Ophthalmology and Therapy

Intraretinal Microvascular Abnormalities in Eyes with Advanced Stages of Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: Comparison Between UWF-FFA, CFP, and OCTA-The RICHARD Study
Santos AR, Lopes M, Santos T, Reste-Ferreira D, Marques IP, Yamaguchi TCN, Miranda T, Mendes L, Martinho ACV, Pearce L and Cunha-Vaz J
This study aimed to evaluate intraretinal microvascular abnormalities (IRMA) in eyes with advanced nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) using multimodal approach in co-located areas focusing on central retina (up to 50°) and to look at possible correlations between IRMA and other structural changes, like ischemia and presence of microaneurysms.
Impact of Aflibercept vs Dexamethasone Treatment on Epiretinal Membrane Formation in Eyes with Diabetic Macular Edema
Chang HH, Chi SC, Chen SJ, Chou YB and Lin TC
This study aimed to investigate the impact of aflibercept and dexamethasone (DEX) on the formation of epiretinal membrane (ERM) and their treatment outcomes in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME).
Phospholipid Nanoemulsion-Based Ocular Lubricant for the Treatment of Dry Eye Subtypes: A Multicenter and Prospective Study
Nishiwaki-Dantas MC, de Freitas D, Fornazari D, Dos Santos MS, Wakamatsu TH, Barquilha CN, Ferrer MT, Holzhausen HCN and Alves M
Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial condition of the ocular surface (OS) characterized by loss of tear film homeostasis, ocular discomfort, and vision disturbances. Most available ocular lubricants target the aqueous deficiency of the tear, restoring only this layer, leaving the tear lipid stratum deficient, as occurs in most patients with evaporative DED. An innovative propylene glycol-hydroxypropyl guar enriched with a phospholipid nanoemulsion (PG-HPG-PH-N) is indicated to restore deficiencies in both the lipid and aqueous layers of the tear film, and its composition was designed to increase lubricant retention on the OS. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, through the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and clinical assessment, the treatment of patients who had DED due to aqueous deficiency arising from mixed or evaporative DED subtypes with a PG-HPG-PH-N ocular lubricant at a reduced frequency of twice a day, in a prospective, multicenter, and single-arm study.
A Novel Device for Vergence Exercises: Testing Automatic Dual Rotational Risley Prisms on Asymptomatic Adults and Patients with Convergence Insufficiency
Chen YY, Hu YS, Huang SY and Tsai TH
This study investigated the effects of automatic dual rotational Risley prisms (ADRRPs), a mobile phone application-operated device, on vergence abilities in young adults.
Correction: The I-OPTA Questionnaire: A National Assessment of Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Thinggaard BS, Hansen K, Dinesen F, Pedersen MK, Morsø L, Subhi Y, Grauslund J and Stokholm L
Clinical Evaluation of Violet Light Filtration and High-Resolution Lathing on a Diffractive Extended Depth of Focus IOL
Chang DH, Kao AA, Huggins LK, Albert JN, Whinery JN and Camirand BM
This study is a prospective, randomized, subject/evaluator-masked clinical trial in a single-center clinical setting. The purpose of the study is to compare the clinical performance of Tecnis Symfony Optiblue IOL (models ZXR00V and ZXW150) with violet light filter (VLF) and manufacturing improvements versus Tecnis Symfony IOL (models ZXR00 and ZXT150) with ultraviolet light filter (UVF) in patients undergoing cataract surgery.
Micropulse Laser versus Eplerenone for Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A 12-Month Comparison
Viggiano P, Boscia G, Borrelli E, Evangelista F, Giancipoli E, Mastropasqua R, Quarta A, Grassi MO, Aloia R, Alessio G, Toto L and Boscia F
To compare the long-term efficacy of navigated subthreshold micropulse laser (NSML) and continuous oral eplerenone (EPL) in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC).
