening devices for the detection of amblyopia risk factors using 2021 AAPOS recommendations

PurposeTo compare the Spot Vision Screener (SPOT) to the GoCheck Kids mobile application (GCK) in the evaluation of amblyopia risk factors (ARFs), according to updated 2021 AAPOS guidelines for instrument-based pediatric vision screening. MethodsSPOT, GCK using horizontal and vertical images (two-photo mode), and a complete eye examination (CEE) were performed on children ages ≥1 to <7 years referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist from October 2020 to December 2022 for a failed vision screen based on manufacturer guidelines. The primary outcomes were sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) for each photoscreener. ResultsOf 267 subjects included, 42% had one or more 2021 guideline ARFs after CEE. Overall, for SPOT and GCK, respectively, the sensitivity was 0.765 and 0.748, specificity was 0.769 and 0.755, and PPV was 0.728 and 0.712 (P > 0.05 for all). In participants ≥4 years old, SPOT had higher ARF sensitivity than GCK (0.900 and 0.750, resp.; P = 0.005), while among participants <4 years old, SPOT had lower sensitivity than GCK (0.487 and 0.744 respectively; P = 0.004). There were no statistically significant differences between SPOT and GCK in specificity among the younger (0.750 and 0.676 resp.) or older (0.785 and 0.823, resp.) cohorts, or in strabismus detection. The performance of the SPOT and GCK were evaluated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves. Area under the curve (AUC) ranged from 0.857 to 0.980 for SPOT and 0.809-0.931 for GCK. ConclusionsOverall, SPOT, and GCK had similar values for sensitivity, specificity, and PPV to identify patients with ARFs using the 2021 AAPOS guidelines.

Prevalence of Keratoconus and Keratoconus Suspect among a sample of Iraqi Children with Refractive Errors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Keratoconus (KC) is a chronic, bilateral, non-inflammatory degenerative condition with severe consequences. Objective: To assess the prevalence of KC and Keratoconus Suspect (KCS) in a pediatric population with astigmatic error ≥1 diopter (D) and non-axial myopia. Methods: Between March and October 2022, a cross-sectional study was done with a group of 6–18-year-old kids with an astigmatic error of ≥1 D or non-axial myopia who went to the pediatric ophthalmology clinic at Ibn Al-Haitham Teaching Eye Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, for regular checkups. All patients got a thorough eye examination and corneal imaging using the Corneal Tomography System (CSO) Sirius equipment and Scheimpflug technology. Results: The majority of patients were females aged 110–14 years (55%). The frequencies of KC and SKC were 13.5 and 119.6%, respectively. The proportion of KC was substantially higher for those above the age of 14. Patients with KC exhibited considerably larger cylinder and axis measurements. Participants with inferior cones and an asymmetric Bow Tie exhibited greater rates of KC (51.2% and 29.4%, respectively). Except for Pachy-Thin and corneal volume mean values, all other metrics were considerably greater in KC and KCS patients than in control patients. Conclusions: The high prevalence of KC and KCS emphasizes the importance of this issue and the necessity for a systematic strategy for screening in pediatric age groups with refractive error.

An Analysis of Pediatric Ophthalmology Content on Instagram.

To analyze pediatric ophthalmology-related information on Instagram (Meta Platforms, Inc). A cross-sectional study queried 112 common eye terms and conditions from the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus website as hashtags on Instagram. A categorical classification system was used to analyze the top 9 posts per hashtag for likes, comments, views, and engagement level ratio (ELR). Posts were further characterized by author and content type. Analysis of the top 901 posts that met our inclusion criteria revealed a cumulative 424,608 likes, 15,793 comments, and 2,873,042 views. Authors had a total of 76,076,455 followers. Patients/families created the greatest number of posts (37.6%), followed by companies (20.2%), other (14.9%), medical organizations (12.3%), international ophthalmologists (6.1%), optometrists (5.9%), and American Board of Ophthalmology-certified ophthalmologists (3.0%). Content was mostly patient experience (42.4%), followed by educational (29.7%), self-promotional (13.5%), other (10.5%), and career-related (3.8%). Companies authored the highest number of educational posts (23.5%), followed by medical institutions (20.9%), other (19.4%), international ophthalmologists (13.8%), optometrists (13.4%), and American Board of Ophthalmology-certified ophthalmologists (4.5%) and patients (4.5%). Although pediatric ophthalmology content presented by board-certified ophthalmology Instagram authors had a greater number of followers than most other author categories, ophthalmologist authors on Instagram are still underrepresented. Additional research is warranted to help promote ophthalmologist-authored posts. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 20XX;X(X):XXX-XXX.].

