Tertiary Ophthalmic Center Research Articles

Risk of Recurrence in Acute Anterior Uveitis

PurposeTo examine the frequency of recurrence and identify risk factors for recurrence in patients with acute anterior uveitis (AAU). DesignRetrospective cohort study from a single tertiary ophthalmic clinical centre. ParticipantsAll subjects with AAU identified from a database of Inflammatory Eye Disease presenting to Te Whatu Ora (Auckland, New Zealand) between 2008 and 2021. MethodsData was collected retrospectively from chart review and electronic patient records for all patients during the study period. Rates of recurrence were reported using Kaplan Meier estimator. Multivariate analysis of risk factors for recurrence were calculated using a marginal Cox regression model. Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome measure was disease recurrence. Secondary outcome measure was moderate vision loss (≤20/50). Results2763 eyes of 2092 subjects with AAU were studied, with a median follow up time of 8.9 years, and a total follow up of 19,794.9 eye-years. Recurrence occurred in the ipsilateral eye in 1258 eyes (45.5%) and in the contralateral eye in 522 eyes (27.3%). Rates of ipsilateral recurrence over ten years were 38.1% for idiopathic disease, 43.2% for HLAB27/inflammatory arthritis, and 44.9% for viral uveitis. On multivariate analysis the following were associated with increased risk of ipsilateral recurrence: older age (p<0.001); Māori ethnicity (p=0.006); Asian ethnicity (p<0.001); HLA-B27/inflammatory arthritis (p<0.001); viral uveitis (p=0.018). There was no association with gender, smoking, bilateral disease, or hypertensive uveitis. Rates of contralateral eye involvement were significantly lower than ipsilateral eye recurrence. Contralateral recurrence at ten years was 15.2% in idiopathic uveitis, 37.6% in HLAB27/inflammatory arthritis, and 2.0% in viral uveitis. Risk factors identified for contralateral eye involvement were Māori ethnicity (p=0.003), Pasifika (Pacific Islanders) ethnicity (p=0.021), HLAB27/inflammatory arthritis (p<0.001). Moderate vision loss (≤20/50) was present in 411 eyes (14.9%) at final follow up and was more common if time to first recurrence was shorter (p<0.001). ConclusionsApproximately half of patients with AAU will develop recurrence in the ipsilateral eye and a quarter will have recurrence in the contralateral eye. Patients with viral disease have the highest risk of ipsilateral recurrence and lowest risk of contralateral recurrence. Patients with risk factors for recurrence should be managed and counselled appropriately to minimise the risk of visual loss and complications of uveitis.

Five-Year Risk and Safety Profile of Autologous Serum Eye Drop Therapy.

To evaluate the risk and safety profile of autologous serum eye drop therapy in clinical routine over a period of 5 years. This retrospective study involved all patients treated with autologous serum between July 2014 and December 2019 at a tertiary ophthalmic referral center. The electronic patient record system was searched for all patients with autologous serum eye drop therapy at any time point. These records were subsequently searched for keywords such as infectious keratitis, corneal ulcer, conjunctivitis, or endophthalmitis at any recorded contact. The probability of an association between the therapy with autologous serum eye drops and infectious complications was investigated independently by three corneal specialists and rated as likely, potential, or unlikely. In total, 752 patients were treated with autologous serum eye drops between July 2014 and December 2019. There were 5 384 batches with a total of 107 680 bottles of serum eye drops that had been produced and dispensed for these patients during this period. The records of 291 patient showed a combination of autologous serum therapy and at least one keyword for infectious diseases. In 288 patients, individual case analyses revealed an unlikely association between the therapy and infection, as their infectious episodes occurred either before the start of the therapy, more than 1 month after the therapy ceased, or in the contralateral untreated eye in the case of unilateral therapy. Three cases of infectious keratitis were classified as potentially associated with autologous serum therapy. However, all three patients suffered from chronic anterior eye diseases with a high risk of spontaneous infectious complications independent of therapy with autologous eye drops. None of the infectious events was rated as being likely due to the serum eye drops. Serum eye drops are often used in patients with severe or chronic anterior eye diseases with an intrinsic risk of infectious diseases. Despite these preexisting risk factors, autologous serum eye drops can be considered safe, even in patients with a compromised ocular surface.

Dysthyroid optic neuropathy: a case series at a tertiary ophthalmic referral centre.

