Management of COVID-19 in Ophthalmology.

From its outbreak in early 2020, the new SARS-CoV-2 infection has deeply affected the entire eye care system for several reasons. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, ophthalmologists were among the "high-risk category" for contracting the SARS-CoV-2 infection based on the notion that the eye was suspected to be a site of inoculation, infection, and transmission. Clinical ophthalmologists have been required to learn and promptly recognize the ocular manifestations associated with the COVID-19 disease, with its treatments and vaccinations. Restriction measures, lockdown periods, guidelines to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection transmission, and the use of telemedicine and artificial intelligence modalities have induced profound modifications. These changes, which are most likely to be irreversible, influence routine clinical practice, education, and research, thus giving rise to a "new ophthalmology in the COVID era". This book chapter aims to provide several notions regarding COVID-19 in ophthalmology, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection and transmission modalities; the ocular manifestation associated with the COVID-19 disease; the drugs and vaccines used for COVID-19; the precautions adopted in the ophthalmic practice to limit the spread of the virus; the consequences of the pandemic on the ophthalmic patients, clinicians, and the entire eye care system; and, the future of ophthalmology in the era of "COVID new normal".

Antioxidant Nutraceutical Strategies in the Prevention of Oxidative Stress Related Eye Diseases.

This review aims to discuss the delicate balance between the physiological production of reactive oxygen species and the role of antioxidant nutraceutical molecules in managing radicals in the complex anatomical structure of the eye. Many molecules and enzymes with reducing and antioxidant potential are present in different parts of the eye. Some of these, such as glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, α-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, and enzymatic antioxidants, are endogenously produced by the body. Others, such as plant-derived polyphenols and carotenoids, vitamins B2, C, and E, zinc and selenium, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, must be obtained through the diet and are considered essential nutrients. When the equilibrium between the production of reactive oxygen species and their scavenging is disrupted, radical generation overwhelms the endogenous antioxidant arsenal, leading to oxidative stress-related eye disorders and aging. Therefore, the roles of antioxidants contained in dietary supplements in preventing oxidative stress-based ocular dysfunctions are also discussed. However, the results of studies investigating the efficacy of antioxidant supplementation have been mixed or inconclusive, indicating a need for future research to highlight the potential of antioxidant molecules and to develop new preventive nutritional strategies.

The Importance of Health Literacy in Addressing Eye Health and Eye Care Disparities.

Disparities in eye health and eye care frequently result from a lack of understanding of ocular diseases and limited use of ophthalmic health services by various populations. The purpose of this article is to describe the principle of health literacy and its central role in enhancing health, and how its absence can result in poorer health outcomes. The article evaluates the current status of health literacy in visual health and disparities that exist among populations. It also explores ways to improve health literacy as a means of reducing disparities in visual health and eye care. Advancing dissemination of health information and enhancing health literacy may help not only to reduce healthcare barriers in the underserved populations but also to lessen visual health disparities.

Differential Antimicrobial Efficacy of Preservative-Free Contact Lens Disinfection Systems against Common Ocular Pathogens.

