Intraocular Pressure Spike Following Stand-Alone Phacoemulsification in the IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight).

PURPOSE: To evaluate risk factors for intraocular pressure (IOP) spike after cataract surgery using the IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight). DESIGN: Retrospective clinical cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Adults with IRIS Registry data who underwent stand-alone phacoemulsification from January 1, 2013, through September 30, 2019. METHODS: Intraocular pressure spike was defined as postoperative IOP of > 30 mmHg and > 10 mmHg from the baseline within the first postoperative week. Odds ratios (ORs) for demographic and clinical characteristics were calculated with univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence and OR of IOP spike. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 1 191 034 eyes (patient mean age, 71.3 years; 61.2% female sex; and 24.8% with glaucoma). An IOP spike occurred in 3.7% of all eyes, 5.2% of eyes with glaucoma, and 3.2% of eyes without glaucoma (P < 0.0001). Multivariable analyses of all eyes indicated a greater risk of IOP spike with higher baseline IOP (OR, 1.57 per 3 mmHg), male sex (OR, 1.79), glaucoma (OR, 1.20), Black race (OR, 1.39 vs. Asian and 1.21 vs. Hispanic), older age (OR, 1.07 per 10 years), and complex surgery coding (OR, 1.22; all P < 0.0001). Diabetes (OR, 0.90) and aphakia after surgery (OR, 0.60) seemed to be protective against IOP spike (both P < 0.0001). Compared with glaucoma suspects, ocular hypertension (OR, 1.55), pigmentary glaucoma (OR, 1.56), and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (OR, 1.52) showed a greater risk of IOP spike and normal-tension glaucoma (OR, 0.55), suspected primary angle closure (PAC; OR, 0.67), and PAC glaucoma (OR, 0.81) showed less risk (all P < 0.0001). Using more baseline glaucoma medications was associated with IOP spike (OR, 1.18 per medication), whereas topical ß-blocker use (OR, 0.68) was protective (both P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Higher baseline IOP, male sex, glaucoma, Black race, older age, and complex cataract coding were associated with early postoperative IOP spike, whereas diabetes and postoperative aphakia were protective against a spike after stand-alone phacoemulsification. Glaucomatous eyes demonstrated different risk profiles dependent on glaucoma subtype. The findings may help surgeons to stratify and mitigate the risk of IOP spike after cataract surgery. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Visual Acuity Outcomes and Complications after Intraocular Lens Exchange: An IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight) Analysis.

PURPOSE: To assess risk factors for worse visual acuity (VA) outcomes after intraocular lens (IOL) exchange, and the most common postsurgical complications. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Eyes from patients 18 years of age and older in the IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight) that underwent IOL exchange in the United States between 2013 and 2019. METHODS: Vision improvement compared with baseline was determined at 1 year after surgery. A multivariable generalized estimating equation model adjusting for demographic factors and baseline vision was used to identify factors associated with VA worse than 20/40 at 1 year. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual outcomes and postoperative complications after lens exchange. RESULTS: A total of 46 063 procedures (n = 41 925 unique patients) were included in the analysis. Overall, VA improved from a mean ± standard deviation (SD) of 0.53 ± 0.58 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR; Snellen equivalent, 20/70) before surgery to a mean ± SD of 0.31 ± 0.40 logMAR (Snellen equivalent, 20/40) at 1 year. Among eyes with VA recorded at both baseline and 1 year after surgery, 60.5% achieved VA of 20/40 or better at 1 year. Vision of worse than 20/40 at 1 year was associated with greater age (odds ratio [OR], 1.16 per 5-year increase; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-1.18) and higher logMAR baseline VA (OR, 1.14 per 0.1-logMAR increase; 95% CI, 1.14-1.15), as well as Black or African American (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.68-2.28), Hispanic (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.59-2.08), and Asian (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.21-1.81) race or ethnicity versus White race, Medicaid (OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.40-2.25) versus private insurance, smoking history (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.11-1.35), and concurrent anterior (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.51-1.81) and posterior (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.41-1.66) vitrectomy versus no vitrectomy. Female sex was associated with better VA at 1 year. At 1 year, epiretinal membrane (10.9%), mechanical lens complication (9.4%), and dislocation of the replacement lens (7.1%) were the most common complications. CONCLUSIONS: In this large national cohort, the annual number of IOL exchanges rose steadily over time. Vision improved in 60.2% of patients; worse visual outcomes were associated with greater age, worse baseline vision, Black race, Hispanic ethnicity, Medicaid insurance, smoking, and concurrent vitrectomy. Epiretinal membrane was the most common complication. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Reporting Clinical Endpoints in Studies of Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery.

