Interface fluid syndrome caused by the corneal perforation injury after small incision lenticule extraction: a case report.

BACKGROUND: To report a case of interface fluid syndrome (IFS) following traumatic corneal perforation repair after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). CASE PRESENTATION: A 23-year-old woman, with a past history of SMILE, was struck in the left eye with a barbecue prod and subsequently underwent corneal perforation repair at local hospital. Primary wound repaired with a single 10 - 0 nylon suture at the area of leakage. After the surgery, her best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/30. Four days later, she presented at our hospital with blurred vision, and interface fluid syndrome (IFS) was diagnosed. Intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) was used to guide the resuturing of the corneal perforation in the left eye, followed by anterior chamber gas injection. At the first postoperative month, the BCVA was 20/25. The corneal cap adhered closely to the stroma, the surface became smooth. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates that any corneal perforation following lamellar surgery, including SMILE, may lead to IFS. It is crucial to consider the depth of corneal perforation, and intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) plays a unique role in the repair procedure.

Patch endothelial keratoplasty for corneal perforations secondary to ocular surface disease: case series.

BACKGROUND: Corneal perforation is an ophthalmic emergency. The conventional management of corneal perforation can be associated with severe complications especially in patients with ocular surface disease. Endothelial keratoplasty has been suggested as an alternative surgical technique for the management of corneal perforations. We present a case series of nine patients with corneal perforation and ocular surface disease managed with secondary patch endothelial keratoplasty. METHODS: This is a retrospective case series of nine patch endothelial keratoplasties performed between 2016 and 2022 at a quaternary eye hospital in Australia. The surgical technique is similar to conventional endothelial keratoplasty except descemetorhexis was not performed. RESULTS: A total of 9 cases were treated during the review period. Eight of the nine cases had an improvement in visual acuity. One case failed to achieve corneal tectonic objective. CONCLUSION: Patch endothelial keratoplasty is a safe secondary procedure for the management of corneal perforations in patients with ocular surface disease.

Customized therapeutic deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in perforated Mooren's ulcer: A novel technique.

We describe customized therapeutic deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) for treating a perforated Mooren's ulcer. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed corneal perforation (3.5 mm × 3.0 mm) with iris prolapse. The corneal melt extended from 9.0 o'clock to 4.0 o'clock. The peripheral edge of the ulcer was sloping, whereas the medial edge showed undermining. Immunological tests did not reveal any evidence of systemic autoimmune disease. In view of extensive peripheral corneal melt with large corneal perforation, the patient needed tectonic keratoplasty. The penetrating graft is not only technically demanding but also results in a poor visual outcome. We advised customized tectonic DALK. We used two different-sized trephines to obtain appropriate-sized donor tissue and avoided manual dissection. The post-surgery period was uneventful. He was prescribed topical steroids and oral methotrexate. He achieved 6/9 aided visual acuity at 4 months and maintained it until the last follow-up at 36 months.

Proportion and characteristics of lacrimal drainage pathway disease and keratopathy in non-infectious corneal perforation using lacrimal syringing test.

Lacrimal drainage pathway disease-associated keratopathy (LDAK) has been associated with corneal perforation, which arises from both infectious and non-infectious corneal disorders. However, patients with corneal perforation are often not routinely tested for LDAK, and the potential risk posed by LDAK in the development of corneal ulcers has not been investigated in detail. This study aimed to assess the proportion and characteristics of LDAK in patients with non-infectious corneal perforation using lacrimal syringing test. This study enrolled 56 patients with corneal perforation treated at Saitama Medical University Hospital between January 2016 and September 2022. The causes of corneal perforation were trauma (n = 17, 30%), infection (n = 19, 34%), non-infection (n = 16, 29%), and unknown (n = 4, 7%). A lacrimal syringing test was performed on 12 patients with non-infectious corneal perforation and 4 with an unknown diagnosis. Among the 16 patients with non-infectious corneal perforation, 13 (81%) had lacrimal drainage disease, but only 3 (19%) patients had lacrimal puncta, as revealed by slit-lamp examinations. The primary bacterial species identified in lacrimal obstructive disease and lacrimal canaliculitis were Staphylococcus spp. and Actinomycetes spp. respectively. Lower temporal and peripheral corneal perforations were common. All patients underwent lacrimal surgery, and 6 (38%) were treated for corneal perforation without corneal surgery. Interestingly, several patients with LDAK who did not exhibit any lacrimal duct obstruction on slit-lamp examination. The study findings demonstrate the significance of the lacrimal syringing test for assessing LDAK in patients with corneal perforation, indicating LDAK as a potential cause of corneal perforation.

Fungal Keratitis and Corneal Perforation as a Rare Complication of Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking Treatment.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report a case of fungal keratitis with subsequent corneal perforation after corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) treatment performed for keratoconus. CASE REPORT: A 20-year-old woman presented with redness and discharge in the left eye. She had a history of bilateral CXL procedure performed for keratoconus elsewhere 4 days earlier. The visual acuity was hand motion in the left eye. Slit-lamp examination revealed extended corneal melting with surrounding infiltrates. The patient was hospitalized, and corneal epithelial scraping samples were sent for microbiological assessment. In the meantime, empirical antibiotic therapy (fortified topical antibiotics: vancomycin 50 mg/mL, ceftazidime 50 mg/mL, and fluconazole 2 mg/mL q1 hour) was initiated. In direct microscopy of the corneal scraping, septate hyaline fungal hyphae were detected and topical fluconazole was switched to topical voriconazole (10 mg/mL). Three days after hospitalization, corneal melting progressed to perforation and corneal suturing with 10-0 monofilament was performed to reform the anterior chamber. Complete resolution of keratitis with residual scarring was noticed in 2 weeks. Three months later, penetrating keratoplasty was performed to obtain better visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: CXL with riboflavin has become a common procedure to prevent keratoconus progression by strengthening the biomechanical specialties of the cornea. Although the treatment itself has been used in the management of microbial keratitis and related corneal melting, fungal keratitis and corneal perforation after a CXL procedure for keratoconus might also be detected. Clinicians should be aware of this rare but devastating complication of CXL treatment and start prompt treatment when suspected.

