Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced OCT Biomarkers Analysis in Macula-off Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Patients.

Purpose: To identify optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers for macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with artificial intelligence (AI) and to correlate these biomarkers with functional outcomes. Methods: Patients with macula-off RRD treated with single vitrectomy and gas tamponade were included. OCT volumes, taken at 4 to 6 weeks and 1 year postoperative, were uploaded on an AI-derived platform (Discovery OCT Biomarker Detector; RetinAI AG, Bern, Switzerland), measuring different retinal layer thicknesses, including outer nuclear layer (ONL), photoreceptor and retinal pigmented epithelium (PR + RPE), intraretinal fluid (IRF), subretinal fluid, and biomarker probability detection, including hyperreflective foci (HF). A random forest model assessed the predictive factors for final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Results: Fifty-nine patients (42 male, 17 female) were enrolled. Baseline BCVA was 0.5 logarithmic minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) ± 0.1, significantly improving to 0.3 ± 0.1 logMAR at the final visit (P < 0.001). Average thickness analysis indicated a significant increase after the last follow-up visit for ONL (from 95.16 ± 5.47 µm to 100.8 ± 5.27 µm, P = 0.0007) and PR + RPE thicknesses (60.9 ± 2.6 µm to 66.2 ± 1.8 µm, P = 0.0001). Average occurrence rate of HF was 0.12 ± 0.06 at initial visit and 0.08 ± 0.05 at last follow-up visit (P = 0.0093). Random forest model revealed baseline BCVA as the most critical predictor for final BCVA, followed by ONL thickness, HF, and IRF presence at the initial visit. Conclusions: Increased ONL and PR-RPE thickness associate with better outcomes, while HF presence indicates poorer results, with initial BCVA remaining a primary visual predictor. Translational Relevance: The study underscores the role of novel biomarkers like HF in understanding visual function in macula-off RRD.

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy: an update on the current and emerging treatment options.

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) remains the main cause of failure in retinal detachment (RD) surgery and a demanding challenge for vitreoretinal surgeons. Despite the large improvements in surgical techniques and a better understanding of PVR pathogenesis in the last years, satisfactory anatomical and visual outcomes have not been provided yet. For this reason, several different adjunctive pharmacological agents have been investigated in combination with surgery. In this review, we analyze the current and emerging adjunctive treatment options for the management of PVR and we discuss their possible clinical application and beneficial role in this subgroup of patients.

Investigational drugs inhibiting complement for the treatment of geographic atrophy.

INTRODUCTION: Geographic atrophy (GA) is a progressive form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that leads to severe visual impairment and central vision loss. Traditional treatment options for GA are limited, highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches. In recent years, targeting the complement system has emerged as a promising strategy for the treatment of GA. AREAS COVERED: This expert opinion article reviews the investigational drugs inhibiting the complement cascade for the treatment of GA. Specifically, it focuses on the recent FDA approved pegcetacoplan, a C3 complement inhibitor, and avacincaptad pegol, a C5 complement inhibitor, highlighting their potential efficacy and safety profiles based on clinical trial data. EXPERT OPINION: FDA approval of intravitreal pegcetacoplan and avacincaptad pegol marks significant progress in the landscape of GA treatment. However, variable results from trials underscore the complex nature of GA and the importance of patient selection. Complement inhibition holds promise, but ongoing research is vital to refine treatment strategies and offer improved outcomes for GA patients.

Dynamic Postural Stability and Hearing Preservation after Cochlear Implantation.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To assess dynamic postural stability before and after cochlear implantation using a functional gait assessment (FGA). (2) To evaluate the correlation between loss of residual hearing and changes in dynamic postural stability after cochlear implantation. METHODS: Candidates for first-sided cochlear implantation were prospectively included. The FGAs and pure-tone audiograms were performed before and 4-6 weeks after cochlear implantation. RESULTS: Twenty-three subjects were included. Forty-eight percent (n = 11) showed FGA performance below the age-referenced norm before surgery. One subject had a clinically relevant decrease of the FGA score after cochlear implantation. No significant difference between the mean pre- and postoperative FGA scores was detectable (p = 0.4). Postoperative hearing loss showed no correlation with a change in FGA score after surgery (r = 0.3, p = 0.3, n = 16). CONCLUSION: Single-sided cochlear implantation does not adversely affect dynamic postural stability 5 weeks after surgery. Loss of functional residual hearing is not correlated with a decrease in dynamic postural stability.