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) refers to a group of procedures generally characterized by an ab interno approach, minimal trauma to ocular tissue, moderate efficacy, an excellent safety profile, and rapid recovery. The number of MIGS procedures continues to increase, and their use has become widespread among glaucoma and cataract specialists. Standardization of the methodology and reporting of clinical endpoints in MIGS investigations enhances interpretation and comparison across different studies. The assessment of surgical interventions should not only consider statistical significance, but also whether the outcome is meaningful to patients. Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is defined as the smallest change in a treatment outcome that is considered beneficial for an individual patient and prompts a change in their clinical management, and expert consensus is an accepted approach to determine the MCID. The American Academy of Ophthalmology's Glaucoma Preferred Practice Pattern Panel is an expert panel that develops guidelines identifying characteristics and components of quality eye care. The panel recommends that the cumulative probability of surgical success at 2 years with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis be used as the primary efficacy endpoint in MIGS studies. The panel suggests that surgical success for standalone MIGS be defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤ 21 mmHg and reduced ≥ 20% from baseline without an increase in glaucoma medications, additional laser or incisional glaucoma surgery, loss of light perception vision, or hypotony. The proposed MCID for the cumulative probability of success of standalone MIGS at 2 years is 50%. The panel recommends that surgical success for MIGS combined with cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation (CE-IOL) be defined as a decrease in glaucoma medical therapy ≥ 1 medication from baseline without an increase in IOP, or IOP ≤ 21 mmHg and reduced ≥ 20% from baseline without an increase in glaucoma medications, additional laser or incisional glaucoma surgery, loss of light perception vision, or hypotony. The suggested MCID for the cumulative probability of success for CE-IOL/MIGS at 2 years is 65%.

The impact of month and season on the incidence of giant cell arteritis: an Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS) Registry analysis.

PURPOSE: Previous investigations into the relationship between season and the incidence of giant cell arteritis (GCA) have produced conflicting results. This study aimed to explore the impact of season and new diagnoses of GCA in a more definitive sense by employing the large dataset of the Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS) database. METHODS: The IRIS Registry was queried to identify new cases of GCA from 2013 to 2021. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the significance of the relationship between the time of year and the incidence of GCA on regional and nationwide bases via Cochran's Q statistical test. RESULTS: A total of 27,339 eyes with a new diagnosis of GCA were identified. Neither the month nor the season of the year correlated with the incidence of GCA, regardless of geographic location within the USA (p > 0.05 for each variable). CONCLUSIONS: In the USA, the incidence of GCA does not appear to vary by month or season. While this finding contradicts certain previous studies that identified a relationship, the cohort of patients identified from the IRIS Registry is much larger than that of previous investigations. Clinicians should be mindful of the possibility of GCA, regardless of the time of the year.

Multivariable Analyses of Amblyopia Treatment Outcomes from a Clinical Data Registry.

PURPOSE: To present multivariable analyses of factors associated with amblyopia treatment success using outcomes from a clinical registry. DESIGN: Retrospective database study. PARTICIPANTS: New patients 3 to 12 years of age being enrolled in the registry from 2013 to 2019. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The IRIS-50 is an outcome measure for amblyopia treatment developed by the American Academy of Ophthalmology for use with data in the Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS®) Registry. The measure specifications include unilateral amblyopia associated with strabismus, refractive error, or both. METHODS: Clinical care prescribed by the ophthalmologist. RESULTS: Eighteen thousand eight hundred forty-one children 3 to 7 years of age were eligible for IRIS-50, with 77.3% successful. Nine thousand seven hundred sixty-two children 8 to 12 years of age were eligible, with 55.5% successful. For the younger age group, multivariable analyses found that odds ratios (ORs) for success were significantly lower for Black children (0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.62-0.83) compared with White children. Medicaid insurance was associated independently with significantly lower success (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.60-0.71). Among older children, Black children were less likely to be treated successfully (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.68-0.96) compared with White children, whereas Hispanic children showed an increased chance of success (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.03-1.31). Medicaid insurance for the older children also was associated with a decreased chance of success (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.77-0.93). CONCLUSIONS: Amblyopia treatment outcomes measured by IRIS-50 were significantly poorer for Black children and those with Medicaid insurance 3 to 12 years of age. Disparate health outcomes demonstrated for these two factors emphasize the need to develop and test strategies to improve treatment outcomes for these children.