Microbial keratitis is a devastating disease that can cause eye damage and blindness and can be the result of infections by several common ocular pathogens. Importantly, some of these pathogens, such as Acanthamoeba, are particularly unsusceptible to biocides in common contact lens care solutions. Therefore, the disinfection efficacy of preservative-free (PF) disinfection systems against bacteria, fungi, and Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts should be assessed as products with the most potential to be efficacious against resistant organisms. PF disinfection systems were analyzed for antimicrobial efficacy. These were the one-step (hydrogen peroxide-based) Clear Care and Clear Care Plus systems and the two-step (povidone-iodine-based) Cleadew system. Stand-alone challenges using bacteria, fungi, and Acanthamoeba were prepared according to the International Standards Organization method 14729. These same challenges were also conducted in the presence of the following contact lenses: Boston RGP, Acuvue Oasys, Biofinity, Ultra, and 2-week PremiO. All challenges were performed at the manufacturer's recommended disinfection time. All preservative-free disinfection systems demonstrated similarly high rates of antimicrobial efficacy when challenged with bacteria or fungi, with or without lenses. However, both Clear Care and Clear Care Plus demonstrated significantly greater disinfection efficacy against Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts, with and without lenses (P < 0.05). Cleadew efficacy was impacted by the addition of contact lenses, whereas Clear Care/Clear Care Plus maintained similar efficacies in the absence or presence of lenses. While both hydrogen peroxide and povidone-iodine are highly effective against bacteria and fungi, hydrogen peroxide maintains significantly greater disinfection capabilities than povidone-iodine against all forms of Acanthamoeba. IMPORTANCE Understanding the most efficacious products will allow clinicians to best communicate to patients and consumers the safest products on the market to reduce adverse events, including microbial keratitis, during contact lens use.

Computer Vision Syndrome: Will the Pandemic Lead to Eye Problems for Dentists?

ABSTRACT Over the past year and a half dental education has been conducted primarily online due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. During the pandemic, we have spent many hours a day on our computers, mobile phones, and tablets to gather information and participate in online seminars and classrooms. Health consequences resulting from the overuse of these devices include carpal tunnel syndrome as well as computer vision syndrome (CVS). Computer vision syndrome, also known as digital eye strain, has several associated features such as eye burning, strained vision, dry eye, blurred vision, and associated neck and shoulder pain. Several predisposing factors have been linked with CVS, but often this problem gets ignored. The management of this syndrome is aimed at educating dentists on computer use, position, and the surrounding environment. Considering all this, we must ensure that we spend some time away from these devices every day to avoid any significant vision problems. The objective of preparing this manuscript was to provide a brief overview of the increased prevalence of computer vision syndrome and its associated features.

Largazole Inhibits Ocular Angiogenesis by Modulating the Expression of VEGFR2 and p21.

Ocular angiogenic diseases, characterized by abnormal blood vessel formation in the eye, are the leading cause of blindness. Although Anti-VEGF therapy is the first-line treatment in the market, a substantial number of patients are refractory to it or may develop resistance over time. As uncontrolled proliferation of vascular endothelial cells is one of the characteristic features of pathological neovascularization, we aimed to investigate the role of the class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor Largazole, a cyclodepsipeptide from a marine cyanobacterium, in ocular angiogenesis. Our study showed that Largazole strongly inhibits retinal vascular endothelial cell viability, proliferation, and the ability to form tube-like structures. Largazole strongly inhibits the vessel outgrowth from choroidal explants in choroid sprouting assay while it does not affect the quiescent choroidal vasculature. Largazole also inhibits vessel outgrowth from metatarsal bones in metatarsal sprouting assay without affecting pericytes coverage. We further demonstrated a cooperative effect between Largazole and an approved anti-VEGF drug, Alflibercept. Mechanistically, Largazole strongly inhibits the expression of VEGFR2 and leads to an increased expression of cell cycle inhibitor, p21. Taken together, our study provides compelling evidence on the anti-angiogenic role of Largazole that exerts its function through mediating different signaling pathways.

Sunlight exposure in infancy decreases risk of sporadic retinoblastoma, extent of intraocular disease.

