Neuro-ophthalmic evaluation and management of pituitary disease.

Neuro-ophthalmic evaluation is a crucial component of the diagnostic and prognostic assessment of pituitary disease and compressive chiasmopathy, and can inform the timing of vision-restoring tumour resection surgery. The most common disease affecting the pituitary with neuro-ophthalmic implications are pituitary adenomas. Neuro-ophthalmic manifestations include decreased vision, abnormal colour vision and impaired visual field or diplopia. The recognition of these syndromes is critical to achieve early diagnosis and treatment and to improve prognosis. The pattern of vision loss in chiasmal compression is determined by the anatomical relationship between the pituitary lesion and optic chiasm, and potential visual field defects include bitemporal deficits, junctional scotomas, monocular cecocentral defects, and incongruous homonymous hemianopias. Rarer neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of pituitary disease include ophthalmoplegia, nystagmus, and obstructive hydrocephalus. There is growing evidence that demonstrates the strong diagnostic utility of optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters in detecting the presence of compressive chiasmopathy, as well as the prognostic ability to predict the rate and degree of visual recovery following decompression surgery. Long-term neuro-ophthalmic monitoring is critical for detecting delayed vision loss following resection surgery, which may represent tumour recurrence or secondary complications.

Neuro-ophthalmic complications of modern anti-cancer drugs.

PURPOSE: Targeted cancer therapies have been responsible for a dramatic shift in treatment strategies for cancer, and the number of drugs, classes, and indications are continually growing. Neuro-ophthalmic complications of these medications are an uncommon but important subset of adverse events which profoundly impact vision. This review aims to collate studies and reports of known neuro-ophthalmic complications of targeted therapies and describe their management. METHODS: The anti-cancer drugs included in the review were any drugs targeting specific molecules involved in the cancer disease process. PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched using the generic names of each drug and keywords of neuro-ophthalmic conditions. The prescribing information published by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for each drug was also reviewed. RESULTS: Several classes of targeted anti-cancer drugs were found to cause neuro-ophthalmic adverse effects. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are responsible for a raft of immune-related adverse events such as optic neuritis, ischemic optic neuropathy, PRES, and myasthenia gravis. Therapies with anti-VEGF activity can provoke posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy, which commonly presents with visual loss and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Inhibitors of BCR-ABL1, VEGF, ALK, and proteasomes have all been linked to optic nerve disorders which can have debilitating consequences for vision. CONCLUSION: The neuro-ophthalmic complications of modern anti-cancer drugs can limit or necessitate the withdrawal of these life-prolonging medications. Ophthalmologists should be alert for neuro-ophthalmic complications in these medications to facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment and reduce the risk of severe and permanent consequences.

Tonabersat Significantly Reduces Disease Progression in an Experimental Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease marked by chronic neuroinflammation thought to be mediated by the inflammasome pathway. Connexin 43 (Cx43) hemichannels contribute to the activation of the inflammasome through the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) inflammasome activation signals. The objective of the study was to evaluate if the Cx43 hemichannel blocker, tonabersat, is effective in modulating the inflammatory response and reducing disability in the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35-55-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (MOG35-55 EAE) model of MS. Here, we show that the Cx43 hemichannel blocking drug, tonabersat, significantly reduced expression of neuroinflammatory markers for microglial activation (ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1)) and astrogliosis (glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)) while preserving myelin basic protein (MBP) expression levels in the corpus callosum, motor cortex, and striatum regions of the brain in MOG35-55 EAE mice. Reduced NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome complex assembly and Caspase-1 activation confirmed the drug's mode of action. MOG35-55 EAE mice showed clinical signs of MS, but MOG35-55 EAE mice treated with tonabersat retained behavior closer to normal. These data suggest that clinical trial phase IIb-ready tonabersat may merit further investigation as a promising candidate for MS treatment.

