Abstract:AIM: To investigate the value of cytokine analysis in aqueous humor (AH) for discriminating vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) from uveitis and for evaluating the efficacy of intravitreal methotrexate (MTX) injections. METHODS: This retrospective study was done on 28 VRL patients between 2013 and 2019. AH interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, IL-8, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and vascular cell adhesion molecules (VCAM) were measured in 28 VRL patients and 38 uveitis patients. As to the respective examinations for distinguishing VRL from uveitis, the diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The response to treatment was monitored by observing changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ocular manifestation, and AH cytokine levels in 21 patients with VRL who had undergo multiple intravitreal injections of MTX. RESULTS: Compared with uveitis patients, VRL patients had higher IL-10 level (P<0.001) and IL-10/IL-6 ratio (P<0.001), whereas patients with uveitis had significantly higher IL-6 level than those with VRL (P=0.003). An ROC analysis was used to identify the diagnostic threshold values for VRL, and it was found that optimal sensitivity and specificity improved to 94.1% and 100%, respectively, for IL-10/IL-6>1.55 and 88.2% and 81.1%, respectively, for IL-10>76.7 pg/mL. In 21 patients who had undergo repeated injections, improvements in BCVA, clinical remission of VRL and continuous decrease in cytokine levels over time were observed. In those patients, the BCVA correlated with the aqueous levels of IL-10 and IL-6 during the course of disease treatment. CONCLUSION: The combination of the aqueous cytokine profiles can be instrumental for conventional diagnostic methods and for progression monitoring and treatment response.

Abstract:AIM: To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the sesquiterpenes α-humulene and β-caryophyllene on pterygium fibroblasts. METHODS: Primary cultures of pterygium fibroblasts were established. Third passage pterygium fibroblasts were exposed to α-humulene and β-caryophyllene separately and together. The cell viability was assessed by 3- (4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2) -2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay at 12, 24, 48, and 72h after exposure. The levels of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-10 in the conditioned culture medium were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at 12, 24 and 48h after exposure. Data were statistically analyzed using Friedman repeated measures analysis of variances on ranks. RESULTS: The 25 μmol/L β-caryophyllene induced significant decrease in the IL-6 production by pterygium fibroblasts 48h after the exposure (P=0.041). The levels of IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α were very low and had no statistically significant variations after exposure to α-humulene, β-caryophyllene, or both compounds together. CONCLUSION: The exposure to 25 μmol/L of β-caryophyllene significantly reduce the production of IL-6 by pterygium fibroblasts after 48h. This sesquiterpene may be a potential alternative adjuvant agent for the treatment of pterygium.

Abstract:AIM: To explore the established method of the diabetic mouse blood glucose control model and preliminary observation of its influence on the retinas of diabetic mice. METHODS: The db/db BKS-DB (Leprko/ko) mice were randomly divided into two groups: the poor blood glucose control group (PG group, n=18) and the stable blood glucose control group (SG group, n=12), with BKS-DB (Leprwt/wt) as the normal blood glucose control group (NG group, n=18). According to the blood glucose values for 5 intervals which were monitored during the period of adaption, the PG group was injected with insulin aspart twice daily, fasted for 2h and then returned to normal. The SG group was injected with insulin aspart twice and insulin glargine once daily and fed with a quantitative ration. Fundus images were collected after eight weeks. The glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), mean blood glucose level (MBG), standard deviation of blood glucose (SDBG), coefficient of variation of blood glucose (CVBG), and mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE) in each group were examined and calculated. RESULTS: The HbA1c, MBG, SDBG, CVBG, and MAGE levels in the PG group were significantly higher than those in the NG and SG groups (all P<0.05). MBG, SDBG, CVBG, and MAGE levels in the SG group were higher than those in the NG group (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in HbA1c levels between the NG and SG groups (P>0.05). Preliminary observation of fundus images in the PG group and SG groups showed scattered retinal bleeding spots, while bleeding was more obvious in the PG group. CONCLUSION: The blood glucose control model of type 2 diabetes mellitus mice can be successfully established by subcutaneous injection of insulin aspart insulin glargine and rationed food, which is valuable for studying the mechanism of blood glucose fluctuations in diabetic complications in vivo.

