The Ocular Trauma Score Underestimates Visual Recovery for the Most Severe Open-Globe Injuries.

PURPOSE: To compare visual outcomes after open-globe injury (OGI) with those predicted by the Ocular Trauma Score (OTS), and to investigate the effect of treatment with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SUBJECTS: Patients presenting with OGI to an academic United States ophthalmology department from 2017 to 2020. METHODS: Best-corrected visual acuity (VA) measurements at the most recent follow-up were compared with final VA predicted by the OTS, based on preoperative injury characteristics. The most recently measured VA of patients treated with PPV during initial OGI repair (primary PPV group) was compared with patients treated with PPV after initial OGI repair (secondary PPV group) and patients never treated with PPV (No PPV group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Best-corrected VA in the injured eye at last follow-up; secondary outcome measures included the occurrence of vitreous hemorrhage at any time, occurrence of retinal detachment at any time, rates of additional surgery, and rates of enucleation. RESULTS: One-hundred and thirty-three subjects with OGI were identified and analyzed. The overall rate of PPV was 32%. Predictors of worse VA at last follow-up included older age (P = 0.047) and worse presenting VA (P < 0.001). Visual acuity outcomes for eyes in OTS categories 2 to 5 did not significantly differ from OTS predictions. However, eyes in OTS category 1 had a higher likelihood of last follow-up VA of light perception (LP) to hand motion (46% in the study cohort vs. 15% predicted by the OTS, P = 0.004) and a lower likelihood of no LP (33% vs. 74%, P < 0.001). The secondary PPV group had the worst VA at presentation among the 3 groups (P = 0.016), but VA at last follow-up did not significantly differ between the study groups (P = 0.338). CONCLUSIONS: The most severe OGIs (i.e., OTS category 1) had better visual outcomes than predicted by the published OTS expectations, and secondary PPV was associated with significant visual improvement despite poor prognostic predictions. Evaluation by a vitreoretinal surgeon should be considered for all patients with severe OGI, especially those in OTS category 1. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Masquerade: A Review of Pentosan Polysulfate Maculopathy and Implications for Clinical Practice.

ABSTRACT: Pentosan polysulfate (PPS) sodium (Elmiron) is the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved oral medication to treat interstitial cystitis, also known as bladder pain syndrome. A symptomatic pigmentary maculopathy associated with PPS was reported in 2018. Since then, recognition of this unique drug toxicity has increased rapidly. This potentially sight-threatening side effect prompted the FDA in June 2020 to update the label for PPS to warn about "retinal pigmentary changes." A challenging feature of pentosan maculopathy is its ability to mimic many other retinal conditions, including inherited retinal dystrophies such as pattern dystrophy, mitochondrially inherited diabetes and deafness, and Stargardt disease, and age-related macular degeneration. In this review, we discuss the history of PPS maculopathy and its implications for thousands of at-risk interstitial cystitis patients. We use published literature and an illustrative case from our institution to highlight the importance of diagnosing PPS maculopathy. We also compare PPS maculopathy to age-related macular degeneration, explain why differentiating between the 2 is clinically important, and highlight avenues for further research. Finally, we highlight the paucity of data on patients of color and why this lack of understanding may impact patient care.

Attaining functional levels of visual acuity after vitrectomy for retinal detachment secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Most patients needing diabetic tractional retinal detachment (TRD) surgery are working-age adults that drive and participate in other vision-dependent activities of daily living. We sought to determine the proportion of patients that achieve functional visual acuity (VA) based on the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of 'low vision' (≤ 20/80) and US driving standards (≥ 20/40) after vitrectomy for diabetic TRD. In this 10-year retrospective review, consecutive patients who underwent primary vitrectomy for TRD from proliferative diabetic retinopathy were studied. 240 eyes in 203 patients met criteria for analysis (38 eyes were lost to follow up at 3 months; 68 at 12 months; 146 at 60 months). While most patients (nearly 80%) having TRD surgery had low vision pre-op, almost half attained VA that was > 20/80 five years post-op. Those most likely to achieve significant visual improvement (p < 0.0001) had concomitant vitreous hemorrhage pre-op. Only 6% of eyes met the US minimum driving standard before surgery based on VA compared to 28% after vitrectomy however this study did not examine visual fields which could warrant additional assessment depending on local requirements. In summary, significant gains in visual acuity are seen after vitrectomy for diabetic TRD that can result in functional improvement in activities of daily living.

