Sex,gender, and retinoblastoma: analysis of 4351 patients from 153 countries

ObjectiveTo investigate in a large global sample of patients with retinoblastoma whether sex predilection exists for this childhood eye cancer.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis including 4351 treatment-naive retinoblastoma patients from 153 countries who presented to 278 treatment centers across the world in 2017. The sex ratio (male/female) in the sample was compared to the sex ratio at birth by means of a two-sided proportions test at global level, country economic grouping, continent, and for selected countries.ResultsFor the entire sample, the mean retinoblastoma sex ratio, 1.20, was higher than the weighted global sex ratio at birth, 1.07 (p < 0.001). Analysis at economic grouping, continent, and country-level demonstrated differences in the sex ratio in the sample compared to the ratio at birth in lower-middle-income countries (n = 1940), 1.23 vs. 1.07 (p = 0.019); Asia (n = 2276), 1.28 vs. 1.06 (p < 0.001); and India (n = 558), 1.52 vs. 1.11 (p = 0.008). Sensitivity analysis, excluding data from India, showed that differences remained significant for the remaining sample (χ² = 6.925, corrected p = 0.025) and for Asia (χ² = 5.084, corrected p = 0.036). Excluding data from Asia, differences for the remaining sample were nonsignificant (χ² = 2.205, p = 0.14).ConclusionsNo proof of sex predilection in retinoblastoma was found in the present study, which is estimated to include over half of new retinoblastoma patients worldwide in 2017. A high male to female ratio in Asian countries, India in specific, which may have had an impact on global-level analysis, is likely due to gender discrimination in access to care in these countries, rather than a biological difference between sexes.Subject terms: Eye cancer, Risk factors     

The UK National Artificial Eye Questionnaire study: predictors of artificial eye wearers’ experience part 1—comfort and satisfaction

ObjectivesTo report associations with comfort and with appearance satisfaction in artificial eye wearers.MethodsMulticentre, observational, cross-sectional study, nationwide within the National Health Service England. The National Artificial Eye Questionnaire (NAEQ) was completed by 951 respondents. Multiple regressions assessed associations between the experiences of artificial eye wearers, routine management, changes over time, baseline and demographic parameters and their reported comfort, satisfaction with appearance and prosthesis motility.ResultsBetter comfort levels were associated with needing less lubrication (β = 0.24, p < 0.001), older age (β = 0.17, p = 0.014), less discharge (β = 0.16, p < 0.001), less frequent cleaning (β = 0.16, p = 0.043), and male gender (β = 0.06, p = 0.047). Greater satisfaction with the appearance of the artificial eye was associated with better perceived motility (β = 0.57, p < 0.001). Black ethnic origin predicted a lower satisfaction with the appearance (β = −0.17, p = 0.001). Greater satisfaction with the motility was associated with a better appearance rating (β = 0.51, p < 0.001), longer time of having an artificial eye (β = 0.13, p < 0.001), older age (β = 0.11, p = 0.042), and a shorter adjustment time (β = −0.07, p = 0.016). Of the testimonials concerning appearance aspects, the majority (21/45, 46.7%) were related to the effect on social interactions.ConclusionsThe results suggest that more attention should be given to the “dry anophthalmic socket syndrome” as a key cause of discomfort. Young patients are concerned particularly about the motility of the artificial eye. Over time satisfaction with the artificial eye movement is likely to improve.Subject terms: Quality of life, Signs and symptoms     

Quantitative assessment of the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the corneal sub-basal nerve plexus of post-COVID-19 patients using in vivo confocal microscopy

