Role of corneal biopsy in the management of infectious keratitis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this study was to review the existing literature and investigate the role of microbiologic culture and histopathologic examination of corneal biopsies in the management of infectious keratitis. RECENT FINDINGS: Corneal biopsy continues to be a significantly useful tool in the diagnosis and tailored management of infectious keratitis. Several techniques can be employed for tissue collection, handling and processing to optimize diagnostic yield and maximize safety, including emerging femtosecond laser-assisted biopsy. SUMMARY: Corneal opacities represent a significant cause of global blindness, and infectious keratitis is the most common cause. Organism identification in progressive infectious keratitis is essential for proper management. However, microbiological culture alone has a high rate of false-negative results. Records from the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute were retrospectively searched for patients between 1 January 2015, and 31 December 2019, who underwent corneal biopsy, therapeutic keratoplasty or endothelial graft removal for infectious keratitis and had specimens bisected and submitted for evaluation with both microbiologic culture and histopathologic examination. Detection of bacteria, fungus and mycobacteria was not statistically different between culture and histopathology. Microbiology and histopathology are complementary methods for the identification of causative microorganisms in corneal specimens with presumed infectious keratitis.

Acute Onset Endophthalmitis Following Bilateral Upper and Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty.

A 59-year-old woman presented with iritis and uveitis in the OD approximately 3 weeks after she underwent a bilateral upper and lower blepharoplasty by an outside oculoplastic specialist. Examination revealed a visual acuity of hand motion in the OD, scleral ulceration suspicious for prior globe perforation, dense vitritis, and loculations and membranes on echography. The patient was diagnosed with acute onset exogenous endophthalmitis. Vitreous aspiration and intravitreal injection of vancomycin and ceftazidime were performed. The patient underwent a pars plana vitrectomy, and vitreous culture demonstrated Streptococcus pseudoporcinus . Postoperative vision improved to 4/200 but was limited by a full-thickness macular hole. Despite silicone oil removal and macular hole repair, the macular hole remained open at month 7 and limited vision to 5/200. During eyelid surgery, surgeons should take precautions against intraoperative needle perforation including possible use of protective shield. Postoperative vision loss after eyelid surgery requires further evaluation.

Ocular trauma secondary to exercise resistance bands during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize injuries caused by exercise resistance bands. METHOD: Single-site retrospective case series of patients presenting to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute emergency room with ocular injuries secondary to exercise resistance bands from March through September 2020. RESULTS: Eleven patients (9 males, 2 females, 14 eyes) were reviewed. Eight patients had a unilateral injury (3 right eyes, 5 left eyes) while 3 had bilateral injuries. Iritis was the most common presentation, seen in all 11 patients, followed by hyphema (9 patients, 82%), and vitreous hemorrhage (4 patients, 36%). Among affected eyes, the mean presenting visual acuity was approximately 20/100, improving to 20/40 on the last follow up (p = 0.06). However, 4 eyes (33%) had vision ≤20/60 at last follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise resistance bands can cause a wide spectrum of ocular injuries, some leading to long-term vision loss. As such, we recommend that patients strongly consider using eye protection goggles or glasses while using resistance bands for exercise.

ANALYSIS OF THE VITREORETINAL SURGICAL FELLOWSHIP APPLICANT POOL: Publication Misrepresentations and Predictors of Future Academic Output.