OCULAR HYPERTENSION AFTER INTRAVITREAL DEXAMETHASONE (OZURDEX) SUSTAINED-RELEASE IMPLANT.

PURPOSE: To evaluate ocular hypertension (OHT) after Ozurdex injection to determine the incidence of OHT, therapy for OHT, and any associative factors such as diagnosis, underlying glaucoma and therapy, or sequential Ozurdex injection(s). METHODS: Retrospective consecutive case series with patients receiving one or more intravitreal Ozurdex implantations at a tertiary care academic center. Ocular hypertension was defined as a single measurement of ≥30 mmHg or an increase of ≥10 mmHg from baseline. RESULTS: Ninety-four injections in 52 patients (59 eyes) were reviewed. Forty eyes received a single injection, and 19 eyes received multiple injections. Ocular hypertension developed in 14 patients (26.9%). Thirteen patients (25%) had preexisting glaucoma or suspicion of glaucoma, and 6 of these developed OHT. Glaucoma eye drops were initiated after 13 injections (13.8%). Invasive surgery for glaucoma was required in 3 patients (3.2%): all had glaucoma or suspicion of glaucoma (one case was related to neovascular glaucoma and unlikely related to steroid response after Ozurdex). There was no difference in relative intraocular pressure increase (i.e., difference between final follow-up or subsequent intravitreal injection vs. baseline) between single versus multiple Ozurdex injections (P = 0.883). CONCLUSION: Patients (26.9%) who received Ozurdex developed OHT. Glaucoma or glaucoma-suspicion factors were present in all patients who required invasive surgery for glaucoma. A greater proportion of patients who received multiple injections had an intraocular pressure elevation, but the relative intraocular pressure increase was not significant.

Comparison of microbiology and visual outcomes of patients undergoing small-gauge and 20-gauge vitrectomy for endophthalmitis.

BACKGROUND: The role of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for endophthalmitis has evolved over recent decades but the literature is lacking on comparisons between small-gauge and 20-gauge vitrectomy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate evolving etiological and microbiological trends in patients undergoing vitrectomy for endophthalmitis and to compare culture-positive rates and visual outcomes between small-gauge (23- and 25-gauge) and 20-gauge instrumentation during vitrectomy for endophthalmitis. METHODS: Ten-year retrospective comparative case series and prospective laboratory in vitro testing. Tertiary care academic referral center. Patients who underwent PPV for endophthalmitis between 2003 and 2013. Vitreous biopsies were obtained in all cases. The effect of vitrectomy gauge (20-, 23-, and 25-gauge) and vitreous cutting rate (1,500 and 5,000 cuts per minute) on the viability of bacterial culture was evaluated in an in vitro prospective laboratory investigation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparison of etiology, microbiology culture-positive rates, and visual outcomes between small-gauge and 20-gauge instrumentation in patients undergoing PPV for infectious endophthalmitis. RESULTS: A total of 61 cases of vitrectomy for endophthalmitis were identified over a 10-year period; of these, 34 were treated with small-gauge (23- and 25-gauge) vitrectomy and 27 were treated with 20-gauge vitrectomy. In the small-gauge group, 12 cases (35.3%) yielded culture-positive results versus 20 cases (74.1%) with culture positivity in the 20-gauge cohort (P=0.002). The most common cause of endophthalmitis was cataract surgery and the most frequently identified organism was coagulase-negative Staphylococci in both groups. There was no significant difference in mean postoperative visual acuities between groups (P=0.33). Etiological trends indicate an increase in endophthalmitis due to intravitreal injection in the small-gauge group (n=9) compared to the 20-gauge group (n=3) (P=0.001). In vitro laboratory testing revealed no significant difference in rates of culture growth for different vitrectomy gauge sizes or vitreous cutting speeds. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Small-gauge vitrectomy for endophthalmitis yields final visual outcomes comparable to 20-gauge instrumentation. A significant difference in culture-positive rates was observed between small-gauge and 20-gauge instrumentation for vitrectomy in endophthalmitis; however, laboratory testing indicates this is not related to either vitreous gauge size or cutter speed. Intravitreal injections are emerging as a common etiology of vitrectomy for endophthalmitis.