Targeted magnetic resonance imaging (tMRI) of small changes in the T1 and spatial properties of normal or near normal appearing white and gray matter in disease of the brain using divided subtracted inversion recovery (dSIR) and divided reverse subtracted inversion recovery (drSIR) sequences.

This review describes targeted magnetic resonance imaging (tMRI) of small changes in the T1 and the spatial properties of normal or near normal appearing white or gray matter in disease of the brain. It employs divided subtracted inversion recovery (dSIR) and divided reverse subtracted inversion recovery (drSIR) sequences to increase the contrast produced by small changes in T1 by up to 15 times compared to conventional T1-weighted inversion recovery (IR) sequences such as magnetization prepared-rapid acquisition gradient echo (MP-RAGE). This increase in contrast can be used to reveal disease with only small changes in T1 in normal appearing white or gray matter that is not apparent on conventional MP-RAGE, T2-weighted spin echo (T2-wSE) and/or fluid attenuated inversion recovery (T2-FLAIR) images. The small changes in T1 or T2 in disease are insufficient to produce useful contrast with conventional sequences. To produce high contrast dSIR and drSIR sequences typically need to be targeted for the nulling TI of normal white or gray matter, as well as for the sign and size of the change in T1 in these tissues in disease. The dSIR sequence also shows high signal boundaries between white and gray matter. dSIR and drSIR are essentially T1 maps. There is a nearly linear relationship between signal and T1 in the middle domain (mD) of the two sequences which includes T1s between the nulling T1s of the two acquired IR sequences. The drSIR sequence is also very sensitive to reductions in T1 produced by Gadolinium based contrast agents (GBCAs), and when used with rigid body registration to align three-dimensional (3D) isotropic pre and post GBCA images may be of considerable value in showing subtle GBCA enhancement. In serial MRI studies performed at different times, the high signal boundaries generated by dSIR and drSIR sequences can be used with rigid body registration of 3D isotropic images to demonstrate contrast arising from small changes in T1 (without or with GBCA enhancement) as well as small changes in the spatial properties of normal tissues and lesions, such as their site, shape, size and surface. Applications of the sequences in cases of multiple sclerosis (MS) and methamphetamine dependency are illustrated. Using targeted narrow mD dSIR sequences, widespread abnormalities were seen in areas of normal appearing white matter shown with conventional T2-wSE and T2-FLAIR sequences. Understanding of the features of dSIR and drSIR images is facilitated by the use of their T1-bipolar filters; to explain their targeting, signal, contrast, boundaries, T1 mapping and GBCA enhancement. Targeted MRI (tMRI) using dSIR and drSIR sequences may substantially improve clinical MRI of the brain by providing unequivocal demonstration of abnormalities that are not seen with conventional sequences.

Patient factors associated with appointment non-attendance at an ophthalmology department in Aotearoa New Zealand.

AIM: Appointment non-attendance is a problem for medical outpatient clinics, which can result in interruption of continuity of care and poor health outcomes for patients. Furthermore, non-attendance creates a significant economic burden to the health sector. This study aimed to identify factors that are associated with appointment non-attendance in a large public ophthalmology clinic in Aotearoa New Zealand. METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of clinic non-attendance within Auckland District Health Board's (DHB) Ophthalmology Department between 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2019. Demographic data collected included: age, gender and ethnicity. Deprivation Index was calculated. Appointments were classified as new patients and follow-ups, and acute or routine. Categorical and continuous variables were analysed using logistic regression to assess likelihood of non-attendance. The research team's expertise and capacity align with the CONSIDER statement guidelines for Indigenous health and research. RESULTS: In total, 52,512 patients were scheduled to attend 227,028 outpatient visits, of which 20,580 visits (9.1%) were not attended. Median age of patients who received one or more scheduled appointments were 66.1 years (interquartile range [IQR] 46.9-77.9). Fifty-one point seven percent of patients were female. Ethnicity comprised 55.0% European, 7.9% Maori, 13.5% Pacific peoples, 20.6% Asian and 3.1% Other. Multivariate logistic regression analysis for all appointments showed that males (odds ratio [OR] 1.15 p<0.001), younger patients (OR 0.99 p<0.001), Maori (OR 2.69 p<0.001), Pacific peoples (OR 2.82 p<0.001), higher deprivation status (OR 1.06 p<0.001), new patient appointments (OR 1.61 p<0.001) and patients referred to acute clinics (OR 1.22 p<0.001) were more likely to not attend appointments. CONCLUSIONS: Maori and Pacific peoples disproportionately experience higher rates of appointment non-attendance. Further investigation of access barriers will enable Aotearoa New Zealand health strategy planning to develop targeted interventions addressing unmet patient needs of at-risk groups.