Abstract:AIM: To present the clinical manifestations of 5 autosomal dominant cone-rod dystrophy (adCORD) patients from two Chinese families with cone-rod homeobox (CRX) mutation (p.R41W), and to explore the clinical heterogeneity of adCORD with CRX mutation (p.R41W). METHODS: Interrogation and ophthalmological examinations were undertaken in all patients and unaffected members. Analysis of clinical features was performed by visual acuity, slit lamp examination, visual field examination, fundoscopy, autofluorescence and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Targeted next-generation sequencing was applied as a useful tool to identify the causative mutation of CORD genes. RESULTS: A CRX missense mutation c.121C>T was identified in all patients, resulting in an amino acid change from arginine acid to tryptophan (p.R41W). The patients presented with early onset, progressive and different severities with CORD. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of the clinical phenotype of CRX mutation (p.R41W) in Chinese families, and the mutation can lead to a wide range of various retinal phenotypes.

Abstract:AIM: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of topical 0.05% cyclosporine nano-emulsion in the treatment of dry eye syndrome (DES) with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). METHODS: This prospective study included 64 patients with DES and MGD who were randomly assigned to three groups: Group 1 (n=24, conventional cyclosporine), Group 2 (n=21, nano-emulsion cyclosporine), and Group 3 (n=19, control). Lid margin telangiectasia (LMT), meibomian gland secretion (MGS), conjunctival injection (CI), corneal staining (CS), tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer test I (STI), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), and lipid layer thickness (LLT) was evaluated at 4, 8, and 12wk of treatment. RESULTS: In Group 3 (control), LMT, CS, and CI improved after 8wk, MGS, TBUT after 12wk of treatment. In Group 1 (conventional cyclosporine), LMT, MGS, and TBUT improved significantly after 4wk, whereas CS, CI, STI, and LLT improved significantly after 8wk, and OSDI at 12wk. In Group 2 (nano-cyclosporine), LMT, MGS, CS, CI, TBUT, and OSDI significantly improved after 4wk, and STI after 8wk. Especially, LLT was significantly higher than other groups after 4wk. CONCLUSION: Cyclosporine and nano-cyclosporine shows significant improvement in DES with MGD than the control group. In contrast, the nano-cyclosporine group shows more statistically improved CI and CS at 4wk, especially LLT at 4, 8, and 12wk compared to the conventional cyclosporine group.

Abstract:AIM: To evaluate the quantitative and qualitative results of the noninvasive tear film break-up time (NI-BUT) test and investigate the predictive ability of the new NI-BUT parameter in discriminating between normal Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI; scores ≤12) and abnormal OSDI (scores ≥13). METHODS: A total of 341 eyes of 341 volunteers who applied for routine eye outpatient control were included in the prospective study. All participants’ noninvasive first tear film break-up time (NIF-BUT), noninvasive average tear film break-up time (NIAvg-BUT) and average value of the first three break-up time (A3F-BUT) were analyzed. A3F-BUT, the new NI-BUT parameter, is calculated by adding the NIF-BUT value to the 2nd break-up time value that has a difference of at most 1 second from the NIF-BUT value and to the 3rd break-up time and then dividing the respective sum by 3. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and forward logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the parameter that had the best predictive ability between the OSDI groups. RESULTS: The NI-BUT values of 255 eyes of 255 volunteers included in the study were analyzed statistically. The mean NIF-BUT, NIAvg-BUT, and A3F-BUT values were calculated as 5.3±3.0, 8±3.1, and 5.8±3.0 seconds, respectively. All three parameters were found to be significantly lower in the abnormal OSDI group (P=0.014, 0.034, and 0.011, respectively). The area under the curve (AUC) of the A3F-BUT to predict abnormal OSDI was AUC=0.625 (0.529-0.720), P=0.011 and NIF-BUT was AUC=0.599 (0.502-0.696), P=0.043. The A3F-BUT parameter and NIF-BUT parameters were found to be significantly efficient in discriminating abnormal OSDI. CONCLUSION: The new parameter for the NI-BUT test has more predictive ability in the discrimination of OSDI groups.

