The evaluation of an online nurse-assisted eye-screening tool in older adults receiving home healthcare.

PURPOSE: To investigate the agreement between an online nurse-assisted eye-screening tool and reference tests in older adults receiving home healthcare and to collect user experiences. METHODS: Older adults (65+) receiving home healthcare were included. Home healthcare nurses assisted in administering the eye-screening tool at participants' homes. Approximately 2 weeks later, a researcher administered reference tests at participants' homes. Experiences from participants and home healthcare nurses were collected. Agreement in outcomes (distance and near visual acuity, with the latter being measured using two different optotypes, and macular problems) between the eye-screening tool and reference clinical testing was compared. A difference of less than ±0.15 logMAR was considered acceptable. RESULTS: A total of 40 participants were included. Here, we describe the results for the right eye; results for the left eye were similar. The mean difference between the eye-screening tool and reference tests for distance visual acuity was 0.02 logMAR. The mean difference between the eye-screening tool and reference tests using two different optotypes for near visual acuity was 0.06 and 0.03 logMAR, respectively. The majority of the individual data points were within the ±0.15 logMAR threshold (75%, 51% and 58%, respectively). The agreement between tests for macular problems was 75%. Participants and home healthcare nurses were generally satisfied with the eye-screening tool, although remarks for further improvements were made. CONCLUSIONS: The eye-screening tool is promising for nurse-assisted eye screening in older adults receiving home healthcare, with the mostly satisfactory agreement. After implementing the eye-screening tool in practice, cost-effectiveness needs to be investigated.

EFFICACY OF HALF-DOSE PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY VERSUS HIGH-DENSITY SUBTHRESHOLD MICROPULSE LASER FOR TREATING PIGMENT EPITHELIAL DETACHMENTS IN CHRONIC CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY.

PURPOSE: Comparing the effect of half-dose photodynamic therapy and high-density subthreshold micropulse laser treatment on retinal pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs) in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy. METHODS: This study included data from the PLACE trial, a prospective randomized controlled trial comparing half-dose photodynamic therapy and high-density subthreshold micropulse laser treatment in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy. Main outcome measurements were changes in both the foveal PED and the highest PED within the macula at baseline compared with first and final evaluation visit. RESULTS: At baseline, a macular PED was detected in 76.9% of patients (123/160), and a PED within 1,500 µm from the foveal center in 37.5% of patients (60/160). In the half-dose photodynamic therapy arm (61 patients), there was a significantly larger decrease in the highest macular PED compared with the high-density subthreshold micropulse laser treatment arm (62 patients) at both first and final evaluation visits (P < 0.001 and P = 0.012, respectively). The decrease of highest foveal PED was significant at first visit (P = 0.025). CONCLUSION: Half-dose photodynamic therapy is superior to high-density subthreshold micropulse laser treatment with regard to a statistically significant reduction in the height of macular PEDs in active chronic central serous chorioretinopathy. These findings may also have implications for other diseases within the pachychoroid disease spectrum that can present with PEDs.

RESPONSE OF CHOROIDAL ABNORMALITIES TO PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY VERSUS MICROPULSE LASER IN CHRONIC CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY: Place Trial Report No. 4.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) and high-density subthreshold micropulse laser on choroidal dysfunction evaluated by degree and extent of hyperfluorescence on indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy. METHODS: Data from the multicenter, randomized, controlled PLACE trial were used in this study. Hyperfluorescent and hypofluorescent areas on ICGA, their association with subretinal fluid and visual function were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 146 patients were included (72 in the PDT and 74 in the high-density subthreshold micropulse laser treatment arm). A significantly greater decrease in the size of hyperfluorescent areas on ICGA at first visit after treatment was seen after PDT compared with high-density subthreshold micropulse laser (mean, -1.41 ± 2.40 mm2 vs. -0.04 ± 0.73 mm2, respectively; P < 0.001). A reduction in the degree of hyperfluorescence on ICGA decreased the odds of having persistent subretinal fluid on optical coherence tomography at first visit after treatment (B = 0.295; P = 0.019). There were no significant differences in best-corrected visual acuity and retinal sensitivity between the subgroup with novel hypofluorescence (n = 20, 28%) on ICGA at first visit post PDT, compared with the subgroup without novel hypofluorescence on ICGA after PDT. CONCLUSION: Choroidal abnormalities in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy can be effectively treated by ICGA-guided half-dose PDT but not with high-density subthreshold micropulse laser application.