ObjectivesTo investigate whether SARS-CoV-2 causes morphological changes in the corneal sub-basal nerve plexus (CSNP) of post-COVID-19 patients using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM).MethodsA total of 70 participants were included in the study and were divided into three groups. Post-COVID-19 patients with neurological manifestations were considered Group 1 (n = 24), and post-COVID-19 patients without neurological manifestations were considered Group 2 (n = 24). Healthy control participants were considered Group 3 (n = 22). The parameters of the CSNP, including nerve fibre density (NFD), nerve branch density (NBD), and nerve fibre length (NFL), were investigated in all participants using IVCM. Additionally, corneal sensitivity was tested by corneal esthesiometry.ResultsThe mean NFD, NBD, and NFL values of Group 1 (16.12 ± 4.84 fibre/mm², 27.97 ± 9.62 branch/mm², and 11.60 ± 2.89 mm/mm²) were significantly lower than those of Group 2 (19.55 ± 3.01 fibre/mm², 40.44 ± 7.16 branch/mm², and 15.92 ± 2.08 mm/mm²) and Group 3 (25.24 ± 3.75 fibre/mm², 44.61 ± 11.80 branch/mm², and 17.76 ± 3.32 mm/mm²) (p < 0.05 for all). Except the mean NFD value (p < 0.001), there were no significant differences in terms of the mean NBD and NFL values between Group 2 and Group 3 (p = 0.445, p = 0.085). The value of the mean corneal sensitivity was significantly higher in Group 3 (59.09 ± 1.97 mm) compared to Group 1 (55.21 ± 1.02 mm) and Group 2 (55.28 ± 1.18 mm) (p < 0.001, p < 0.001) but there was no significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2 (p = 1.000).ConclusionIn post-COVID-19 patients, the mean parameters of CSNP were lower than in the control group. These differences were more pronounced in patients who had neurological manifestations of COVID-19.Subject terms: Viral infection, Corneal diseases     

Automated extraction of clinical measures from videos of oculofacial disorders using machine learning: feasibility,validity and reliability

ObjectivesTo determine the feasibility, validity and reliability of automatically extracting clinically meaningful eyelid measurements from consumer-grade videos of individuals with oculofacial disorders.MethodsA custom computer program was designed to automatically extract clinical measures from consumer-grade videos. This program was applied to publicly available videos of individuals with oculofacial disorders, and age-matched controls. The primary outcomes were margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1) and 2 (MRD2), blink lagophthalmos, and ocular surface area exposure. Test-retest reliability was evaluated using Bland–Altman analysis to compare the agreement in obtained measures between separate videos of the same individual taken within 48 h of each other.ResultsMRD1 was reduced in individuals with ptosis versus controls (2.2 mm versus 3.4 mm, p < 0.001), and increased in individuals with facial nerve palsy (FNP) (3.9 mm, p = 0.049) and thyroid eye disease (TED) (4.1 mm; p = 0.038). Blink lagophthalmos was increased in individuals with FNP (3.7 mm); p < 0.001) and those with TED (0.1 mm, p = 0.003) versus controls (0.0 mm). Ocular surface exposure was reduced in individuals with ptosis compared with controls (12.2 mm² versus 13.1 mm²; p < 0.001) and increased in TED (13.7 mm²; p 0.002). Bland-Altmann analysis demonstrated 95% limits of agreement for video-derived measures: median MRD1: −1.1 to 1.1 mm; median MRD2: −0.9 to 1.0 mm; blink lagophthalmos: −3.5 to 3.7 mm; and average ocular surface area exposure: −1.6 to 1.6 mm².ConclusionsThe presented program is capable of taking consumer grade videos of patients with oculofacial disease and providing clinically meaningful and reliable eyelid measurements that show promising validity.Subject terms: Eyelid diseases, Physical examination     

Automated MRI-based quantification of posterior ocular globe flattening and recovery after long-duration spaceflight