Loss to Follow-up in Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treated with Anti-VEGF Therapy in the United States in the IRIS® Registry.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of being lost to follow-up (LTFU) and nonpersistence in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treated with anti-VEGF injections in the United States. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study using the IRIS® (Intelligent Research in Sight) Registry data. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred fifty-six thousand three hundred twenty-seven treatment-naive patients with neovascular AMD who subsequently were treated with anti-VEGF therapy from 2013 through 2015 and followed up through 2019. METHODS: Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Being LTFU was defined as no follow-up within 12 months from last intravitreal injection. Nonpersistence was defined as no follow-up within 6 months from last intravitreal injection. RESULTS: For neovascular AMD, 11.6% of patients (95% CI, 11.4%-11.7%) were LTFU, and 88.4% of patients were followed up within 12 months. The rate of being LTFU generally was higher with increasing age, with odds of being LTFU greatest for patients between 81 and 84 years of age (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 2.31-2.74; P < 0.001) compared with patients 70 years of age and younger. Odds of being LTFU for Black or African American patients (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.08-1.61; P = 0.007) were greater than for White patients. Odds of being LTFU were higher for patients with Medicaid insurance (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.01-1.60; P = 0.04) and lower for patients with Medicare Fee-For-Service insurance (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.64-0.74; P < 0.001) than for patients with private insurance. Furthermore, 14.3% (95% CI, 14.1-14.4) of patients were nonpersistent, and 85.7% of patients underwent follow-up within 6 months. Odds of nonpersistence also were greatest among patients between 81 and 84 years of age (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.98-2.29; P < 0.001) compared with patients 70 years of age or younger. Odds of nonpersistence for Black or African-American patients (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.15-1.65; P < 0.001) and Hispanic patients (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03-1.24; P = 0.009) were greater than odds for White patients. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 1 of 9 patients with neovascular AMD treated with anti-VEGF injections became LTFU, whereas 1 of 7 patients were nonpersistent. Risk factors identified included increasing age, male sex, unilateral involvement, diabetes, Medicaid insurance, and race or ethnicity. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Cystoid Macular Edema after Cataract Surgery in the United States: IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight) Analysis.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence, risk factors, and visual outcomes of cystoid macular edema (CME) after cataract surgery in the United States. DESIGN: Retrospective, longitudinal, case-control study. PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent phacoemulsification cataract surgery. METHODS: The American Academy of Ophthalmology IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight) was used to analyze patients who underwent cataract surgery between 2016 and 2019. Patients who received a diagnosis of CME within 90 days after cataract surgery were classified as cases, and the rest were classified as controls. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for risk factors associated with the development of CME as well as poor visual outcome (defined as a best-recorded visual acuity worse than 20/40 Snellen equivalent at postoperative month 12). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence, demographics, baseline characteristics, and visual outcomes. RESULTS: Of 3.1 million cataract surgeries performed during the study period, CME was diagnosed in 25 595 eyes (0.8%), with an average onset of 6 weeks. Patients with CME were more likely to be male, to be aged < 65 years, to be Black, and to have preexisting diabetic retinopathy. Patients with CME were more likely to have a poor visual outcome (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.66-1.84; P < 0.001), with a mean best-recorded visual acuity of 20/30 at postoperative month 12 (compared with 20/25 for those without CME; P < 0.001). Other factors associated with a poor visual outcome included smoking, Medicaid insurance, non-White race, and baseline ocular comorbidities such as macular degeneration and retinal vein occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: Although the incidence of CME after cataract surgery is low and most eyes achieve a visual acuity of 20/40 or better, there are significant outcome disparities that warrant further exploration. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Development of a Patient-Reported Outcome Measure to Assess Symptoms Associated with Cataract Surgery and Intraocular Lens Implants.