FAMILIAL CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY.

PURPOSE: To assess ophthalmologic characteristics in patients and unaffected individuals in families with multiple members affected by central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), both at presentation and long-term follow-up. METHODS: In 103 subjects from 23 families with at least 2 affected patients with CSC per family, prospective extensive ophthalmologic examination was performed, including best-corrected visual acuity, indirect ophthalmoscopy, digital color fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, and fluorescein angiography imaging. From these, 24 individuals from 6 families had undergone extensive ophthalmologic examination in either 1994 or 1995 and were followed up in this study. RESULTS: Subretinal fluid accumulation on optical coherence tomography and/or "hot spots" of leakage on fluorescein angiography indicative of CSC were detected in 45 of 103 phenotyped subjects (44%). Findings suggestive of CSC, but without the presence of subretinal fluid on optical coherence tomography and/or "hot spots" of leakage on fluorescein angiography, were observed in an additional 27 family members (26%). In 4 of 17 previously nonaffected subjects (24%) from the 24 individuals that were followed up after more than 20 years, we found more severe abnormalities. CONCLUSION: Extensive ophthalmologic phenotyping resulted in the detection of (suggestive) CSC in 52% of family members of patients with CSC. Genetic factors may play an important role in these specific CSC cases. Moreover, during follow-up, progressive disease can occur in a noteworthy number of patients.

Half-Dose Photodynamic Therapy versus High-Density Subthreshold Micropulse Laser Treatment in Patients with Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: The PLACE Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the anatomic and functional efficacy and safety of half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) versus high-density subthreshold micropulse laser (HSML) treatment in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC). DESIGN: Open-label, multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with cCSC whose disease had to be confirmed by both clinical characteristics and findings on multimodal imaging. METHODS: Eligible patients were randomized in a 1:1 allocation ratio. Treatment was evaluated during a follow-up visit, and the same treatment was repeated in patients who still demonstrated subretinal fluid (SRF). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary end point was the complete disappearance of SRF at the first evaluation visit at 6 to 8 weeks after treatment. As a secondary outcome measure, we assessed this anatomic result at the final evaluation visit at 7 to 8 months after treatment. Other secondary outcomes covered functional improvement and included change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; measured in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study [ETDRS] letters), retinal sensitivity (measured using microperimetry), and vision-related quality of life using a validated questionnaire. RESULTS: Between November 2013 and September 2016, 179 patients were included: 89 patients were assigned randomly to half-dose PDT, and 90 were assigned randomly to HSML treatment. At their first evaluation visit, SRF had resolved in 51.2% and 13.8% of patients, respectively (P < 0.001). At their final evaluation visit, a significantly higher percentage of PDT-treated patients demonstrated no SRF (67.2% vs. 28.8%; P < 0.001). Moreover, at the first evaluation visit, the PDT-treated patients showed a significantly higher increase in BCVA (+4.60±6.62 ETDRS letters vs. +1.39±8.99 ETDRS letters; P = 0.011), and a significantly higher increase in retinal sensitivity on microperimetry (+2.01±3.04 dB vs. +0.92±3.65 dB; P = 0.046); however, the improvement in vision-related quality of life was similar (score of +2.87±8.35 vs. +2.56±7.36, respectively; P = 0.800). CONCLUSIONS: Half-dose PDT is superior to HSML for treating cCSC, leading to a significantly higher proportion of patients with complete resolution of SRF and functional improvement.

NINL and DZANK1 Co-function in Vesicle Transport and Are Essential for Photoreceptor Development in Zebrafish.