Validation of the Zarit Burden Interview in Informal Caregivers of Patients with Severe Visual Impairment and Blindness
Ruiz-Lozano RE, Herrera-Rodriguez MI, Mendoza-Pallares JA, Reyes-Godinez N, Tamez-Tamez VE, Ramos-Dávila EM, Villagomez-Valdez LG, Garza-Garza LA, Quiroga-Garza ME, Khodor A, Gongora-Cortes JJ and Rodriguez-Garcia A
The needs of family caregivers providing care to relatives with visual impairment are often dismissed, leading to caregiver burden. The Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) can measure the caregiver burden of caring for a family member with vision impairment. The purpose of this study is to validate the ZBI in Mexican family caregivers of patients with visual impairment.
Nonclinical Similarity of the Biosimilar Candidate ABP 938 with Aflibercept Reference Product
Seo N, Kuhns S, Andrews DA, Colbert A, Chow V and Liu J
ABP 938 is being developed as a biosimilar to Eylea (aflibercept reference product [RP]), an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drug used in the management of retinal diseases. Previously, a comparative analytical similarity assessment demonstrated that ABP 938 and aflibercept RP have the same amino acid sequence and exhibit similar higher-order structure and biological activity. The nonclinical studies described here were designed to assess the in vitro pharmacology and the in vivo pharmacokinetics (PK), toxicokinetics (TK), and safety profiles of ABP 938 compared to aflibercept RP.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Automated Diabetic Retinopathy Image Assessment Software: IDx-DR and RetCAD
Grzybowski A, Brona P, Krzywicki T and Ruamviboonsuk P
Automated diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening using artificial intelligence has the potential to improve access to eye care by enabling large-scale screening. However, little is known about differences in real-world performance between available algorithms. This study compares the diagnostic accuracy of two AI screening platforms, IDx-DR and RetCAD, for detecting referable diabetic retinopathy (RDR).
One-Year Outcomes of Aflibercept in Treat-and-Extend Versus Pro Re Nata Regimens for Bevacizumab-Resistant Diabetic Macular Edema: A Real-World Study
Yozgat Z, Isik MU and Sabaner MC
The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of the treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen versus the pro re nata (PRN) regimen in patients with bevacizumab-resistant diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with aflibercept, with or without adjunctive laser therapy.
Evaluation of the Performance of an Ocular Surface Modulator Containing ST-Lysyal Versus Hyaluronic Acid Eyedrops in Patients with Dry Eye Disease: A Pilot Study
Barabino S, Rosa A, Marini S, Bianchi CD and Rolando M
Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial condition of the ocular surface, primarily treated with tear substitutes, which do not fully restore natural tear functions. In this pilot study, we tested the hypothesis that T-Lysyal (T-Lys) improves symptoms and signs in patients with DED. Additionally, we provide a literature overview on the effects of T-Lys in ophthalmology and non-ophthalmology conditions to elucidate its mechanisms of action.
Pooled Multicenter Safety Analysis of Lupin's Intravitreal Biosimilar Ranibizumab (Ranieyes) in Chorioretinal Vascular Diseases
Chakraborty D, Sinha TK, Sinha S, Maiti A, Mukherjee A, Nandi K, Das S, Majumdar S, Rungta D and Bhattacharya R
This study aims to evaluate the ocular and systemic safety profiles of intravitreal biosimilar ranibizumab Ranieyes (Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Mumbai, India) in real-world clinical settings across multiple chorioretinal vascular diseases, including neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in adults.
Mobile Apps and Visual Function Assessment: A Comprehensive Review of the Latest Advancements
Goh C, Puah M, Toh ZH, Boon J, Boey D, Tay R, Sule AA, Liu R, Ong XE, Kalra A, Gupta S, Rousselot A, Rojas-Carabali W, Ang B and Agrawal R
With technological advancements and the growing prevalence of smartphones, ophthalmology has opportunely harnessed medical technology for visual function assessment as a home monitoring tool for patients. Ophthalmology applications that offer these have likewise become more readily available in recent years, which may be used for early detection and monitoring of eye conditions. To date, no review has been done to evaluate and compare the utility of these apps. This review provides an updated overview of visual functions assessment using mobile applications available on the Apple App and Google Play Stores, enabling eye care professionals to make informed selections of their use in ophthalmology.