PURPOSE: To develop a standardized patient-reported outcome measure of visual perceptions and symptoms for implanted premium and monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs). DESIGN: Observational study before and after IOL implants to assess the measure and symptom experience. PARTICIPANTS: Adults scheduled for binocular implantation of the same IOL type completed the survey at baseline prior to surgery (n = 716) and postoperatively (n = 554). Most respondents were female (64%), White (81%), 61 or older (89%), and had some college or more education (62%). METHODS: Administration was by web survey with mail follow-up and phone reminders. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frequency, severity, and level of symptom bother in the last 7 days for 14 symptoms: (1) glare, (2) hazy vision, (3) blurry vision, (4) starbursts, (5) halos, (6) snowballs, (7) floaters, (8) double images, (9) rings and spider webs, (10) distortion, (11) light flashes with eyes closed, (12) light flashes with eyes open, (13) shimmering images, and (14) dark shadows. RESULTS: The median correlation among having 14 symptoms at baseline was only 0.19. Mean uncorrected binocular visual acuity improved from a preoperative value of 0.47 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR; Snellen 20/59) to a postoperative value of 0.12 (20/26) and best-corrected binocular visual acuity improved from 0.23 logMAR (20/34) preoperative to 0.05 logMAR (20/22) postoperative. The most bothersome symptoms were reduced after surgery: preoperative/postoperative glare (84%/36%), blurry vision (68%/22%), starbursts (66%/28%), hazy vision (63%/18%), snowballs (55%/17%), and halos (52%/22%). All symptoms decreased significantly (P < 0.0001) from before to after surgery except for dark crescent-shaped shadows (4%/4%). The percentage of symptoms rated as quite a bit or extremely bothersome declined from before to after surgery except for dark crescent-shaped shadows (29%/32%): blurry vision (54%/15%), snowballs (52%/14%), glare (49%/15%), and halos (46%/14%). Having monofocal IOL implants was associated with significantly more reduction in halos, starbursts, glare, and rings and spider webs, but less improvement in self-reported general vision. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides support for the 37-item Assessment of IntraOcular Lens Implant Symptoms (AIOLIS) instrument for use to assess symptoms and general perceptions of vision in clinical studies and clinical care. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

United States Population Disparities in Ophthalmic Care: Blindness and Visual Impairment in the IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight).

PURPOSE: To evaluate associations of patient characteristics with United States eye care use and likelihood of blindness. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (19 546 016) with 2018 visual acuity (VA) records in the American Academy of Ophthalmology's IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight). METHODS: Legal blindness (20/200 or worse) and visual impairment (VI; worse than 20/40) were identified from corrected distance acuity in the better-seeing eye and stratified by patient characteristics. Multivariable logistic regressions evaluated associations with blindness and VI. Blindness was mapped by state and compared with population characteristics. Eye care use was analyzed by comparing population demographics with United States Census estimates and proportional demographic representation among blind patients versus a nationally representative US population sample (National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey [NHANES]). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence and odds ratios for VI and blindness; proportional representation in the IRIS® Registry, Census, and NHANES by patient demographics. RESULTS: Visual impairment was present in 6.98% (n = 1 364 935) and blindness in 0.98% (n = 190 817) of IRIS patients. Adjusted odds of blindness were highest among patients ≥ 85 years old (odds ratio [OR], 11.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 10.33-13.59 vs. those 0-17 years old). Blindness also was associated positively with rural location and Medicaid, Medicare, or no insurance vs. commercial insurance. Hispanic (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.46-1.74) and Black (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.63-1.84) patients showed a higher odds of blindness versus White non-Hispanic patients. Proportional representation in IRIS Registry relative to the Census was higher for White than Hispanic (2- to 4-fold) or Black (11%-85%) patients (P < 0.001). Blindness overall was less prevalent in NHANES than IRIS Registry; however, prevalence in adults aged 60+ was lowest among Black participants in the NHANES (0.54%) and second highest among comparable Black adults in IRIS (1.57%). CONCLUSIONS: Legal blindness from low VA was present in 0.98% of IRIS patients and associated with rural location, public or no insurance, and older age. Compared with US Census estimates, minorities may be underrepresented among ophthalmology patients, and compared with NHANES population estimates, Black individuals may be overrepresented among blind IRIS Registry patients. These findings provide a snapshot of US ophthalmic care and highlight the need for initiatives to address disparities in use and blindness. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Symptoms and Satisfaction Levels Associated with Intraocular Lens Implants in the Monofocal and Premium IOL Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Study.

