[Incidence of delirium in ophthalmology]. / Delir-Inzidenz in der Augenheilkunde.

BACKGROUND: Due to the short duration of inpatient stays and increasing outpatient treatment it is assumed that the incidence of delirium in ophthalmology is underestimated. The overall aim of this study was to record the incidence of delirium in ophthalmology through long-term follow-up. METHOD: The study was divided into 2 groups. In group A delirium events were recorded retrospectively based on the discharge reports of all inpatients at the University Clinic Freiburg, Clinic for Ophthalmology from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2022. In group B delirium events were recorded prospectively by the Augennetz Südbaden (Eye Network South Baden, ANSB) in the period 60-120 days after ophthalmological surgery. RESULTS: During the study period of the retrospective analysis a total of 16,384 patients were treated as inpatients. There was evidence of a total of 7 new delirium events. This corresponds to a proportion of 0.04%. A total of 12,381 patients were assessed by the ANSB, including 11,530 outpatient cataract operations. There were indications of 31 delirium events, which corresponds to a proportion of 0.25%. CONCLUSION: The long-term prospectively recorded delirium events suggest that the incidence of delirium in the inpatient setting is underdiagnosed; however, postoperative delirium appears to be rare in ophthalmology in relation to the high number of procedures.

Characteristics and Trends of Strabismus Surgeries at a Tertiary Hospital Over 2 Decades - What Can Be Learned for Years to Come?

PURPOSE: To analyze characteristics and trends of strabismus surgeries in an Israeli hospital over 2 decades. METHODS: A descriptive, retrospective study including all strabismus surgeries (666) performed during 2000-2019 at an Israeli tertiary hospital. Electronic medical records (EMRs) were directly retrieved to produce an anonymized database. RESULTS: No trends were evident for age, sex, or ethnicity (p = .294, 0.914 and p = .167, respectively). The mean number of horizontal muscles remained stable, while an increase was noted in the mean number of muscles operated on to repair vertical strabismus (p < .0001). Among acquired cases, a 2.67-fold increase was noted in the proportion of spontaneous strabismus and a decrease of traumatic causes to a third (p < .001). An increase was noted in the proportion of exotropia among horizontal strabismus corrections (p = .022), and esotropia correction techniques distribution changed (p = .004). Reoperations comprised a third of all cases during both decades (p = .198). Reoperations were more prevalent among younger and Jewish patients (p < .001 and p = .024, respectively). Techniques to correct esotropia and exotropia differed significantly between primary surgeries and reoperations (p < .00001 each). CONCLUSIONS: The complexity of surgical techniques increased over time. Ethnic minorities were less prone to reoperations.

Posterior scleral reinforcement surgery effectively slows the rate of high myopic progression in children.

PURPOSE: To investigate the rate of axial length elongation and high myopia progression in operated eyes before and after posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective study. Children with pathological myopia treated with PSR at Beijing Tongren Hospital between May 2013 and May 2020 were recruited into the PSR surgery group. Children matched for age and myopia were recruited into the control group. All children underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations. The presurgical and postsurgical rates of axial length elongation and myopic (spherical equivalent) progression were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 35 PSR patients were included in the study. The mean age was 6.5±3.0 years (range 2 to 14 years). Mean follow-up was 544 days (range 216 to 1657 days). The rate of axial length elongation was significantly less after posterior scleral reinforcement surgery (0.505±0.048mm per year prior to surgery; 0.382±0.045mm per year after surgery, P<0.001). The rate of myopic progression decreased after posterior scleral reinforcement surgery (1.162±0.118 D per year prior to surgery; 0.153±0.437 D per year after surgery, P=0.0239). There was no statistically significant difference in axial length elongation or myopic progression between pre-inclusion and post-inclusion in the control group. Moreover, the children's best-corrected visual acuity was significantly improved after posterior scleral reinforcement surgery (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Posterior scleral reinforcement surgery effectively decreased the rate of high myopic progression and axial length elongation in children.