Background/ObjectivesSpaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), a health risk related to long-duration spaceflight, is hypothesized to result from a headward fluid shift that occurs with the loss of hydrostatic pressure gradients in weightlessness. Shifts in the vascular and cerebrospinal fluid compartments alter the mechanical forces at the posterior eye and lead to flattening of the posterior ocular globe. The goal of the present study was to develop a method to quantify globe flattening observed by magnetic resonance imaging after spaceflight.Subjects/MethodsVolumetric displacement of the posterior globe was quantified in 10 astronauts at 5 time points after spaceflight missions of ~6 months.ResultsMean globe volumetric displacement was 9.88 mm³ (95% CI 4.56–15.19 mm³, p < 0.001) on the first day of assessment after the mission (R[return]+ 1 day); 9.00 mm³ (95% CI 3.73–14.27 mm³, p = 0.001) at R + 30 days; 6.53 mm³ (95% CI 1.24–11.83 mm³, p < 0.05) at R + 90 days; 4.45 mm³ (95% CI −0.96 to 9.86 mm³, p = 0.12) at R + 180 days; and 7.21 mm³ (95% CI 1.82–12.60 mm³, p < 0.01) at R + 360 days.ConclusionsThere was a consistent inward displacement of the globe at the optic nerve, which had only partially resolved 1 year after landing. More pronounced globe flattening has been observed in previous studies of astronauts; however, those observations lacked quantitative measures and were subjective in nature. The novel automated method described here allows for detailed quantification of structural changes in the posterior globe that may lead to an improved understanding of SANS.Subject terms: Eye manifestations, Visual system, Physiology, Biological techniques     

Comparison of perimetric Glaucoma Staging Systems in Asians with primary glaucoma

BackgroundTo compare functional staging classifications in Vietnamese patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and chronic primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG).MethodsA retrospective cross-section study was conducted at a national setting. Two hundred seven eyes of 207 patients were recruited. Patients were tested with standard automated perimetry. Field loss was generally classified in four stages (normal, early, moderate, and severe), using four classification strategies: (1) Hodapp–Parrish–Anderson (HPA), (2) enhanced Glaucoma Staging System (eGSS), (3) modified Glaucoma Staging System (mGSS) and (4) the Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS). AGIS as a standard method was used to judge the staging performance of the other three classifications in terms of agreement (Cohen Kappa—K) and association (Chi-Square Test—Cramer’s V).ResultsThe agreement between AGIS and mGSS (K = 0.687; p < 0.001) and HPA (K = 0.686; p < 0.001) was substantial while that between AGIS and eGSS was slight (K = 0.103; p < 0.001). The association between AGIS and mGSS (V = 0.748; p < 0.001) and HPA (V = 0.748; p < 0.001) was greater than eGSS (V = 0.594; p < 0.001).ConclusionsMGSS and HPA showed stronger agreement and closer association with AGIS than eGSS. We recommend mGSS should be used in managing a glaucoma clinic because of its simplicity and convenience over HPA and AGIS.Subject terms: Glaucoma, Optic nerve diseases     

Changes in the structure of retinal layers over time in non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy

ObjectiveTo examine structural changes in retinal layers over time in patients with non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and determine the layers that predict visual outcomes.MethodsThe optical coherence tomography parameters in NAION eyes at <2 months, 2–5 months, and 6–18 months from the onset were compared to age-matched normal controls. Generalised estimating equation analysis was used to analyse the changes over time and regression analysis was performed to identify the layer that could predict visual field outcomes.ResultsLess than 2 months from the onset, the peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) (p = 0.001) and macular outer nuclear layer (ONL) (p = 0.024) were significantly thicker in the NAION eyes than in the control eyes. The average peripapillary RNFL, macular RNFL, and ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) showed reductions in thickness within 2–5 months (peripapillary RNFL: −19.8 μm/month, p < 0.001, macular RNFL: −14.5 μm/month, p < 0.001, GCIPL: −26.8 μm/month, p < 0.001). The change of thickness in temporal and superior peripapillary RNFL, GCIPL, inner nuclear layer (INL), and ONL by 2–5 months was associated with the final visual field results (p = 0.018, p < 0.001, p = 0.040, p = 0.020, and p = 0.002, respectively).ConclusionsThe peripapillary RNFL swelling initially observed started to decrease within 2–5 months along with macular RNFL and GCIPL thinning. The rate of thickness changes in the peripapillary RNFL, GCIPL, INL, and ONL by 2–5 months was associated with visual field outcomes.Subject terms: Optic nerve diseases, Outcomes research     

Managing risk in the face of adversity: design and outcomes of rapid glaucoma assessment clinics during a pandemic recovery