BACKGROUND: Prior ecologic studies suggest that UV exposure through sunlight to the retina might contribute to increased retinoblastoma incidence. AIMS: Our study objectives were (1) to examine the relationship between exposure to sunlight during postnatal retinal development (prior to diagnosis of sporadic disease) and the risk of retinoblastoma, and (2) to examine the relationship between sun exposure during postnatal retinal development, and the extent of disease among children with unilateral and bilateral retinoblastoma. METHODS AND RESULTS: We interviewed 511 mothers in the EpiRbMx case-control study about their child's exposure to sunlight during postnatal retinal cell division by examining three time periods prior to Rtb diagnosis coinciding with developmental stages in which outdoor activities vary. Weekly sun exposure was compared by age period, between unilateral (n = 259), bilateral (n = 120), and control (n = 132) children, accounting for two factors affecting UV exposure: residential elevation and reported use of coverings to shield eyes. For cases, association between sunlight exposure and clinical stage was examined by laterality at each age period. After adjusting for maternal education and elevation, sun exposure was lower in cases than controls in all three age periods especially during the first 6 months, and in children 12-23 months whose mothers did not cover their eyes when outdoors. In children diagnosed after 12 months of age, sun exposure during the second year of life (age 12-23 months) appeared inversely correlated (r = -0.25) with more advanced intraocular disease in bilateral Rtb children after adjusting for maternal education, residential elevation, and age of diagnosis (p < .09) consistent with effects of Vitamin D exposure on intraocular spread in earlier transgenic murine models of retinoblastoma, and suggesting potential chemopreventive strategies. CONCLUSION: Sun exposure in early childhood is protective for retinoblastoma and may decrease degree of intraocular spread in children with bilateral Rtb.

Eye Disease in Medical Practice: What You Should Know and Why You Should Know It.

Incidence of cataract, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma will significantly increase by 2050. Visual impairment can increase morbidity and mortality in nonocular disease. There are different patterns of vision loss in cataract, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Internists and medical subspecialists play an important role in prevention, detection, and early treatment of eye disease. Awareness of screening guidelines for eye disease as well as a basic ocular history and simple penlight examination can decrease incidence of vision loss and its impact. Visual impairment places a significant financial burden on society.

The Association of Ideal Cardiovascular Health and Ocular Diseases Among US Adults.

BACKGROUND: Globally, about 2.2 billion people have a vision impairment or blindness and approximately half of the cases could have been prevented. Several ocular diseases share common characteristics that overlap with risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between the American Heart Association's prescription for health called the Life's Simple 7 (LS7) metrics and the occurrence of ocular diseases. METHODS: Data were from 6118 adults ages ≥40 years who participated in the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). LS7 metrics consisted of information on smoking, physical activity, body mass index, diet, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and blood glucose. Scores were summed for a maximum of 14 (most ideal cardiovascular health). Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: The average age of participants was 57 years with 53% of them being women. A 1-unit increase in LS7 scores was associated with reduced odds for age-related macular degeneration (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.90-0.99), diabetic retinopathy (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.64-0.73), cataract (OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90-0.98), and glaucoma (OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.88-0.99). After multivariable adjustment, the association was limited to only diabetic retinopathy (OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.64-0.74). This association persisted when diabetic retinopathy was limited to only diagnosis by retinal imaging. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, ideal cardiovascular health, which is indicative of a healthy lifestyle, was associated with lower odds for ocular diseases, especially diabetic retinopathy. These findings suggest that interventions to prevent cardiovascular diseases may also hold promise in preventing ocular diseases.

Mechanisms of blue light-induced eye hazard and protective measures: a review.

The risk of blue light exposure to human health has attracted increased research attention. Blue light, with relatively high energy, can cause irreversible photochemical damage to eye tissue. Excessive exposure of the eye to blue light tends to cause a series of alterations, such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial apoptosis, inflammatory apoptosis, mitochondrial apoptosis and DNA damage, resulting in the development of dry eye disease, glaucoma, and keratitis. Accordingly, physical protection, chemical and pharmaceutical protective measures, gene therapy, and other methods are widely used in the clinical treatment of blue light hazard. We reviewed the studies on possible blue light-induced signaling pathways and mechanisms in the eye and summarized the therapeutic approaches to addressing blue light hazard.