Functional outcomes of canalicular laceration repair with self-retaining masterka stent in a tertiary eye care center in France: A retrospective study of 30 patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term functional outcomes of canalicular laceration repair using the Masterka® monocanalicular intubation system. METHODS: this interventional case series included the data from 30 patients who underwent canalicular laceration repair with a 30-mm pushed monocanalicular stent (Masterka®) and suturing of the lacerated canaliculus with 8/0 Vicryl interrupted sutures. Operative details and complications were meticulously noted. Stent removal took place as early as 3 months post-surgery, with functional success defined as the absence of epiphora four years after surgery. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 28.5±26.3 years, with 20 out of 30 patients (66.6%) being male. Lower canaliculus involvement was noted in 23 patients (76.6%), while the upper canaliculus was affected in 7 patients (23.4%). On average, patients presented for medical attention within approximately one day of sustaining with injuries, and all underwent successful repairs. Notably, functional success was observed in all 30 cases, constituting a 100% success rate. Stent-related complications were encountered in two patients (6.6%). One patient reported stent removal after an average follow-up period of one month, while the other developed a punctal granuloma one-month post-surgery, which regressed following one month of topical steroid treatment. CONCLUSION: Repairing canalicular lacerations using the self-retaining Masterka® monocanalicular intubation system demonstrated a notable achievement in long-term functional success while presenting minimal complications. To further substantiate these promising results, an interventional study that includes a comparison analysis with other types of intubation methods is warranted.

Telemedicine in Oculoplastic Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Single Center Experience.

Purpose: To investigate patterns in oculoplastic surgery telemedicine visits at our institution during the pandemic period. Methods: Retrospective chart review of all patients who had a virtual consultation with the oculoplastic surgery service at Mayo Clinic Rochester between March 1, 2020, and March 1, 2021. Results: There were a total of 148 patients. Mean age was 65 years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 62-68). The mean driving distance to the medical center was 468 kilometers (95% CI: 352-586) and 15 (10%) patients came from states with no practicing American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) members. Out of the 205 virtual visits, 35 (17%) were new, 45 (22%) were return, and 125 (61%) were postoperative. Conversion rate to surgery was 60%. A comparison between type of virtual visits (new vs. return vs. postoperative) revealed that a diagnosis of eyelid malposition was most frequent in postoperative visits (p = < 0.001), skin malignancy was most frequent in new visits (p = 0.009), and orbital tumors (p = 0.018) and thyroid eye disease (p = < 0.001) were most frequent in return visits. Most virtual encounters had supportive media attached including external photographs in 127 (62%) visits and other imaging or testing in 18 (9%) visits. The average virtual visit lasted 18 min (95% CI: 14-22) with technical difficulties noted in 9 (4%) visits. Unanticipated conversion to in-person visits was noted in three (1%) cases. Conclusions: A wide range of oculoplastic surgery conditions was managed virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilization of initial virtual visit versus follow-up care varied by diagnosis. Virtual visits may improve access to oculoplastic subspecialty care for patients from underserved areas.

Comparison of Pterygium Recurrence Rates Between Attending Physicians and Supervised Trainee Residents.

PURPOSE: To compare the recurrence rates after pterygium surgery performed by supervised trainee residents and attending physicians. METHODS: This retrospective study included pterygium surgeries performed by trainee residents and attending physicians in an academic institution in South Texas in the years 2008 to 2019. All residents performed surgeries under direct supervision of an attending physician. Only primary pterygium cases with a minimum postoperative follow-up of 6 months were included. Patients' demographics, primary surgeon, use of conjunctival autograft (CAU) or amniotic membrane graft (AMG), recurrence of pterygium, follow-up length, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: This study included 240 eyes of 229 patients with a mean age of 55.6 ± 12.3 years (range, 28-91 years). Of these eyes, 100 surgeries were performed by attending physicians (including 87 with CAU and 13 with AMG) and 140 surgeries by trainee residents (including 119 with CAU and 21 with AMG). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups of patients regarding age, sex, and surgical technique (CAU vs. AMG). Patients were followed up for an average of 19.8 ± 15.2 months. No statistically significant differences were found in comparing the rate of pterygium recurrence between attending physicians and residents when using CAU (6.8% vs. 10.0%, respectively; P = 0.42) and AMG (69.2% vs. 47.6%, respectively; P = 0.22). Moreover, there were no significant differences in other postoperative complications between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pterygium recurrence rates were similar between attending physicians and supervised trainee residents. Thus, acceptable outcomes can be expected when pterygium surgery is performed by a supervised ophthalmology resident.

Incidence of Sympathetic Ophthalmia after Inciting Events: A National Database Study in Japan.