BackgroundThe provision of timely care to the high volume of glaucoma patients stratified as “low risk” following pandemic-related appointment deferrals continues to prove challenging for glaucoma specialists. It is unknown whether stratification as “low risk” remains valid over time, raising the potential risk of harm during this period if left unmonitored. This study aimed to evaluate whether Rapid Glaucoma Assessment Clinics (RGACs) are an effective method of assessing “low-risk” patients in order to identify those who may need an escalation of care, therefore reducing the risk of the future incidents of preventable vision loss.MethodsRGACs were developed which comprised a brief advance telephone history by a clinician and then ophthalmic technician-measured visual acuity and intraocular pressure in clinic. We report outcomes from the first month of operation describing attendance patterns, the proportion of patients from this “low risk” cohort requiring escalation and underlying reasons for treatment escalations.Results639 patients were invited to attend RGACs. 75% attended their booked appointment. Pre-attendance telephone consultations were associated with lower non-attendance rates (13.9% vs 29.3%, p < 0.00001). 15% of patients were no longer deemed to remain at “low risk” with further expedited clinical review scheduled. 10.4% of patients required an escalation in treatment following review.ConclusionsRGACs are an effective approach to deliver high throughput clinical assessments for large numbers of “low-risk” glaucoma patients with deferred appointments. They enable the rapid identification and treatment of patients who would otherwise face significantly delayed review reducing the risk of future preventable vision loss.Subject terms: Health services, Vision disorders     

Foveal structure,function and microvascular morphology in school-age children with laser-treated retinopathy of prematurity

PurposeThe purpose of this retrospective case-control study was to evaluate the relationship between foveal structure, function, microvascular morphology and visual acuity in school-age children with laser-treated retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).MethodsFoveal structural parameters, including the central foveal thickness (CFT), inner retinal thickness (IRT) and outer retinal thickness (ORT), were measured on B-scans using an Optovue XR Avanti optical coherence tomography device. Foveal microvascular parameters, including the foveal avascular zone (FAZ), superficial capillary plexus-vessel density (SCP-VD) and deep capillary plexus-vessel density (DCP-VD), were measured on optical coherence tomography angiography with a scan size of 3 × 3. The P1 amplitudes and P1 implicit times were recorded by a multifocal electroretinogram with 61 elements.ResultsFifty-five eyes (26 eyes of school-age ROP children and 29 eyes of full-term controls) were analysed. The ROP children manifested a significantly smaller FAZ, higher SCP-VD and higher DCP-VD than the controls (p < 0.001). The CFT (p < 0.001), IRT (p < 0.001) and ORT (p = 0.001) were significantly increased in the ROP group. The P1 amplitudes in all five-ring retinal regions were significantly smaller in the ROP group (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis indicated that best-corrected visual acuity was positively correlated with post-menstrual age (PMA) and negatively correlated with SCP-VD and CFT (R² = 0.529, p < 0.001, 0.043 and 0.020, respectively).ConclusionThe foveal structure, function and microvascular morphology are affected in school-age children with laser-treated ROP. PMA, foveal structural anomalies and microvascular changes in ROP children were associated with impaired visual function.Subject terms: Retinal diseases, Paediatrics     

Axial length as a basic anatomical predictor for morphological and clinical characteristics in acute central serous chorioretinopathy

ObjectivesTo study the association between axial length (AL) and morphological and clinical characteristics in acute central serous chorioretinopathy.MethodsAll patients received optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography (FA), optical biometry, and retro-mode scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. The distance between the leakage point and the centre of the fovea were defined using FA images, and its correlation with AL, subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT), central retinal thickness (CRT), and neurosensory detachment (NSD) area was calculated. The number of leaks, rate of bilateral involvement, and recurrence rate was evaluated.ResultsForty-seven patients (47 eyes) were included in this study (38 males, 9 females, mean age 43.5 ± 10.8 years). The distance between the leakage point and the centre of the fovea had a correlation with AL (r = −0.38, p = 0.008), SCT (r = 0.51, p = 0.0004), and the area of NSD (r = 0.5, p = 0.0006) but not with CRT (r = −0.11, p = 0.45). A statistically significant difference in the distance between the leakage point and the centre of the fovea was found between eyes with short (<23.0 mm), medium (23.0–24.0 mm), and long (>24.0 mm) AL (p = 0.014). Number of leaks, rate of bilateral involvement, and recurrence rate had a negative linear association with AL (p < 0.05).ConclusionsAL appears to be the basic anatomical predictor, which associated with morphological and clinical characteristics in acute central serous chorioretinopathy.Subject terms: Retinal diseases, Predictive markers     