Ablation Depth-Dependent Survival Analysis of Phototherapeutic Keratectomy for Recurrent Corneal Erosion Syndrome
Gadhvi KA, Vakros G, Borgia A, Muthusamy K, de Benito-Llopis L, Day AC and Gore DM
Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) is a treatment for recurrent corneal erosion syndrome (RCES). The aim of this study was to investigate whether deeper ablations yielded greater success rates.
One-Year Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of PreserFlo MicroShunt with Mitomycin C Applied by Sub-Tenon Injection Versus Sponge
Majtanova N, Takacova A, Kurilova V, Hejsek L, Majtan J and Kolar P
This study was performed to compare the efficacy and safety of PreserFlo MicroShunt (PMS) implantation with mitomycin C (MMC) applied by sub-tenon injection versus conventional application by MMC-soaked sponges.
Molecular Changes in Aqueous Humor Associated with Inflammation Following Cataract Surgery in Patients with Fuchs' Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy
Chychko L, Son HS, Friedrich M, Khoramnia R, Auffarth GU and Augustin VA
To evaluate the anterior chamber (AC) inflammation in the early postoperative period after cataract surgery and before Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) by quantifying oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators in aqueous humor of patients with Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD).
Assessment of Large Language Models in Cataract Care Information Provision: A Quantitative Comparison
Su Z, Jin K, Wu H, Luo Z, Grzybowski A and Ye J
Cataracts are a significant cause of blindness. While individuals frequently turn to the Internet for medical advice, distinguishing reliable information can be challenging. Large language models (LLMs) have attracted attention for generating accurate, human-like responses that may be used for medical consultation. However, a comprehensive assessment of LLMs' accuracy within specific medical domains is still lacking.
Risk Factors and Characteristics Associated with Visual Impairment and Eye Diseases in Moyamoya Disease: Insights from a National Database
Song Y, Yang X, Yang H, Mei H, Lu X, Xie H, Yang Q and Duan W
This study aims to investigate the incidence and risk factors of visual impairment and eye diseases in patients with moyamoya disease (MMD), a rare cerebrovascular disorder. Understanding these associations is crucial for improving patient management and outcomes.
Patient and Physician Perspectives of Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema Diagnosis, Treatment and Progression: A Podcast Article
Newman D, Warren B, Barker R, Wykoff CC and Vujosevic S
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of vision loss among people of working age. However, people with diabetes are often unaware of the importance of DR screening for preserving vision, highlighting the importance of patient education about DR and DR-related ocular and systemic comorbidities. In this podcast, three patients with different stages of DR and two ophthalmologists exchanged their views on diagnosis, treatment, and progression of DR and diabetic macular edema. The discussion revealed that DR affects not only the physical aspects of patients' lives but also their mental wellbeing. The challenges of a DR diagnosis can be compounded by communication gaps that exist between patients, physicians, and the pharmaceutical industry. Development of new therapies is currently informed mainly by physician perspectives. However, the large burden of current treatments calls for new therapeutic approaches that meet patients' needs better. The preferred method of treatment administration can differ from patient to patient and the choices between treatments that necessitate repeated visits, monitoring, and at-home care must be discussed. As such, going forward it is crucial to consider both the physician and patient perspectives in shaping the clinical landscape of DR.
An Emerging Multi-mechanism and Multi-modal Approach in Interventional Glaucoma Therapy
Micheletti JM, Shultz M, Singh IP and Samuelson TW
The glaucoma treatment paradigm is in evolution. The topical medications-first approach is limited by significant barriers such as high rates of nonadherence and side effects including ocular surface disease. The era of interventional glaucoma has seen the development of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), procedural pharmaceuticals, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS). New and emerging data support the use of these interventional treatment modalities early in the course of glaucoma rather than reserving them for advanced or treatment-recalcitrant cases. The various treatments available represent multiple mechanisms (e.g., trabecular outflow, uveoscleral outflow, aqueous suppression) and modalities (medications, laser, incisional surgery) by which intraocular pressure (IOP) is reduced. Many patients require more than one treatment to achieve adequate IOP reduction and glaucoma control. Comprehensive IOP control-reduction of both mean IOP and IOP fluctuation-can best be achieved by targeting multiple mechanisms of IOP reduction and taking advantage of the attributes of multiple treatment modalities.