PURPOSE: To analyze the incidence of sympathetic ophthalmia (SO) after inciting events (eye trauma or intraocular surgery). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Patients experiencing inciting events between 2012 and 2019. Onset of SO was defined as the first date of SO diagnosis. METHODS: Using a nationwide administrative claims database in Japan, we calculated the cumulative incidence of SO after inciting events stratified by sex, 10-year age groups, and a categorical variable of primary or repeated, reflecting the history of inciting events in the past year (no inciting events, inciting events without trauma, or inciting events with trauma) using the Kaplan-Meier approach. We also estimated the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) by Cox regression. We then restricted the population to those with only 1 inciting event during the observation period to investigate the pure effect of each inciting event. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cumulative incidence of SO over 60 months. RESULTS: A total of 888 041 inciting events (704 717 patients) were eligible. The total number of SO cases was 263, and the cumulative incidence of SO was 0.044% over 60 months. Female sex was not associated with onset of SO (aHR, 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79-1.29; P = 0.95). The group 40 to 49 years of age showed the highest incidence of 0.104% among the age groups (aHR vs. ≥80 years of age group [0.041%], 2.44 [95% CI, 1.56-3.80]; P < 0.001). Repeated inciting events with and without trauma showed higher incidences of SO (0.469% and 0.072%, respectively) than primary inciting events (0.036%) (aHR 11.68 [7.74-17.64] and 2.21 [95% CI, 1.59-3.07], respectively); P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). The incidence of SO after vitrectomy was much lower than after trauma (0.016% vs. 0.073%), and the incidence after scleral buckling was even lower. CONCLUSIONS: The cumulative incidence of SO over 60 months was estimated to be 0.044% at minimum. Repeated inciting events, especially those with trauma, increased the risk of SO developing. Trauma was 4 to 5 times as likely to induce SO than vitrectomy. The present findings will be valuable for counseling patients about the risks of SO after trauma and before performing intraocular surgeries.

National Health Care data system analysis of glaucoma surgery activity in France in 2016.

PURPOSE: To describe the glaucoma surgery offer in France in 2016. METHODS: We used the French National Health Care System database to identify all medical procedures carried out in 2016. The study investigated the entire population aged 30 years and older that had undergone glaucoma surgery, alone or combined with another surgery. We calculated the incidence of surgeries per 100 000 inhabitants 30 years of age and older performed by ophthalmologists carrying out at least 50 procedures annually, the number of surgeons doing these surgeries, the mean age of these practitioners, and the number of surgeons older than 55 years. RESULTS: In 2016, 16 854 glaucoma surgeries were performed in patients aged 30 years and older, for an incidence of 40.8 per 100 000 inhabitants aged 30 years and older. The most frequent procedure performed was trabeculectomy followed by non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (16.7 and 11.7, respectively, per 100 000 inhabitants 30 years of age and older). Private practice glaucoma surgery accounted for 47% of the activity of surgeons performing at least 50 surgeries per year and 60% of the total surgical activity. Of the private practice ophthalmologists performing at least 50 glaucoma surgery procedures per year, 58.5% were over 55 years of age, and 23.5% of public hospital ophthalmologists were over 55 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that surgeons performing glaucoma surgeries are often older. It is necessary to take note of the country's educational capacity to ensure that the number of ophthalmological surgeons remains adapted to demand.

The ophthalmic surgical backlog associated with the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based and microsimulation modelling study.

BACKGROUND: Jurisdictions worldwide ramped down ophthalmic surgeries to mitigate the effects of COVID-19, creating a global surgical backlog. We sought to predict the long-term impact of COVID-19 on the timely delivery of non-emergent ophthalmology sub-specialty surgical care in Ontario. METHODS: This is a microsimulation modelling study. We used provincial population-based administrative data from the Wait Time Information System database in Ontario for January 2019 to May 2021 and facility-level data for March 2018 to May 2021 to estimate the backlog size and wait times associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. For the postpandemic recovery phase, we estimated the resources required to clear the backlog of patients accumulated on the wait-list during the pandemic. Outcomes were accrued over a time horizon of 3 years. RESULTS: A total of 56 923 patients were on the wait-list in the province of Ontario awaiting non-emergency ophthalmic surgery as of Mar. 15, 2020. The number of non-emergency surgeries performed in the province decreased by 97% in May 2020 and by 80% in May 2021 compared with the same months in 2019. By 2 years and 3 years since the start of the pandemic, the overall estimated number of patients awaiting surgery grew by 129% and 150%, respectively. The estimated mean wait time for patients for all subspecialty surgeries increased to 282 (standard deviation [SD] 91) days in March 2023 compared with 94 (SD 97) days in 2019. The provincial monthly additional resources required to clear the backlog by March 2023 was estimated to be a 34% escalation from the prepandemic volumes (4626 additional surgeries). INTERPRETATION: The estimates from this microsimulation modelling study suggest that the magnitude of the ophthalmic surgical backlog from the COVID-19 pandemic has important implications for the recovery phase. This model can be adapted to other jurisdictions to assist with recovery planning for vision-saving surgeries.