To determine risk factors and treatment outcomes in dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) at a single tertiary ophthalmic centre. Retrospective audit of DON patients who have received intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) therapy at Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia from July 2015 to October 2021. Study included 24 patients (58% female) with an average age of 59.8 ± 14.7 years at DON diagnosis. Majority (92%) had Graves' hyperthyroidism and 77% had a smoking history. At diagnosis, average visual acuity (VA) of worse eye was LogMAR 0.46, and 48% had relative afferent pupillary defect. Proptosis (89%) and diplopia (73%) were most commonly present at diagnosis. 78% showed predominantly extra-ocular muscle enlargement, and apical crowding (52%) on radiology. 38% (n = 9/24) responded to IVMP alone, 58% (n = 14/24) progressed to surgical orbital decompression. The average total cumulative dose of IVMP during DON treatment was 6.8 ± 1.9 g. 29% required further treatment after IVMP and surgical decompression, 4 (17%) had additional radiotherapy, and three (13%) required immuno-modulatory therapy. Average final VA was LogMAR 0.207, with all patients having inactive TED at final follow-up (mean 1.7 years). In refractory DON cases, 71% retained VA ≥ 6/9 and 48% had DON reversal. DON patients typically present in late 50s, with a smoking history and predominant extra-ocular muscle enlargement. High-dose IVMP fully resolved DON in only 38%. A considerable proportion required urgent orbital decompression. Most patients retained good vision at final follow-up.

Epidemiology and Clinical Course of Pediatric Uveitis in a Tertiary Referral Center in Northeastern Iran

ABSTRACT Purpose To describe the distribution, clinical findings, treatment, complications, and visual outcomes of pediatric uveitis at a tertiary referral ophthalmic center. Methods The medical records of all patients ≤18 years diagnosed with and managed as uveitis from August 2016 to August 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Results Of the 97 patients, 52.6% were female, and the mean age at the onset was 10.5 ± 4.6 years (6 months to 18 years). Uveitis cases were predominantly anterior (33 [34%]), chronic (59 [60.8%]), bilateral (63 [64.9%]), and non-infectious (80 [82.5%]). A total of 36.1% (35 patients) of cases were idiopathic, and the most frequent systemic associations were juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), 16 [16.5%]) and Behcet’s disease (15 [15.5%]). Most patients (74 [76.3%]) experienced ocular complications, including vasculitis (29 [29.9%]), posterior synechiae (23 [23.7%]), and cataracts (22 [22.7%]). Patients with uveitis of all anatomic locations experienced an improvement in best-corrected visual acuity during the follow-up period (p < 0.01). Conclusion The most prevalent systemic associations were JIA and Behcet’s disease. Ocular Behcet is a common etiology of pediatric uveitis in northeastern Iran. A timely and appropriate treatment could result in satisfactory visual outcomes.

Fall-related ocular trauma in patients over 90 years in tertiary ophthalmic center in Germany: 90-TOSG Report 1.

To investigate the clinical characteristics of fall-related ocular trauma in patients over 90years of age. Retrospective, medical record reviews. Patients over the age of 90years treated in a tertiary center with fall-related ocular trauma were included in the study. Fifty consecutive patients (fifty eyes) were analyzed. The mean age was 93.6 ± 1.8years and 41 patients (82%) were female. The most common site of the injuries was orbital fracture (18 patients, 36%), accompanied with open globe rupture (OGR) in three patients, and globe contusion in two patients. Seventeen patients (34%) presented with OGR. Ocular trauma score in those patients was category 1 in 10 patients (58.8%) and category 2 in the others. Conjunctival hemorrhage and/or periocular contusion was seen in 14 patients (28%) and globe contusion in six patients (12%). At the presentation, the mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 2.82 ± 0.24 logMAR in patients with OGR and 1.98 ± 0.81 logMAR in six patients with globe contusion. Three of the patients with OGR had a final vision of 20/200 or better whereas the remaining patients had hand movements or less. The most common risk factors were female gender (82%) and use of antihypertensive drugs (46%). Patients with OGR had a poor visual outcome despite the early treatment. It is important to raise public awareness about of the poor prognosis of ocular injuries due to falls in the elderly population in order to establish preventive measures.

Frequency and Treatment Regimens of Macular Edema in 1946 Consecutive Patients with Noninfectious Uveitis at a Tertiary Ophthalmic Center in Shaanxi, China.