Joint Associations of Diet, Lifestyle, and Genes with Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PURPOSE: Unhealthy lifestyles have been associated with increased odds for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Whether this association is modified by genetic risk for AMD is unknown and was investigated. DESIGN: Interactions between healthy lifestyles AMD risk genotypes were studied in relation to the prevalence of AMD, assessed 6 years later. PARTICIPANTS: Women 50 to 79 years of age in the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study with exposure and AMD data (n=1663). METHODS: Healthy lifestyle scores (0-6 points) were assigned based on Healthy Eating Index scores, physical activity (metabolic equivalent of task hours/week), and smoking pack years assessed in 1994 and 1998. Genetic risk was based on Y402H in complement factor H (CFH) and A69S in age-related maculopathy susceptibility locus 2 (ARMS2). Additive and multiplicative interactions in odds ratios were assessed using the synergy index and a multiplicative interaction term, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: AMD presence and severity were assessed from grading of stereoscopic fundus photographs taken in 2001-2004. AMD was present in 337 women, 91% of whom had early AMD. RESULTS: The odds of AMD were 3.3 times greater (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-6.1) in women with both low healthy lifestyle score (0-2) and high-risk CFH genotype (CC), relative to those who had low genetic risk (TT) and high healthy lifestyle scores (4-6). There were no significant additive (synergy index [SI], 1.08; 95% CI, 0.70-1.67) or multiplicative (Pinteraction=0.94) interactions in the full sample. However, when limiting the sample to women with stable diets before AMD assessment (n=728) the odds for AMD associated with low healthy lifestyle scores and high-risk CFH genotype were strengthened (odds ratio, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.8-11.6) and the synergy index was significant (SI, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.05-1.70). Adjusting for dietary lutein and zeaxanthin attenuated, and therefore partially explained, the joint association. There were no significant additive or multiplicative interactions for ARMS2 and lifestyle score. CONCLUSIONS: Having unhealthy lifestyles and 2 CFH risk alleles increased AMD risk (primarily in the early stages), in an or additive or greater (synergistic) manner. However, unhealthy lifestyles increased AMD risk regardless of AMD risk genotype.

Long-term outcomes in patients undergoing vitrectomy for retinal detachment due to viral retinitis.

PURPOSE: To determine the outcomes in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) secondary to viral retinitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective, consecutive, noncomparative, interventional case series of 12 eyes in ten patients with RRD secondary to viral retinitis. Results of vitreous or aqueous biopsy, effect of antiviral therapeutics, time to retinal detachment, course of visual acuity, and anatomic and surgical outcomes were investigated. RESULTS: There were 1,259 cases of RRD during the study period, with 12 cases of RRD secondary to viral retinitis (prevalence of 0.95%). Follow-up was available for a mean period of 4.4 years. Varicella zoster virus was detected in six eyes, herpes simplex virus in two eyes, and cytomegalovirus in two eyes. Eight patients were treated with oral valacyclovir and two patients with intravenous acyclovir. Lack of optic nerve involvement correlated with improved final visual acuity of 20/100 or greater. Pars plana vitrectomy (n=12), silicone-oil tamponade (n=11), and scleral buckling (n=10) provided successful anatomic retinal reattachment in all cases, with no recurrent retinal detachment and no cases of hypotony during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Varicella zoster virus was the most frequent cause of viral retinitis, and lack of optic nerve involvement was predictive of a favorable visual acuity prognosis. Vitrectomy with silicone-oil tamponade and scleral buckle placement provided stable anatomical outcomes.