Association between glaucoma surgery and all-cause and cause-specific mortality among elderly patients with glaucoma: a nationwide population-based cohort study.

This population-based, retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the association between glaucoma surgery and all-cause and cause-specific mortality among Korean elderly patients with glaucoma. A total of 16210 elderly patients (aged ≥ 60 years) diagnosed with glaucoma between 2003 and 2012 were included, and their insurance data were analyzed. The participants were categorized into a glaucoma surgery cohort (n = 487), which included individuals who had diagnostic codes for open angle glaucoma (OAG) or angle closure glaucoma (ACG) and codes for glaucoma surgery, and a glaucoma diagnosis cohort (n = 15,723), which included patients who had codes for OAG and ACG but not for glaucoma surgery. Sociodemographic factors, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, and ocular comorbidities were included as covariates. Cox regression models were used to assess the association between glaucoma surgery and mortality. The incidence of all-cause mortality was 34.76/1,000 person-years and 27.88/1,000 person-years in the glaucoma surgery and diagnosis groups, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality associated with glaucoma surgery was 1.31 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.62, P = 0.014). The adjusted HR for mortality due to a neurologic cause was significant (HR = 2.66, 95% CI 1.18-6.00, P = 0.018). The adjusted HRs for mortality due to cancer (HR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.07-3.83, P = 0.029) and accident or trauma (HR = 4.00, 95% CI 1.55-10.34, P = 0.004) associated with glaucoma surgery for ACG were significant as well. Glaucoma surgery was associated with an increase of mortality in elderly patients with glaucoma. In particular, the risk of mortality associated with glaucoma surgery due to neurologic causes was significant.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on public sector ophthalmic work by New Zealand's ophthalmologists.

AIM: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the New Zealand government enforced a nationwide 'alert level 4' lockdown from 26 March to 27 April 2020. We assessed the impact of this lockdown on New Zealand's public ophthalmology service. METHOD: An anonymous online survey was sent to all New Zealand-based fellows of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) after lockdown. Respondents provided retrospective assessment of practice patterns and their personal health during the COVID-19 lockdown. This was supported by national-level administrative data, allowing survey findings to be contextualised. RESULTS: Fifty-seven respondents (response rate 49%) working in the public health system participated. A large majority of respondents reduced elective clinic and surgical volumes by at least 75% (82% and 98%, respectively). National-level information confirmed clinic reduced to 38.2% of normal and elective operating volumes to 11.5%, with virtual visits increasing 17.9-fold. Elective clinic and elective operating volumes promptly recovered to usual volumes on the second month post lockdown. Most respondents (58%) followed the RANZCO triaging guideline, and 28% triaged emergencies only. At a personal level, respondents reported a significant physical health benefit (p<0.001) associated with the lockdown experience, but no change in mental health or social wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS: Publicly employed ophthalmologists experienced dramatic reductions to elective clinic and operating volumes during the COVID-19 lockdown. The prompt recovery of service delivery volumes back to pre-lockdown levels supports the value of a COVID-19 elimination strategy in New Zealand. Virtual visits for selected patients allowed ongoing management without risking virus transmission.

Progression of Primary Angle Closure Suspect to Primary Angle Closure and Associated Risk Factors: The Handan Eye Study.

Purpose: To investigate the progression of angle closure from primary angle closure suspect (PACS) and associated risk factors over five years in rural Chinese adults. Methods: In this population-based cohort study, subjects aged ≥30 years old with unilateral or bilateral PACS at baseline of the Handan Eye Study who participated in the follow-up and had undergone baseline and follow-up gonioscopic examinations were included. The progression of angle closure was defined as the presence of primary angle closure (PAC)/primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) during the follow-up in subjects with PACS at baseline. Ocular data from the right eye were used for cases with bilateral PACS and unilateral PACS in the right eye at baseline. For those with unilateral PACS in the left eye at baseline, ocular data from the left eye were used. Demographic information, ocular conditions, personal history, and systemic comorbidities were compared between the progression and nonprogression groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the baseline risk factors for progression of angle closure. Results: In total, 526 subjects (111 male, 415 female) with baseline PACS were finally enrolled. The overall progression of PACS to angle closure was 32 cases (31 PAC, 1 PACG). Logistic regression analysis identified narrower mean angle width (P < 0.001) to be associated with the progression. Conclusions: We report the progression from baseline PACS to PAC/PACG after five years. And baseline mean angle width was determined to be independent predictive risk factor for the progression of angle closure.