Abstract:AIM: To determine the influence of gaps [places where neither the donor’s nor the recipient’s Descemet’s membrane (DM) is present] and overlaps (places where the recipient’s DM is covered by the donor’s DM) on the frequency of postoperative detachment of DM endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) lamellae. METHODS: Totally 64 eyes of 64 patients with Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy or bullous keratopathy indicated for DMEK were randomly divided in two groups. The diameter of the implanted DMEK lamella was the same in both groups (8 mm), but we changed the diameter of the removed recipient DM. In the first group (32 eyes), the circular area was approximately 8.5 mm (gaps); in the second group (32 eyes), the diameter was 7.5 mm (overlaps). Postoperatively we noted all cases of detachment visible on the slit lamp and these cases we indicated for rebubbling. We also measured the uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) as well as corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) in decimal and postoperative endothelial cell density (ECD). The minimum follow-up time was 6mo. RESULTS: The number of rebubbling procedures in the entire group of patients was 13, i.e., 20.3%, with 6 eyes (18.7%) in the gap group, and 7 eyes (21.9%) in the overlap group. Lamella replacement (re-DMEK) was required in 3 (gap group) and 2 patients (overlap group), respectively. The difference between the groups was statistically insignificant. The UDVA was 0.54±0.21 in the gap group and 0.58±0.24 in the overlap group. The CDVA was 0.74±0.22 and 0.80±0.16, respectively. ECD was 1920±491 and 2149±570 cells/mm2. The small differences between both groups were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: We do not notice any difference in the group of patients with overlaps or gaps of DM. The presence of small areas of gaps or overlaps does not affect the frequency of detachment of the DMEK lamellae.

Abstract:AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of scleral-fixated 3-looped haptics intraocular lens (IOL) implantation for surgical management of microspherophakia. METHODS: A retrospective case series include 10 microspherophakic patients (15 eyes) who underwent lens removal plus a modified surgical treatment of scleral-fixated 3-looped haptics IOL implantation. The primary outcomes involved visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP). Secondary outcomes were spherical equivalent (SE), anterior chamber depth (ACD), corneal endothelial cell density and postoperative complications. RESULTS: After a postoperative follow-up of 17.60±15.44mo, improved visual outcomes can be observed. The uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCVA) logMAR improved from 1.54±0.59 preoperatively to 0.51±0.35 postoperatively (P=0.001), and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) logMAR improved from 0.97±0.91 preoperatively to 0.24±0.23 postoperatively (P=0.003). Moreover, the SE decreased from -9.58±7.47D preoperatively to -0.65±2.21 D postoperatively (P<0.001). In terms of safety profile, the average IOP decreased from 21.10±12.94 mm Hg preoperatively to 14.03±3.57 mm Hg postoperatively (P=0.044), and the previously elevated IOP of three eyes decreased to the normal range. The ACD increased from 2.25±1.45 mm preoperatively to 3.35±0.39 mm postoperatively (P=0.017). The density of corneal endothelial cells did not change significantly after surgery (P=0.140). The posterior chamber IOLs were well centered and no severe complications were found. CONCLUSION: Lens removal plus the modified surgical treatment of scleral-fixated 3-looped haptics IOL implantation can help in improvement of visual acuity, which can be regarded as a relative safe method for the surgical management of microspherophakia.