Analysis of optical coherence angiography in cystoid macular oedema associated with gyrate atrophy

BackgroundTo evaluate the relationship between superficial, deep foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and foveal cyst areas in eyes with cystoid macular oedema (CMO) associated with gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina (GA).MethodsThis is a retrospective collaborative multicenter study of optical coherence tomography-angiography (OCTA) images in GA. Superficial and deep FAZ and foveal cyst were measured using Image J by two independent experts. Values were corrected for myopia magnification. These values were compared with age-matched controls from normative data.ResultsTwenty-three eyes from 12 patients with GA and CMO were included in the study. The mean ± standard deviation age was 22 ± 19.7 years, mean Snellen spectacle-corrected visual acuity of 20/70 with mean myopia of 5.7 ± 4.1 dioptres. Qualitatively, no focal occlusion of superficial and deep capillary plexus was noted. Mean superficial FAZ area (0.484 ± 0.317 mm²), deep FAZ area (0.626 ± 0.452 mm²), and foveal cyst area (0.630 ± 0.503 mm²) were significantly larger than superficial and deep FAZ areas in controls of same age range (p < 0.001). Macular cyst area correlated with superficial FAZ area (R = 0.59; p = 0.0057) and more strongly with deep FAZ area (R = 0.69; p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe superficial and deep FAZ area in GA-associated CMO were noted to be significantly larger than in controls. It seems that RPE dysfunction leads to foveal cyst enlargement displacing the capillary plexus with resultant enlarged superficial and deep FAZ area.Subject terms: Anatomy, Medical research     

Early structural and functional neurovascular changes in the retina in the prediabetic stage

PurposeThis study was undertaken to investigate the neurovascular changes in the retina of prediabetic subjects.MethodsSubjects enroled in a prospective study were separated into prediabetic and normal control groups based on their glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C) levels, fasting and postprandial blood sugar levels and glucose tolerance test. All the subjects underwent detailed ophthalmic evaluation, which included fundus examination, fundus photography, optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), and multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG). Comparisons were done between the groups using the Wilcoxon signed rank test.ResultsThe median age was 48 years for the normal controls (n = 40), and 49.5 years for prediabetic subjects (n = 45) (p = 0.306). There was no difference in the vision, contrast sensitivity, thickness of the ganglion cell complex or the foveal avascular zone parameters between the groups. But the central foveal thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness were significantly reduced in prediabetics (p < 0.01). The mfERG showed significant differences in the amplitude. The average amplitude was 35 ± 12 nv/deg² in the normals and 29 ± 11 nv/deg² in the prediabetics (p = 0.003). A weak positive correlation was noted between the mfERG and vascular parameters in the prediabetic group.ConclusionsThe prediabetic stage reveals earliest functional neuronal changes in the retina. The neuronal function seems to be affected much earlier than clinically appreciable structural changes in the ganglion cell complex and precedes vascular changes in the retina.Subject terms: Predictive markers, Blood flow     

Microperimetry and mfERG as functional measurements in diabetic macular oedema undergoing intravitreal ranibizumab treatment