We investigated the frequency of uveitic macular edema (UME) in patients with different types of noninfectious uveitis and present the primary treatment methods for UME at a specialized eye center in Shaanxi Province, China. We conducted a retrospective, noninterventional, observational survey involving 1946 patients with noninfectious uveitis (2816 eyes). The collected data included sex, age of uveitis onset, age of UME onset, anatomical classification of uveitis, and the treatment administered to UME patients. Of the 1946 patients with noninfectious uveitis, 929 (47.74%) were male and 1017 (52.26%) were female. The average age of all participants in the study was 42.19 ± 15.34years, with average age at uveitis onset of 39.50 ± 15.52years. Among the patients, 1003 (51.54%), 239 (12.28%), 410 (21.07%), and 294 (15.11%) had anterior uveitis, intermediate uveitis, posterior uveitis, and panuveitis, respectively. UME was observed in 134 (6.89%) of the uveitis patients. The average age of UME patients was 47.33 ± 17.17years, with average age at uveitis onset of 45.78 ± 17.20years. Out of the 134 UME patients, 3 (0.30%), 15 (6.28%), 47 (11.46%), and 69 (23.47%) had anterior uveitis, intermediate uveitis, posterior uveitis, and panuveitis, respectively. Among them, 37 were lost to follow-up, 44 received adalimumab (ADA) combined with low-dose prednisone and with or without conventional immunosuppressants, 19 received interferon-α2a therapy, 14 received intravitreal corticosteroid injections (such as dexamethasone implant or fluocinolone acetonide), 11 received low-dose corticosteroids combined with conventional immunosuppressants, 5 received only oral prednisone, and 4 received repeated peribulbar or subconjunctival injections of triamcinolone acetonide. At our tertiary ophthalmic center in Shaanxi Province, China, only 6.89% of patients with noninfectious uveitis were diagnosed with UME. The primary treatment modality for UME in our center is ADA, in accordance with treatment guidelines and the Chinese medical insurance reimbursement system.

Outcomes in patients with retinal vein occlusion with good baseline visual acuity.

Intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) are first-line therapy for macular oedema in retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Appropriate management for RVO with good visual acuity at diagnosis has not been evaluated. The purpose of this study is to analyse the visual and anatomic outcomes from anti-VEGF treatment among RVO patients with good vision at baseline. This retrospective cohort study evaluated patients diagnosed with macular oedema secondary to RVO from January 2012 to February 2021 at a tertiary ophthalmic centre. Patients had a Snellen acuity of 20/32 or better at diagnosis. Three cohorts were compared: patients with no anti-VEGF treatment, delayed anti-VEGF treatment (initial injection >30 days post-diagnosis) and immediate anti-VEGF treatment (initial injection ≤30 days post-diagnosis). Central subfield thickness (CST) and best visual acuity (BVA) were collected at diagnosis and 6-, 12- and 24-month follow-up appointments. Among 131 eyes, mean BVA values among treatment groups did not differ at 6-, 12- or 24-month follow up visits (P = 0.521, 0.426, 0.356, respectively). The percentage of eyes with at least a 5-letter BVA decrease at 24 months was 24.1%, 65.0% and 30.8% in the no treatment, delayed and immediate treatment groups respectively (P = 0.010). There was no significant difference in the percentage of eyes with at least a 10% decrease in CST at 24 months among groups (P = 0.095). Close observation with initiation of treatment in patients with good visual acuity with macular oedema secondary to RVO as indicated has similar outcomes in the setting of routine clinical practice.

Epidemiological and Clinical Features of Pediatric Open Globe Injuries: A Report from Southern Iran.

To evaluate the epidemiological features of open globe injury (OGI) in a tertiary ophthalmic center in the south of Iran. The medical files of pediatric patients diagnosed with OGI between March 2014 and March 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data, laterality, time of injury, cause of trauma, location and mechanisms, complications, and the involved tissues, visual acuity, type of operation, and antibiotic therapy were all analyzed. Data were processed using the SPSS. In total, 110 eyes of 108 patients were included. Ages 7 years comprised 49.1%, 7-12 years 26.4%, and 13-18 years 24.5% of cases. Of the 108 patients, 76 (70.3%) were males. No significant difference between right versus left eyes was seen. The incidence of OGI was lowest in winter and highest in spring, and it had more prevalence on the weekends. Sharp objects were the most common cause of OGI in ages 7 years, while blunt objects, accidents and falls, and guns and fireworks were more prevalent in older children. Home was the most common place of injury overall. The most common type of injury was penetrating trauma. Upon arrival, most of the children had a visual acuity 0.1 decimal. Primary wound closure was the most prevalent type of surgery done predominantly within 24 hr from admission time. Ages 7 years and male gender were the most common age and sex of pediatric OGI, respectively, and sharp objects were the predominant etiology. Early management and primary repair are essential for prevention of complications such as endophthalmitis and amblyopia.