Características de orbitopatía asociada al tiroides y tasa de requerimiento de cirugía / Thyroid-associated orbitopathy characteristics and surgery requirement rate

RESUMO Objetivo: Conheça as características demográficas e clínicas da Órbita Associada da Tiroide (OAT), bem como a taxa de exigência da cirurgia orbital em pacientes do Centro Médico Nacional do Oeste. Métodos. Estudo observacional, transversal, descritivo e retrospetivo realizado analisando os registos de pacientes diagnosticados com OAT tratados num centro de cuidados de terceiro nível de janeiro de 2005 a julho de 2016. Os resultados. Um total de 236 órbitas de 118 pacientes foram avaliados, com uma idade média de 47,3 (13,2 anos, 74,6% eram do sexo feminino e 25,4% masculinos. 4,2% dos doentes foram tratados com hipotiroidismo, 94,1% com hipertireoidismo e 1,7% com goiter tóxico difuso. 44,9% dos doentes estudados com restrição de movimento ocular,10,2% com queratopatia de exposição e 51,7% com hipertensão intraocular. 34,7% dos doentes avaliados no serviço necessitaram de descompressão orbital, 16,1% de cirurgia palpebral e 8,5% de correção do hatrabisma. Na gestão conservadora destes doentes, 48,3% exigiam o uso de lubrificantes tópicos dos olhos, enquanto 52,5% dos pacientes necessitavam do uso de hipotensivos oculares em número variável. As conclusões. A OAT foi associada principalmente ao hipertiroidismo, sendo mais comum em pacientes do sexo feminino entre os 40 e os 59 anos; mais de 50% dos pacientes necessitaram do uso de hipotensivos oculares. Da mesma forma, a gestão cirúrgica foi realizada em mais de 50% dos pacientes, sendo a descompressão orbital a intervenção mais frequente.

ABSTRACT Objective. To know the demographic and clinical characteristics of Thyroid Associated Orbitopathy (TAO), as well as the requirement rate of orbital surgery in patients of the Orbit Service in the National Medical Center of the West, IMSS. Methods. Observational, cross-cutting, descriptive and retrospective study carried out analyzing the records of patients diagnosed with TAO and treated at a third-level care center from January 2005 to July 2016. Results. A total of 236 orbits of 118 patients were valued, with an average age of 47.3 ± 13.2 years, 74.6% were female and 25.4% male. 4.2% of patients were treated with hypothyroidism, 94.1% with hyperthyroidism and 1.7% with diffuse toxic goiter. 44.9% of patients studied had eye movement restriction,10.2% exposure keratopathy and 51.7% intraocular hypertension. 34.7% of patients valued in the service required orbital decompression, 16.1% palpebral surgery and 8.5% strabism correction. In the conservative management of these patients 48.3% required the use of topical eye lubricants, while 52.5% required the use of eye hypotensives in variable numbers. Conclusions. TAO was mainly associated with hyperthyroidism, being more common in female patients between the age of 40 and 59; more than 50% of patients required the use of eye hypotensives. Likewise, surgical management was performed in more than 50% of patients, with orbital decompression being the most frequent intervention.

Paediatric glaucoma in Hong Kong: a multicentre retrospective analysis of epidemiology, presentation, clinical interventions, and outcomes.