Standardized Approach to Pediatric Post-COVID Syndrome and Its Impact on Children and Adolescents: A Perspective From a Tertiary Center.

Pediatric post-COVID syndrome (pPCS) affects a notable number of children. This study aims to describe its clinical manifestations, biopsychosocial impact and management strategies. A prospective, single-center study was conducted to analyze data of pPCS patients presenting to our institution between May 2021 and November 2022. Functional impact was evaluated by assessing school absenteeism and by using the Adolescent Depression Rating Scale (ADRS), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and Fatigue Severity Scale. Among the 50 patients included [median age (interquartile range): 14.0 (12.9-15.8) years; females: 70%], the most common symptoms were extreme fatigue (84%), exertion intolerance (82%), orthostatism (66%), dyspnea (66%) and headache (66%); 25% had an abnormal Schellong test. Median (interquartile range) ADRS, PedsQL and Fatigue Severity Scale scores were 3.0 (1.0-5.0), 56% (49%-71%) and 45.0 (32.0-53.0), respectively. Sixty percent experienced partial (34%) or complete (26%) school absenteeism. The most common referrals to specialized consultations were child psychiatry (48%), pulmonology (46%), physiotherapy (36%) and an ear-nose-throat specialist (24%). Eighty percent had a typical form of pPCS, whereas 20% had a clinical presentation suggestive of a functional disorder triggered by COVID-19. The latter had more frequent thoracic pain (P = 0.012) and more referrals to pediatric neurology (P = 0.01), gastroenterology (P = 0.011), ophthalmology (P = 0.037) and child psychiatry (P = 0.035), but less to pulmonology (P = 0.014). School absenteeism and social withdrawal were also more common in this group, with more severe PedsQL and ADRS scores. pPCS is associated with a significant socio-educational burden that should be taken into account in medical, social and educational care.

An international survey on retinopathy of prematurity practice patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic and lessons for future management

PurposeTo assess retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) practice patterns during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.MethodsA survey on ROP practice patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic was sent to the American Academy of Ophthalmic Executives, the International Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Council members, and to various national societies on May 19, 2020. The survey closed on the 31st of June 2020.ResultsTwo hundred ninety-two ophthalmologists from 41 countries responded to the survey. Most replies originated in Asia (48%) and North America (38%). During the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-COVID-19 period, respondents reported a reduction of 15% in the number of NICU inpatients and 19.8% of the ROP outpatients’ follow-up visits. The number of ROP outpatients’ follow-up visits and inpatients’ exams was significantly greater in North America than in Asia (72.0% versus 37.2% and 87.8% versus 49.6%, respectively, P < 0.001). Only 14% of the ophthalmologists adopted new screening guidelines, and 7.2% reported changing their preferred treatment. In 50% of responders, laser photocoagulation was the preferred treatment. A significantly higher percentage of ophthalmologists reported using telemedicine during the pandemic, 29.8% (n = 85/285), and 15.6% (44/282) prior to the pandemic (χ2 = 15.51, p < 0.001).ConclusionsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer ROP screening and follow-up visits were conducted on premature infants; these findings were especially prominent among physicians in Asia. Telemedicine usage increased during the pandemic. This study highlights the need to maintain screening protocols for ROP during pandemics. The utility of technological measures could enable this, along with adequate prevention of physical contact.

