Diagnostic capabilities of ChatGPT in ophthalmology.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess the diagnostic accuracy of ChatGPT in the field of ophthalmology. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted in one academic tertiary medical center. We reviewed data of patients admitted to the ophthalmology department from 06/2022 to 01/2023. We then created two clinical cases for each patient. The first case is according to the medical history alone (Hx). The second case includes an addition of the clinical examination (Hx and Ex). For each case, we asked for the three most likely diagnoses from ChatGPT, residents, and attendings. Then, we compared the accuracy rates (at least one correct diagnosis) of all groups. Additionally, we evaluated the total duration for completing the assignment between the groups. RESULTS: ChatGPT, residents, and attendings evaluated 126 cases from 63 patients (history only or history and exam findings for each patient). ChatGPT achieved a significantly lower accurate diagnosis rate (54%) in the Hx, as compared to the residents (75%; p < 0.01) and attendings (71%; p < 0.01). After adding the clinical examination findings, the diagnosis rate of ChatGPT was 68%, whereas for the residents and the attendings, it increased to 94% (p < 0.01) and 86% (p < 0.01), respectively. ChatGPT was 4 to 5 times faster than the attendings and residents. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: ChatGPT showed low diagnostic rates in ophthalmology cases compared to residents and attendings based on patient history alone or with additional clinical examination findings. However, ChatGPT completed the task faster than the physicians.

Visual impairment and cognitive performance: A nationwide study of 1.4 million adolescents.

PURPOSE: Previous research highlights the adverse effects of visual impairment (VI) on academic achievement in children, yet its impact on cognitive performance among adolescents and young adults remains under-studied. Therefore, this investigation aimed to analyse this association in a nationwide sample of Israeli adolescents. METHODS: A retrospective population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,410,616 Israeli-born adolescents aged 16-19 years, who were assessed before mandatory military service between 1993 and 2017. The definition of VI was based on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurements using a standard Snellen chart. Adolescents with BCVA worse than 6/9 in either or both eyes were classified as having unilateral or bilateral VI, respectively. Cognitive performance was measured using the General Intelligence Score (GIS), based on a validated four-domain test. Relationships were analysed using regression models yielding adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for low (<-1 standard deviation [SD]) and high (≥1 SD) cognitive Z-scores. RESULTS: Of 1,410,616 adolescents (56.1% men), 13,773 (1.0%) had unilateral and 3980 (0.3%) had bilateral VI. Unilateral VI was associated with adjusted ORs for low and high cognitive Z-scores of 1.24 (1.19-1.30) and 0.84 (0.80-0.89), respectively. ORs were accentuated for bilateral VI, reaching 1.62 (1.50-1.75) and 0.81 (0.74-0.90) for low and high cognitive Z-scores, respectively. Cognitive performance subscores mirrored these results, with the visual-spatial functioning subtest demonstrating the greatest effect size. These associations persisted in sub-analyses restricted to adolescents with amblyopia-related VI, mild VI and unimpaired health status. CONCLUSIONS: Visual impairment, including mild and unilateral cases, is associated with reduced cognitive performance scores assessed in late adolescence. Further research is required to gain a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics underlying this relationship.

Accuracy of intra ocular lens calculation formulae in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the visual and refractive outcomes in patients with pseudoexfoliation (PXF) undergoing routine cataract surgery and to compare the accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulae. METHODS: Retrospective case-series study from Shamir medical center, a public hospital, Israel. Medical records of patients who underwent routine cataract surgery between January 2019 and August 2021 were investigated. Postoperative visual acuity and manifest refraction were examined. The error in predicted refraction and IOL power calculation accuracy within a range of ± 0.50 to ± 1.00 diopters were compared between different IOL calculating formulae. RESULTS: 151 eyes of 151 patients ages 73.9 ± 7.1 years were included in this study- 58 eyes in the PXF group and 93 eyes in the control group. The mean absolute error (MAE) for the BUII formula was 0.63D ± 0.87 for the PXF group and 0.36D ± 0.48 for the control group (p < 0.05). The MAE for the Hill-RBF 3.0 formula was 0.61D ± 0.84 for the PXF group and 0.42D ± 0.55 for the control group (p = 0.05). There were significant differences in MAE and MedAE between PXF group and control group measures (p < 0.05). In the PXF group there were no significant differences between the different formulae. CONCLUSIONS: There were significant differences in accuracy of IOL power calculations in all formulae between PXF group and control group measures. PXF patients show hyperopic shift from predicted refraction. Barret universal II formula had the highest proportion of eyes with absolute error in prediction below or equal to 0.50 D in both PXF and control groups.