PURPOSE: To document the epidemiology, presentation, clinical interventions, and outcomes of paediatric glaucoma in Hong Kong. METHODS: This multicentre territory-wide retrospective study was performed by reviewing charts of patients with paediatric glaucoma in six clusters of the Hong Kong Hospital Authority and The Chinese University of Hong Kong from 2006 to 2015. RESULTS: This study included 150 eyes of 98 patients with paediatric glaucoma (presenting age: 5.2±5.7 years). Of them, 35 eyes (23.3%) had primary congenital glaucoma, 22 eyes (14.7%) had juvenile open-angle glaucoma, and 93 eyes (62.0%) had secondary glaucoma. The most prevalent types of secondary glaucoma were lens-related after cataract extraction (18.0%), Axenfeld-Rieger anomaly (5.3%), uveitis (5.3%), Sturge-Weber syndrome (4.7%), and traumatic (3.3%). The most common clinical presentations were parental concerns (20.7%) including cloudy cornea (12.7%) and tearing/photophobia (8.0%), followed by poor visual acuity (18.0%), high intraocular pressure (13.3%), and strabismus (6.0%). The follow-up duration was 8.46±6.51 years. Furthermore, 63.2% of eyes with primary glaucoma and 45.2% of eyes with secondary glaucoma were treated surgically. The final visual acuity was 0.90±0.98 LogMAR; intraocular pressure was 18.4±6.6 mm Hg; and number of glaucoma medications was 2.22±1.61. CONCLUSION: Primary congenital glaucoma was most prevalent, followed by juvenile open-angle glaucoma and aphakic glaucoma. Most eyes with primary glaucoma required surgical treatment. Parental concerns were important clinical presentations. Basic assessments by healthcare providers to identify glaucoma signs (eg, poor visual acuity, high intraocular pressure, and strabismus) warranted prompt referral to an ophthalmologist.

Effect of age on reoperation rate in children undergoing exotropia surgery.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of age on the reoperation rate in children undergoing exotropia surgery. METHODS: This was a population-based retrospective cohort study using claims data that included children ≤ 12 years who had undergone exotropia surgery as the first strabismus operation and had ≥ 3 years of continuous enrolment were selected from the Optum de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart Database (2003-2019). Patient age at the first exotropia surgery was grouped into three categories; 0-3, 4-6, and 7-12 years. We assessed the sex, race, age, surgical methods, continuous enrolment period after the first surgery, and the time between the first surgery and reoperation. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the risk of reoperation at different ages. The hazard ratio of reoperation in children undergoing exotropia surgery according to the age at the first exotropia surgery. RESULTS: Among 2015 children, 312 (15.5%) underwent one or more reoperations. A reoperation was more often performed for recurrent exotropia (n = 231) than for consecutive esotropia (n = 81). The time between the first surgery and reoperation was shorter for reoperation for consecutive esotropia (376 days) than for recurrent exotropia (672 days) (p < 0.001). Younger children showed a higher reoperation hazard ratio than older children (p < 0.001). In reoperation for consecutive esotropia, the patients aged 0-3 years showed a high hazard ratio (2.82; 95% CI, 1.59-5.01). CONCLUSION: Children undergoing exotropia surgery at a younger age have a higher reoperation rate than those undergoing surgery at an older age.

Procedures, Visits, and Procedure Costs in the Management of Microbial Keratitis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the burden of procedures, visits, and procedure costs in the management of microbial keratitis (MK). METHODS: Medical records of patients from an academic hospital outpatient facility between December 2013 and May 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were included if they were older than the age of 18 years, recruited for study of likely MK, and not concurrently undergoing treatment for other acute eye conditions. For procedural costs, Medicare data for billing were obtained using the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Physician Fee Lookup tool. RESULTS: A total of 68 patients were included for analysis. Patients were on average 51.3 years (SD = 19.5), 55.9% women (n = 38), and 89.7% White (n = 61). Per person, the average number of procedures was 2.9 (SD = 4.2). The average number of visits was 13.9 (SD = 9.2) over an average of 26.9 weeks (SD = 24.3). Age (P < 0.0001), positive Gram stain (P = 0.03), and mixed Gram stain (P = 0.002) were positively associated with the number of procedures. Age (P = 0.0003), fungal keratitis (P = 0.02), and mixed Gram stain (P = 0.01) were positively associated with the number of visits. Race was inversely associated with the number of procedures (P = 0.045) and visits (0.03). Patients with bacterial keratitis were more likely to have amniotic membrane grafts (P = 0.01) and tarsorrhaphies (P = 0.03) than fungal patients. Across all procedures performed for the management of MK, the mean cost per patient was $1788.7 (SD = $3324.62). CONCLUSIONS: Patients incur many procedural costs and attend many visits during the management of MK. These findings emphasize the importance of patient-provider communication for frequent follow-up care and the potential need to perform procedures for disease management.

Trends in the Surgical Treatment of Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome in the United States.