Epidemiologia das urgências e emergências oftalmológicas em um Hospital Universitário Terciário / Epidemiologic profile of ophthalmic emergencies in a Tertiary University Hospital

Resumo O estudo buscou analisar e estudar a prevalência e as circunstâncias de urgências e emergências oftalmológicas no Pronto Socorro do Hospital de Clínicas de Uberlândia da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (HCU-UFU) e no Ambulatório Amélio Marques no período de agosto de 2016 a agosto de 2017. Faz-se necessário tal estudo, pois emergências oftalmológicas são importantes causas de morbidades na sociedade(1). Ademais, através dele políticas de prevenção poderão ser feitas, além de maior capacitação de profissionais a partir do conhecimento das principais causas de atendimento. A metodologia proposta incluiu a coleta de dados do prontuário, sendo colhidas as informações sexo, idade e ocupação/profissão. Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico exploratório observacional predominantemente descritivo do tipo transversal. O trabalho evidenciou que o sexo masculino foi o mais acometido e a faixa etária mais incidente foi entre 19 e 45 anos. Das causas de procura pelo pronto-atendimento oftalmológico, o trauma ocular por corpo estranho é a mais comum havendo uma estreita relação com as atividades laborais (mecânicos e ferragistas). Dessa forma, os dados serão um recurso importante para o auxiliar na compreensão do perfil epidemiológico do pronto-atendimento oftalmológico visando otimizar a administração do mesmo e para estimular a adoção de políticas públicas de prevenção no âmbito da saúde do trabalhador.

Abstract The study aimed to analyze and study the prevalence and circumstances of ophthalmic emergencies and urgencies in the Emergency Room of the Hospital de Clínicas de Uberlândia and the Central Ambulatory (Amélio Marques) of the Federal University of Uberlândia (HCU-UFU) from August 2016 to August 2017. This is a necessary study since ophthalmic emergencies are important causes of morbidities in society(1). In addition, this study will help to develop prevention policies and to make greater training of professionals based on knowledge of the main causes of eye emergencies. The proposed methodology included the collection of data from the medical record, with the information of sex, age and occupation/profession being collected. This is an observational, descriptive, transversal, exploratory epidemiological study. The study showed that males were the most affected and the most incident age group was between 19 and 45 years old. Eye trauma due to a foreign body is the most common cause of demand for ophthalmologic emergency care with a close relationship with work activities (mechanics and ironmongers). In this way, the data will be an important resource to assist in understanding the epidemiological profile of the ophthalmology emergency room in order to optimize its administration and to encourage the adoption of public prevention policies within the scope of occupational health.

Eye care in the intensive care unit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ocular complications in critical care patients are common. There has been a surge in intensive care admissions following the COVID-19 outbreak. The management of COVID-19 exposes patients to a number of specific risk factors for developing ocular complications, which include non-invasive ventilation, mechanical ventilation and prone positioning. Consequently, it is likely that there will be an increase in the number of ocular complications secondary to the management of COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit setting, and these complications could lead to permanent visual loss and blindness. Increased awareness of eye care in the intensive care unit setting is therefore vital to help prevent visual loss and maintain quality of life for patients recovering from COVID-19.

State of the eye health system in the Pacific: is medical technology available and used by mid-level eye care workers?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to describe the availability, use and comfort with ophthalmic equipment and medications by mid-level eye care workers in Papua New Guinea and Pacific Island countries and territories as indicators of the state of eye care in the Pacific. METHODS: Health information system data, from a workforce support program to Pacific mid-level eye care workers, were analysed for availability and comfort with use of ophthalmic equipment and topical medications. RESULTS: For refraction equipment, access was excellent (98% for retinoscopes and trial lenses) 'very frequent use' range was 42-74% and 'high comfort of use' range was 54-86%. Equipment for ocular health assessment is widely available (slit lamps 67%), with high comfort levels (78-100% 'very comfortable'). Over 70% of respondents have access to topical diagnostic medications, 98% have access to at least one type of antibiotic drops and 63% have access to at least one topical corticosteroid. CONCLUSION: Overall, trained mid-level eye care workers in the Pacific seem well equipped for ocular health and refractive assessments. Comfort levels are encouraging, but also highlight areas for continuing professional development. Access to ophthalmic medications appears acceptable in the region for low morbidity anterior segment conditions.