Current practice of trabeculectomy in a cohort of experienced glaucoma surgeons in Australia and New Zealand.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate current routine trabeculectomy technique preferences among Australian and New Zealand Glaucoma Society surgeons regularly performing trabeculectomy surgery. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Survey of experienced surgeons who perform trabeculectomy. RESULTS: Forty-nine surgeons (33 male:16 female) participated in the survey. Trabeculectomy was performed as day surgery (39/47, 83.0%) under local anesthesia (44/47, 93.6%). The surgical techniques most commonly used were a corneal traction suture (44/47, 93.6%), fornix-based conjunctival flap (43/47, 91.5%) and half-thickness scleral flap (38/47, 81.0%). Mitomycin C antifibrotic agent was used in routine cases by 45/46 (97.8%) surgeons. Surgeons applied the antifibrotic agent under the Tenon layer with a pledget (36/46, 78.2%) with a concentration of 0.02% (37/46, 80.4%) for 2 (11/46, 23.9%) or 3 min (30/46, 65.2%). The Kelly (26/46, 56.5%) and the Khaw Descemet (19/46, 41.3%) punches were used to perform the sclerostomy. Most surgeons performed a peripheral iridectomy in all phakic patients (46/47, 97.9%), but less commonly in pseudophakic patients (34/47, 72.3%). Techniques for closure of the limbal conjunctival edge were quite varied with a combination of suturing including purse string (21/47, 57.4%), wing (20/47, 42.6%) and horizontal mattress sutures (33/47, 70.2%). Surgeons reviewed their routine patients four times in the first month (29/47, 61.7%) and continued the postoperative topical steroids for 3-4 months (28/47, 59.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Although a wide range of techniques for trabeculectomy exists among surgeons, there are consistent procedures currently in use to optimize patient outcomes. This report will assist surgeons in choosing which surgical techniques fit their best practice.

Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy After Cataract Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) has been reported to occur after cataract surgery. It is not clearly established whether cataract surgery increases the risk of NAION over baseline. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central registers were systematically searched for eligible studies reporting on postcataract surgery NAION (psNAION) within 1 year. All peer-reviewed publications with events n ≥ 10 were included. Pooled incidence and odds/hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted and calculated using random effect models for early and delayed psNAION. Time to event data were pooled for temporal analysis of psNAION events within the first year. This systematic review was registered (PROSPERO CRD42021274383). RESULTS: Nine articles met the selection criteria with five studies suitable for meta-analysis. A total of 320 psNAION cases, 1,307 spontaneous NAION (sNAION) cases, 1,587,691 cataract surgeries, and 1,538,897 noncataract surgery controls were included. Pooling of 63,823 cataract surgeries and 161,643 controls showed a hazard ratio of 4.6 (95% CI 2.7-7.8) of psNAION within 1 year of surgery. Pooled unadjusted incidence of psNAION within 2 months was 99.92 (95% CI 38.64-161.19) per 100,000/year, psNAION within 1 year was 32.36 (95% CI 9.38-55.34) per 100,000/year, and sNAION was 8.87 (95% CI 2.12-15.62) per 100,000/year. psNAION cases were older by a mean of 7.6 years; otherwise, pooled odds ratios for baseline risk factors in psNAION vs. sNAION cases were not statistically significant. psNAION within the first year peaked within 72 hrs and at 6 weeks after the surgery with 73% of cases occurring within 6 months. CONCLUSION: The risk of NAION after cataract surgery is four times greater within the first year and usually occurs within 6 months. However, the absolute risk remains low at 1 in 1,000-3,100 surgeries and is unlikely to warrant extra mention for consenting.