PURPOSE: To evaluate characteristics associated with misrepresentation of publication record, future career placement, and subsequent academic output among vitreoretinal surgical fellowship applicants. METHODS: A retrospective review of 337 vitreoretinal surgical applicants between 2015 and 2018 was conducted. Publications reported in the applications were verified using PubMed, Google, and Google Scholar. Applications were considered misrepresented if there was no record of the publication or if there was an inconsistency in authorship. Applicants were followed after graduation and their employment position and postgraduation publications were recorded. The main outcome measures were the number of unverifiable publications, postfellowship job placement, and postgraduate peer-reviewed publications. RESULTS: Of the 377 applicants, 309 (82.0%) listed peer-reviewed publications. Of those with a publication, 32 (10.4%) had misrepresentations. A reported desire to pursue an academic career was associated with a future career in academic medicine, whereas Alpha Omega Alpha status was correlated with a future career in private practice. Alpha Omega Alpha status, a reported desire to pursue an academic career, and the number of peer-reviewed publications before fellowship were positively correlated with higher numbers of peer-reviewed publications after fellowship. CONCLUSION: Unverifiable authorship among vitreoretinal surgical fellowship applicants is significant, affecting nearly one in 10 applicants with peer-reviewed publications. A reported desire to pursue academic medicine as listed on the fellowship application is a useful indicator for a future career in academics, and for increased number of peer-reviewed publications after fellowship.

Mutations in MERTK are not associated with age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To assess whether mutations in Mer tyrosine kinase (MERTK) are associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: An association study using whole-genome sequencing was performed to determine whether rare variants in MERTK are associated with AMD. The data set included 4787 propensity score-matched case-control samples: 2394 AMD cases and 2393 controls. Whole-genome sequencing was performed and variants in MERTK were identified. Combined annotation-dependent depletion (CADD) scores and allele frequencies were calculated for each variant identified in MERTK. Student's t-test was used to assess the mean number of MERTK variants per subject between case and control cohorts (Bonferroni adjusted α = 0.0125). The number of subjects carrying at least one high CADD score loss-of-function or nonsynonymous mutation in each cohort was compared using Fisher's exact test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the mean number of MERTK variants in AMD versus control subjects (p = 0.0502). Additionally, there was no significant difference between cohorts in the number of subjects with at least one high CADD score loss-of-function or nonsynonymous variant (p = 0.15 at CADD > 10 and p = 0.91 at CADD > 20). CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides a meaningfully negative result demonstrating that rare variants in MERTK are not associated with AMD. The study also demonstrates the role of large sample size genetic studies utilizing whole-genome sequencing as a powerful tool that can resolve clinically relevant questions regarding the genetic basis of ophthalmic disease.

A novel MERTK mutation causing retinitis pigmentosa.

PURPOSE: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a genetically heterogeneous inherited retinal dystrophy. To date, over 80 genes have been implicated in RP. However, the disease demonstrates significant locus and allelic heterogeneity not entirely captured by current testing platforms. The purpose of the present study was to characterize the underlying mutation in a patient with RP without a molecular diagnosis after initial genetic testing. METHODS: Whole-exome sequencing of the affected proband was performed. Candidate gene mutations were selected based on adherence to expected genetic inheritance pattern and predicted pathogenicity. Sanger sequencing of MERTK was completed on the patient's unaffected mother, affected brother, and unaffected sister to determine genetic phase. RESULTS: Eight sequence variants were identified in the proband in known RP-associated genes. Sequence analysis revealed that the proband was a compound heterozygote with two independent mutations in MERTK, a novel nonsense mutation (c.2179C > T) and a previously reported missense variant (c.2530C > T). The proband's affected brother also had both mutations. Predicted phase was confirmed in unaffected family members. CONCLUSION: Our study identifies a novel nonsense mutation in MERTK in a family with RP and no prior molecular diagnosis. The present study also demonstrates the clinical value of exome sequencing in determining the genetic basis of Mendelian diseases when standard genetic testing is unsuccessful.