Application of Nd:YAG laser to the anterior vitreous in malignant glaucoma - a systemic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The study aims to review the efficacy, safety, and technique of Nd:YAG laser vitreolysis for the management of malignant glaucoma (MG). METHODS: We performed a search of electronic databases for all published studies which included technical specifications of Nd:YAG laser application for MG. Individual patient data was extracted and evaluated in a weighted pooled analysis. RESULTS: Thirty eyes were reported on from seven studies worldwide. Age of affected patients ranged between 37 and 82 years. Nd:YAG vitreolysis was performed either through an iritodomy (66.7%, 18/27 eyes), transpupillary (18.5%, 5/27 eyes), or through both simultaneously (14.8%, 4/27 eyes). Treatment intensity ranged between 1.0 and 11.00 mJ with 75.9% (22/29 eyes) of treatments being 3.0 mJ or lower. Between 1 and 41 pulses per session were applied. Rates of both anatomical and intraocular pressure resolution were examined. Overall, in a pooled analysis, 77% of eyes demonstrated MG resolution with no further treatment required after Nd:YAG vitreolysis (95% CI: 58.1 to 91.4%). A trend for lower need of additional interventions was seen with transpupillary application (11.1% versus 42.1%). No complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Nd:YAG laser vitreolysis is a safe procedure, associated with MG resolution in the majority of reported cases, regardless of treatment intensity. Transpupillary treatment may be associated with lower risk of re-intervention.

[MICROSPORIDIUM KERATITIS: A CASE SERIES].

INTRODUCTION: Microsporidia is a phylum of intracellular parasites that secrete spores and stay in water sources. These parasites can cause infection in humans by invading the digestive system, the urinary system, the muscular system and the eye. Recently, the Israeli Ministry of Health announced that dozens of people in Israel were suspected of being infected with microsporidial keratitis after bathing in the waters of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee). Here we present a brief overview of this microsporidial keratitis as well as three case presentations.

The Effect of Blue-Light Filtering Intraocular Lenses on the Development and Progression of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of blue-light filtering (BLF) intraocular lenses (IOLs) on the prevention of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) after cataract surgery. DESIGN: Cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Patients who underwent uneventful cataract surgery between 2007 and 2018 at the Ophthalmology Unit of Kymenlaakso Central Hospital, Kotka, Finland. METHODS: Subsequent nAMD rates were compared between patients who received BLF IOLs and those who received non-BLF IOLs. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses for the overall risk of nAMD developing were assessed. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), foveal thickness, treatment interval, and total number of intravitreal injections were secondary outcomes. A separate analysis was performed on patients with pre-existing nAMD to assess the effect of BLF IOLs on nAMD progression. A single eye of each patient was included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Neovascular age-related macular degeneration-free survival. RESULTS: Included were 11 397 eyes of 11 397 patients with a mean age of 75.4 ± 8.3 years (62.5% women). The BLF IOL was used in 5425 eyes (47.6%), and the non-BLF IOL was used in 5972 eyes (52.4%). During follow-up (BLF IOL group, 55.2 ± 34.1 months; non-BLF IOL group, 50.5 ± 30.1 months; P < 0.001), 164 cases of new-onset nAMD were recorded (BLF group, n = 88; non-BLF group, n = 76). The nAMD-free survival was similar between the groups (P = 0.465, log-rank test). In a Cox regression analysis controlling for age, gender, and a documented diagnosis of macular degeneration, the use of a BLF IOL was not predictive of nAMD development (hazard ratio [HR], 1.075; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79-1.47; P = 0.652). In nAMD patients, secondary clinical outcomes at 1 year were comparable for BCVA (0.57 ± 0.4 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution vs. 0.45 ± 0.4 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution; P = 0.136), foveal thickness (285 ± 109 µm vs. 299 ± 103µm; P = 0.527), number of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections (6.5 ± 2.5 vs. 6.2 ± 2.7; P = 0.548), and treatment interval (7.5 ± 2.4 weeks vs. 8.1 ± 2.4 weeks; P = 0.271) for BLF and non-BLF IOLs, respectively. Similarly to patients in whom nAMD developed after the surgery, among patients with nAMD before surgery (BLF, n = 71; non-BLF, n = 74), the clinical outcomes again were comparable (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In a large cohort of patients who underwent cataract surgery, the use of a BLF IOL resulted in no apparent advantage over a non-BLF IOL in the incidence of nAMD or its progression, nor in clinical variables related to nAMD severity.