Macular Hole Closure With Internal Limiting Membrane Abrasion Technique.

IMPORTANCE: Internal limiting membrane (ILM) abrasion is an alternative surgical technique for successful full-thickness macular hole (MH) repair. OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of ILM abrasion as an alternative method of MH repair. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective consecutive case series from January 2006 to December 2008. Demographic data and preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative examination records of all patients were reviewed for patients who underwent ILM abrasion with a diamond-dusted membrane scraper during vitrectomy for MH repair. A total of 100 eyes underwent ILM abrasion as an alternative to traditional ILM peeling. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Rate of MH closure and visual acuity (VA) outcomes at 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Macular hole closure was achieved with a single surgical procedure in 94 of 100 eyes (94.0%; 95% CI, 87.4%-97.8%). Among all patients, the median preoperative VA was 20/100 (range, 20/30 to hand motions; 25th quartile, 20/60; and 75th quartile, 20/160), and the median postoperative VA at 3 months after surgery was 20/60 (range, 20/20 to hand motions; 25th quartile, 20/40; and 75th quartile, 20/100). Among all patients with stage 2 MHs, 30 of 38 patients (78.9%) had at least 2 lines of VA gain: 15 of 23 (65.2%) were phakic, and 15 of 15 (100%) were pseudophakic. Four of 38 patients (10.5%) with stage 2 MHs had at least 2 lines of VA loss, and all were phakic. Among all patients with stage 3 or 4 MHs, 42 of 62 (67.7%) had at least 2 lines of VA gain, of which 30 of 38 (78.9%) were phakic and 22 of 24 (91.7%) were pseudophakic. Six of 62 patients (9.7%) with stage 3 or 4 MHs had at least 2 lines of VA loss: 4 were phakic, and 2 were pseudophakic. In total, 35.0% (95% CI, 25.7%-44.3%) of patients achieved 20/40 vision or better, and 52.0% (95% CI, 42.2%-61.8%) of patients achieved 20/50 vision or better. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Abrasion of the ILM with a diamond-dusted membrane scraper at the time of vitrectomy achieves high rates of MH closure. This technique avoids complete removal of the retinal ILM basement membrane and subjacent tissues and appears to provide MH closure rates similar to those of traditional ILM peeling.

Incomplete vitreomacular traction release using intravitreal ocriplasmin.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical course of our first 7 consecutive patients treated with intravitreal ocriplasmin (Jetrea(®)). METHODS: Retrospective case series of the first 7 patients treated with ocriplasmin between January and December 2013 at an academic tertiary care center. RESULTS: The average age was 78.4 years (range: 63-92). Five patients were pseudophakic and 2 patients were phakic in the injected eye. The median baseline visual acuity (VA) was 20/60 (range: 20/25 to 20/200). The median 1-month postinjection VA was 20/70, with a mean loss of 2 lines of VA among all patients. None of the patients had complete resolution of their vitreomacular traction or macular hole at 1 month of follow-up. Three patients had subsequent pars plana vitrectomy and membrane peeling surgery. The mean follow-up period for those who did not undergo vitrectomy was 9 months (range: 1-13). One patient with known ocular hypertension had an increase in intraocular pressure requiring topical pressure-lowering eyedrops. There were no cases of postinjection uveitis, endophthalmitis, retinal tears, or retinal detachment. CONCLUSIONS: While ocriplasmin may be a viable pharmacological agent for vitreolysis, we present a series of patients that all had incomplete resolution of vitreomacular traction with and without full-thickness macular hole. There was an associated reduction in VA after ocriplasmin treatment at 1 month of follow-up. Careful analysis of the vitreoretinal interface and comorbid eye conditions is required to optimize outcome success with ocriplasmin.

Proteomic analysis of vitreous biopsy techniques.