Deadbolt cataract due to misplanted minishunt.

A 62-year-old woman with stable unilateral glaucoma in the left eye presented for a cataract consultation. In 2010, laser peripheral iridotomies (LPI) were performed on both eyes by a different provider. Her postoperative course was complicated by a recalcitrant steroid response with a highest intraocular pressure (IOP) of 65 mm Hg in the left eye. A trabeculectomy with a glaucoma minishunt (EX-PRESS, Alcon) was then performed by that provider (Supplemental Figure 1, http://links.lww.com/JRS/A603). Thereafter, IOP control of the left eye was normalized and maintained without topical antiglaucoma medications. Historically, her right eye has been always her better eye. Recently, she noticed metamorphopsia in her left eye. Her ocular history was also notable for high refractive errors requiring continuous spectacles wear, possible mild refractive amblyopia of the left eye, history of submacular choroidal nevus with drusen in the right eye, and an epiretinal membrane (ERM) with macular pucker in the left eye. Her husband is an optician. Both inquire about refractive cataract surgery options to correct astigmatism and presbyopia; both have reservations regarding cost and visual quality associated with diffractive optic intraocular lenses (IOLs). Her deteriorating visual acuity in both eyes affects her ability to work. Her corrected distance visual acuity was 20/40 in both eyes (pinhole, no help) while wearing spectacles according to a prescription of -8.50 diopters (D) +1.50 D × 106 for the right eye and -13.00 D +3.25 D × 057 for the left eye. Her corrected near visual acuity was 14/14 in both eyes with the abovementioned prescription and a +3.00 D add. Central corneal thickness was 618 µm in the right eye and 631 µm in the left eye. IOP was 20 mm Hg in the right eye and 10 mm Hg in the left eye on no antiglaucoma medications. Pertinent findings on slitlamp examination included bilateral dermatochalasis, a shallow diffuse thick bleb superiorly in the left eye only, patent LPI superiorly in both eyes, nuclear sclerotic and cortical cataracts in both eyes (with prominent focal spoke superiorly left eye only) (Figure 1, A-C). Fundus photos show posterior vitreous detachment in both eyes, ERM with macular pucker in the left eye, and submacular choroidal nevus (2.5 × 3.0 disc diameter size) with overlying drusen in the right eye (Supplemental Figure 2, A, http://links.lww.com/JRS/A604). Gonioscopy revealed open angles in both eyes, albeit with focal narrowing without synechiae superiorly in the left eye only (Figure 1, D-FJOURNAL/jcrs/04.03/02158034-202207000-00020/figure1/v/2022-06-24T130746Z/r/image-tiff). Most importantly, however, the distal tip of the minishunt was not positioned as expected in the anterior chamber; rather, it was noted to pierce the peripheral iris near the iris root superiorly. Most of the minishunt shaft and spur were positioned in the posterior chamber with the distal tip penetrating into the superior aspect of the capsular bag and cataract in the left eye-like a deadbolt. Visual field testing showed a full field in the right eye and an inferior nasal step in the left eye (Supplemental Figure 2, B, http://links.lww.com/JRS/A604). In addition to slitlamp, gonioscopic, and fundus photos, we also obtained optical coherence tomography of the macula and nerve (Supplemental Figure 2, C, http://links.lww.com/JRS/A604), optical biometry, ultrasound biomicroscopy, endothelial cell counts, and corneal topography (Supplemental Figure 3, http://links.lww.com/JRS/A605). How would you counsel this patient regarding her glaucoma condition, the misplanted minishunt, and her cataract surgery and IOL options? How would you manage the misplanted minishunt? What surgical approaches or specific techniques would you consider for cataract removal and visual rehabilitation?