Abstract:AIM: To determine the long-term postoperative outcomes of deep sclerectomy-trabeculectomy (DST) with mitomycin C (MMC) in the treatment of glaucoma. METHODS: Patients who underwent DST with MMC between 2010 and 2017 were included in this retrospective observational study. Complete success was defined as postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤21 mm Hg or 30% reduction of IOP from baseline without any topical IOP-lowering agent, and qualified success defined as IOP≤21 mm Hg or 30% reduction of IOP from baseline with/without single topical agent. We evaluated the surgical success rates and complication rates of this procedure, as well as described the IOP profiles, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) profiles and mean deviations (MD) of Humphrey visual field (HVF) 24-2 performance at each follow-up time point. Mixed linear regression models were constructed to determine estimated predictive values of demographic data, use of topical IOP-lowering agents, baseline and postoperative IOP and optical profiles (e.g., BCVA and MD). RESULTS: Totally 98 eyes (mean postoperative follow-up 67.5mo) showed mean IOP reduction at every follow-up interval. Both median BCVA and MD of visual fields were maintained throughout the follow-up intervals when comparing to baseline. The number of IOP-lowering medications decreased from 2.8±0.8 to 0.3±0.7 (P=0.068). Totally 84 (85.7%) eyes achieved complete success at final follow-up. Transient hyphaema and transient choroidal effusion developed in 15 eyes (15.3%) and 11 eyes (11.2%) respectively. Other complications included shallow anterior chamber in 5 eyes (5.1%), bleb leak in 4 eyes (4.1%), bleb revision in 7 eyes (7.1%), bleb needling in 9 eyes (9.2%) and repeat trabeculectomy in 1 eye (1.0%). There was no endophthalmitis, blebitis or macular oedema. There was no significant correlation between postoperative IOP control and postoperative BCVA. CONCLUSION: DST with MMC demonstrates effective and sustained long-term outcomes in the treatment of glaucoma with no major complication.

Abstract:AIM: To explore the learning curve for ophthalmologists at the start of laser peripheral iridectomy (LPI) training. METHODS: The learning curve of 4 doctor groups without previous LPI experience was studied. Three main parameters of LPI were reviewed: total energy, argon energy and neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) energy. Procedures were evaluated in cohorts of 20 cases to identify the turning points of the three variables. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in terms of age or eye among the 4 doctor groups. There were stable trends on the learning curve for the Doctor A and C groups regarding total energy and argon energy. In addition, the turning points on the learning curve were determined after the 20th procedure for the Doctor B and D groups regarding total energy and argon energy. Moreover, the Nd:YAG energy was relatively stable since the first procedure. CONCLUSION: It requires approximately 20 procedures for a beginner to reach a turning point on the learning curve regarding LPI. It can serve as a point of reference or guideline for training beginners to perform LPI.

Abstract:AIM: To evaluate the recently described optical coherence tomography (OCT) based classification of epiretinal membrane (ERM) and its usefulness in predicting the functional outcome. METHODS: A retrospective observational review of OCT scans of patients with the diagnosis of idiopathic ERM was carried out from January 2016 to June 2021. All consecutive images diagnosed with any stage of idiopathic ERM and fulfilled the eligibility criteria were included in the analysis. ERM was identified on OCT scans as a thin hyperreflective layer over the inner layers of retina. OCT scans of patients with ERM who underwent vitrectomy, were independently staged as per the new classification by two independent retinal surgeons to form a consensus on stage. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in logMAR scale and central subfield thickness (CST) on pre- and post-operative spectral domain OCT scans were the variables noted for all patients at the time of diagnosis and at 6 and 12mo follow up visit after undergoing intervention. Partial correlation coefficient was computed between BCVA (logMAR) and CST by ERM stage adjusting by baseline measures. RESULTS: Clinical charts of 74 patients with idiopathic ERM were assessed. Clinically significant improvement in BCVA overtime was observed with significant difference in median visual acuity of patients with Stage II-IV ERM with P<0.001. The median CST of all patients with stage II-IV ERM showed similar consistent improvement with P<0.001 from baseline to 12th month. Our results showed not only gain in visual acuity but also shift from baseline to anatomical normalization of CST in stage II. We found a decrease in CST with difference of 166 μm and 151 μm in stage III and stage IV respectively. Our results remained consistent with the hypothesis of improved visual outcomes with all stages of ERM with adjusted moderate linear correlation between visual acuity and CST in stage II-IV (r>0.3). CONCLUSION: Equally significant visual outcomes of patients with ERM staged II-IV and therefore can be counselled for improved visual acuity after surgical removal of ERM with improvement up to 5 lines on Snellen’s chart from the baseline.