Baseline factors and reason for cancellation of elective ophthalmic surgery.

To determine the baseline risk factors for elective ophthalmic surgery cancellations and characterise the reasons for cancellation. This is a retrospective, non-randomised study performed at a large tertiary ophthalmic centre. It included a consecutive sample of patients above the age of 18 who had an ophthalmic surgery scheduled at Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH between January 2012 and December 2019. An automated search pull identified 75,908 scheduled surgeries (63,987 completed and 11,921 cancelled surgeries). Statistical analysis was performed using R (version 3.5.1). Main outcome measures were baseline factors that impact risk for surgery cancellation and reasons for surgery cancellation. Analysis was performed on 69,963 scheduled surgeries (57.37% Female, 42.63% Male; Mean age of 62.72 years; 59,959 completed and 10,004 cancelled surgeries). Of the 2384 cancelled surgeries with reasons provided, the most common causes of cancellation were patient refusal (38.42%), patient health condition (18.79%), and rescheduling of surgery (15.27%). Female sex, black race, patient age less than 50 years, non-cataract surgeries, regional mean household income greater than $82,900, Medicare insurance, and geographical distance of less than 10 miles from home to the surgery site were each associated with a significantly increased risk of surgery cancellation (p < 0.01). This study successfully identified several baseline factors predicting elective ophthalmic surgery cancellation. The clinical insights gained from these lines of enquiry may be used to construct models that not only identify patients at greater risk for cancellation but also highlight which interventions have greatest efficacy in preventing ophthalmic surgery cancellations.

Clinical association and visual morbidity in uveitis with systemic diseases: An analysis from a tertiary ophthalmic center.

The aim of this study was to identify the incidence, etiology, most common presentations, complications, and the causes of visual loss in posterior uveitis (PU). A retrospective study was conducted on a cohort of 125 patients with PU with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Ocular evaluation consisted of slit-lamp examination, indirect ophthalmoscopy, tonometry, and refraction. Ancillary ophthalmic investigations such as fundus fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and B-scan ultrasonography were done. Laboratory tests were performed on blood on all patients and in aqueous humor samples obtained by anterior chamber paracentesis in cases of diagnostic dilemmas. All the data were analyzed using SPSS program. PU occurred in 61%. Infections were noted in 34% and autoimmune diseases in 27%. The most frequent presentation was choroiditis. The most common etiologies were tubercular uveitis in 50%, Toxoplasma retinochoroiditis in 23%, and autoimmune category of serpiginous choroiditis in 56% of patients. Complications occurred in 27% and were most commonly cystoid macular edema and macular scarring. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), nested PCR, and real-time PCR on ocular fluids were required for diagnosis in 30%. A combination of laboratory investigations on blood and aqueous humor samples were confirmation in 88%. PU and its sequelae are known to be sight threatening and are associated with systemic diseases. They have diverse etiologies and presentations. Identification of etiology is important as management is diametrically opposite in infections and autoimmune diseases.

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography characteristics and management of a unique spectrum of foreign bodies in the cornea and anterior chamber.

To report anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT) characteristics of different types of corneal and anterior chamber (AC) foreign bodies (FBs) and their usefulness in diagnosis and management. This is a retrospective descriptive clinical study involving 11 eyes of 11 patients who presented at the outpatient department of a tertiary ophthalmic care center from January 2017 to January 2022. All patients had a diagnosed or suspected corneal FB. All participants underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological examination, followed by slit-lamp photography and ASOCT. FB removal was done where required by an external, internal, or combined approach. The mean age of patients was 28.2 (7-53) years. Ten were male, and one was female. Seven patients had a definitive positive history of injury; in one, there was a history suggestive of trauma, one had the post-operative complication of scleral buckling surgery, and two patients had a history of insect fall in the eyes. Three patients had acute, four had sub-acute, and four had chronic presentations. Descemet's membrane (DM) breach was suspected in three cases of deep FB, which was later confirmed on ASOCT. In two cases, DM was presumed to be intact clinically, but ASOCT showed an AC penetration. The FB was removed in seven patients, one via slit-lamp, one via an external approach, two via an internal approach, and three via a combined approach. ASOCT facilitates non-invasive rapid imaging of ocular tissue at various depths, provides an accurate assessment of FB characteristics, and thereby serves as an additional tool in our armamentarium for diagnosis and management of deep corneal and AC FBs.