A comparison of macular ganglion cell and retinal nerve fibre layer optical coherence tomographic parameters as predictors of visual outcomes of surgery for pituitary tumours.

PURPOSE: The prognostic value of optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the macular ganglion cell layer (mGGL) versus peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layers (pRNFL) following chiasmal decompression is unclear. This study is the largest comparison of the two parameters to date and aims to clarify how their performance as covariates compare in predictive models of long-term visual outcomes following pituitary or parasellar tumour surgical resection. METHODS: This was a prospective, two-year, longitudinal cohort study in a single centre tertiary hospital setting. Participants with MRI evidence of pituitary or parasellar tumour compression of the optic chiasm who underwent surgical decompression, were enrolled. Associations between pre-operative OCT parameters and long-term visual outcomes were assessed using multivariable generalised linear mixed models and an age matched normative database. RESULTS: Final analysis included 216 eyes of 108 participants with a mean age (standard deviation) of 51.6 (17.04) years, of whom 58 (49%) were female. The superior inner mGCL was the best predictor of long-term visual field recovery, with an area under the curve of 0.90, a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 88%, positive predictive value of 86%, and negative predictive value of 83%. CONCLUSION: mGCL performed better in predicting long-term visual field recovery post-pituitary or parasellar surgical resection. The superior inner mGCL was the best specific measure which may provide clinical utility in pre-operative counselling. In this study we clarify previously variable comparisons of mGCL and pRNFL parameters in post-operative predictive modelling.

Diagnostic performance of neuroimaging in suspected idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

The diagnostic utility of neuroradiologic signs associated with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) for the evaluation of patients presenting with papilloedema remains yet to be elucidated. This multicentre retrospective cohort study assessed consecutive patients presenting with suspected papilloedema to Auckland District Health Board (NZ) and Stanford University Medical Centre (US), between 2005 and 2019, undergoing magnetic resonance imaging and venography (MRI/MRV) or computed tomography and venography (CT/CTV) prior to lumbar puncture assessment for diagnostic suspicion of IIH. Data were collected regarding demographic, clinical, radiologic, and lumbar puncture parameters, and the diagnosis of IIH was determined according to the Friedman criteria for primary pseudotumor cerebri syndrome. A total of 204 participants (174 females; mean ± SD age 29.9 ± 12.2 years) were included, and 156 (76.5%) participants fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for IIH. The presence of any IIH-associated radiologic sign on MRI/MRV demonstrated a sensitivity (95% CI) of 74.8% (65.8%-82.0%) and specificity (95% CI) of 94.7% (82.7%-98.5%), while radiologic signs on CT/CTV exhibited a sensitivity (95% CI) of 61.0% (49.9%-71.2%) and specificity (95% CI) of 100.0% (83.2%-100.0%). In summary, the modest sensitivities of radiologic signs of IIH would support the routine use of lumbar puncture assessment following neuroimaging to secure the diagnosis. However, the high specificities might lend limited support for the judicious deferment of lumbar puncture assessment among typical IIH demographic patients who consent to the inherent small risk of missed pathology, which has been proposed by some clinicians.

An Eye on Gender Equality: A Review of the Evolving Role and Representation of Women in Ophthalmology.