Ciliopathies are Mendelian disorders caused by dysfunction of cilia, ubiquitous organelles involved in fluid propulsion (motile cilia) or signal transduction (primary cilia). Retinal dystrophy is a common phenotypic characteristic of ciliopathies since photoreceptor outer segments are specialized primary cilia. These ciliary structures heavily rely on intracellular minus-end directed transport of cargo, mediated at least in part by the cytoplasmic dynein 1 motor complex, for their formation, maintenance and function. Ninein-like protein (NINL) is known to associate with this motor complex and is an important interaction partner of the ciliopathy-associated proteins lebercilin, USH2A and CC2D2A. Here, we scrutinize the function of NINL with combined proteomic and zebrafish in vivo approaches. We identify Double Zinc Ribbon and Ankyrin Repeat domains 1 (DZANK1) as a novel interaction partner of NINL and show that loss of Ninl, Dzank1 or both synergistically leads to dysmorphic photoreceptor outer segments, accumulation of trans-Golgi-derived vesicles and mislocalization of Rhodopsin and Ush2a in zebrafish. In addition, retrograde melanosome transport is severely impaired in zebrafish lacking Ninl or Dzank1. We further demonstrate that NINL and DZANK1 are essential for intracellular dynein-based transport by associating with complementary subunits of the cytoplasmic dynein 1 motor complex, thus shedding light on the structure and stoichiometry of this important motor complex. Altogether, our results support a model in which the NINL-DZANK1 protein module is involved in the proper assembly and folding of the cytoplasmic dynein 1 motor complex in photoreceptor cells, a process essential for outer segment formation and function.

The Ciliopathy Protein CC2D2A Associates with NINL and Functions in RAB8-MICAL3-Regulated Vesicle Trafficking.

Ciliopathies are a group of human disorders caused by dysfunction of primary cilia, ubiquitous microtubule-based organelles involved in transduction of extra-cellular signals to the cell. This function requires the concentration of receptors and channels in the ciliary membrane, which is achieved by complex trafficking mechanisms, in part controlled by the small GTPase RAB8, and by sorting at the transition zone located at the entrance of the ciliary compartment. Mutations in the transition zone gene CC2D2A cause the related Joubert and Meckel syndromes, two typical ciliopathies characterized by central nervous system malformations, and result in loss of ciliary localization of multiple proteins in various models. The precise mechanisms by which CC2D2A and other transition zone proteins control protein entrance into the cilium and how they are linked to vesicular trafficking of incoming cargo remain largely unknown. In this work, we identify the centrosomal protein NINL as a physical interaction partner of CC2D2A. NINL partially co-localizes with CC2D2A at the base of cilia and ninl knockdown in zebrafish leads to photoreceptor outer segment loss, mislocalization of opsins and vesicle accumulation, similar to cc2d2a-/- phenotypes. Moreover, partial ninl knockdown in cc2d2a-/- embryos enhances the retinal phenotype of the mutants, indicating a genetic interaction in vivo, for which an illustration is found in patients from a Joubert Syndrome cohort. Similar to zebrafish cc2d2a mutants, ninl morphants display altered Rab8a localization. Further exploration of the NINL-associated interactome identifies MICAL3, a protein known to interact with Rab8 and to play an important role in vesicle docking and fusion. Together, these data support a model where CC2D2A associates with NINL to provide a docking point for cilia-directed cargo vesicles, suggesting a mechanism by which transition zone proteins can control the protein content of the ciliary compartment.

Chronic central serous chorioretinopathy is associated with genetic variants implicated in age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: In this study, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at 19 loci, previously associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), were systematically tested for association in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC). In addition, we evaluated the effect of detailed phenotyping on these genetic associations. DESIGN: Case-control study. PARTICIPANTS: We included 292 cCSC patients, 1147 AMD patients, and 1311 control individuals. METHODS: We genotyped SNPs at 19 AMD-associated loci and 6 additional SNPs at the complement factor H (CFH) locus. Phenotyping of all patients was based on fundoscopy, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography (FA), and indocyanine green angiography. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We measured the allele frequencies of 25 AMD-associated SNPs and CFH haplotype frequencies in patients with cCSC and the effect of phenotypic subdivision of cCSC on genetic associations. RESULTS: One SNP in ARMS2 (rs10490924) was significant after Bonferroni correction (Punadjusted=0.002; odds ratio [OR]=0.64). The SNPs at 3 other AMD loci (CFH, TNFRSF10A, ADAMTS9) showed a trend toward association with typical cCSC. Further analysis of the CFH locus identified 2 SNPs that significantly conferred increased risk for cCSC and 1 that was protective. The CFH-H3 haplotype was also found to be protective (P=0.01; OR=0.54). Using multimodal imaging, 197 patients were classified as having typical cCSC, 52 patients had unilateral abnormalities on FA that were otherwise typical of cCSC, and 43 patients had a clinical picture that could be compatible with cCSC, but with features that could also indicate other macular diseases. Significant differences of the minor allele frequencies of the tested SNPs were observed between these 3 phenotypic subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic CSC is associated with genetic variants in ARMS2 and CFH, indicating a genetic and pathophysiologic overlap between cCSC and AMD. Intriguingly, alleles in ARMS2 and CFH that confer risk of AMD may be protective for cCSC, and alleles in CFH that are protective for AMD confer risk for cCSC. Significant differences in allele frequencies were found among the phenotypic subgroups for several SNPs, illustrating the importance of correct clinical classification.