PurposeTo evaluate Microperimetry (MP) and multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) as whole-macula functional markers of treatment response in naive diabetic macular oedema (DMO) patients undergoing ranibizumab treatment.MethodsAn exploratory sub-analysis of a prospective study ({"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT01947881","term_id":"NCT01947881"}}NCT01947881-CHARTRES). Patients received three monthly ranibizumab injections (loading dose) followed by pro re nata (PRN) regimen during 1 year. At baseline, during and after treatment (Months 0, 3, 6 and 12), subjects were tested using BCVA, OCT, MP and mfERG. MP was performed in the central 12°, and retinal sensitivity was measured overall (mean sensitivity (MS)), and in three concentric rings (R1–R3). mfERG P1 amplitude and implicit time were measured over six concentric rings (R1–R6).ResultsThirty-two eyes were included. MP mean and rings sensitivity were significantly lower in DMO (p < 0.001). After loading dose, a significant improvement in retina sensitivity was observed, particularly in good BCVA responders (MS = +2.28 dB; R1 = +2.33 dB, R2 = +2.20 dB, R3 = +2.25 dB; p = 0.049). Overall retinal sensitivity was significantly correlated with BCVA improvement (r = 0.54; p = 0.026) and inversely correlated with OCT central subfield thickness improvement (r = −0.39; p = 0.026). mfERG amplitude and implicit time were also lower in DMO (p < 0.011). An improvement of mfERG P1 amplitude and implicit time in R1 was noted in good responders after ranibizumab loading dose (+16.49 nV/deg²; p = 0.013 and −0.005 ms; p = 0.048, respectively). When changing to PRN treatment regimen, BCVA was maintained during the 12 months of follow-up but worsening of the visual function was detected by MP and mfERG.ConclusionsMicroperimetry and mfERG were able to demonstrate DMO functional improvement after treatment loading dose, as well as early visual changes when treatment regimen was switched to PRN.Subject terms: Predictive markers, Retinal diseases     

The Scottish RD survey 10 years on: the increasing incidence of retinal detachments

BackgroundThe Scottish RD Survey reported an incidence of 12.05/100,000/yr in 2009. Data published from Denmark recently confirmed a 50% increase in RD presentations over the last 16 years. We set out to repeat the Scottish RD survey to determine if a similar trend has been observed in Scotland.MethodsAll 16 Scottish VR surgeons, who make up the collaboration of Scottish VR Surgeons (SCVRs) were asked to prospectively record all primary RDs presenting from 12th August 2019 to 11th August 2020. For consistency, the case definitions were the same as for the 2009 Scottish RD Survey. Basic demographic and clinical features were recorded. Age specific incidence was calculated from mid-year population estimates for 2019 obtained from the National Records of Scotland.ResultsThere were 875 RRDs recorded, which gives an updated incidence of 16.02/100,000/year in Scotland. 62.8% occurred in males and the greatest increases were seen in males aged 50–59 (p = 0.0094), 60–69 (p = 0.0395) and females aged 40–49 (p = 0.0312) and 50–59 (p = 0.0024). The proportion of pseudophakic RRDs in this study is 29.4% (253/860). Compared to the 21.6% in the 2010 study, this represents a 28% increase (χ² = 11.03, p = 0.0009). The proportion of macula-off RRDs remained generally stable at 58%.ConclusionOur study confirms that RRD is becoming more common in the UK, reflecting almost identical findings from Denmark. This trend is in part due to increasing myopia, increasing pseudophakia, and possibly other factors. This should be considered when planning VR services and allocating resources in the future.Subject terms: Health occupations, Epidemiology     

The predictive value of ectopic inner retinal layer staging scheme for idiopathic epiretinal membrane: surgical results at 12 months