PURPOSE: In recent decades, women have achieved greater representation in ophthalmology. Globally, women now constitute approximately 25%-30% of ophthalmologists and 35%-45% of trainees. Nevertheless, women remain under-represented in key areas, including positions of professional and academic leadership and ophthalmic surgical subspecialization. Furthermore, there is evidence that women in ophthalmology encounter more bias and discrimination across multiple domains than men, including a gender-pay gap that is wider than in many other surgical subspecialties. Women ophthalmologists and trainees report sharply differing training experiences from male peers, including fewer opportunities to operate, more bullying and harassment, less access to mentorship, and contrasting expectations around contributions to family life. DESIGN: Perspective. METHODS: An extensive literature search was undertaken to compile and review papers published with a focus on gender equity across ophthalmology, surgery, and medicine. RESULTS: We identified 8 broad domains that were widely discussed: leadership, research and academics, income, surgical exposure and subspecialization, harassment, career satisfaction, mentorship, and family and marital differences. We have summarized the current research across each of these areas, and discussed possible solutions to reduce the inequities reported. CONCLUSIONS: This review draws on current research published around representation and experiences of women in ophthalmology and suggests that there are opportunities to improve gender inequity.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension: Pathophysiology, diagnosis and management.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterized by increased intracranial pressure, manifested by papilledema and radiological findings, in the absence of an identifiable casual factor. The primary symptoms include headache, vision loss, and pulsatile tinnitus, and are recognized to have profound impacts on quality of life and visual function. IIH demonstrates a strong predilection towards obese women of reproductive age, and the population incidence is rising with the growing prevalence of obesity worldwide. The pathophysiology involves dysregulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics and venous sinus pressure, and recent studies highlighting the pathogenic role of metabolic and hormonal factors have led to the identification of several pharmacological targets and development of novel therapeutic agents. The overarching treatment goals include symptomatic alleviation and prevention of permanent vision loss. The Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Treatment Trial, the first of its kind randomized controlled trial on IIH, provides class I evidence for treatment with weight loss and acetazolamide. In medically refractive or fulminant cases, optic nerve sheath fenestration, CSF diversion, and venous sinus stenting, have been successfully implemented. However, there are few high-quality prospective studies investigating the treatment and natural history of IIH, highlighting the compelling need for further research to determine the optimal treatment regimen.

Efficient capture of high-quality real-world data on treatments for glaucoma: the Fight Glaucoma Blindness! Registry.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the development and implementation of a web-based high-quality data collection tool to track the outcomes of glaucoma treatments in routine practice. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a prospective observational registry study. An international steering committee undertook an iterative structured process to define a minimum, patient-centred data set designed to track outcomes of glaucoma treatment. The outcomes were coded into a web-based programme allowing easy access for rapid data entry. Clinicians receive personal reports enabling instant audit of their outcomes. Analyses of aggregated anonymised data on real-world outcomes are analysed and periodically reported with the goal of improving patient care. RESULTS: The minimum data set developed by the international steering committee includes the following: a baseline visit captures 13 mandatory fields in order to accurately phenotype each patient's subtype of glaucoma and to allow comparison between services, and a follow-up visit includes only four mandatory fields to allow completion within 30 s.Currently, there are 157 surgeons in 158 ophthalmology practices across Australia and New Zealand who are registered. These surgeons are tracking 5570 eyes of 3001 patients and have recorded 67 074 visits. The median number of eyes per surgeon is 22 eyes with a range of 1-575. The most common glaucoma procedure, excluding cataract surgery, is iStent inject, with 2316 cases. CONCLUSION: This software tool effectively facilitates data collection on safety and efficacy outcomes of treatments for different subgroups of glaucoma within a real-world setting. It provides a template to evaluate new treatments as they are introduced into practice.

Gender differences in surgical case volume among ophthalmology trainees.

