OphthoPods: An Analysis of the Educational Content and Changes of Ophthalmology Podcasts.

Objective Podcasts are a novel modality for digitally disseminating ophthalmic knowledge, yet minimal information exists on their offerings. This study sought to describe the growth of ophthalmology podcasts, characterize their features, and analyze clinically pertinent content trends. Materials and Methods Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Google Search were queried for English- language shows relating primarily to ophthalmology. Ninety-six podcasts and 3,594 episodes were analyzed. Results Of the 48 currently active shows, most cover general ophthalmology topics ( n = 25, 52.1%) and are run by multiple hosts ( n = 29, 60.4%) in both academics and private practice. The majority of podcasts released episodes monthly ( n = 21, 21.9%) or less frequently than monthly ( n = 36, 37.5%). Among all episodes, procedural topics ( n = 951 episodes, 26.4%) and clinical education ( n = 1385, 38.5%) were the most prevalent categories. Retina was the most represented subspecialty in podcast production, while oculoplastics and neuro-ophthalmology had the fewest podcasts. Episodes on disease pathophysiology ( p = 0.04) and published research ( p < 0.001) each declined over time. The proportion of episodes released from 2020 to 2022 that discussed digital technologies was 33.3% greater versus 2005 to 2019 ( p = 0.005). Personal retrospective episodes doubled, career guidance and patient perspectives tripled, and wellness and social justice topics increased fivefold (all p < 0.001). Conclusion In summary, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic coincided with a rise in ophthalmology podcasts and shifts in content. Podcasts have trended toward practical advice and technologies, reflecting their value in sharing modern, peer-to-peer pearls. Emphases on storytelling and social justice offer unique, clinically relevant perspectives compared with traditional modalities.

Polyuria in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms: Prevalence and etiology.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) can be subcategorized into polyuria, normal or oliguria groups. Polyuria may be caused by pathologies including diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes insipidus (DI), or primary polydipsia (PPD). While fluid restriction is appropriate for some, doing so in all may result in serious complications. This study investigates the prevalence of these pathologies in LUTS patients with polyuria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two databases were retrospectively queried for men and women who filled out a lower urinary tract symptom score (LUTSS) questionnaire, 24-h bladder diary (24HBD) and were polyuric (>2.5 L/day). Patients were divided into four groups: poorly controlled DM, DI, an CKD grade 3 and PPD. One-way analysis of variance compared 24HBD and LUTSS questionnaires. Pearson correlation examined LUTSS and bother with 24-h voided volume (24 HVV), maximum voided volume (MVV) and total voids. RESULTS: Among 814 patients who completed a 24HBD, 176 had polyuria (22%). Of the patients with complete data, 7.8% had poorly-controlled DM, 3.1% had DI, 4.7% had CKD grade 3% and 84.4% had PPD. Amongst the four different sub-groups, significant differences were seen in 24 HVV (p < 0.001), nocturnal urine volume (NUV) (p < 0.001), MVV (p = 0.003), daytime voids (p = 0.05), nocturnal polyuria index (NPi) (p < 0.001) and nocturia index (Ni) (p = 0.002). Significance was also seen between LUTSS and bother subscore (r = 0.68, p < 0.001), LUTSS and total voids (r = 0.29, p = 0.001) and bother sub-score and total voids (r = 0.21, p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: 22% of patients with LUTS were found to have polyuria based on a 24HBD. Within this cohort, four sub-populations were identified as being demonstrating statistically significant differences in 24 HVV, NUV, MVV, daytime voids, NPi and Ni. Identifying the underlying etiology of polyuria should be carried out to safely treat patients with LUTS.

Outcomes of Sutureless Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Surgery: A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study compared the safety and efficacy of sutureless Ahmed glaucoma valve surgery (AGV standalone) to sutureless AGV plus cataract surgery (AGV-CEIOL) in Black or Hispanic patients. METHODS: Records from Black or non-white Hispanic patients who received either AGV standalone or AGV-CEIOL from 2014 to 2019 at a Bronx, New York practice were reviewed. All surgeries were performed using a sutureless technique with Tisseel fibrin glue. Primary outcomes included failure (defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) > 21 mmHg, ≤ 5 mmHg, or reduced by < 20% after the first 3 months; loss of light perception; or reoperation for glaucoma), hypertensive phase, IOP changes, and medication changes. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications and interventions. RESULTS: A total of 203 eyes that received AGV standalone (n = 78) or AGV-CEIOL (n = 125) were analyzed. Mean follow-up duration was 42.2 ± 17.5 months, with similar cohort-specific intervals (P = 0.68). Failure among AGV-CEIOLs (44.8%, n = 56) and AGV standalones (47.4%, n = 37) occurred at similar frequencies; log-rank testing indicated comparable 5-year survival (P = 0.56). Mean IOP among AGV-CEIOLs (15.8 ± 12.1 mmHg) was greater than standalones (8.6 ± 5.1 mmHg) at post-op day 1 (P < 0.001). The AGV-CEIOL group had a 60% lower odds of experiencing a hypertensive phase after adjustment for baseline group differences (P = 0.01). Five-year IOP reduction was similar between groups in the multivariable model (P = 0.45). There were no significant differences in medications (P > 0.05 at all time points) or in total complications (P = 0.28). More standalones required reoperation (39.7%, n = 31) compared to AGV-CEIOLs (21.6%, n = 24; P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Sutureless AGV-CEIOL was noninferior to sutureless AGV standalone when performed in Black or non-white Hispanic patients. The combined group experienced the hypertensive phase less frequently despite higher day 1 IOP.