Background/objectivesTo assess the effect of ectopic inner foveal layers (EIFL) based staging scheme, foveal avascular zone (FAZ) alterations and other microstructural optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings on visual function for patients undergoing idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) surgery.Subjects/methodsIn this retrospective study, patients who underwent 27 G pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for idiopathic ERM with a minimum follow-up of 12 months were included. Preoperative and postoperative OCT scans, FAZ area measurements on en face OCT angiography images and mean retinal sensitivity (MRS) using microperimetry were recorded in all cases. The correlation of FAZ area, EIFL and other OCT parameters with preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was analysed.ResultsIn all, 112 eyes of 112 patients were included. Visual acuity improvement was statistically significant in all four stages; however, differences between Stages 2, 3 and 4 ERMs remained significant (p < 0.05). The presence and thickness of the EIFL was associated with worse baseline (p = 0.013; p = 0.005, respectively) and final (p < 0.001 for both) BCVA. The presence of cystoid macular oedema was associated with worse BCVA at baseline (p = 0.027) and postoperative month-6 (p = 0.04). The mean FAZ area was significantly reduced in all stages of ERM compared with the fellow eyes (p < 0.05 for all). Postoperative retinal sensitivity improvement was statistically significant in Stage 1 and Stage 2.ConclusionThe presence of EIFL is an independent predictor of worse postoperative BCVA. Accordingly, despite significant BCVA improvements in all stages of ERM, visual acuity gain remains limited in eyes with Stage 3 and Stage 4 ERM.Subject terms: Retinal diseases, Fluorescence spectroscopy     

Analysis of microbial keratitis incidence,isolates and in-vitro antimicrobial susceptibility in the East of England: a 6-year study

Background/ObjectivesTo report the incidence, microbiological profile and in-vitro antimicrobial susceptibilities of microbial keratitis (MK) in the East of England (EoE) over a 6-year period.Subjects/MethodsA retrospective study of patients diagnosed with MK who underwent corneal scraping at participating trusts, within the EoE, between 01/01/2015–01/07/2020. Analysis was performed on MK isolate profiles, in-vitro anti-microbial sensitivities and trends over time.ResultsThe mean incidence of IK, in the EoE, was estimated at 6.96 per 100 000 population/year. 1071 corneal scrapes were analysed, 460 were culture positive (42.95%) of which 87.2% were bacteria (50.3% gram-positive and 49.7% gram-negative), 2.4% polymicrobial, 9.3% fungi and 1.1% acanthamoeba. The most common organisms were pseudomonas spp (29.57%). There was a non-statistically significant trend (NST) in increasing incidence of pseudomonas spp, staph aureus and serratia (p = 0.719, p = 0.615, and p = 0.099 respectively) and a declining NST in Fungi (p = 0.058). Susceptibilities in-vitro to, penicillin classes, fluoroquinolone and aminoglycosides were 76.7% and 89.4%, 79.2% and 97.2% and 95.4 and 96.1% to gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria respectively. Gram-negative organisms were increasingly resistant to cephalosporins with a 19.2% reduction in sensitivity over time. (p = 0.011). Ceftriaxone showed the greatest decrease in sensitivity of 41.67% (p = 0.006).ConclusionIn the EoE, MK is relatively prevalent though likely underestimated. Profiles are similar to other UK regions with the exception of a higher fungal and lower acanthamoeba incidence. Common first and second-line antimicrobial selection provides, on the whole, good coverage. Nevertheless, anti-microbial resistance, to cephalosporins, was observed so selection should be carefully considered when treating MK empirically.Subject terms: Epidemiology, Antibiotics, Antifungal agents     

Smartphone gaming induces dry eye symptoms and reduces blinking in school-aged children

PurposeSmartphone use by children is rising rapidly, but its ocular surface impact is unknown. This study examined the effect of smartphone use on blinking, symptoms, and tear function in children.MethodsProspective intervention study where 36 children aged 6–15years (14 M:22 F) played games on a smartphone continuously for one hour. Symptoms (SANDE, IOSS, NRS) and tear film (lipid layer thickness, tear secretion, stability) were assessed before and after gaming. Blink rate and interblink interval were measured in situ using an eye tracking headset, before (during conversation) and continuously throughout gaming. Symptoms and tear film changes were examined using paired t-tests. Changes in blinking throughout one hour were examined using repeated measures ANOVA, post-hoc comparisons with Bonferroni correction. Associations examined using Pearson bivariate correlation. Significance level was 0.05.ResultsSymptoms worsened following one hour smartphone gaming (SANDE + 8.2units, p = 0.01; IOSS + 1.3units, p < 0.001; NRS-average +6.3units, p = 0.03; NRS-comfort +7.6units, p = 0.04; NRS-tiredness +10.1units, p = 0.01), but tear film remained unchanged. Blink rate reduced from 20.8 blinks/min to 8.9 blinks/min (p < 0.001) and interblink interval increased from 2.9 s to 8.7 s (p = 0.002) within the first minute of gaming relative to baseline conversation, and this effect remained unchanged throughout one hour of gaming.ConclusionsSmartphone use in children results in dry eye symptoms and immediate and sustained slowing of blinking, with no change in tear function evident up to one hour. Given the ubiquitous use of smartphones by children, future work should examine whether effects reported herein persist or get worse over a longer term causing cumulative damage to the ocular surface.Subject terms: Eye manifestations, Education     