A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Pegcetacoplan for the Treatment of Geographic Atrophy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the treatment of geography atrophy (GA) with intravitreal pegcetacoplan and to identify utility-measurement surrogates. DESIGN: Cost analysis based on data from a published study. SUBJECTS: None; based on data from published sham control compared with 2 treatment groups in the index study. METHODS: Costs were based on 2022 Medicare reimbursement data. Specific outcomes were extrapolated from the DERBY and OAKS trials. Assumptions were made for the lifetime analysis based on a theoretical logistic growth model of the atrophy. OUTCOME MEASURES: Cost, cost utility, cost per quality-adjusted life-year, and cost per area of GA (in US$). RESULTS: The costs to treat GA in every month (EM) and every-other-month (EOM) treatment groups over the 2 years as reported were $70 000 and $34 600, respectively. The costs per area of delaying GA for 2 years in all patients were $87 300/mm2 (EM) and $49 200/mm2 (EOM), and in initially extrafoveal patients, $53 900/mm2 (EM) and $32 100/mm2 (EOM). The costs per day of delaying GA for 2 years were $295 (EM) and $170 (EOM); the marginal cost (EM vs. EOM) per retinal pigment epithelium cell saved was $30. The modeled lifetime costs were $350 000 (EM) and $172 000 (EOM), or $309 000/mm2 (EM) and $180 000 (EOM) /mm2. The modeled time to 95% atrophy at 13 years was delayed by 2.5 years (EM) and 2.1 years (EOM). The costs/quality-adjusted life-year gained based on modeled visual loss with 95% atrophy were $706 000 (EM) and $397 000 (EOM). CONCLUSION: Treatment of GA with intravitreal pegcetacoplan EOM was more cost effective than EM. Treatment of extrafoveal lesions yielded greater utility than the treatment of the entire group. As atrophy progression approaches an upper limit, the marginal cost/benefit ratios increase. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

A Cost Effectiveness Analysis of Avacincaptad Pegol for the Treatment of Geographic Atrophy with Comparison to Pegcetacoplan.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cost effectiveness of the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) with intravitreal avacincaptad pegol (ACP) and to compare it with pegcetacoplan (PEG). DESIGN: Cost analysis based on data from published studies. SUBJECTS: None; based on data from published sham control compared with 2 treatment groups in each of the index studies. METHODS: Costs were based on 2022 Medicare reimbursement data for both facility (hospital-based) and nonfacility settings in Miami. Specific usage and outcomes were derived from the GATHER2 study as well as DERBY and OAKS trials. For ACP, all patients were treated every month (EM) in year 1 then randomized to every other month (EOM) or EM in year 2. Two-year models were created for patients in the facility setting for extrafoveal (ACP and PEG) and all patients (PEG). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cost, cost utility, and cost per area of GA (in United States dollars). RESULTS: The cost to treat GA with ACP in EM and EOM treatment groups over the 2 years as reported was $67 400 and $40 600, respectively. With ACP treatment over 2 years, the daily cost of delaying GA 3.4 months (EM) and 4.5 months (EOM) was $649 (EM) and $356 (EOM). The (facility-based) costs per unit area of retinal pigment epithelium saved for patients with extrafoveal GA over the 2-year period were $119 000/mm2 (EM ACP) versus $54 000/mm2 (EM PEG) (P < 0.001), $57 100/mm2 (EOM ACP) versus $31 400/mm2 (EOM PEG) (P < 0.001), and $45 300/mm2 (hypothetical EOM from outset ACP). CONCLUSION: Treatment of GA with intravitreal ACP EOM was more cost effective than EM. When assessing extrafoveal lesions, ACP was less cost effective than PEG for both EM and EOM treatment. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

The Incidence and Timing of Treatment-Requiring Retinopathy of Prematurity in Nanopremature and Micropremature Infants in the United States: A National Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study.