Serous Retinopathy Associated with Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase Inhibition (Binimetinib) for Metastatic Cutaneous and Uveal Melanoma.

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical characteristics of a serous retinopathy associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibition with binimetinib treatment for metastatic cutaneous melanoma (CM) and uveal melanoma (UM), and to determine possible pathogenetic mechanisms that may lead to this retinopathy. DESIGN: Prospective observational, cohort-based, cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty CM patients and 5 UM patients treated with the MEK inhibitor binimetinib (CM) or a combination of binimetinib and the protein kinase C inhibitor sotrastaurin (UM). METHODS: Extensive ophthalmic examination was performed, including Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study best-corrected visual acuity, applanation tonometry, slit-lamp examination, indirect ophthalmoscopy, digital color fundus photography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). In selected cases, additional examinations were performed, including visual field testing and electro-oculography (EOG). Blood samples were obtained from 3 CM patients and 3 UM patients to analyze the presence of autoantibodies against retinal and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) proteins. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual symptoms, visual acuity, fundus appearance, characteristics on OCT, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and EOG. RESULTS: Six CM patients (20%) and 2 UM patients (40%) reported visual symptoms during the study. The median time to the onset of symptoms, which were all mild and transient, was 3.5 days (range, <1 hour to 3 weeks). On OCT, subretinal fluid (SRF) was detected in 77% of CM patients and 60% of UM patients. In the 26 patients with SRF, the fovea was affected in 85%. After the start of the medication, an EOG was performed in 19 eyes of 11 patients; 16 of these eyes (84%) developed SRF on OCT. Fifteen of these eyes (94%) showed an abnormal Arden ratio (<1.65). A broad pattern of anti-retinal antibodies was found in 3 CM patients and 2 UM patients tested, whereas anti-RPE antibodies were detected in all 6 tested patients. CONCLUSIONS: A time-dependent and reversible serous retinopathy can develop both in patients with metastatic CM and UM treated with binimetinib. A minority of patients develop visual symptoms, which are generally mild and transient. A cause of binimetinib-associated serous retinopathy may be toxicity of medication, but autoantibodies also may be involved.

Validation of a model to estimate personalised screening frequency to monitor diabetic retinopathy.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Our study aimed to validate a model to determine a personalised screening frequency for diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: A model calculating a personalised screening interval for monitoring retinopathy based on patients' risk profile was validated using the data of 3,319 type 2 diabetic patients in the Diabetes Care System West-Friesland, the Netherlands. Two-field fundus photographs were graded according to the EURODIAB coding system. Sight-threatening retinopathy (STR) was considered to be grades 3-5. Validity of the model was assessed using calibration and discrimination measures. We compared model-based time of screening with time of STR diagnosis and calculated the differences in the number of fundus photographs using the model compared with those in annual or biennial screening. RESULTS: During a mean of 53 months of follow-up, 76 patients (2.3%) developed STR. Using the model, the mean screening interval was 31 months, leading to a reduced screening frequency of 61% compared with annual screening and 23% compared with biennial screening. STR incidence occurred after a mean of 26 months after the model-based time of screening in 67 patients (88.2%). In nine patients (11.8%), STR had developed before the model-based time of screening. The discriminatory ability of the model was good (C-statistic 0.83; 95% CI 0.74, 0.92). Calibration showed that the model overestimated STR risk. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: A large reduction in retinopathy screening was achieved using the model in this population of patients with a very low incidence of retinopathy. Considering the number of potentially missed cases of STR, there is room for improvement in the model. Use of the model for personalised screening may eventually help to reduce healthcare use and costs of diabetes care.