Importance: Optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) and cerebrospinal fluid shunting are sometimes used to treat pseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTCS), but their use patterns are unknown. Objectives: To investigate the frequency of surgical PTCS treatment in the United States and to compare patients undergoing ONSF with those treated with shunting. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a retrospective longitudinal cross-sectional study. Inpatient data were obtained from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS), and outpatient surgical center data were obtained from the National Survey of Ambulatory Surgery (NSAS) and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS). Included in the analysis were 10 720 patients aged 18 to 65 years with a diagnosis code for PTCS, excluding venous thrombosis and other causes of intracranial hypertension. Time trends were explored and logistic regression was used to measure differences according to age, race/ethnicity, sex, Elixhauser comorbidity index, and other patient and hospital characteristics. Data analysis was performed from March 31 to October 7, 2020. Exposure: Treatment for PTCS, excluding venous thrombosis and other causes of intracranial hypertension. Main Outcomes and Measures: Annual number of PTCS-related admissions, ONSFs, and shunt procedures from 2002-2016. Patient and hospital-level characteristics of patients with PTCS undergoing ONSF or shunting were compared. Results: Between 2010 and 2016, 297 ONSFs were performed and 10 423 shunts were placed as treatment for PTCS. The procedures were most commonly performed in individuals aged 26 to 35 years (39.4%), and 9920 (92.4%) of the surgically treated patients were women. ONSF was more common among younger patients (eg, adjusted odds ratio [AOR] for patients ≥46 years vs those 18-25 years, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.08-0.61) and in Black, Hispanic, or other minority populations (AOR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.31-4.30) and less common in the South (AOR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.13-0.88) and West (AOR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.04-0.58) compared with the Northeast. Total PTCS-related hospitalizations increased from 6081 (95% CI, 5137-7025) in 2002 to 18 020 (95% CI, 16 607-19 433) in 2016. Shunting increased from 2002 to 2011 and subsequently plateaued and declined. ONSF was used much less frequently, and use has not increased. No instances of outpatient ONSF or shunting for PTCS were recorded in the NSAS or NHAMCS databases. Conclusions and Relevance: This study's findings suggest that shunting is more common than ONSF and that the use gap has widened as shunting has increased. However, because overall PTCS-related hospitalizations have increased even more rapidly, the percentage of inpatients with PTCS undergoing surgery has decreased. These trends may reflect changes in medical treatment practices and outcomes or growing limitations in access to ophthalmic surgical expertise.

Long-term follow up of intracorneal ring segment implantation in 932 keratoconus eyes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the progression of keratoconus in 932 eyes of 659 patients through visual, refractive and topographic data after intracorneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation. METHODS: Retrospective review of 659 patients who underwent ICRS (Intacs®) implantation for keratoconus between September 1997 and November 2017. Demographics, preoperative and postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in LogMAR, corneal topography parameters (thinnest pachymetry, Kmax), central corneal pachymetry and total follow-up time were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 24.0 for windows. RESULTS: Nine hundred and thirty-two eyes of 659 patients, with a mean age of 30.41 years (range 11-76 years), were evaluated. Mean total follow up time was 3.02 years. Forty-one eyes had a total follow up of over 10 years. Both UCVA and BCVA improved significantly after ICRS implantation (P<0.01). Only 18 eyes (2.66% of eyes of patients under 35 years of age) were found to have progression of keratoconus based on postoperative topographic data (Mean age 23.00 years, 55.6% female, total follow-up 2 to 10 years) CONCLUSION: ICRS implantation showed long-term improvement and stability in visual and topographic results in a large case series of patients with keratoconus. Only a minimal rate of progression was detected in young patients. However, further prospective studies need to be conducted to better define predictability of postoperative visual outcomes and progression.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Ophthalmology Residency Training in Portugal.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to provide objective and real-life data concerning the impact of the COVID-19 pandemicon ophthalmology residency training in Portugal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive survey-based study applied to current Portuguese ophthalmology residents (n = 80 eligible). RESULTS: Seventy-five residents participated (94% response rate). All except one (99%) admitted a change in their routine clinical practice during the pandemic, and most (89%) continued to be engaged in ophthalmology department duties. Twenty-five percent were deployed to COVID-19 units, which was combined with ophthalmological activities in about half of them (47%). A significant proportion of participants stated that they were enrolled in the following ophthalmological activities: emergency/inpatient care (87%), outpatient visits (73%; general 70% vs subspecialty 29%), and surgical procedures (64%). Twenty-five percent did not assist in any outpatient visits and 36% did not participate in any surgical procedures. On a scale from 1 (no impact) to 5 (maximum impact), most participants classified their perceived negative impact of the pandemic on the training program as 3 (24%), 4 (40%), or 5 (27%). Participants highly agreed with the extension of the residency program (80%) in order to to make up for training disruption. DISCUSSION: Most trainees provided ophthalmological care during the pandemic. However, those clinical activities were essentially related to general and emergency care. Surgical experience was significantly curtailed. As such, strategies are needed to guarantee a high-quality learning process. Further studies are required to develop an international perspective on how ophthalmology training programs have been affected so that educational organizations can make recommendations regarding standardized adjustments to training programs. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the training of ophthalmology residents nationwide.