Preoperative ocular characteristics predicting the development of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome regardless of alpha-antagonist exposure status.

PURPOSE: To assess structural risk factors for intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) available on preoperative examination before cataract surgery. METHODS: In this retrospective study, medical records of patients who underwent cataract surgery in Shamir Medical Center, between July and September 2019, were reviewed. Patients younger than 50 years, with preexisting ocular conditions affecting the pupillary size or anterior chamber depth (ACD), and combined procedures were excluded. Association of IFIS with preoperative ocular parameters was tested using uni- and multivariant analyses. RESULTS: Overall, 394 eyes of 394 patients were included. The mean age was 72.48 ± 8.63 years, and 58.4% were female. IFIS occurred in 18 eyes (4.6%), seven (38.89%) of which had been previously treated with alpha-antagonists. Patients in the IFIS group were significantly older compared with those in the non-IFIS group (78.1 ± 6.7 vs. 72.2 ± 8.6 years, P = 0.005), with no significant gender difference. The mydriatic pupil diameter was significantly smaller in the IFIS group (5.73 ± 1.16 vs. 6.97 ± 1.03 mm, P < 0.001), and the lens thickness (LT) was larger (4.93 ± 0.42 vs. 4.49 ± 0.42 mm, P = 0.001). ACD was inversely correlated with LT (r = - 0.613, P < 0.001) and positively correlated with pupil diameter (r = 0.252, P < 0.001). On univariate analysis, ACD was significantly shallower in the IFIS group (2.88 ± 0.49 vs. 3.14 ± 0.39 mm, P = 0.008). In multivariant analysis controlling for alpha-antagonist use, both LT and mydriatic pupil diameter remained significantly predictive of IFIS (LT: OR 9.9, 95%CI 1.9-49, P = 0.005; pupil diameter OR 0.427, 95%CI 0.26-0.69, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Increased LT and decreased mydriatic pupil diameter were associated with increased IFIS risk regardless of alpha-antagonist treatment status.

Ocular involvement in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a clinical and molecular analysis.

PURPOSE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused a global pandemic with millions infected worldwide. Little is known on the ocular involvement associated with the disease. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and molecular ocular involvement among patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to a tertiary care facility. METHODS: Consecutive patients admitted to the COVID-19 Ward of the Shamir Medical Center in Israel during March and April, 2020 were included. The control group included patients negative for COVID-19 admitted during a similar period to a different ward. Patients were examined by trained Ophthalmologists. SARS-CoV-2 conjunctival swab samples were obtained. RESULTS: Included were 48 patients, 16 with confirmed COVID-19 and 32 controls. Median patient age was 68.5 (interquartile range: 31.5, mean: 63 ± 21) years and 48% were male. Active conjunctival injection was present in three patients (19%) with COVID-19, compared to none in the controls (p = 0.034). Patients with COVID-19 were more likely to complain of foreign body sensation (31.3% vs 3.1%, p = 0.005) and redness of the eye (25% vs 0%, p = 0.003). Conjunctival injection was associated with loss of smell and taste (75% vs 7.7%, p = 0.018). Viral conjunctival swab tests all showed negative results for all three viral genes tested (E, N, and RdRp). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients admitted to a tertiary referral center with confirmed COVID-19, active conjunctival injection was noted in one out of five cases, and was associated with loss of smell and taste. Conjunctival swabs for viral RNA were negative in patients with and without ocular involvement.