Clinical correlation of optic nerve head analysis performed by SD-OCT in children with pseudopapilledema and papilledema

PurposeTo investigate some diagnostic indicators in optic nerve head (ONH) analysis of children with ‘Pseudopapilledema’ and ‘Papilledema’ by Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT). MethodsMedical records of 52 children with optic disc swelling, who were followed up by the departments of pediatric neurology and ophthalmology between May 2018 and May 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Cases were classified as group 1 (Papilledema secondary to Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension) including 54 eyes of 27 cases, group 2 (Pseudopapilledema secondary to bilateral optic disc drusen) including 50 eyes of 25 cases and control group. Three-dimensional imaging of ONH, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNLF) thickness, Bruch's membrane opening height in the nasal respectively temporal quadrant (BMHN, BMH-T) levels were measured by SD-OCT and B-mode ocular ultrasonography data of all cases were evaluated. ResultsWhen RNFL levels were compared between groups, nasal RNFL levels were found to be significantly higher in group 1 cases compared to group 2 (p < 0.001). In 3D imaging of the ONH among group 1 patients, the mean height of the apex in disc swelling was significantly higher than that of group 2 (p = 0,024). The apex in disc swelling was mostly observed to be localized at the middle and had a diffuse swelling pattern in group 1; whereas, in group 2, the it was localized mostly at the nasal quadrant. This variation was statistically significant (p < 0.001). When, Bruch's membrane opening height in the nasal respectively temporal quadrant (BMHN, BMH-T) levels were compared, the measurements obtained were found to be significantly higher in group 1 (p = 0,050 and p = 0,003 respectively). ConclusionNasal RNFL values of SD-OCT, Bruch's membrane opening height in the nasal respectively temporal quadrant (BMHN, BMH-T) levels, the location of the apex in disc swelling obtained by 3D analysis of the ONH are found to be potential diagnostic parameters when combined with clinical findings. It is important that the nasal quadrant elevation, where the highest peak in 3D imaging was measured, was higher in the papilledema group. The elevation of the optic disc peak in 3D imaging can be used as a parameter to help clinicians distinguish between optic disc drusen (ODD) and papilledema.

A Review of the Utility and Limitations of Artificial Intelligence in Retinal Disorders and Pediatric Ophthalmology.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping ophthalmology by enhancing diagnostic precision and treatment strategies, particularly in retinal disorders and pediatric ophthalmology. This review examines AI's efficacy in diagnosing conditions such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus photography. AI also shows promise in pediatric care, aiding in the screening of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and the management of conditions, including pediatric cataracts and strabismus. However, the integration of AI in ophthalmology presents challenges, including ethical concerns regarding algorithm biases, privacy issues, and limitations in data set quality. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensure AI's responsible and effective deployment in clinical settings. This review synthesizes current research, underscoring AI's transformative potential in ophthalmologywhile highlighting critical considerations for its ethical use and technological advancement.

Assessment of visual impairment and need of rehabilitation services for children attending schools for blind in an urban city of North India

ABSTRACT Background/Aims: By understanding the prevalence and causes of childhood blindness, stakeholders can work toward comprehensive strategies that encompass prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and support, ultimately improving the quality of life for affected children. The information about the pattern and causes of childhood blindness in Northern Indian states is limited, it highlights the need for further research and data collection to better understand and address the specific challenges in this region. Therefore, the present cross-sectional study was planned to ascertain the different causes and patterns of childhood blindness and to understand the barriers to the use of LVAs and its compliance among the students attending schools for the blind in a North Indian State. Study Design and Setting: Students from two schools for blind were examined in Chandigarh and its vicinity in North India. The different causes of severe visual impairment/blindness were classified as per the World Health Organization/Prevention of Blindness standard recording form. Results: A total of 89 students attending schools for the blind were examined. The mean age was 13.10 years (range = 4–16 years). Male, female ratio was 3.3:1. The major causes of blindness were congenital anomalies (whole globe anomalies 37.08%), followed by retinal conditions (16.7 = 8%), undetermined/other (12.3), and lenticular conditions (112%). More than one-third of children (34.8%) were blind due to avoidable causes of blindness. Conclusion: The current study data append on the existing national available data about childhood blindness in India. Though the sample size of the current is comparatively low, observed different results as compared to previously published reports from other regions, emphasize the strengthening of pediatric ophthalmology services as well as of low vision services in this particular region of North India.