PURPOSE: To compare vitreous biopsy methods using analysis platforms used in proteomics biomarker discovery. METHODS: Vitreous biopsies from 10 eyes were collected sequentially using a 23-gauge needle and a 23-gauge vitreous cutter instrument. Paired specimens were evaluated by UV absorbance spectroscopy, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS: The total protein concentration obtained with a needle and vitrectomy instrument biopsy averaged 1.10 mg/mL (standard error of the mean = 0.35) and 1.13 mg/mL (standard error of the mean = 0.25), respectively. In eight eyes with low or medium viscidity, there was a very high correlation (R = 0.934) between the biopsy methods. When data from 2 eyes with high viscidity vitreous were included, the correlation was reduced (R = 0.704). The molecular weight protein sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis profiles of paired needle and vitreous cutter samples were similar, except for a minority of pairs with single band intensity variance. Using LC-MS/MS, equivalent peptides were identified with similar frequencies (R ≥ 0.90) in paired samples. CONCLUSION: Proteins and peptides collected from vitreous needle biopsies are nearly equivalent to those obtained from a vitreous cutter instrument. This study suggests both techniques may be used for most proteomic and biomarker discovery studies of vitreoretinal diseases, although a minority of proteins and peptides may differ in concentration.

A survey study of musculoskeletal disorders among eye care physicians compared with family medicine physicians.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among eye care physicians compared with family medicine physicians. DESIGN: Case control study. PARTICIPANTS AND CONTROLS: Ophthalmologists and optometrists at the University of Iowa and Mayo Clinic (participants) and family medicine physicians at the University of Iowa and Mayo Clinic (controls). METHODS: An electronic survey was e-mailed to all subjects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms between eye care providers and family medicine physicians (control group). RESULTS: One hundred eight-six surveys were completed by 94 eye care physicians and 92 family medicine physicians with a response rate of 99% and 80%, respectively. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with regard to mean age, gender, body mass index, years with current employer, or years in practice. Eye care providers, compared with their family medicine colleagues, reported a higher prevalence of neck (46% vs 21%; P<0.01), hand/wrist pain (17% vs 7%; P = 0.03), and lower back pain (26% vs 9%; P<0.01). A greater proportion of eye care physicians classified their job as a high-strain job (high demand, low control; 31% vs 20%) and a lower proportion classified their job as an active job (high demand, high control; 24% vs 47%; p = 0.01). Several job factors reported by eye care providers to contribute to musculoskeletal symptoms included performing the same task repeatedly, working in awkward/cramped positions, working in the same position for long periods, and bending/twisting the back (all P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In this survey, the study group, composed of ophthalmologists and optometrists, had a higher prevalence of neck, hand/wrist, and lower back pain compared with family medicine physicians; repetitive tasks, prolonged or awkward/cramped positions, and bending/twisting were contributory factors. Given the ramifications of these findings, future efforts should concentrate on modifications to the eye care providers' work environment to prevent or alleviate musculoskeletal disorders and their personal and socioeconomic burden.

Uveitis following intravitreal bevacizumab: a non-infectious cluster.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In this retrospective case series, the authors report seven cases of bevacizumab-related uveitis that occurred within a 4-month period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven eyes of six patients developed non-infectious uveitis following bevacizumab intravitreal injections in a cohort of 978 consecutive bevacizumab injections. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 74.6 years (range: 26 to 92). All patients developed symptom onset within 1 day of injection. Shared signs and symptoms included corneal edema, anterior chamber and vitreous cell, conjunctival injection, ocular pain, and lack of hypopyon. In all patients, visual acuity returned to within one line of baseline acuity. All seven eyes had been previously injected with bevacizumab, with a mean number of antecedent injections of 6.1 (range: 3 to 12). CONCLUSION: A cluster of sterile bevacizumab-related uveitic reactions was described in this case series. Acute onset of symptoms, absence of hypopyon, a predominant anterior segment reaction, and prompt improvement on topical steroid therapy are useful clinical features distinguishing this uveitic syndrome from infectious endophthalmitis.