PURPOSE: To develop a questionnaire with standardized questions and images about visual symptoms and satisfaction administered before and after cataract surgery with monofocal and various (premium) intraocular lenses (IOLs). DESIGN: A prospective, observational study of cataract surgery patients completing a self-administered questionnaire preoperatively and postoperatively at 4 to 6 months. PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred fifty-four patients with plans to undergo implantation of the same IOL in both eyes on separate occasions in 20 ophthalmology practices. METHODS: An 86-item questionnaire with standardized images assessed the following 14 symptoms: glare, blurry vision, starbursts, hazy vision, snowballs, halos, floaters, double images, rings and spider webs, light flashes with eyes closed, distortion, light flashes with eyes open, shimmering images, and dark crescent-shaped shadows. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Symptom severity and level of symptom bother, satisfaction with vision, quality of vision, and ability to see without corrective lenses or eyeglasses. RESULTS: Except for dark crescent-shaped shadows, the report of visual symptoms significantly decreased postoperatively. Best uncorrected binocular visual acuity improved from 0.47 (20/59 Snellen visual acuity values) ± 0.35 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) preoperatively to 0.12 (20/26 Snellen visual acuity values) ± 0.12 logMAR postoperatively. Patients' ratings of intermediate vision as good to excellent improved significantly from 12% preoperatively to 71% postoperatively, and patients' ratings of distance vision improved from 8% preoperatively to 85% postoperatively. After surgery, 84% reported that they were somewhat, very, or completely satisfied with their vision. Most patients (88%) reported that they could see pretty well, very well, or perfectly well without corrective lenses after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The Assessment of IntraOcular Lens Implant Symptoms questionnaire can be used across a wide variety of IOLs to evaluate visual symptoms and satisfaction with a growing segment of the market, premium IOLs, that target intermediate and near vision, in addition to distance vision. Compared to patients receiving monofocal IOLs, patients receiving premium IOLs appear to be more challenging to satisfy because of their requirements for distance, intermediate, and near vision, and their desire to be free of eyeglasses postoperatively. This instrument provides a structured, uniform tool for regulators, researchers, and ophthalmologists in everyday practice to gain insights into patients' experiences. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

American Academy of Ophthalmology Recommendations on Screening for Endogenous Candida Endophthalmitis.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology evaluated the practice of routine screening for intraocular infection from Candida septicemia. In the United States, ophthalmologists are consulted in the hospital to screen for intraocular infection routinely for patients with Candida bloodstream infections. This practice was established in the era before the use of systemic antifungal medication and the establishment of definitions of ocular disease with candidemia. A recent systematic review found a rate of less than 1% of routinely screened patients with endophthalmitis from Candida septicemia. Other studies found higher rates of endophthalmitis but had limitations in terms of inaccuracies in ocular disease classification, lack of vitreous biopsies, selection biases, and lack of longer-term visual outcomes. Some studies attributed ocular findings to Candida infections, rather than other comorbidities. Studies also have not demonstrated differences in medical management that are modified for eye disease treatment; therefore, therapy should be dictated by the underlying Candida infection, rather than be tailored on the basis of ocular findings. In summary, the Academy does not recommend a routine ophthalmologic consultation after laboratory findings of systemic Candida septicemia, which appears to be a low-value practice. An ophthalmologic consultation is a reasonable practice for a patient with signs or symptoms suggestive of ocular infection regardless of Candida septicemia.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology IRIS Registry (Intelligent Research In Sight): current and future state of big data analytics.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To describe the drivers, development, and current state of the American Academy of Ophthalmology IRIS Registry (Intelligent Research In Sight), and analytics involving deidentified aggregate IRIS Registry data. RECENT FINDINGS: The IRIS Registry has a core mission of quality improvement and reporting. In addition, analytic projects performed to date have included characterizing patient populations and diseases, incidence, and prevalence; clinical outcomes and complications; risk factors and effect modifiers; practice patterns; and trends over time. Pipeline projects include application of artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches for predictive modeling and analytics, disease mapping, detecting patterns and identifying cohorts, and optimizing treatment based on patient-specific characteristics. SUMMARY: The IRIS Registry is the nation's largest single specialty clinical registry, with unique data elements specific to ophthalmology. It offers a wealth of opportunities involving big data analytics, including traditional inferential statistics as well as machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches scalable on massive amounts of data.

Reducing the Global Burden of Myopia by Delaying the Onset of Myopia and Reducing Myopic Progression in Children: The Academy's Task Force on Myopia.