Psychosocial assessment among ophthalmic patients attending tertiary eye care centre during the lockdown in times of COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose:The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues to play havoc in our lives. During the first “ lockdown” in 2020, we were keen on assessing the anxiety levels of patients who sought ophthalmic care despite the lockdown. Public health actions, such as social distancing, were necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19. As a result, most people felt isolated and lonely, thereby causing increased levels of stress and anxiety in them. We aimed to assess the anxiety levels using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale and personality assessment using the 57-point Eysenck’s Personality Inventory (EPI) questionnaire among patients visiting a tertiary eye care hospital during the lockdown period.Methods:Consecutive patients attending an ophthalmic tertiary care hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown were approached to be a part of this prospective cross-sectional survey.Results:In total, 1,088 responses were analyzed during the 2-month study period with the mean age being 45.7 + 16.9 years. The majority had completed graduation (78%) with 15 years or more of formal education. The purpose of the visit was an emergency consultation in 42% (n = 455), a review appointment in 42% (n = 457), and the remaining (16%, n = 176) came for a routine consultation. The majority of the patients (>90%) did not report experiencing any of the 14 sets of symptoms. A mild level of anxiety was noted in 1,086 (>99%) respondents, whereas only 2 (<1%) respondents showed mild–moderate levels of anxiety. Financial concerns such as affordability of medications (6% vs. 3%, P = 0.05) and fear of losing their job (16% vs. 11%, P = 0.02) were significantly more in those experiencing any anxiety compared to those with no anxiety.Conclusion:Our study revealed that patients visiting a tertiary ophthalmic center during lockdown were graduates, sought eye consultation primarily for emergency or a review, and had no major anxiety symptoms. In those with anxiety, the affordability of medicines and loss of jobs were the main concerns.

Comparison of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and corneal cross-linking in patients with advanced keratoconus.

To compare outcomes of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and corneal cross-linking (CXL) in patients with advanced keratoconus, with the primary aim of assessing CXL as a potential therapeutic alternative. Retrospective, multi-center, comparative study. Patients with advanced keratoconus (maximum keratometry reading (K-max) > 58D, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity worse than 0.52logMAR), undergoing either DALK or CXL treatment at four tertiary ophthalmic centers in Wenzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing and Wuhan were included. Visual acuity, refractive error, corneal topography and complications were evaluated at baseline and at least 2 year postoperatively. 75 eyes of 72 patients were included, of which 37 eyes underwent DALK and 38 eyes, CXL. A larger reduction in Kmax was observed in the DALK group (-18.18 ± 9.44 D versus -1.10 ± 2.70D, p < 0.001). Seven eyes (18%) in the CXL group showed progression of keratoconus. No disease progression was observed in the DALK group. Greater improvements in best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (logMAR) were observed in the DALK group (-0.59 ± 0.25 versus -0.24 ± 0.44, p < 0.001). Compared to CXL, DALK leads to larger reductions in Kmax and better improvement in visual acuity in advanced keratoconus.

Predicting sex from retinal fundus photographs using automated deep learning

Deep learning may transform health care, but model development has largely been dependent on availability of advanced technical expertise. Herein we present the development of a deep learning model by clinicians without coding, which predicts reported sex from retinal fundus photographs. A model was trained on 84,743 retinal fundus photos from the UK Biobank dataset. External validation was performed on 252 fundus photos from a tertiary ophthalmic referral center. For internal validation, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the code free deep learning (CFDL) model was 0.93. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and accuracy (ACC) were 88.8%, 83.6%, 87.3% and 86.5%, and for external validation were 83.9%, 72.2%, 78.2% and 78.6% respectively. Clinicians are currently unaware of distinct retinal feature variations between males and females, highlighting the importance of model explainability for this task. The model performed significantly worse when foveal pathology was present in the external validation dataset, ACC: 69.4%, compared to 85.4% in healthy eyes, suggesting the fovea is a salient region for model performance OR (95% CI): 0.36 (0.19, 0.70) p = 0.0022. Automated machine learning (AutoML) may enable clinician-driven automated discovery of novel insights and disease biomarkers.