FOXC1 variant in a family with anterior segment dysgenesis and normal-tension glaucoma.

Our study describes the glaucoma phenotype in a family with Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome (ARS) and a FOXC1 variant. Included were 20 subjects from a large three generation family of Jewish Indian ancestry. Subjects underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination including automated perimetry and optical coherence tomography. Eight subjects were available for molecular analysis which included whole genome sequencing on selected patients and Sanger sequencing for variant screening. Eleven patients demonstrated a wide spectrum of Axenfeld-Rieger anomaly signs and symptoms. These ranged from subtle angle abnormalities to remarkable anterior segment abnormalities such as corectopia, iris adhesions and strands. Among them, six had glaucoma and two were glaucoma suspects. Of the six subjects with glaucoma three had high-tension glaucoma and two had normal-tension glaucoma. Molecular analysis revealed a previously described pathogenic variant in the FOXC1 gene (c.378C > G p.I126M; rs104893958), in six affected patients which was not identified in two healthy siblings. Molecular analysis also revealed a PITX2 missense variant (c.28T > A p.L10M; rs755864040) which did not segregate with clinical findings and was considered likely benign. In conclusion, patients with ARS due to FOXC1 variants may present with glaucomatous optic nerve damage without apparent elevation in IOP. Normal-tension glaucoma is less commonly reported in individuals with ARS and a comprehensive glaucoma assessment may be warranted in these individuals even with normal IOP. These findings raise the possibility that glaucomatous damage associated with FOXC1 is not only due to high IOP.

Clinical outcomes of Ankoris toric intraocular lens implantation using a computer-assisted marker system.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent cataract surgery with implantation of Ankoris monofocal toric intraocular lens (IOL) (PhysIOL SA, Liège, Belgium) using the Zeiss Callisto Eye (Carl Zeiss AG, Dublin, CA). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case series of patients who underwent routine cataract extraction and implantation of Ankoris toric IOL using the Zeiss Callisto eye between January 2018 and December 2018 by four senior surgeons. Patients' medical records were reviewed, and clinical outcomes including postoperative refraction, visual acuity outcomes, IOL position and deviation from planned axis were collected. RESULTS: Fifty-six eyes of 56 patients were included, 48% were female, and the mean age was 70 ± 8 years. Patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome, glaucoma or keratoconus were excluded from the study. Pre-operative mean corneal astigmatism was 2.38 ± 0.78 diopters (D), and mean implanted IOL cylindrical power was 3.06 ± 1.07 D. IOL rotation 30 days postoperatively was within 5° in 82% of eyes and between 6° and 10° in 10.8% of eyes. Mean postoperative refractive astigmatism 30 days postoperatively was 0.22 ± 0.36 D; in 84% of eyes the postoperative refractive astigmatism was ≤ 0.50 D. IOL rotation significantly increased between day 1 to day 7 postoperatively (1.91 ± 3.15° to 3.18 ± 3.3°, P = 0.001). However, no significant rotation had occurred between day 7 and day 30 postoperatively (P = 0.093). CONCLUSION: Cataract surgery with implantation of Ankoris monofocal toric IOL using the Zeiss Callisto Eye marking system is predictable and effective in reducing refractive astigmatism.

