Visual outcomes of open globe injury patients with traumatic cataracts

International Ophthalmology - Open globe injury (OGI) is a serious form of ocular trauma that can significantly lower quality of life post-injury due to comorbidities. This study was designed to...     

Assessment of the Prosthetic Replacement of Ocular Surface Ecosystem (PROSE) scleral lens on visual acuity for corneal irregularity and ocular surface disease

Purpose

To describe changes in visual acuity in patients fit with the Prosthetic Replacement of Ocular Surface Ecosystem (PROSE) with irregular corneas compared to those with ocular surface disease, as well as describe patient demographics and fitting indications for PROSE at an academic medical center.

Social Media and Ophthalmology: Perspectives of Patients and Ophthalmologists

Recent research has analyzed how patients use social media, but little information exists evaluating how patients utilize social media in the perioperative period or how ophthalmologists and eye institutions integrate social media into their practices. This observational study aimed to examine (1) how patients interact on social media when undergoing LASIK and (2) how ophthalmologists and (3) eye institutions utilize social media accounts. We analyzed 2592 Instagram posts between August 2016 and April 2017 on a related hashtag (#lasiksurgery). Content was coded based on time frame of the post in relation to the procedure, references to return to work/activity, post-surgical photographs, mention of the surgical institution, tone, and complaints regarding the procedure. Twitter and Instagram accounts for 30 ophthalmologists and eye institutes were also located. The 20 most recent posts were categorized by message type and topic (physicians, patients, education, conference, etc.). Patients using the hashtag posted photographs (92%), had a positive tone (88%), referenced the clinic where they were treated (62%), and posted during the day of the procedure (44%). Ophthalmologists’ personal tweets focused on research conferences (35%), personal topics (25%), and the accomplishments of other physicians (21%). Eye institutions generally posted content relating to institutional promotion (22%), physician accomplishments (20%), and research publications (19%). Similar to other medical specialties, ophthalmology has a meaningful presence on both Twitter and Instagram. While LASIK patients tend to comment on their renewed vision and return to activity, ophthalmologists post to promote their research and accomplishments.     

Association of optical cataract indices with cataract severity and visual function

International Ophthalmology - The purpose of this study is to determine the correlation between subjective and optical measurements used during cataract evaluation, including the iTrace...     

Protein interactome reveals converging molecular pathways among autism disorders

To uncover shared pathogenic mechanisms among the highly heterogeneous autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), we developed a protein interaction network that identified hundreds of new interactions among proteins encoded by ASD-associated genes. We discovered unexpectedly high connectivity between SHANK and TSC1, previously implicated in syndromic autism, suggesting that common molecular pathways underlie autistic phenotypes in distinct syndromes. ASD patients were more likely to harbor copy number variations that encompass network genes than were control subjects. We also identified, in patients with idiopathic ASD, three de novo lesions (deletions in 16q23.3 and 15q22 and one duplication in Xq28) that involve three network genes (NECAB2, PKM2, and FLNA). The protein interaction network thus provides a framework for identifying causes of idiopathic autism and for understanding molecular pathways that underpin both syndromic and idiopathic ASDs.     

Repeatability and comparability of corneal thickness measurements obtained from Dual Scheimpflug Analyzer and from ultrasonic pachymetry

Background

To assess the repeatability and comparability of central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements obtained from the Galilei Dual Scheimpflug Analyzer (Galilei-DSA) and from ultrasonic pachymetry (USP) in normal eyes and in eyes following laser refractive surgery.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, 77 eyes of 39 patients with normal corneas and 39 eyes of 20 patients with prior laser refractive surgery were enrolled. All 116 eyes had three repeated measurements of central CCT with the Galilei-DSA first and then with USP by the same examiner. Reliability of both devices was assessed statistically, and CCT measurements by each were compared.

Results

The mean CCT measurement of normal eyes was 549.2 ± 30.5 μm and 548.5 ± 33.1 μm by the Galilei-DSA and USP respectively; the difference between the two modalities was ?0.7  ± 7.1 μm (P?=?0.365). In post-refractive surgery eyes, the mean CCT measured by the Galilei-DSA and USP was 500.4 ± 44.8 and 494.3 ± 50.3 respectively; the difference between the two devices was ?6.2 ± 9.9 μm (P?<?0.001). For the three repeated measurements, the mean standard deviation was 2 μm with the Galilei-DSA and 1.8 μm with USP in normal eyes, and 2.4 μm with the Galilei-DSA and 1.9 μm with USP in post-refractive surgery eyes.

Conclusion

The Galilei-DSA has high repeatability and excellent to moderate agreement with ultrasonic pachymetry when measuring CCT in normal and post-refractive surgery eyes.