Health economic evaluation of a nurse-assisted online eye screening in home healthcare to reduce avoidable vision impairment (iScreen): study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Among older people undiagnosed and untreated vision impairment and blindness are common. The leading causes are uncorrected refractive errors and cataracts. Vision problems are associated with a lower quality of life, several health problems, and a higher chance of falling accidents and fractures. To eliminate avoidable vision impairment and blindness, targeted eye screening programs are recommended. Older patients, receiving home healthcare, have not yet been considered as a population at risk who could benefit from eye screening. METHODS: A cluster-randomized controlled trial will be conducted to investigate the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of online nurse-assisted eye screening in home healthcare, compared to care as usual, in reducing avoidable vision impairment. A healthcare and societal perspective will be used. The study will be performed in collaboration with several home healthcare organizations in the Netherlands. The online eye screening consists of near and distance visual acuity, followed by an Amsler grading test. Measurements in both groups will take place at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of follow-up. A total of 240 participants will be recruited. Older men and women (65 +), who receive home-based nursing and are cognitively able to participate, will be included. The primary outcome will be the change of two lines or more on the Colenbrander-1 M visual acuity chart between baseline and 12-month follow-up. DISCUSSION: An eye screening for populations at risk contributes to the detection of undiagnosed and untreated vision impairment. This may reduce the health-related consequences of vision loss and the high economic burden associated with vision impairment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06058637. Registered on 27 September 2023.

Mitochondrial retinal dystrophy associated with the m.3243A>G mutation.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the spectrum of retinal abnormalities associated with the m.3243A>G mutation in the mitochondrial MTTL1 gene and to analyze putative correlations among the severity of retinal abnormalities, disease severity in other organ systems, and heteroplasmy levels. DESIGN: Observational, cohort-based, cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-nine patients carrying the m.3243A>G mutation. METHODS: Extensive clinical examinations, including visual acuity testing, indirect ophthalmoscopy, color fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT), and central visual field analysis. In selected patients, Goldmann perimetry, fluorescein angiography, full-field electroretinography (ERG) and electro-oculography (EOG), and color vision testing were performed. Heteroplasmy levels of the m.3243A>G mutation were measured in leukocytes, urinary epithelial cells (UECs), and buccal mucosa. The Newcastle Mitochondrial Disease Adult Scale (NMDAS) score was measured for all patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Age at onset, visual acuity, fundus appearance, FAF, OCT findings, systemic disease features, heteroplasmy levels, and NMDAS scores. RESULTS: Twenty-five of the 29 mutation carriers (86%) had retinal abnormalities that could be classified into 4 grades. Six patients (21%) had grade 1 retinal dystrophy with fine pigment abnormalities that were clearly visible with FAF and fluorescein angiography. Eleven patients (38%) had grade 2 abnormalities that were characterized by yellowish or mildly pigmented deposits in the early stage; in advanced grade 2, these pigment changes encompassed the entire macula and often encircled the optic disc. Six patients (21%) had grade 3 disease in which profound chorioretinal atrophy was present outside the fovea. Two patients (7%) with retinal abnormalities had grade 4 disease, in which the fovea was affected by atrophy, with marked loss of visual acuity. The grade of mitochondrial retinal dystrophy correlated significantly with both age (r = -0.483, P = 0.008) and visual acuity (r = -0.614, P < 0.001), whereas no correlation was observed with heteroplasmy level or overall disease involvement. CONCLUSIONS: Mitochondrial retinal dystrophy associated with the m.3243A>G mutation has specific characteristics that can be classified into 4 grades based on the findings on ophthalmoscopy, FAF, and OCT. However, because the maternal inheritance pattern can be masked and the systemic disease associations can be variable or even absent, the disease may be misdiagnosed.

Autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy: differential diagnosis and treatment options.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and genetic characteristics of patients with autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy (ARB). DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PARTICIPANTS: Ten patients with ARB from 7 different families. METHODS: All patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, including dilated fundus examination, fundus photography, and fluorescein angiography (FA). In all probands, fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), full-field electroretinography (ERG), electro-oculography (EOG), and Goldmann perimetry were performed. In selected patients, multifocal ERG was performed. Blood samples were obtained to analyze the BEST1 gene for biallelic mutations that confirmed the diagnosis of ARB. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Age at onset; visual acuity; fundus appearance; characteristics on FA, FAF, OCT, full-field ERG, and EOG; BEST1 gene mutations; and genotype-phenotype correlation. RESULTS: The age at onset varied widely, from 2 to 54 years. A spectrum of fundus abnormalities was observed, such as multifocal yellowish subretinal deposits, subretinal fibrous scars, and cystoid intraretinal fluid collections in the macula. All ARB patients were hyperopic, and some had shallow anterior chamber angles that predisposed them to angle-closure glaucoma. The EOG results were abnormal in all patients. The full-field ERG results were abnormal in 8 ARB patients, whereas 2 patients demonstrated normal cone and rod responses on full-field ERG. Nine ARB patients carried biallelic mutations in the BEST1 gene, and in 1 patient with a characteristic ARB phenotype, only 1 mutation could be identified. Seven different mutations were detected, including 4 novel mutations. CONCLUSIONS: Autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy is a recognizable phenotype caused by autosomal recessively inherited mutations in the BEST1 gene. A differential diagnosis with other conditions can be made on the basis of marked autofluorescence changes in combination with an absent light rise on the EOG that outweighs the full-field ERG abnormalities, which point to the BEST1-related hereditary nature of the disease. A number of currently available therapeutic options should be considered in ARB, a disease that seems to be a suitable candidate for future gene therapy.