The outcomes of postoperative eye patching after cataract surgery in patients with Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of post-operative eye patching on corneal thickness, endothelial cells' loss and visual acuity in patients diagnosed Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). SETTING: Public healthcare centre, Shamir Medical Centre, Israel. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial included patients with FECD undergoing routine cataract surgery in a public medical centre. Patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups: the eye undergoing surgery was covered with a patch for 24 h in the first group (patched group), and a plastic shield was used in the second (non-patched group). Both groups received a unique dose of a local steroid and antibiotic post-operatively. The eyes were examined pre-operatively, and on days 1, 7 and 30 post-surgery . Examination included: best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), comeplete slit lamp examination, intra ocular pressure (IOP), anterior chamber depth (ACD), central corneal thickness (CCT) using the IOL Master 700 (Zeiss, Germany) and endothelial cell density (ECD) using Specular microscopy. Cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) and operation time were recorded for all cases. RESULTS: The study included 46 eyes of 46 patients diagnosed with FECD. Twenty-three eyes in the patched group, and 23 eyes in the non-patched group . Thirty days post-operatively the CCT in the patched group decreased by 60 ± 38 mµ (9%) compared to 92 ± 80 mµ (13.5%) in the non- patched group (p = 0.04). Seven days post-operatively the CCT in the patched group decreased by 31 ± 35 mµ (5%) compared to 58 ± 76 (8%) in the non-patched group, but this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.081). There was no statistically significant difference in endothelial cells loss as well as BCVA at 1, 7 and 30 days post-operatively between the study groups. CONCLUSIONS: Avoiding eye patch post-operatively after cataract surgery in patients with FECD results in better corneal clarity recovery and reduced corneal edema one month post-operatively. Visual acuity and endothelial cell's loss were not influenced by patching.

Reproducibility of Manifest Refraction in Patients With Keratoconus Compared With Healthy Subjects: A Prospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: To measure and compare the inter-examiner reproducibility of manifest refraction in patients with keratoconus. DESIGN: Prospective, inter-examiner reliability analysis comparing cases and controls. METHODS: Patients with keratoconus (KC) and healthy subjects had undergone manifest refraction by the same 2 skilled optometrists; each was masked to the refraction of the other, on the same day. The KC group comprised patients with KC, who were recruited from the cornea clinic. The control group consisted of healthy individuals who wore spectacles and did not have KC. Participants for the control group were recruited from the clinic's staff, including doctors, technicians, nurses, and medical students. The study took place in 1 tertiary medical center in Israel from April 2021 to May 2022. The results of the manifest refraction and achieved corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 120 eyes of 60 patients were enrolled in the study, 30 in the keratoconus group and 30 in the control group. A difference of 0.67 ± 0.83 diopters (D) and 0.19 ± 0.21 D in the absolute manifest cylinder was observed between the optometrists in the keratoconus (95% LoA, -0.96, 2.30) and control group (95% LoA, -0.22, 0.61), respectively (P < .001). Multivariate analysis revealed a 22-fold higher likelihood of an error exceeding 0.75 D in cylinder measurements (odds ratio = 22.24; 95% CI = 2.39-206.95) and a 10-fold likelihood of a difference of at least 1 row on the Snellen chart for corrected distance visual acuity (odds ratio = 10.32; 95% CI = 2.39-44.44) in the KC group. CONCLUSIONS: When compared to healthy subjects, patients with KC exhibited greater variability in manifest refraction. This discrepancy has the potential to influence the decision-making process when managing patients with KC.

Volumetric rejuvenation of the tear trough with repo and Ristow.

PURPOSE: The authors report the results of their approach for the treatment of the tear trough deformity, by lower eyelid blepharoplasty with fat repositioning and fat transfer to Ristow's space and the deep medial fat compartment. METHODS: One hundred fourteen eyes of 57 patients underwent lower eyelid blepharoplasty, fat repositioning, and fat transfer between 2010 and 2012. RESULTS: No major complications were observed in any of the patients in this series. In all cases, there was significant improvement in the lower eyelid contour, tear trough, and blending of the transition at the eyelid-cheek junction noted by both patients and physicians. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the availability of multiple procedures, effacement of the tear trough region remains a challenge. The addition of fat transfer to Ristow's space and the deep medial fat compartment to traditional fat repositioning lower blepharoplasty are effective methods for volumizing the tear trough and may synergistically improve outcomes.