PARTICIPANTS: This article includes 7293 infants (14 586 eyes) screened for ROP across 5 centers in the United States (Austin Retina Associates, Austin, TX; Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, FL; Beaumont Eye Institute, Royal Oak, MI; Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA; and Stanford Byers Eye Institute, Stanford, CA). PURPOSE: To analyze the incidence and timing of treatment requiring retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in extremely small premature infants. We hypothesize that the smaller the infant by gestational age and birthweight, the higher their likelihood of requiring treatment for ROP. DESIGN: Premature infants screened for Retinopathy of Prematurity from 2002-2022 were divided into cohorts based on the following criteria based on gestational age (GA) and birth weight (BW). "Micropremature infants" are infants born between 24-26 weeks GA and between 600-799 g BW. "Nanopremature infants" are born ≤ 24 weeks GA and ≤ 600 g BW. METHODS: Retrospective chart review. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The incidence and timing of treatment-requiring ROP. RESULTS: We found that infants defined as nanopremature had a ∼63% chance of requiring treatment at an average postmenstrual age (PMA) of 36.6 weeks, whereas those defined as micropremature had a 30% chance of requiring treatment at an average PMA of 36.3 weeks. This significantly contrasts with the risk of all screened babies for ROP where the risk of requiring treatment was 8.5%. CONCLUSION: Micropremature and nanopremature infants are significantly more likely to require treatment for ROP. With demographic data matched to all 5 major US regions spanning the last decade, these results have the potential to inform neonatologists, pediatricians, and ophthalmologists of an important shift in the landscape of prematurity in the United States. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Endophthalmitis Associated With XEN Stent Implantation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to report the clinical characteristics, causative organisms, and treatment outcomes in patients presenting with endophthalmitis related to XEN stent implants. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative consecutive case series. METHODS: Clinical and microbiologic review was performed for 8 patients presenting to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Emergency Room between 2021 and 2022 with XEN stent-related endophthalmitis. Data collected included clinical characteristics of patients at presentation, organisms identified in ocular cultures, treatments received, and visual acuity at last follow-up. RESULTS: The current study included 8 eyes from 8 patients. All cases of endophthalmitis occurred >30 days after implantation of the XEN stent. At the time of presentation, there were external exposures of the XEN stent in 4 of 8 patients. Five of the 8 patients had positive intraocular cultures, all of which were variants of staphylococcus and streptococcus species. Management included intravitreal antibiotics in all patients, explantation of the XEN stent in 5 patients (62.5%), and pars plana vitrectomy in 6 patients (75%). At last follow-up, 6 of the 8 patients (75%) had a visual acuity of hand motion or worse. CONCLUSIONS: Endophthalmitis in the setting of XEN stents results in poor visual outcomes. The most common causative organisms are staphylococcus or streptococcus species. At time of diagnosis, prompt treatment with broad-spectrum intravitreal antibiotics is recommended. Consideration can be made to explant the XEN stent and perform early pars plana vitrectomy.

Aflibercept Monotherapy versus Bevacizumab-First for Diabetic Macular Edema: A Cost Analysis Based on Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network Protocol AC Results.

PURPOSE: To calculate the costs of treatment for diabetic macular edema with bevacizumab-first (step therapy) compared with aflibercept monotherapy. DESIGN: Cost analysis of the treatment arms based on a published study. SUBJECTS: None. METHODS: Published results from the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network protocol AC were used to assess costs. Data incorporated in the usage and outcome model included the frequency of injections, medication type, visits, and imaging. Costs were modeled based on the 2022 Medicare reimbursement data for both facility (hospital-based) and nonfacility settings in Miami. Outcomes were similar in protocol AC so were not differentially studied. Results were extrapolated so as to estimate lifetime (17 years for the age of the cohort). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cost of treatment options. RESULTS: Over the 2 years reported in the protocol AC, the cost required to treat in the facility (nonfacility setting) was $42 000 ($32 000) in the aflibercept monotherapy group and $29 000 ($22 000) in the bevacizumab-first group. Extrapolated modeled lifetime costs were $158 000 ($136 000) and $125 000 ($103 000), respectively. The total cost with bevacizumab-first was 33% lower at year 2 and 21% lower at year 17 compared with aflibercept monotherapy. Savings per year for the 2 years results were $6500 ($5000) in the facility (nonfacility) setting. For the extrapolated 17 years model, annual savings were $1900 ($1900) in the facility (nonfacility) setting. The professional fees accounted for a minority of overall costs; in contrast, medication costs accounted for 82% of the total costs for the aflibercept monotherapy and 73% in the bevacizumab-first group at 2 years. Our model predicted an additional 15% lifetime cumulative savings if patients still not meeting the threshold criteria after switching to aflibercept were placed back on bevacizumab, and a similar degree of improvement if those on not meeting threshold criteria on aflibercept monotherapy were switched to bevacizumab. CONCLUSIONS: Medication is the dominant driver of the total expenses associated with the treatment of diabetic macular edema. Although cost savings are realized with bevacizumab-first step therapy, the magnitude was not as much as might be intuited, probably because of the high (70%) incidence of patients switching to aflibercept within protocol AC. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Retinopathy of Prematurity Screening of Preterm Infants With Icteric Vitreous.