BACKGROUND: The number of females in ophthalmology has steadily increased over recent decades. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is a difference in procedural volume and cataract surgery between male and female trainees in the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO). METHODS: A longitudinal retrospective review of de-identified surgical RANZCO trainee logbook data from 2008 to 2020 was undertaken. Data from 241 trainee logbooks were analysed for: location of training, gender, date of commencement of training, maternity/paternity leave status, number of surgeries observed, assisted, supervised and unsupervised. Surgical cases were grouped as: (1) all surgical cases; (2) complete cataract cases and (3) partial cataract cases. RESULTS: Among 241 trainees (40.7% females), 197 263 procedures were performed. Total surgical volume was 21.1% lower at 4 years for females (median 665.5 vs. 843.5; p = 0.036). Completed cataract surgery was 21.5% lower at 18 months (median 87.5 vs. 111.5; p = 0.022) and 41.7% lower at 4 years (median 216 vs. 369; p < 0.001). Interrupted training was significantly more common in females (30.6% vs. 0.7%; p < 0.001). However, linear regression analysis did not identify parental leave or duration as a significant predictor for number of completed cataracts (p = 0.206). Complication rate was not different between males and females (p = 0.35). CONCLUSIONS: Female trainees completed 41.7% fewer cataract operations at the end of their training compared to male counterparts with the gap widening between years 1 and 4 of training. The current data demonstrates that female and male RANZCO trainees are not receiving equivalent operating experiences.

Long term outcomes of idiopathic intracranial hypertension: Observational study and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is an unexplained increase in intracranial pressure often associated with obesity. The aim of this study was to conduct a retrospective observational study of the long term clinical, visual, and treatment outcomes in IIH patients. METHODS: A retrospective observational study of patients diagnosed with IIH over a 12-year period at a single centre was completed via database review. Demographic data, symptoms at baseline and last visit, treatments undertaken, and duration of follow-up were included. Visual outcomes, including visual acuity, colour vision, 30-2 Humphrey automated perimetry data, and retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFL), were collected at baseline and last visit. RESULTS: IIH was diagnosed in 132 patients (90.9 % female) with a median of 2.8 years (range: 0-9.1) follow-up. Mean BMI was 35.9 ± 7.9 kg/m2. Symptoms at presentation were headache (87.6 %), pulsatile tinnitus (27.2 %) and transient visual obscurations (27.2 %). First-line management was acetazolamide in 86.4 %, with 34.2 % of these patients ceasing treatment because of adverse events. Visual field measures and RNFL at last follow-up improved when compared to baseline (median MD: - 1.99 dB (IQR -3.6 to -0.9) to -0.85 (-2.1 to 0.0) (p < 0.001), median RNFL: 132 µm (IQR 116 - 183) to 103 (92 - 113) (p < 0.001)). Some patients (6.1 %) required surgery for more severe IIH. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term symptomatic and visual prognosis in IIH patients is excellent. However, a subset of patients with more severe disease require surgical intervention. Adverse events of treatment lead to high medication discontinuation rates.

Temporal patterns of visual recovery following pituitary tumor resection: A prospective cohort study.

Significant restoration of visual function can occur following pituitary tumor resection, although the time course of visual recovery remains poorly understood. This single-centre, two-year, prospective cohort study investigated the temporal patterns of visual recovery in consecutive patients undergoing pituitary tumor resection, between 2009 and 2018. Eyes were stratified based on pre-operative optical coherence tomography (OCT) retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness measurements, with thin RNFL being defined as those within the fifth-percentile of age-matched normative values, and normal RNFL as those above the fifth-percentile. Visual function and OCT parameters were assessed pre-operatively, and at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 2 years post-operatively. 456 eyes of 228 patients (mean ± SD age, 53 ± 15 years) were included, of which 114 (25%) eyes had thin RNFL pre-operatively. Visual field recovery was observed in both groups during the first 6 weeks post-operatively (all Q ≤ 0.02), although improvements in visual field parameters between 6 weeks to 6 months were limited to eyes with thin RNFL (both Q < 0.05). No further improvements in visual function were detected beyond 6 months in both groups (both Q > 0.50). Similar trends were observed in linear regression analysis according to baseline visual function in both groups. In summary, eyes with normal RNFL thickness at baseline experienced most of their recovery within the first six weeks following surgery, while eyes with thin RNFL exhibited gradual improvements during the first six months. These findings have important implications when providing patient counselling and prognostication in the pre-operative setting.