Three-year follow-up of accelerated versus standard corneal cross-linking in paediatric Keratoconus.

PURPOSE: Standard corneal collagen cross-linking (S-CXL) is an effective treatment to arrest Keratoconus (KC) progression in children. Less is known on the long-term efficacy of accelerated CXL (A-CXL) in paediatric populations. METHODS: A historical cohort analysis of paediatric patients (≤18 years) with KC who underwent S-CXL and A-CXL at two tertiary referral centres in Israel between 2010-2017. Preoperative and 3-year postoperative evaluation included changes in visual acuity (best spectacle corrected [BSCVA]) and uncorrected [UCVA]), refractive errors, and keratometric data. RESULTS: Ninety-three eyes of 93 patients were analysed (A-CXL: n = 39; S-CXL: n = 54). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Both groups showed a significant improvement in visual acuity compared to baseline (S-CXL: 0.810-0.602 LogMAR UCVA; A-CXL: 0.890-0.306 LogMAR UCVA, p < 0.05 for both). Improvement in BSCVA and UCVA following A-CXL was non-inferior to S-CXL (< ± 0.2 LogMAR). Kmax decreased by a mean of 0.98 ± 5.56 dioptres following S-CXL (p = 0.02) and by 1.48 ± 8.4 dioptres following A-CXL (p = 0.015). Thinnest pachymetry decreased following both treatments (S-CXL: by 26.8 ± 40.7 µm, p = 0.001, A-CXL: by 10.2 ± 13.4 µm, p = 0.028), the difference between groups was within the non-inferiority margin (< ± 10 µm). CONCLUSIONS: Paediatric patients followed for three years after A-CXL showed improved visual function, reduced corneal astigmatism and Kmax, and decreased thinnest corneal thickness. A-CXL was non-inferior to S-CXL at three years in terms of best-corrected and uncorrected visual acuity, thinnest pachymetry, and astigmatism. For Kmax, non-inferiority could not be concluded.

The association between keratoconus and systemic manifestations of connective tissue hyperlaxity.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlation between keratoconus and systemic manifestations of tissue hyperlaxity in the general population. METHODS: In this population based cross-sectional study 940,763 medical records of Israeli adolescents and young adults in military service were reviewed. Demographic and medical data were extracted. The prevalence of ligament injuries, habitual orthopedic deformities and umbilical/inguinal hernia was evaluated in cases with and without keratoconus. The association was tested using uni- and multivariant analyses. RESULTS: Overall 938,411 adolescents and adults were included. Mean age was 17.55 ± 1.50 years, and 40.70% were female. Keratoconus was documented in 1,529 cases, with a prevalence of 0.16%. Compared to the general population, patients with keratoconus were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with genu varum/valgus (OR = 2.75, CI 1.48-5.13, p = 0.0015), pes planus (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.62-2.38, p < 0.0001), scoliosis (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.45-2.43, p < 0.0001) and umbilical/inguinal hernias (OR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.47-3.24, p = 0.0001). On multivariate analysis the results remained significant (p < 0.05 for all). Joint injuries (ankle sprains, shoulder dislocation and injury to knee ligaments and menisci) were not significantly related to keratoconus (p > 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: In this large cohort of adolescents and young adults, an association was found between keratoconus and connective tissue hyperlaxity manifestations involving the knees, feet, spine and abdomen. These findings suggest that keratoconus might be a manifestation of a generalized connective tissue disorder, rather than just a local ocular phenomenon.

The Definition-Dependent Nature of Myopia Prevalence: A Nationwide Study of 1.5 Million Adolescents.