Continuous Knowledge Translation in Action: Designing a Programmatic Research Trial for Equitable Eye Health for Rural Nepalese Women.

Reaching vulnerable populations through programmatic eye health interventions requires a focus on not only the intervention strategies, but the adaptability of the program design process itself. Knowing who is left behind and why solutions that will be effective on the ground at the time of implementation are not necessarily generated. There is a need for eye health programmatic design processes that can trial interventions and allow for continuous knowledge translation along the way. In rural Nepal, women are impacted by multiple and interconnected determinants of health, as well as unique barriers to accessing information and services, requiring targeted programming strategies. This article describes a programmatic design and knowledge translation process that aims to increase women's uptake of eye health services in rural Nepal. The article outlines key learnings of this knowledge translation process, and how this may contribute to addressing gender equity in eye health.

UV radiation exposure in welders: impact on the skin and eyes.

Arc welding is an occupation with exposure to intense bursts of UV radiation (UVR). Although industrial settings may be aware of UV light exposure during welding, physicians may be unaware of this source. We report 3 welders with skin diseases that may have been caused or exacerbated by occupational UV light exposure: refractory subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, diffuse actinic damage spared by the area protected by safety goggles, and squamous cell carcinoma developed outside of the area protected by a face shield. We review UVR exposure in arc welders, cutaneous adverse effects, and safety recommendations.

Perfil epidemiológico dos atendimentos em um serviço público de urgência oftalmológica / Epidemiological profile of visits in a public ophthalmic emergency service

Resumo Objetivo: Identificar os principais diagnósticos e características epidemiológicas dos pacientes atendidos em um serviço público de urgência oftalmológica. Métodos: Estudo transversal e retrospectivo, com análise de prontuários de 2834 pacientes atendimentos no período de julho a setembro de 2017, no serviço de Urgência Oftalmológica do Complexo Hospitalar Ouro Verde, Campinas, Brasil. As variáveis estudadas foram idade, gênero e diagnóstico. Resultados: Houve a prevalência do gênero masculino (52,6%) e da faixa etária de 30 a 59 anos (43,5%); 21,1% eram idosos. Os diagnósticos mais prevalentes foram conjuntivite infecciosa (23,9%), trauma ocular (15,7%) e doenças da superfície ocular (14,6%). Entre mulheres e crianças houve o predomínio de quadros infecciosos/inflamatórios; 83,6% dos traumas ocorreram em homens, sendo 62,2% devido a corpo estranho. Conclusão: Os diagnósticos mais prevalentes no serviço de urgência oftalmológica foram conjuntivite infecciosa e trauma ocular. Medidas de educação e prevenção são necessárias para reduzir morbidade e absenteísmo e evitar o uso inapropriado dos serviços especializados de emergência.

Abstract Objective: To identify the most frequent diagnosis and epidemiological characteristics of patients attended in a public ophthalmic emergency service. Methods: This is a retrospective and transverse study based on 2834 patients' chart attended from July to September 2017 at the Ouro Verde Hospital Complex, Campinas, Brazil. The following variables were investigated: age, gender, and diagnosis. Results: Most patients were male (52.6%) and aged between 30 to 59 years (43.5%); 21.1% were elderly. The most frequent diagnostics were conjunctivitis (23.9%), ocular trauma (15.7%), and ocular surface disorders (14.6%). Infectious/inflammatory conditions predominated among children and female; 83.6% of traumas occurred in man, and 62.2% were due to a foreign body. Conclusion: The most prevalent diagnoses in the ophthalmologic emergency department were infectious conjunctivitis and ocular trauma. Education and prevention measures are necessary to reduce morbidity and absenteeism and to avoid inappropriate use of specialized emergency services.