Health-related Quality of Life in Children with Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis in Malaysia.

There has been a lack of data on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) from Southeast Asia. This study evaluated the levels (mean total score and subscales score) of HRQoL, comparing the VKC and normal children groups, and within the VKC severity groups. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two tertiary hospitals, specifically the pediatric ophthalmology services at Hospital Selayang and Universiti Sains Malaysia, spanning from 2019 to 2020. Participants aged between 8 and 15 years were categorized into two groups: those diagnosed with VKC and healthy children serving as the control group. Each participant completed the Quality of Life in Children with Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (QUICK) questionnaire, consisting of 16 questions, divided into two subscales: 12 questions focusing on symptoms and four questions for daily activities. A total of 240 children took part in the study, with 120 children diagnosed with VKC and another 120 in the control group. The mean age of participants with VKC was 11.21 ± 1.91 years, with a male predominance of 4:1 compared to female. Tearing (98.4%) and itchiness (98.3%) emerged as the most prevalent symptoms affecting HRQoL, while the most challenging activities were outdoor play (36.6%) and participation in recreational water activities (34.2%). The mean total score was significantly higher in the VKC group compared to the control group. Additionally, both the mean total score and all subscale scores were significantly higher in the severe type compared to the mild-moderate type. VKC significantly reduce the HRQoL among Malaysian children, and the negative impact increases with the disease severity.

The priority of organizational improvement of preventive vector in the system of intersectoral interaction for the preservation of children’s eye health

Background. The relevance of the study is due to a need to apply a comprehensive differentiated approach to the organization of preventive diagnostic examinations and monitoring the formation of visual functions in children of various ages in the difficult conditions of hostilities on the territory of our country. Children’s health remains a strategic task for the formation of Ukraine’s defense capabilities in the future. Full vision is necessary for the formation of a physically healthy and socially adapted personality, good quality of life, learning, working capacity, both in childhood and in working age. In difficult domestic conditions and taking into account the forecast calculations of international experts, which testify to the formed trends towards the growth of ophthalmic pathology, the research on the implementation of modern organizational approaches to the formation of healthy visual functions from childhood is gaining relevance. The purpose of the study was to justify the use of systemic measures of intersectoral interaction to preserve the eye health of children. Materials and methods. The materials for the study were the results of a sociological survey of doctors who provide medical and preventive care to children at outpatient and polyclinic basis (a total of 504 questionnaires were analyzed). The procedure of filling out the questionnaires required anonymity and the prior voluntary verbal consent of the doctors to participate in the study. The research methods were sociological survey, analytical synthetic, content analysis, systemic approach and systemic analysis, medical statistical (calculation of representativeness and reliability of sociological research results). Results. The need for justified organizational improvement in the preventive approach to preserving visual functions in children has been pro­ven. The algorithm of preventive intervention, based on organizational, diagnostic, treatment and preventive measures, is primarily focused on the cooperation of family doctors, family pediatricians, pediatric ophthalmologists and secondary medical staff of medical and educational institutions when introducing modern regular medical and preventive technologies, identifying risk factors and conducting effective supervision of the formation of visual functions in children of various ages, will contribute to the early detection of possible vision disorders for the timely implementation of the necessary treatment and preventive measures. Most interviewed doctors of the outpatient polyclinic level expressed the feasibility of introducing regular systemic supervision of visual functions in preschool and school-age children in the context of implementing state preventive programs to preserve vision from childhood in Ukraine. Conclusions. The medical and social importance of preserving eye health from childhood requires organizational improvement of a preventive approach whose introduction will contribute to the early detection of risk factors, early signs and manifestations, the implementation of the necessary medical and preventive measures, timely diagnosis, correction and treatment of diseases of the eye and its accessory parts in children. The obtained results open the prospect of establishing systemic intersectoral interaction in the planning and implementation of measures of comprehensive programs to prevent the development of ophthalmic pathology among children of various ages.