PURPOSE: The application of myopia definition varies considerably within the literature. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between different myopia and high myopia definitions and resultant prevalence estimates. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study of 1,588,508 Israeli adolescents assessed for medical fitness before mandatory military service at the age of 17 years between 1993 through 2015. Participants underwent non-cycloplegic autorefraction. Nine definitions of myopia and seven definitions of high myopia were examined. Prevalence estimates for each definition were calculated and compared with the reference definition (right eye spherical equivalent (SE)≤-0.50D and ≤-6.00D for myopia and high myopia, respectively), to yield a rate ratio (RR) across definitions. RESULTS: Applying the right eye SE≤-0.50D reference definition yielded 31.0% myopia prevalence. While some definitions resulted in similar prevalence estimates, using the right eye SE of ≤-0.75D; ≤-1.00D or least minus meridian of ≤-0.75D definitions yielded 28.8%, 26.3%, and 26.9% myopia prevalence, respectively, which corresponded to a 7.1%, 15.1% and 13.4% reduction in myopia RR, respectively. The prevalence of high myopia demonstrated considerable alternations, with a 1.7-fold increase in prevalence for the narrower threshold of SE≤-5.00D compared with SE≤-6.00D reference definition (4.2% and 2.4%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of myopia and especially high myopia varies between frequently applied definitions, considering diverse thresholds, eye lateralization, and spherical vs. astigmatic refractive components. This variability highlights the pressing need for standardization of myopia definition in ophthalmic research. The results of this study provide crude estimates of a "conversion rate" across data, allowing comparisons between studies that utilize different myopia definitions.

Psychiatric Comorbidities Associated With Keratoconus.

Importance: Evaluating risk factors for keratoconus, often associated with recurrent eye rubbing, could generate hypotheses to be tested in future interventional trials. Objective: To assess the risk for keratoconus associated with psychiatric comorbidities in adolescents and adults. Design, Setting, and Participants: This population-based cross-sectional study included medical records of Israeli adolescents and adults in military service from January 2011 through December 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures: The prevalence of anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), autism, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was evaluated in individuals with and without keratoconus. The association between keratoconus and psychiatric comorbidities was tested using univariate and multivariant analyses. Results: Overall, 940 763 adolescents and adults were included. Mean (SD) age was 17.56 (1.47) years, and 59.3% were male. Keratoconus was documented in 1533 individuals, with a prevalence of 0.16%. Patients with keratoconus were more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD compared with the general population (odds ratio [OR], 1.58; 95% CI, 1.38-1.81; P < .001). After adjusting for age, sex, intellectual status, height, and weight, the results remained unchanged (hazard ratio, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.27-1.67; P < .001). Stratification according to age showed an association between keratoconus and ADHD for males (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.39-1.90; P < .001) but not for females (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.96-1.74; P = .09). Conclusions and Relevance: In a large cohort of adolescents and adults, ADHD was associated with a diagnosis of keratoconus in male patients, even after adjusting for possible confounders. Although a causative effect could not be ascribed, these findings support further investigation into the potential value of education regarding eye rubbing in this population.