Patient reported psychosocial functioning following successful ptosis surgery

BackgroundPtosis may result in increased anxiety, appearance-related distress and social avoidance, and impacts visual function. Previous work demonstrates the benefits of ptosis surgery for health-related quality of life, but there is a paucity of research comparing such outcomes before and after surgery. The aim of this study was to determine potential patient benefits in health-related quality of life, social dysfunction and anxiety following successful ptosis surgery using validated measures.MethodsAdult ptosis correction surgery patients completed validated measures of appearance-related social anxiety and avoidance, anxiety and depression, and fear of negative evaluation pre-surgery. Following successful surgery, these measures were repeated post-discharge in addition to another health-related quality of life measure.ResultsOf 61 patients recruited, follow-up measures were sent to 33 and completed by 23. Paired samples t-tests demonstrated positive significant changes in appearance-related social distress pre-op m = 30.94, post-op m = 23.67 (t(17) = 3.46, 95% CI 2.84–11.72, p = 0.003), anxiety pre-op m = 7.6, post-op m = 4.9 (t(19) = 4.27, 95% CI 1.38–4.02, p < 0.001) and fear of negative evaluation pre-op m = 34.79, post-op m = 31.26 (t(18) = 2.47, 95% CI 0.52–6.53, p = 0.024). There was no significant difference in depression scores pre-op m = 3.6; post-op m = 3.2 (t(19) = 0.672, 65% CL −0.85 to 1.65, p = 0.510). In total, 85% of patients reported positive benefit to well-being following surgery.ConclusionIncreasingly, evidence suggests ptosis surgery may benefit patient’s well-being, appearance-related social anxiety and avoidance, as well as improving visual function. These psychosocial benefits should be considered alongside functional benefits in the provision of ptosis surgery.Subject terms: Quality of life, Health services     

Refractive and visual outcomes of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in eyes with thin corneas

ObjectivesTo report the refractive and visual outcomes of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) with the thinnest corneal thickness (CCT) of less than 500 µm and evaluate it in terms of safety and efficacy.SettingRefractive Surgery Clinic of University of Health Sciences Beyoglu Eye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.DesignRetrospective case series.MethodsThe pre-and-postoperative examinations of all patients with thin corneas (preoperative CCT <500 µm) who underwent the SMILE procedure and had a minimum of 24 months of follow-up records were reviewed from medical files. The main outcome measures of the refractive and visual outcomes and the effect on corneal high order aberrations (HOAs) were evaluated.ResultsThe study included 55 eyes of 39 patients. The mean preoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UDVA) was 1.3 ± 1.5 logMAR, and the mean postoperative UDVA was significantly improved to 0.05 ± 0.80 logMAR at the last visit (p < 0.001). At the last follow-up, 84% of the eyes were within ± 0.50D, and 96% of the eyes were within ±1.00D of attempted SE refraction. The HOAs of coma (p < 0.001), secondary astigmatism (p = 0.015), spherical aberration (p < 0.001), and RMS (p < 0.001) aberrations increased significantly from the baseline to the postoperative last visit. The increase in trefoil was not significant (p = 0.32). No sight threatening complications or ectasia were observed during the follow-up time.ConclusionSMILE is a safe and effective technique with long-term stability for treatment of myopia in eyes with a thin cornea, and satisfactory results can be obtained if candidates for surgery are selected carefully with particular emphasis on normal preoperative corneal topography.Subject terms: Outcomes research, Refractive errors