Validation of the eye screening tool GoCheck Kids for the detection of amblyopia risk factors in toddlers in Flanders

PurposeTo assess the validity of the GoCheck Kids photoscreening application (Gobiquity Mobile Health, Scottdale, AZ) on iPhone, which was used (2018-2022) as standard of care by Child and Family (Kind en Gezin) to detect amblyopia risk factors in children 12-30 months of age. MethodsBetween August 2021 and May 2022, 453 children 11-16 months of age underwent a confirmatory ophthalmic examination within 2 months of GoCheck Kids photoscreening at Child and Family, Flanders, Belgium. Additionally, manual review was performed by specialists of GoCheck Kids. Diagnostic metrics were assessed using the 2013 criteria of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus as reference. ResultsSpecificity was similar for automatic screening with or without manual review: 90.0% (95% CI, 87.6%-92.3%) and 90.3% (95% CI, 88.0%-92.7%), respectively. Sensitivity was estimated at 52.0% (95% CI, 35.6%-68.4%) for automatic grading and 56.0% (95% CI, 39.7%-72.3%) after manual review. Positive predictive values for automatic screening and manual review were, respectively, 23.2% (95% CI, 13.9-32.5) and 25.5% (95% CI, 15.8-35.1). Negative predictive values for automatic screening and manual review were, respectively, 97.0% (95% CI, 95.6-98.4) and 97.2 (95% CI, 95.8-98.6). ConclusionsIn our study cohort of children around 12 months of age, the GoCheck Kids application had a specificity of 90% for the targeted amblyopia risk factors, with sensitivity just over 50%.

Artificial intelligence methods in diagnosis of retinoblastoma based on fundus imaging: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for the detection of retinoblastoma (RB) by fundus image analysis have been proposed as a potentially effective technique to facilitate diagnosis and screening programs. However, doubts remain about the accuracy of the technique, the best type of AI for this situation, and its feasibility for everyday use. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate this issue. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Embase,ClinicalTrials.gov and IEEEX databases identified494studies whose titles and abstracts were screened for eligibility. We included diagnostic studies that evaluated the accuracy of AI in identifying retinoblastoma based on fundus imaging. Univariate and bivariate analysis was performed using the random effects model. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO under CRD42024499221. Six studies with 9902 fundus images were included, of which 5944 (60%) had confirmed RB. Only one dataset used a semi-supervised machine learning (ML) based method, all other studies used supervised ML, three using architectures requiring high computational power and two using more economical models. The pooled analysis of all models showed a sensitivity of 98.2% (95% CI: 0.947-0.994), a specificity of 98.5% (95% CI: 0.916-0.998) and an AUC of 0.986 (95% CI: 0.970-0.989). Subgroup analyses comparing models with high and low computational power showed no significant difference (p=0.824). AI methods showed a high precision in the diagnosis of RB based on fundus images with no significant difference when comparing high and low computational power models, suggesting a viability of their use. Validation and cost-effectiveness studies are needed in different income countries. Subpopulations should also be analyzed, as AI may be useful as an initial screening tool in populations at high risk for RB, serving as a bridge to the pediatric ophthalmologist or ocular oncologist, who are scarce globally. What isknown Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular cancer in childhood and diagnostic delay is the main factor leading to a poor prognosis. The application of machine learning techniques proposes reliable methods for screening and diagnosis of retinal diseases. What isnew The meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of artificial intelligence methods for diagnosing retinoblastoma based on fundus images showed a sensitivity of 98.2% (95% CI: 0.947-0.994) and a specificity of 98.5% (95% CI: 0.916-0.998). There was no statistically significant difference in the diagnostic accuracy of high and low computational power models. The overall performance of supervised machine learning was best than unsupervised, although few studies were available on the second type.