Glaucoma Drainage Device Technique in a Cohort of Experienced Glaucoma Surgeons in Australia and New Zealand.

PRéCIS:: Glaucoma drainage devices (GDD) by Australian and New Zealand glaucomatologists are implanted superotemporally under a peribulbar anesthesia without the use of mitomycin C. Intraluminal stents and tube fenestration are utilized and covered with a scleral graft. PURPOSE: To evaluate current practice patterns of surgical techniques for GDD among Australia and New Zealand Glaucoma Society members routinely performing GDD surgery. METHODS: Survey of surgeons who performed more than 20 GDD in past 5 years. RESULTS: Surgeon participation rate was 31/32 (96.8%). The most common surgical techniques were Baerveldt GDD (24/32, 77.4%), superotemporal placement (31/31, 100%), and peribulbar anesthesia (21/31, 67.7%). Mitomycin C antimetabolite was used routinely by 9/31 surgeons (29.0%). Most surgeons employed intraluminal stents (23/31, 74.2%) with tube fenestrations (19/31, 61.3%). GDD was placed behind the recti muscles (27/31, 87.1%) and secured with nylon (8/0, 9/0 or 10/0) by 29/31 (93.6%). Most common sclerostomy techniques for tube insertion was a 23-G needle passed ab externo (18/31, 58.1%). Tube placement was in the sulcus (11/31, 35.5%) for pseudophakic patients. The external portion of the tube was most commonly covered with a full-thickness scleral patch graft (21/31, 67.7%). Majority of surgeons (21/31, 67.7%) reviewed patients 3 to 4 times in the first month. CONCLUSIONS: Although a wide range of practice patterns for GDD implantation exists among Australia and New Zealand Glaucoma Society surgeons, there are consistent techniques currently in use to optimize patient outcomes. This report can help surgeons seeking to improve outcomes and minimize complications when trialing the different surgical options.

Microdroplet and spatter contamination during phacoemulsification cataract surgery in the era of COVID-19.

IMPORTANCE: Determine phacoemulsification cataract surgery risk in a Covid-19 era. BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) transmission via microdroplet and aerosol-generating procedures presents risk to medical professionals. As the most common elective surgical procedure performed globally; determining contamination risk from phacoemulsification cataract surgery may guide personal protection equipment use. DESIGN: Pilot study involving phacoemulsification cataract surgery on enucleated porcine eyes by experienced ophthalmologists in an ophthalmic operating theatre. PARTICIPANTS: Two ophthalmic surgical teams. METHODS: Standardized phacoemulsification of porcine eyes by two ophthalmologists accompanied by an assistant. Fluorescein incorporated into phacoemulsification irrigation fluid identifying microdroplets and spatter. Contamination documented using a single-lens reflex camera with a 532 nm narrow bandpass (fluorescein) filter, in-conjunction with a wide-field blue light and flat horizontal laser beam (wavelength 532 nm). Quantitative image analysis using Image-J software. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Microdroplet and spatter contamination from cataract phacoemulsification. RESULTS: With phacoemulsification instruments fully within the eye, spatter contamination was limited to <10 cm. Insertion and removal of the phacoemulsification needle and bimanual irrigation/aspiration, with irrigation active generated spatter on the surgeons' gloves and gown extending to >16 cm below the neckline in surgeon 1 and > 5.5 cm below the neckline of surgeon 2. A small tear in the phacoemulsification irrigation sleeve, presented a worse-case scenario the greatest spatter. No contamination above the surgeons' neckline nor contamination of assistant occurred. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Cataract phacoemulsification generates microdroplets and spatter. Until further studies on SARS-CoV-2 transmission via microdroplets or aerosolisation of ocular fluid are reported, this pilot study only supports standard personal protective equipment.