[Art and health care: a tradition of mutable functions]. / Kunst en gezondheidszorg.

The art heritage that has survived from medieval and early modern hospitals situated in the north of the Netherlands should be considered in the context of the multifunctional character hospitals had at the time. As a result, the heritage does not compare well with the role and function of visual art in hospitals of the 20th and 21st centuries. However, commissioning art in hospitals and other healthcare facilities is an old and fascinating tradition that, like all good traditions, changes with time. From the second half of the 20th century, many a Dutch hospital built up its own art collection. Initially with the aim of supporting art and artists, later on with the idea to elevate human beings and using art as a healing environment. The latest developments sees hospitals giving art and artists a function in training young doctors. Invariably, art manages to connect people in all ages.

[Marie du Saar, the first female medical consultant in the Netherlands]. / Nederlands eerste vrouwelijke medisch specialist.

Dr. M.C. Hammer-du Saar (1860-1955) was the first female medical consultant in the Netherlands. In 1891 she established a private practice as ophthalmologist in Amsterdam. Only a handful of women consulted her. Male patients avoided her practice, whereas simultaneously plenty of poor men were treated by her for free in a charity eye clinic. Marie du Saar was finally forced to earn additional money with activities as teaching health education, nutrition and hygiene to woman. These activities were more aligned with the unwritten conventional rules for female doctors at that time. Due to unfavorable social and personal factors, she was finally forced to close her private eye practice in 1898.

Cumulative effect of risk alleles in CFH, ARMS2, and VEGFA on the response to ranibizumab treatment in age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: Intravitreal ranibizumab injections currently are the standard treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, a broad range of response rates have been observed, the reasons for which are poorly understood. This pharmacogenetic study evaluated the impact of high-risk alleles in CFH, ARMS2, VEGFA, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor KDR, and genes involved in angiogenesis (LRP5, FZD4) on the response to ranibizumab treatment and on the age of treatment onset. In contrast to previous studies, the data were stratified according to the number of high-risk alleles to enable the study of the combined effects of these genotypes on the treatment response. DESIGN: Case series study. PARTICIPANTS: A cohort of 420 eyes of 397 neovascular AMD patients. METHODS: The change in visual acuity (VA) between baseline and after 3 ranibizumab injections was calculated. Genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the CFH, ARMS2, VEGFA, KDR, LPR5, and FZD4 genes was performed. Associations were assessed using linear mixed models. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The VA change after 3 ranibizumab injections and the age of neovascular disease onset. RESULTS: After ranibizumab treatment, AMD patients without risk alleles in the CFH and ARMS2 genes (4.8%) demonstrated a mean VA improvement of 10 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters, whereas no VA improvement was observed in AMD patients with 4 CFH and ARMS2 risk alleles (6.9%; P = 0.014). Patients with 4 high-risk alleles in CFH and ARMS2 were 5.2 years younger than patients with 1 or 2 risk alleles, respectively (63.5%; P<0.0001). The mean age at which the first ranibizumab treatment was carried out among AMD patients with all 6 risk alleles in CFH, ARMS2, and VEGFA was 65.9 years (2%) versus 75.3 years in patients with 0 or 1 high-risk allele (8.8%; P = 0.001). After ranibizumab treatment, patients with 6 high-risk alleles demonstrated a mean VA loss of 10 ETDRS letters (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study evaluated the largest pharmacogenetic AMD cohort reported to date. A cumulative effect of high-risk alleles in CFH, ARMS2, and VEGFA seems to be associated with a younger age of onset in combination with poor response rates to ranibizumab treatment.