Vitamin D status and early age-related macular degeneration in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentrations (nmol/L) and the prevalence of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was investigated in participants of the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study. METHODS: Stereoscopic fundus photographs, taken from 2001 to 2004, assessed AMD status. Baseline (1994-1998) serum samples were available for 25(OH)D assays in 1313 women with complete ocular and risk factor data. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for early AMD (n = 241) of 1287 without advanced disease were estimated with logistic regression and adjusted for age, smoking, iris pigmentation, family history of AMD, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hormone therapy use. RESULTS: In multivariate models, no significant relationship was observed between early AMD and 25(OH)D (OR for quintile 5 vs 1, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.50-1.24; P for trend = .47). A significant age interaction (P = .002) suggested selective mortality bias in women aged 75 years and older: serum 25(OH)D was associated with decreased odds of early AMD in women younger than 75 years (n = 968) and increased odds in women aged 75 years or older (n = 319) (OR for quintile 5 vs 1, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.29-0.91; P for trend = .02 and OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 0.77-4.13; P for trend = .05, respectively). Further adjustment for body mass index and recreational physical activity, predictors of 25(OH)D, attenuated the observed association in women younger than 75 years. Additionally, among women younger than 75 years, intake of vitamin D from foods and supplements was related to decreased odds of early AMD in multivariate models; no relationship was observed with self-reported time spent in direct sunlight. CONCLUSIONS: High serum 25(OH)D concentrations may protect against early AMD in women younger than 75 years.

Bilateral intravitreal injection of antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to review adverse events and patient preference after bilateral intravitreal injection of antibodies to vascular endothelial growth factor. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study. Patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration who received intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor agent injections in both eyes (bilateral group) on the same day over a 23-month period were compared with patients who received injections in only 1 eye. The occurrence of endophthalmitis, cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction, death, patient discomfort, and patient preference was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: One hundred and two patients received an average of 4.43 bilateral injections (range 1-13). A case-control group of 102 patients received an average of 10.2 unilateral injections, (range 2-28). Bevacizumab was injected 45.5%, ranibizumab 45.5%, and a combination of bevacizumab and ranibizumab 9% of the time for bilateral injections. Bevacizumab was used 50.3% and ranubizumab 49.7% of the time in unilateral injections. The follow-up of both groups averaged 18.4 months (range 4.7-36.5 months). There were no cases of endophthalmitis or cerebrovascular accident in either group. There was a single case of myocardial infarction in each group. There were two deaths in the bilateral group and three deaths in the unilateral group. More than 90% strongly preferred bilateral injections to unilateral injections. CONCLUSION: Bilateral injections of antivascular endothelial growth factor agents on the same day did not increase the rate of adverse events and was preferred by the majority of patients.

Healthy lifestyles related to subsequent prevalence of age-related macular degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationships between lifestyle behaviors of diet, smoking, and physical activity and the subsequent prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: The population included 1313 participants (aged 55-74 years) in the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study, an ancillary study of the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. Scores on a modified 2005 Healthy Eating Index were assigned using responses to a food frequency questionnaire administered at baseline of the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study (1994-1998). Physical activity and lifetime smoking history were queried. An average of 6 years later, stereoscopic fundus photographs were taken to assess the presence and severity of AMD; it was present in 202 women, 94% of whom had early AMD, the primary outcome. RESULTS: In multivariate models, women whose diets scored in the highest quintile compared with the lowest quintile on the modified 2005 Healthy Eating Index had 46% lower odds for early AMD. Women in the highest quintile compared with those in the lowest quintile for physical activity (in metabolic energy task hours per week) had 54% lower odds for early AMD. Although smoking was not independently associated with AMD on its own, having a combination of 3 healthy behaviors (healthy diet, physical activity, and not smoking) was associated with 71% lower odds for AMD compared with having high-risk scores (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Modifying lifestyles might reduce risk for early AMD as much as 3-fold, lowering the risk for advanced AMD in a person's lifetime and the social and economic costs of AMD to society.