Purpose: To present 2 cases of premature newborns with hyperbilirubinemia and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) who could not be examined properly to assess for disease progression because of vitreous opacification in the setting of an icteric vitreous and frail health status. Methods: The cases and their findings were analyzed. Results: Given the sickness of the neonates and examination difficulty, intravitreal bevacizumab was administered in both eyes to prevent disease progression. During subsequent examinations, the patients remained stable until discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit and were followed in the outpatient clinic without complication. Conclusions: The ROP and vitreous opacification in our cases were thought to be caused by hyperbilirubinemia. Because of vitreous opacification, these patients could not be properly examined for ROP. Treatment with an intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor injection might be considered to delay disease development until the newborn is healthier and able to be examined.

The Role of Social Media in Strabismus Surgical Experience.

PURPOSE: To understand patients' strabismus surgery experience, including its impact on patients' appearance and psychosocial factors such as anxiety and depression, via trends on popular social media platforms. METHODS: TikTok and Instagram were searched for the following post hashtags: "#strabismus," "#strabismussurgery," "#crosseyed," and "#lazyeye." Data regarding date of post, username, gender, city, state, United States or international location, surgical status (preoperative, perioperative, or postoperative), tone (positive or negative), place of treatment, type of post (photo or video), number of likes/views, and number of followers were recorded for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 790 posts (400 TikTok, 390 Instagram) were included. The majority (87.8%) had a positive tone, particularly for Instagram (Instagram = 97.7%, TikTok = 78.3%, P < .01). TikTok had significantly more likes/follower (P < .01), as did negative posts (P < .01). #Lazyeye gained significantly more traction than other hashtags (range: P < .001 to .006). There were no differences in likes/follower for treatment phase (preoperative/perioperative/postoperative), gender, or relative age of poster (adult/parent/child). CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrated that TikTok and Instagram users tend to share positive strabismus surgical experiences; however, negative posts were associated with more interactive responses from viewers. Colloquial hashtags (eg, #lazyeye) were more likely to gain traction than medical terms. TikTok posts were associated with more engagement than Instagram, which suggests TikTok may be a better platform going forward for patient outreach. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2023;60(6):402-405.].

Ergonomics of Ophthalmic Surgery: Evaluating the Effect of a Posture Trainer on Trainee Intraoperative Back Posture.

Purpose Ophthalmic surgeons are at an increased risk for musculoskeletal disorders resulting from ophthalmology-specific routines and equipment, which have become widely associated with poor posture. The purpose of this study was to observe the effect that a commercially available posture trainer, Upright Go, can have on the improvement of posture of ophthalmic surgeons. Methods Eight ophthalmologists-in-training were studied over a period of 4 weeks during their surgical rotations between September 2020 and June 2021. Participants underwent an "observation" period, followed by a 2-week "training" period, then a final "testing" period. The percentage of time users spent upright intraoperatively pre- and posttraining was evaluated. Pre- and poststudy surveys were also administered to help measure participant satisfaction and self-reported changes in posture. Results All eight participants demonstrated an increase in the percentage of time spent upright after the training period. Across all participants, the total average percentage spent upright in the observation period was 59.8%, while in the testing period was 87.1%, resulting in an average improvement of 27.3% of time spent in an upright position after the completion of the training period ( p < 0.0001). The range of improvement of time spent upright was 16.0 to 46.5%. Conclusion This cohort study utilized the Upright Go device to help determine the effect that its training could have on the improvement of posture in ophthalmic surgeons. The results indicated a significant increase in the average proportion of time spent with upright posture compared after the training period.