Abstract:AIM: To observe the long-term clinical efficacy of intravitreal injections of conbercept, a novel vascular growth factor inhibitor, for the treatment of pathological myopia choroidal neovascularization (PM-CNV). METHODS: A total of 67 eyes (from 67 patients; mean age, 54.90±12.7y) with PM-CNV were retrospectively researched. Based on the different schemes used for the administration of the drug, the patients were divided into two groups: group A (n=35; average age, 53.31±13.6y; average diopter, 9.25±1.72 D), which received only one injection of pro re nata (PRN; 1+PRN regimen), and group B (n=32; average age, 56.49±11.8y; average diopter, 9.63±2.24 D), which received one injection per month for 3mo (3+PRN regimen). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) analysis, intraocular pressure (IOP) examination, slit-lamp microscopy, fundus examination and optical coherence tomography were performed at each follow-up. The recurrence and treatment times of CNV were recorded. The patients were followed up for at least 12mo. RESULTS: The BCVA was increased in 29 eyes (82.9%) in group A and 30 eyes (93.75%) in group B; no increase or decrease was observed in 6 (17.1%) and 2 (6.25%) eyes in groups A and B, respectively. The BCVA (logMAR) values before treatment (0.67±0.48 and 0.71±0.56) were significantly higher than those 12mo after treatment (0.31±0.26 and 0.33±0.17) in groups A and B, respectively (P<0.05). The mean central macular thickness (CMT) values had significantly decreased from 346.49±65.99 and 360.10±82.31 μm at baseline to 257.29±40.47 and 251.97±48.26 μm in groups A and B, respectively, after 12mo of treatment. A total of 21 eyes in group A needed reinjection (60%; average number of injections, 2.51±0.98); the corresponding values in group B were 6 eyes (18.75%; average number of injections, 3.74±1.22). There were no adverse ocular and systemic complications during the treatment and follow-up. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal injection of conbercept with 1+PRN or 3+PRN improve the visual acuity, reduce macular edema and reduce the level of CMT in patients with PM-CNV. The 3+PRN regimen demonstrates a lower recurrence rate of CNV than the 1+PRN regimen, but requires more treatment. However, both treatment regimens demonstrate long-term safety and efficacy for the treatment of PM-CNV.

Abstract:AIM: To investigate the ratio of spontaneous regression of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and to explore the possible relevant predictive factors. METHODS: A retrospective review of 405 infants who were diagnosed with ROP and mother during pregnancy were collected. Stage, zone, and duration of ROP were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed on 51 possible predictive factors. RESULTS: Totally 356 infants showed spontaneous regression. The incidence was 100%, 95.3%, and 22.7% in stage 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The 13.4% of the ROP with plus disease eventually resolved spontaneously. All affected eyes of aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (AP-ROP) failed to spontaneously regress. The mean duration of ROP was 7.2wk in patients with spontaneous resolution of ROP. Days of mechanical ventilation (OR=0.981, 95%CI, 0.965-0.997, P=0.021), retinal hemorrhage (OR=0.173, 95%CI, 0.064-0.470, P=0.001), delivery pattern (OR=2.750, 95%CI, 1.132-6.681, P=0.025), maternal anemia in pregnancy (OR=0.142, 95%CI, 0.036-0.563, P=0.005), the stages (at initial diagnosis OR=0.183, 95%CI, 0.041-0.816, P=0.026; at final diagnosis OR=0.031, 95%CI, 0.006-0.167, P<0.001), and with plus disease or not (OR=0.005, 95%CI, 0.001-0.031, P<0.001) were independent predictive factors of the spontaneous regression of ROP. CONCLUSION: Most mild ROP can spontaneously resolve. Active treatment is still recommended for stage 3 ROP, zone I ROP, AP-ROP, and ROP with plus disease. Prolonged mechanical ventilation and concurrent retinal hemorrhage reduce the likelihood of spontaneous ROP resolution. The pattern of delivery and the mother’s anemia during pregnancy can also affect the prognosis of ROP.