A homozygous frameshift mutation in LRAT causes retinitis punctata albescens.

PURPOSE: To determine the genetic defect and to describe the clinical characteristics in patients with retinitis punctata albescens (RPA) and fundus albipunctatus (FAP). DESIGN: Case series/observational study. PARTICIPANTS: We included 13 patients affected by RPA or FAP. METHODS: Thirteen patients were collected from 8 families with a retinal dystrophy characterized by tiny, yellow-white dots on funduscopy, typical for FAP or RPA. All patients underwent full ophthalmologic examinations, including visual field assessment. Fundus photography, and electroretinography were performed in 12 patients, and optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence were performed in 4 patients. DNA samples of all patients were screened for mutations in RLBP1 and for mutations in RDH5 in patients who did not carry mutations in RLBP1. DNA samples of 2 sibling pairs of nonconsanguineous families who carried mutations neither in RLBP1 nor in RDH5 were analyzed by genome-wide homozygosity mapping. Sequence analysis was performed of LRAT, a candidate gene in a shared homozygous region. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We assessed DNA sequence variants, best-corrected visual acuity, fundus appearance, visual field measurements, electroretinogram responses, optical coherence tomography, and fundus autofluorescence. RESULTS: A homozygous frameshift mutation was identified in LRAT in 4 patients with RPA. Mutations in RLBP1 were identified in 7 patients with RPA and in 1 patient with FAP and cone dystrophy. One patient had compound heterozygous mutations in RDH5 and suffered from FAP with mild maculopathy. CONCLUSIONS: A genetic defect was identified in LRAT as a novel cause of RPA. LRAT is therefore the fourth gene involved in the visual cycle that may cause a white-dot retinopathy. We also revealed that mutations in RLBP1 may lead to FAP with cone dystrophy.

Prevalence of Myopic Macular Features in Dutch Individuals of European Ancestry With High Myopia.

IMPORTANCE: High myopia incidence and prevalence is increasing worldwide, and the visual burden caused by myopia is expected to rise accordingly. Studies investigating the occurrence of myopic complications in individuals of European ancestry with high myopia are scarce, hampering insights into the frequency of myopic retinal complications in European individuals and their visual burden. OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of myopic macular features in individuals of European ancestry with high myopia. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cross-sectional analysis of the Dutch Myopia Study (MYST) and individuals with high myopia from the Rotterdam Study (RS) included 626 patients with high myopia (spherical equivalent of refractive error [SER] ≤-6 diopters [D] or axial length [AL] ≥26 mm) who underwent an extensive ophthalmic examination including multimodal retinal imaging. In addition to this combination of a population-based cohort study and mix-based high myopia study, a systematic literature review was also performed to compare findings with studies of individuals of Asian ancestry. EXPOSURES: High myopia, age, and AL. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Frequency of myopic macular and optic disc features: tessellated fundus, myopic macular degeneration (MMD), staphyloma, peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation, peripapillary atrophy (PPA), and "plus" lesions (choroidal neovascularization, Fuchs spot, and lacquer cracks). RESULTS: The mean (SD) SER of the combined study population (MYST and RS) was -9.9 (3.2) D; the mean (SD) age was 51.4 (15.1) years, and 387 (61.8%) were women. The prevalence of MMD was 25.9% and increased with older age (P for trend <.001), lower SER (odds ratio [OR], 0.70; 95% CI, 0.65-0.76; P < .001), and higher AL (OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 2.13-3.06; P < .001). Choroidal neovascularization or Fuchs spot was present in 2.7% (n = 17), both lesions in 0.3% (n = 2), and lacquer cracks in 1.4% (n = 9). Staphyloma, PPA, and MMD were highly prevalent in visual impaired and blind eyes (frequency was 73.9% [20 of 27], 90.5% [19 of 21], and 63.0% [17 of 27] of unilateral blind eyes for MMD, staphyloma, and PPA, respectively). Seven previous studies in Asian populations reported a variable MMD frequency ranging from 8.3% to 64%, but frequencies were similar for comparable risk profiles based on age and SER. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this cross-sectional study of a highly myopic Dutch population of European ancestry, myopic retinal features were frequent; were associated with age, SER, and AL; and occurred in all visually severely impaired eyes. The absence of treatment options for most of these retinal complications emphasizes the need for effective strategies to prevent high myopia.