Emerging Applications of Intraoperative Optical Coherence Tomography in Corneal Surgery: A Narrative Review.

Intraoperative OCT (iOCT) is an innovative imaging modality that provides ophthalmic surgeons with real-time cross-sectional views of the surgical field. Recent advances in OCT technology, such as higher acquisition scanning rates, enable real-time video visualization. iOCT systems are widely used in both vitreoretinal and anterior segment surgeries. In corneal surgeries, iOCT imaging aims to optimize efficacy and safety by improving depth perception and enhancing visualization in cases of opaque optical media. iOCT is a valuable tool not only for experienced corneal surgeons, but also for training novice surgeons. This review summarizes the emerging applications of iOCT in corneal surgery, particularly in technically demanding lamellar keratoplasty procedures, as well as in various other corneal diseases and complications that require surgical intervention.

Transforming the future of ophthalmology: artificial intelligence and robotics' breakthrough role in surgical and medical retina advances: a mini review.

Over the past decade, artificial intelligence (AI) and its subfields, deep learning and machine learning, have become integral parts of ophthalmology, particularly in the field of ophthalmic imaging. A diverse array of algorithms has emerged to facilitate the automated diagnosis of numerous medical and surgical retinal conditions. The development of these algorithms necessitates extensive training using large datasets of retinal images. This approach has demonstrated a promising impact, especially in increasing accuracy of diagnosis for unspecialized clinicians for various diseases and in the area of telemedicine, where access to ophthalmological care is restricted. In parallel, robotic technology has made significant inroads into the medical field, including ophthalmology. The vast majority of research in the field of robotic surgery has been focused on anterior segment and vitreoretinal surgery. These systems offer potential improvements in accuracy and address issues such as hand tremors. However, widespread adoption faces hurdles, including the substantial costs associated with these systems and the steep learning curve for surgeons. These challenges currently constrain the broader implementation of robotic surgical systems in ophthalmology. This mini review discusses the current research and challenges, underscoring the limited yet growing implementation of AI and robotic systems in the field of retinal conditions.

Neurovascular Adverse Effects of Sars-Cov-2 Vaccination.

The global deployment of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines has been pivotal in curbing the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing morbidity and mortality associated with the virus. While most of these vaccines have demonstrated high efficacy and overall safety, emerging reports have highlighted potential neurovascular adverse effects, albeit uncommon, associated with these vaccinations. This review aims to assess and summarize the current knowledge on the neurovascular complications arising post-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. We conducted an extensive literature review, focusing on clinical studies and case reports to identify reported neurovascular events, such as ischemic stroke, cerebral sinus venous thrombosis, intracerebral hemorrhage, pituitary apoplexy and primary CNS angiitis Despite the relative rarity of these events, their impact on affected individuals underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance, early detection, and management strategies. We aim to provide healthcare professionals with the latest evidence on neurovascular adverse effects, facilitating informed decision-making in the context of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination programs. Furthermore, we highlight areas requiring further research to understand the pathophysiology of these adverse events better and to develop targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

Revolutionizing Stroke Recovery: Unveiling the Promise of Stem Cell Therapy.

Stem cells, renowned for their unique regenerative capabilities, present significant hope in treating stroke, a major cause of disability globally. This review offers a detailed analysis of stem cell applications in stroke (ischemic and hemorrhagic) recovery. It examines therapies based on autologous (patient-derived), allogeneic (donor-derived), and Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) based stem cells, focusing on cell types such as Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells (MSCs), Bone Marrow Mononuclear Stem Cells (BMMSCs), and Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells (NSCs). The paper compiles clinical trial data to evaluate their effectiveness and safety and addresses the ethical concerns of these innovative treatments. By explaining the mechanisms of stem cell-induced neurological repair, this review underscores stem cells' potential in revolutionizing stroke rehabilitation and suggests avenues for future research.

Angioid Streaks Remain a Challenge in Diagnosis, Management, and Treatment.

Aim: Angioid streaks (ASs) are a rare retinal condition and compromise visual acuity when complicated with choroidal neovascularization (CNV). They represent crack-like dehiscences at the level of the Bruch's membrane. This objective narrative review aims to provide an overview of pathophysiology, current treatment modalities, and future perspectives on this condition. Materials and Methods: A literature search was performed using "PubMed", "Web of Science", "Scopus", "ScienceDirect", "Google Scholar", "medRxiv", and "bioRxiv." Results: ASs may be idiopathic, but they are also associated with systemic conditions, such as pseudoxanthoma elasticum, hereditary hemoglobinopathies, or Paget's disease. Currently, the main treatment is the use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGF) to treat secondary CNV, which is the major complication observed in this condition. If CNV is detected and treated promptly, patients with ASs have a good chance of maintaining functional vision. Other treatment modalities have been tried but have shown limited benefit and, therefore, have not managed to be more widely accepted. Conclusion: In summary, although there is no definitive cure yet, the use of anti-VEGF treatment for secondary CNV has provided the opportunity to maintain functional vision in individuals with AS, provided that CNV is detected and treated early.

Ranibizumab Biosimilars in Treating Retinal Disorders: A Cost-Effective Revolution?

Ranibizumab, is a humanized, monoclonal antibody fragment that binds and inactivates vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and VEGF-B. One of the main indications for an intravitreal treatment with ranibizumab is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a retinal disease with a high worldwide socioeconomic impact. Biosimilars constitute biological products that demonstrate similar pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic characteristics with a reference product, as well as comparable clinical efficacy, safety and immunogenicity. Since the approval of the first biosimilar Razumab, there has been a variety of new biosimilars available on the market. They offer the advantage of the same good clinical and safety results at a better price. All Ranibizumab biosimilars that have gained approval were tested in double masked Phase 3 clinical studies. The use of Ranibizumab biosimilars in neovascular AMD is well reported in the bibliography. Nevertheless, over the last few years, there is a tendency of using biosimilars in other retinal diseases like retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), diabetic macular edema (DME) or polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). In conclusion, ranibizumab biosimilars offer a promising avenue for the management of retinal diseases, especially in countries with lower socioeconomic status, where there is lack of availability of innovator ranibizumab. However, further research is required to fully explore their efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes in a plethora of retinal diseases.