Abstract:AIM: To assess the accuracy of an artificial intelligence (AI) based software (RetCAD, Thirona, The Netherlands) to identify and grade age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) simultaneously based on fundus photos. METHODS: This prospective study included 1245 eyes of 630 patients attending an ophthalmology day-care clinic. Fundus photos were acquired and parallel graded by the RetCAD AI software and by an expert reference examiner for image quality, and staging of AMD and DR. Adjudication was provided by a second expert examiner in case of disagreement between the AI software and the reference examiner. Statistical analysis was performed on eye-level and on patient-level, by summarizing the individual image level-gradings into and eye-level or patient-level score, respectively. The performance of the RetCAD system was measured using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis and sensitivity and specificity for both AMD and DR were reported. RESULTS: The RetCAD achieved an area under the ROC (Az) of 0.926 with a sensitivity of 84.6% at a specificity of 84.0% for image quality. On image level, the RetCAD software achieved Az values of 0.964 and 0.961 with sensitivity/specificity pairs of 98.2%/79.1% and 83.9%/93.3% for AMD and DR, respectively. On patient level, the RetCAD software achieved Az values of 0.960 and 0.948 with sensitivity/specificity pairs of 97.3%/73.3% and 80.0%/90.1% for AMD and DR, respectively. After adjudication by the second expert examiner sensitivity/specificity increases on patient-level to 98.6%/78.3% and 100.0%/92.3% for AMD and DR, respectively. CONCLUSION: The RetCAD offers very good sensitivity and specificity compared to manual grading by experts and is in line with that obtained by similar automated grading systems. The RetCAD AI software enables simultaneous grading of both AMD and DR based on the same fundus photos. Its sensitivity may be adjusted according to the desired acceptable sensitivity and specificity. Its simplicity cloud base integration allows cost-effective screening where routine expert evaluation may be limited.

Abstract:AIM: To investigate the impact of lag time to metastasis and survival rates among patients with retinoblastoma. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted with 52 patients from the Department of Ophthalmology and the Department of Pediatrics of Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, between 1st January 2014 and 31st December 2020. Lag time was defined as the time delay between the first sign of retinoblastoma to the diagnosis of retinoblastoma. The subjects with lag time > one year were included in the case group, while the subjects with lag time < one year were included in the control group. RESULTS: The lag time was significantly correlated with American Joint Committee on Cancer and Intraocular Classification of Retinoblastoma staging of retinoblastoma (P=0.005 and P=0.006, respectively). The lag time was also significantly correlated with both metastasis event [odds ratio (OR): 5.06, 95%Cl: 1.56-16.44, P=0.006] and mortality (OR: 4.54, 95%Cl: 1.37-15.07, P=0.011). The follow-up was continued for 32 subjects for 3y after initial diagnoses. Survival analysis revealed a significant difference among these two groups (P=0.021). Furthermore, lag time was significantly correlated with survival of retinoblastoma (r=-0.53, P=0.046). CONCLUSION: The study highlights the importance of lag time between the onset of first symptoms and the time of retinoblastoma diagnosis which significantly contribute to metastasis and mortality of patients with retinoblastoma. Examinations for the early detection of retinoblastoma should be performed for individuals at-risk to minimize lag time and improve the outcomes.

Abstract:The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and associated morbidity is high in the Asia-Pacific region. Emerging evidence suggests a potential role for fenofibrate in the prevention of progression of DR, especially in patients with cardiovascular risk, and pre-existing mild-to-moderate DR. Fenofibrate has also been found to reduce maculopathy, and the need for laser treatment in these patients. Considering these benefits of fenofibrate, a group of experts from the fields of endocrinology and ophthalmology convened in May 2017, to discuss on the the mechanism of action, and clinical efficacy of fenofibrate in DR. The findings from key clinical studies on fenofibrate in DR were reviewed by the experts, and consensus statements were derived to define the role of fenofibrate in the prevention and treatment of DR. The statements were rated based on the GRADE criteria. An algorithm was also developed for the screening and treatment of DR in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), and the place of fenofibrate was defined in the algorithm. The expert recommendations, and the algorithm provided in this review will serve as a guide to the clinicians to reconsider the adjunctive use of fenofibrate for preventing the progression of DR in selected T2D patients.