The effect of hypotensive drugs on intraocular lenses clarity.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of hypotensive drugs on light absorbance, discoloration, opacification and precipitate formation of IOLs. METHODS: In this laboratory study, four types of IOLs (two hydrophilic-acrylic-L1 and L2, and two hydrophobic-acrylic-B1 and B2) were soaked in solutions containing Timolol-maleate 0.5%, Dorzolamide 2%, Brimonidine-tartrate 0.2%, Latanoprost 0.005%, Brimonidine-tartrate/Timolol-maleate 0.2%/0.5% and Dorzolamide/Timolol-maleate 2%/0.5%. Non-treated IOLs and IOLs soaked in balanced salt solution (BSS) served as controls. All Treated lenses were sealed in containers and placed in an oven at 82 degrees Celsius for 120 days. Each IOL was examined using four different techniques: light microscopy imaging, light absorbance measurements at 550 nanometers through the optic's center, assessment of by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive Xray spectrometry (EDX). RESULTS: Ninety-eight IOLs were included. All BSS-soaked IOLs appeared clear with no significant discoloration or precipitate-formation. Light absorbance in these lenses was comparable to that of non-soaked, non-heated IOLs. No calcium or phosphate were detected in either of these groups. Light absorbance differed significantly between the four treated IOL types. The drops most affecting light absorbance differed between IOLs. Gross examination revealed brown and yellow discoloration of all IOLs soaked in Dorzolamide and Brimonidine-tartrate solutions, respectively. SEM demonstrated precipitates that differed in size, morphology and distribution, between different IOL-solution combinations. EDX's demonstrated the presence calcium and phosphor in the majority of precipitates and the presence of sulfur in brown discolored IOLs. CONCLUSIONS: In vitro, interactions between hypotensive drugs and IOLs induce changes in light absorbance, discoloration and precipitate formation.

Predictive accuracy of the ABCD progression display among patients with keratoconus: A historic cohort analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of the ABCD Progression Display and the ABCD grading system in a population of adult patients with keratoconus. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis of all adult patients with keratoconus followed at the Shamir Medical Center between 2012 and 2017. A recommendation by the cornea specialist to undergo corneal crosslinking (CXL) was used as a surrogate of ectasia progression. The ABCD grading was not available to the treating physician and was computed post-hoc. Sensitivity and specificity of the ABCD Progression Display was calculated, and multivariate regression was used to estimate the risk to undergo CXL when the ABCD Progression Display indicated progression. The ABCD grading was compared between patients who required CXL to those who did not. A single eye of each patient was included. Sensitivity and specificity of the ABCD Progression Display were 82% and 73%, respectively. A multivariable model adjusted for possible confounders, found that ABCD Progression was associated with a 7-fold risk of undergoing CXL compared to a patient in whom progression was not recorded in the ABCD Progression Display (OR = 7.55; 95% CI = 3.82-14.93, p < 0.001). RESULTS: 293 eyes of 293 patients were analysed. Mean age at presentation was 26.92 ± 6.12 years. In 68 eyes, progression of keratoconus was recorded and CXL was performed (CXL-group). CONCLUSION: The ABCD Progression Display demonstrated adequate sensitivity and specificity and high predictive capabilities of keratoconus progression. It can be effectively utilized as an initial screening test in adults with keratoconus.

Quantum Molecular Resonance Effects on Patients With Dry Eye Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of quantum molecular resonance in the treatment of dry eye disease. METHODS: This study was a double-blind randomized control trial in 1 academic medical center, for 2 years. Participants received treatment or a placebo with the Rexon-Eye device, once per week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in dry eye symptoms assessed by the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Secondary outcomes were clinical findings associated with the dry eye such as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) score, tear break-up time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining, Schirmer test, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). RESULTS: Forty patients were recruited, 20 in each arm. The mean age was 63.5 ± 15.1 years and 27 (67.5%) were female. The mean OSDI score significantly improved in the intervention group from 19.15 ± 10.3 to 10.5 ± 7.0 (P < 0.001), whereas the control group showed no significant change (14.4 ± 8.4 to 15.5 ± 8.6, P = 0.830). MGD scores significantly improved in the intervention group (1.57 ± 1.2 to 0.8 ± 0.9, P = 0.006), whereas showing no significant change in the control group (1.60 ± 0.9 to 1.99 ± 1.0, P = 0.244). The corneal staining score also showed significant improvement in the intervention group (P = 0.045) and a nonsignificant decline in the placebo group (P = 0.50). No significant difference was seen in TBUT, visual acuity, and Schirmer scores between groups. No harm resulting from treatment was reported during the duration of the trial. CONCLUSIONS: High-frequency electrotherapy may have a positive effect on symptoms and signs of dry eye. This emerging technology may become part of the arsenal of therapeutic modalities for this condition.