In 2019, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) created the Task Force on Myopia in recognition of the substantial global increases in myopia prevalence and its associated complications. The Task Force, led by Richard L. Abbott, MD, and Donald Tan, MD, comprised recognized experts in myopia prevention and treatment, public health experts from around the world, and organization representatives from the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Optometry, and American Academy of Pediatrics. The Academy's Board of Trustees believes that myopia is a high-priority cause of visual impairment, warranting a timely evaluation and synthesis of the scientific literature and formulation of an action plan to address the issue from different perspectives. This includes education of physicians and other health care providers, patients and their families, schools, and local and national public health agencies; defining health policies to ameliorate patients' access to appropriate therapy and to promote effective public health interventions; and fostering promising avenues of research.

Demographic and Clinical Characteristics Associated with Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery Use: An Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS®) Registry Retrospective Cohort Analysis.

PURPOSE: Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is increasingly performed at the time of cataract extraction. Understanding the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients undergoing MIGS procedures may provide insight into patient selection. This study evaluates racial-ethnic and other differences in the use of MIGS in persons with cataract and open-angle glaucoma (OAG). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study using Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS) Registry data. PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged ≥ 40 years with a diagnosis of OAG and no history of MIGS or cataract surgery who were undergoing cataract extraction, with or without MIGS, during 2013 to 2017 in the United States. METHODS: Multivariable logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Variables assessed include age, sex, race-ethnicity, disease severity, insurance type, census region, comorbidity, and cup-to-disc ratio (CDR). RESULTS: The odds of MIGS use was greater among patients who were aged ≥ 60 years (OR, 1.10 [95% CI, 1.05-1.16]); Black (OR, 1.11 [CI, 1.07-1.15]) compared with White; a Medicare recipient (OR, 1.12 [CI, 1.10-1.15]) versus privately insured; or in the Midwest (OR, 1.32 [CI, 1.28-1.36]) or Northeast (OR, 1.26 [CI, 1.22-1.30]) compared with the South. Having moderate rather than mild glaucoma (OR, 1.07 [CI, 1.04-1.11]) and a higher CDR (OR for 0.5 to 0.8 vs. <0.5, 1.24 [CI, 1.21-1.26]; OR for >0.8 to 1.0 vs. <0.5, 1.27 [CI, 1.23-1.32]) were also each associated with increased odds of MIGS use. Use of MIGS was less likely in women (OR, 0.96 [CI, 0.94-0.98]); patients taking 5 to 7 glaucoma medications (OR, 0.94 [CI, 0.90-0.99]) compared with 1 to 2 medications; and patients with severe, compared with mild, glaucoma (OR, 0.64 [CI, 0.61-0.67]). CONCLUSIONS: This analysis highlights the importance of capturing race-ethnicity data and other pertinent patient characteristics in electronic health records to provide insight into practice patterns. Such data can be used to assess the long-term performance of MIGS and other procedures in various patient populations.

Ophthalmic Immune-Related Adverse Events after Anti-CTLA-4 or PD-1 Therapy Recorded in the American Academy of Ophthalmology Intelligent Research in Sight Registry.

PURPOSE: Detailed study of ophthalmic immune-related adverse events (AEs), including determination of incidence and recurrence rates, is of integral importance in cancer immunotherapy to inform management and treatment guidelines. DESIGN: Retrospective registry study. PARTICIPANTS: Patients newly diagnosed with ophthalmic immune-related AEs between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2017, in the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS®) Registry. METHODS: Data were collected from electronic health records of IRIS® Registry participating ophthalmology practices. Patients with select ophthalmic immune-related AEs were identified by International Classification of Diseases diagnosis codes. The primary exposure of interest was prior initiation of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of ophthalmic immune-related AEs within 1 year after initiation of ICI therapy was determined. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were derived by comparing incidence of ophthalmic immune-related AEs after ICIs versus rates of the same ocular complications in patients not taking ICIs in the entire registry population. Rates of ophthalmic immune-related AEs in patients with a past history of ocular inflammation or other specific ophthalmic condition before initiation of ICIs were examined further. RESULTS: A total of 3123 patients who received anti-CTLA-4 or anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) therapy were identified, 112 of whom demonstrated an ophthalmic immune-related AE. Incidence rates for anterior uveitis, the most common ophthalmic immune-related AE, were 8209 per 100 000 for ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4), 2542 per 100 000 for nivolumab (anti-PD-1), 2451 per 100 000 for pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1), 5556 per 100 000 for ipilimumab plus nivolumab, and 3740 per 100 000 among all ICIs. Rates of ophthalmic immune-related AEs among patients receiving ICI therapy were higher compared with baseline rates in the general registry population (anterior uveitis IRR, 13.9; other uveitis IRR, 43.0; papilledema IRR, 38.3). Patients with a history of uveitis or other ocular inflammatory condition demonstrated high recurrence rates of ophthalmic immune-related AEs after initiating ICIs (up to 51.1%). CONCLUSIONS: For patients initiating ICI therapy, early coordination with ophthalmic subspecialist care is important because rates of ophthalmic immune-related AEs are elevated compared with ocular complication rates in the entire registry population and patients with a history of prior autoimmune ocular disease are at high risk of recurrence of ocular complications.

Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Cost Savings Achievable with Increased Bevacizumab Reimbursement and Use.

PURPOSE: To model Medicare Part B and patient savings associated with increased bevacizumab payment and use for intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. DESIGN: Cost analysis. PARTICIPANTS: Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS®) Registry data. METHODS: Medicare claims and IRIS® Registry data were used to calculate Medicare Part B expenditures and patient copayments for anti-VEGF agents with increasing reimbursement and use of bevacizumab relative to ranibizumab and aflibercept. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Medicare Part B costs and patient copayments for anti-VEGF agents in the Medicare fee-for-service population. RESULTS: Increasing bevacizumab reimbursement to $125.78, equalizing the dollar margin with aflibercept, would result in Medicare Part B savings of $468 million and patient savings of $119 million with a 10% increase in bevacizumab market share. CONCLUSIONS: Increased use of bevacizumab achievable with increased reimbursement to eliminate the financial disincentive to its use would result in substantial savings for the Medicare Part B program and for patients receiving anti-VEGF intravitreal injections.

Endophthalmitis after Cataract Surgery in the United States: A Report from the Intelligent Research in Sight Registry, 2013-2017.

PURPOSE: To determine recent incidence and visual outcomes for acute-onset endophthalmitis after cataract surgery performed in the United States. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: United States cataract surgery patients, 2013-2017 (5 401 686 patients). METHODS: Cases of acute-onset postoperative endophthalmitis occurring within 30 days after cataract surgery were identified using diagnosis codes in the American Academy of Ophthalmology IRIS (Intelligent Research in Sight) Registry database, drawn from electronic health records in ophthalmology practices across the nation. Annual and aggregate 5-year incidences were determined for all cataract surgeries and specifically for standalone procedures versus those combined with other ophthalmic surgeries. Patient characteristics were compared. Mean and median visual acuity was determined at 1 month preoperative as well as 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperative among patients with and without endophthalmitis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of acute-onset postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. RESULTS: A total of 8 542 838 eyes underwent cataract surgery, 3629 of which developed acute-onset endophthalmitis (0.04%; 95% confidence interval, 0.04%-0.04%). Endophthalmitis incidence was highest among patients aged 0 to 17 years (0.37% over 5 years), followed by patients aged 18 to 44 years (0.18% over 5 years; P < 0.0001). Endophthalmitis occurred 4 times more often after combined cases (cataract with other ophthalmic procedures) than after standalone cataract surgeries (0.20% vs. 0.04% of cases), and occurred in 0.35% of patients receiving anterior vitrectomy. Mean 3-month postoperative visual acuity was 20/100 (median, 20/50) among endophthalmitis patients, versus a mean of approximately 20/40 (median, 20/30) among patients without endophthalmitis. However, 4% of endophthalmitis patients still achieved 20/20 or better visual acuity, and 44% achieved 20/40 or better visual acuity at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Acute-onset endophthalmitis occurred in 0.04% of 8 542 838 cataract surgeries performed in the United States between 2013 and 2017. Risk factors may include younger age, cataract surgery combined with other ophthalmic surgeries, and anterior vitrectomy. Visual acuity outcomes vary; however, patients can recover excellent vision after surgery. Big data from clinical registries like the IRIS Registry has great potential for evaluating rare conditions such as endophthalmitis, including developing benchmarks, longer-term time trend investigation, and comprehensive analysis of risk factors and prophylaxis.