Introdução: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o impacto da pandemia COVID-19 no internato de Formação Específica de Oftalmologia em Portugal. Material e Métodos: Estudo descritivo dos resultados obtidos de um questionário aplicado a todos os internos de Formação Específica de Oftalmologia em Portugal (n = 80). Resultados: Setenta e cinco internos participaram no estudo (taxa de resposta de 94%). Excetuando um caso, todos (99%) admitiram alteração da sua prática clínica durante a pandemia, e a maioria (89%) manteve atividades clínicas no seu serviço de Oftalmologia. Vinte e cinco porcento foram integrados em unidades COVID-19, e metade desses inquiridos (47%) desempenharam concomitantemente atividades no âmbito da oftalmologia. Uma percentagem significativa dos inquiridos referiu estar envolvido nas seguintes atividades clínicas oftalmológicas: serviço de Urgência/consultas internas (87%), consultas externas (73%: geral 70% vs subespecialidade 29%), e cirurgias (64%). Vinte e cinco porcento não participaram em consultas externas, e 36% em procedimentos cirúrgicos. Numa escala de 1 (sem impacto) a 5 (máximo impacto), a maioria dos inquiridos classificou o impacto percecionado da pandemia no internato de Formação Específica de Oftalmologia em 3 (34%), 4 (40%) e 5 (27%). Oitenta porcento dos inquiridos enumerou a extensão do período do internato de Formação Específica como uma medida a adotar para minimizar o impacto negativo da pandemia. Discussão: A maioria dos internos mantiveram-se a desempenhar atividades clínicas no seu serviço de Oftalmologia, principalmente no âmbito da oftalmologia geral e de urgência. O desempenho de atividade cirúrgica foi largamente afetado. São necessárias estratégias adaptativas para garantir a continuação adequada da formação dos internos. Futuros estudos noutros contextos geográficos permitirão perceber de que forma os programas de formação em oftalmologia estão a ser afetados ao nível internacional, para que as organizações educacionais possam elaborar recomendações. Conclusão: A pandemia COVID-19 teve um impacto significativo no internato de Formação Específica de Oftalmologia em Portugal.

Clinical outcomes of trabecular microbypass stent (iStent) implantation in medically controlled open-angle glaucoma in the Korean population.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy [intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect and medication use] of a single trabecular microbypass stent (iStent; Glaukos Corp, San Clemente, CA) for medically controlled open-angle glaucoma.This retrospective case series included 42 eyes of 34 patients with medically controlled open-angle glaucoma with IOP less than 21 mm Hg. Clinical outcomes analyzed were IOP, medication use, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and surgical complications. Surgical success was defined according to 4 criteria: IOP < 21 mm Hg without medication; IOP < 18 mm Hg without medication; IOP < 15 mm Hg without medications; and IOP < 18 mm Hg with or without medication. Patients were followed for a minimum of 6 months postoperatively.Mean IOP was reduced from 15.8 ±â€Š2.8 mm Hg to 14.5 ±â€Š2.8 mm Hg (P < .001), while mean number of medications decreased from 2.2 ±â€Š1.2 to 0.8 ±â€Š1.1 at final visit (P < .001). Surgical success rates were 78.6%, 61.9%, 57.1%, and 97.6% at 6 months and 78.6%, 59.5%, 52.4%, and 95.2% at final visits according to criteria A, B, C, and D. Meanwhile, 59.5% of patients were medication-free at their final visit. The relative risk of surgical failure by Criteria B and C was 4.337 (95% confidence interval: 1.799-10.454) and 3.717 (95% confidence interval: 1.516-9.116) times greater in the higher-medication group (3 or more preoperative medications), respectively. CDVA was significantly improved from 0.41 ±â€Š0.10 to 0.09 ±â€Š0.07 LogMAR in the combined phacoemulsification and iStent implantation group (P < .001). There was no case whose vision was threatened (vision loss of 2 or more lines) or who showed severe complications after surgery.Single trabecular microbypass stent implantation was effective in reducing IOP and medication usage in patients with open-angle glaucoma with a low preoperative IOP. Our results imply that it is more difficult to achieve low target IOP control in eyes with higher numbers of preoperative medications.