Abstract:Endophthalmitis is a serious ophthalmic disease characterized by changes in the eye’s posterior segment, such as hypopyon and intraocular inflammation, vitritis being a hallmark. Infection-caused endophthalmitis can lead to irreversible vision loss, accompanied by eye pain or eye distention, and in the most severe cases the removal of the eyeball. Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites typically account for the disease and the entry pathways of the microbial can be divided into either endogenous or exogenous approaches, according to the origin of the etiological agents. Exogenous endophthalmitis can be derived from various occasions (such as post-operative complications or trauma) while endogenous endophthalmitis results from the bloodstream which carries pathogens to the eye. This review aims to summarize the application of new technology in pathogen identification of endophthalmitis so as to prevent the disease and better guide clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract:AIM: To introduce a simple resistance controlled suprachoroidal space (SCS) injection technique using a disposable 30-gauge needle connected to a 1 mL syringe and evaluate the effectiveness and applicability of this technique in the treatment of macular edema. METHODS: A total of 20 patients with various types of macular edema were subjected to a resistance controlled SCS injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) with a disposable 30-gauge needle connected to a 1 mL syringe. This technique allows the easy and smooth injection of the TA only once the tip of the needle reached the potential SCS which was indicated by the lower resistance on the plunger. The main outcome measures were anterior segment spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) measurements post-operation immediately and central subfield thickness (CST), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements at 3mo post-operation. RESULTS: AS-OCT examination showed the expansion of the SCS near the injection site immediately after SCS injection. At three months of follow-up, as compared to the baseline, the mean CST was significantly decreased from 535.0±157.24 to 319.55±127.30 μm (P < 0.001), the mean BCVA was significantly improved from 1.05±0.41 to 0.73±0.41 logMAR (P<0.001), and the mean IOP was not significantly different, from 15.05 ± 2.54  to 15.85 ± 3.60 mm Hg (P=0.185). Any complication related to the injection procedure including cataract, choroidal and retinal hemorrhage, retinal detachment, or endophthalmitis was not observed in this study. CONCLUSION: The simple and minimally invasive technique of SCS injection of TA with a disposable 30-gauge needle connected to a 1 mL syringe is useful and applicable for macular edema.

Abstract:AIM: To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) readings obtained with Perkins tonometry, iCare Home, iCare 200, and Tonopen to IOP readings obtained with the manometer of a perfusion system to assess the accuracy and reproducibility of each method of tonometry at set pressures. METHODS: The IOP of human cadaveric eyes (n=2) was measured using a manometer inserted into the eye through the optic nerve. IOP measurements were obtained using a Perkins tonometer, iCare Home, iCare 200, and Tonopen. These measurements were compared to set point IOP measurements of a manometer to determine accuracy and reproducibility of each device. RESULTS: Mean IOP readings obtained with the Perkins tonometer compared to manometer readings demonstrated a difference of -1.0±5.0 mm Hg (P=0.45), indicating a lower reading on average than manometery although not significant. Mean IOP difference between iCare 200 and manometer was 5.3±2.2 mm Hg (P<0.0001). Mean difference in IOP between iCare Home and manometer was 3.5±2.4 mm Hg (P=0.0004). Mean IOP difference compared to manometer was 4.6±4.0 mm Hg for the Tonopen (P<0.0001). IOP measurements obtained with the Perkins tonometer demonstrated a standard deviation of 5.0 mm Hg while the Tonopen measurements demonstrated a 4.0 mm Hg standard deviation. In comparison, iCare 200 and iCare Home demonstrated 2.2 and 2.4 mm Hg standard deviation, respectively. CONCLUSION: Applanation tonometry produces more accurate IOP readings than rebound tonometry or Tonopen, however it demonstrates greater variability than the other forms of tonometry. Rebound tonometry is more reproducible but tends to over-estimate IOP.

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