Healthy diets and the subsequent prevalence of nuclear cataract in women.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between healthy diet scores and prevalence of nuclear cataract in women. METHODS: The association between healthy diet scores, which reflect adherence to the US dietary guidelines, and prevalence of nuclear cataract determined 4 to 7 years later was assessed in a sample of Women's Health Initiative Observational Study participants (aged 50-79 years) residing in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Oregon. Scores on the 1995 Healthy Eating Index, which reflect adherence to 1990 guidelines, were assigned from responses to food frequency questionnaires at the Women's Health Initiative baseline (1994-1998). Presence of nuclear cataract was determined from slitlamp photographs and self-reports of cataract extractions were assessed from May 1, 2001, to January 31, 2004, in 1808 women participating in the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study. RESULTS: Having a high 1995 Healthy Eating Index score was the strongest modifiable predictor of low prevalence of nuclear cataract among numerous risk factors investigated in this sample. The multivariate-adjusted odds ratio for high vs low quintile for diet score was 0.63 (95% confidence interval, 0.43-0.91). Higher prevalence of nuclear cataract was also associated with other modifiable factors (smoking and marked obesity) and nonmodifiable factors (having brown eyes, myopia, and high pulse pressure). Vitamin supplement use was not related to cataract. CONCLUSION: These data add to the body of evidence suggesting that eating foods rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals may contribute to postponing the occurrence of the most common type of cataract in the United States.

Management of sympathetic ophthalmia with the fluocinolone acetonide implant.

OBJECTIVE: We examined whether implantation of the fluocinolone acetonide (Retisert) implant achieved control of inflammation and a reduced need for oral corticosteroids or immunosuppressives in patients with sympathetic ophthalmia (SO). DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Eight patients with active SO. METHODS: The results of fluocinolone acetonide implantation in 8 patients with active SO were studied with a follow-up period of 6 months to 2 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Presence or absence of intraocular inflammation, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, need for further surgery, and the need for additional use of oral or locally injected corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressives. RESULTS: All patients demonstrated a significant reduction in the systemic medication required to maintain control of inflammation. Two patients had recurrent inflammatory episodes requiring the resumption of an oral immunosuppressive. Vision improved or was stabilized in all 8 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The fluocinolone acetonide implant provides inflammatory control and reduces the dependence on systemic immunosuppression in patients with SO.

Age-related macular degeneration--emerging pathogenetic and therapeutic concepts.

Today, the average life expectancy in developed nations is over 80 years and climbing. And yet, the quality of life during those additional years is often significantly diminished by the effects of age-related, degenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in the elderly worldwide. AMD is characterized by a progressive loss of central vision attributable to degenerative and neovascular changes in the macula, a highly specialized region of the ocular retina responsible for fine visual acuity. Estimates gathered from the most recent World Health Organization (WHO) global eye disease survey conservatively indicate that 14 million persons are blind or severely visually impaired because of AMD. The disease has a tremendous impact on the physical and mental health of the geriatric population and their families and is becoming a major public health burden. Currently, there is neither a cure nor a means to prevent AMD. Palliative treatment options for the less prevalent, late-stage 'wet' form of the disease include anti-neovascular agents, photodynamic therapy and thermal laser. There are no current therapies for the more common 'dry' AMD, except for the use of antioxidants that delay progression in 20%-25% of eyes. New discoveries, however, are beginning to provide a much clearer picture of the relevant cellular events, genetic factors, and biochemical processes associated with early AMD. Recently, compelling evidence has emerged that the innate immune system and, more specifically, uncontrolled regulation of the complement alternative pathway plays a central role in the pathobiology of AMD. The complement Factor H gene--which encodes the major inhibitor of the complement alternative pathway--is the first gene identified in multiple independent studies that confers a significant genetic risk for the development of AMD. The emergence of this new paradigm of AMD pathogenesis should hasten the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for this disease that will dramatically improve the quality of our prolonged lifespan.