A deep learning approach to identify blepharoptosis by convolutional neural networks

PurposeBlepharoptosis is a known cause of reversible vision loss. Accurate assessment can be difficult, especially amongst non-specialists. Existing automated techniques disrupt clinical workflow by requiring user input, or placement of reference markers. Neural networks are known to be effective in image classification tasks. We aim to develop an algorithm that can accurately identify blepharoptosis from a clinical photo. MethodsA total of 500 clinical photographs from patients with and without blepharoptosis were sourced from a tertiary ophthalmic center in Taiwan. Images were labeled by two oculoplastic surgeons, with an independent third oculoplastic surgeon to adjudicate disagreements. These images were used to train a series of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to ascertain the best CNN architecture for this particular task. ResultsOf the models that trained on the dataset, most were able to identify ptosis images with reasonable accuracy. We found the best performing model to use the DenseNet121 architecture without pre-training which achieved a sensitivity of 90.1 % with a specificity of 82.4 %, compared to the worst performing model which was used a Resnet34 architecture with pre-training, achieving a sensitivity of 74.1 %, and specificity of 63.6 %. Models with and without pre-training performed similarly (mean accuracy 82.6 % vs. 85.8 % respectively, p = 0.06), though models with pre-training took less time to train (1-minute vs. 16 min, p < 0.01). ConclusionsWe report the use of AI to accurately diagnose blepharoptosis from a clinical photograph with no external reference markers or user input requirement. Most current-generation CNN architectures performed reasonably on this task, with the DenseNet121, and Resnet18 architectures without pre-training performing best in our dataset.

Mucor in a Viral Land: A Tale of Two Pathogens.

Purpose:COVID-19 infection, its treatment, resultant immunosuppression, and pre-existing comorbidities have made patients vulnerable to secondary infections including mucormycosis. It is important to understand the presentation, temporal sequence, risk factors, and outcomes to undertake measures for prevention and treatment.Methods:We conducted a retrospective, interventional study on six consecutive patients with COVID-19 who developed rhino-orbital mucormycosis and were managed at two tertiary ophthalmic referral centers in India between August 1 and December 15, 2020. Diagnosis of mucormycosis was based on clinical features, culture, and histopathology from sinus biopsy. Patients were treated with intravenous liposomal amphotericin B with addition of posaconazole and surgical debridement of necrotic tissue.Results:All patients were male, mean age 60.5 ± 12 (46.2–73.9) years, type 2 diabetics with mean blood glucose level of 222.5 ± 144.4 (86–404) mg/dL. Except for one patient who was diagnosed with mucormycosis concurrently with COVID-19, all patients received systemic corticosteroids for the treatment of COVID-19. The mean duration between diagnosis of COVID-19 and development of symptoms of mucor was 15.6 ± 9.6 (3–42) days. All patients underwent endoscopic sinus debridement, whereas two patients required orbital exenteration. At the last follow-up, all six patients were alive, on antifungal therapy.Conclusion:Mucormycosis is a life-threatening, opportunistic infection, and patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 are more susceptible to it. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and use of corticosteroids increase the risk of invasive fungal infection with mucormycosis which can develop during the course of the illness or as a sequelae. High index of suspicion, early diagnosis, and appropriate management can improve survival.

Pilot study of a nurse-led adult lacrimal clinic at a tertiary ophthalmic centre

This article provides the reader with an outline of the anatomy and physiology of the lacrimal system and illustrates how a variety of pathologies within this system can result in the development of a watery eye. It describes the role of the nurse consultant in the diagnosis and management of patients with watery eye in the lacrimal clinic, and how the training programme for the development of such skills was implemented. Following training, within the realms of an established pilot study, the nurse consultant began to implement her skills in a newly established nurse-led lacrimal clinic. Patients seen in the lacrimal clinic would previously have been assessed and managed by a doctor. To confirm the accuracy of this approach, an audit was undertaken comparing the nurse-led diagnosis and management plans with that of an oculoplastic doctor. In addition, patient waiting times in the clinic and patient satisfaction were assessed, as important indicators of quality of care.

Risk Factors and Prognosis of Pediatric Open Globe Injuries without Initial Light Perception

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible risk factors and prognosis of initial no light perception (NLP) in pediatric open globe injuries (POGI). Procedures: This retrospective, comparative, interventional case-control study included 865 eyes of POGI patients presenting to a tertiary referral ophthalmic center from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2015. Eyes were divided into 2 groups: the NLP group included eyes with initial NLP, and the light perception (LP) group included eyes with initial LP or vision better than LP. Results: The following risk factors were significantly related to initial NLP: severe intraocular hemorrhage (OR 3.287, p = 0.015), retinal detachment (RD; OR 2.527, p = 0.007), choroidal damage (OR 2.680, p = 0.016), and endophthalmitis (OR 4.221, p < 0.001). Choroidal damage is related to remaining NLP after vitreoretinal surgery (OR 12.384, p = 0.003). At the last visit, more eyes in the NLP group suffered from silicone oil-sustained status (OR 0.266, p = 0.020) or ocular atrophy (OR 0.640, p = 0.004), and fewer eyes benefitted from final LP (OR 41.061, p < 0.001) and anatomic success (OR 4.515, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Severe intraocular hemorrhage, RD, choroidal damage, and endophthalmitis were possible predictors of initial NLP in POGI. Choroidal damage was the major factor related to an NLP prognosis. Traumatized eyes with initial NLP could be anatomically and functionally preserved by vitreoretinal surgery.

Assault-related severe ocular chemical injury at a London ophthalmic referral hospital: a 3-year retrospective observational study

ObjectivesTo understand the incidence, causes, management and outcomes of intentional (assault) and unintentional severe ocular chemical injuries (SOCI) at an urban tertiary referral centre in the UK.DesignRetrospective observational study.SettingA London...

Implementation, Characteristics, and Effectiveness of an Ophthalmic Hospital-Based Virtual Clinical Service in China During COVID-19

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic crisis is posing challenges for clinical practice worldwide. We describe the characteristics and effectiveness of a virtual clinical service run by a tertiary ophthalmic center in China with an aim to provide practical guidance for such services during and beyond the pandemic. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal observational study. To provide the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases under stringent epidemic control measures, the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center (ZOC) established a virtual clinical service (virtual 2020) by harnessing several digital technologies (5G telecommunication networks, big data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology). Multiple interrelated services were offered online, including AI prescreening, virtual live consultation, and online pharmacy. We extracted data from the online clinical service records, along with on-site face-to-face (F2F) clinical records obtained from February 1 to March 13 in 2020 (F2F 2020) as well as a similar period in 2019 (F2F 2019) for analysis. We analyzed the clinical service pattern by day and time; indication of visit and demographics of age, gender, and geographical origin between three groups: virtual 2020, F2F 2020, and F2F 2019. Findings: A total of 38,038 visits to the ZOC were conducted online and F2F from February 1 to March 13, 2020, including 10,641 visits from an AI chatbot, 9,850 virtual live consultations by 127 doctors, and 17,547 on-site F2F consultations in the clinics. With the gradual opening of on-site outpatient and emergency services, online service numbers steadily increased. The AI chatbot services after office hours (8 pm to 8 am) accounted for 26.9% of the total visits, which was significantly higher than the proportions of virtual live consultations (10.9%) and on-site F2F consultations (3.5%) in 2020. Among the indications for virtual live consultation, specific disease consultation was the most common across all ages (64.7–70.7%); younger patients tended to have visual symptoms (18–34 years old, 60.4%), whereas seniors were more likely to require prescription renewal (>55 years old, 63.5%). Virtual live consultation in 2020 was more common in younger (median age 32 years) and female patients (53.3%) than in the F2F 2020 or F2F 2019 groups. Ocular surface diseases were the most frequent diagnosis in the virtual live consultations, which differed from the top diagnosis in F2F 2020 (retinopathy) and F2F 2019 (refraction) groups (P<0.05 comparisons between groups). Interpretation: The management of many ophthalmic diseases online in a virtual hospital setting can be implemented and is complementary to those of physical on-site F2F clinics. Virtual clinical service may be a useful model of care in the post-COVID19 pandemic “new normal”. Funding Statement: The study was supported by the National Key RD Guangzhou Key Laboratory Project (202002010006); Guangdong Science and Technology Innovation Leading Talents (2017TX04R031); the National Natural Science Foundation of China-General Programs (81770967, 81873675); National Natural Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars (81822010); the National Natural Science Foundation -Young Scientists Fund (81800810) and the Science and Technology Planning Projects of Guangdong Province (2018B010109008). Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: This study followed the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. The study protocol was approved by the ethical board committee of the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University (2020KYPJ012).