SMILE lenticule versus amniotic membrane graft (AMG) augmented with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of perforated corneal ulcer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of stromal lenticule obtained from small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery versus amniotic membrane graft (AMG) augmented with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of perforated corneal ulcers and compare the results between the two groups. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a comparative retrospective study that included 40 eyes with medium-sized corneal perforations, which were classified into two equal groups of 20 eyes each; group (A) was treated with SMILE lenticule graft and group (B) was treated with AMG augmented with PRP. Pre- and postoperative evaluations were carried out using both slit-lamp (SL) examination and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), including closure of perforation, complete healing, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). RESULTS: Complete closure of the perforation was achieved in both groups. However, healing was faster in the SMILE lenticule group than in the AMG with PRP group (P < 0.05). Complete healing was achieved in both groups: 100% in SMILE lenticule group and 95% in AMG with PRP group (P > 0.05). Both groups had few insignificant complications (30% in each), which were managed. CONCLUSION: Both methods achieved adequate healing of corneal perforations within few weeks without significant complications. However, the stromal lenticule obtained from small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery tended to be safer with faster healing than AMG with PRP.

Recurrence of perforation and overall patient survival after penetrating keratoplasty versus amniotic membrane transplantation in corneal perforation.

PURPOSE: The following is a comparative analysis on the treatment outcomes of corneal perforations using amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) or penetrating keratoplasty (PK). METHODS: This monocentric retrospective study was performed at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Ulm, Germany. A total of 78 eyes of 78 patients were included. Thirty-nine eyes received an AMT, and 39 patients were treated with a PK. Primary outcome was recurrence of perforation. Secondary outcomes were patient mortality and visual acuity. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was observed with regard to a recurrence of perforation between the two groups (26% in AMT vs 23% in PK, p > 0.99). The time of recurrences was within the first two years and did not differ statistically (p = 0.97). In addition, a proportional hazards model with cox regression regarding recurrent perforation showed no significant differences (p = 0.5). After AMT, 41% and after KP, 28% of the patients died during follow-up (p = 0.2), respectively. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (p < 0.0001) and the age at the time of surgery (p = 0.0002) were statistically significantly higher in those who were deceased. A mean follow-up of 485 ± 517 days was recorded. CONCLUSION: Both surgical methods show good results and no statistically significant difference regarding recurrent perforation rate. About a third of the patients died during the follow-up period. The decision regarding the appropriate method should therefore be based on a combination of all factors.

Corneal Perforation Secondary to Rosacea Keratitis Managed with Excellent Visual Outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Ocular Rosacea is a poly etiological chronic inflammatory disease with heterogeneous clinical manifestations. It is primarily a dermatologic disease, which often manifests in the eyes affecting eyelids, conjunctiva, and cornea. The leading role in the pathological process belongs to the disruption of regulatory mechanisms in the vascular, immune, and nervous systems. The varied manifestation can be erythematous pustular lesions on the face, chronic blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, evaporative dry eye, peripheral corneal ulceration, corneal scarring, perforation, and neovascularization. CASE: We describe a rare case report of a 43-year-old male with progressive ocular manifestations of rosacea keratitis. Slit-lamp biomicroscopic examination revealed squamous blepharitis, telangiectatic vessels with obliterated meibomian glands, circumcorneal congestion, peripheral corneal perforation of 2x2 mm at 4 0 clock, shallow anterior chamber(AC) with positive seidel's in the left eye. Fundoscopy showed serous choroidal detachment(CD). Snellen's Best Corrected Visual Acuity(BCVA) was 20/240 with Intraocular pressure measured was 5 mmhg. The patient was managed with topical loteprednol, moxifloxacin, carboxymethylcellulose medications along with cyanoacrylate glue and bandage contact lens and had excellent visual acuity of 20/20 with a follow-up of 1 year. CONCLUSION: Ocular rosacea perforation has been reported in chronic cases and may not always require amniotic membrane transplant, patch grafting, or keratoplasty. If managed meticulously with cyanoacrylate glue and BCL can have excellent outcomes. Eye specialists should be alerted that the key to a successful outcome is excellent control of inflammatory activity and differentiating this non-infectious keratitis from other keratitis before commencing treatment.

Paraneoplastic Pemphigus Associated with Bilateral Corneal Perforations in Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) presenting as spontaneous bilateral corneal perforations in a patient with follicular dendritic cell sarcoma. METHODS: Retrospective chart reviewResults: A 73-year-old Greek woman with a history of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) presented with bilateral corneal perforations and a cicatrizing conjunctivitis. Her diagnosis was consistent with PNP with corneal and conjunctival involvement after a change in her chemotherapy regimen from intravenous cyclophosphamide to gemcitabine. She was treated with a multilayered amniotic membrane in the right eye and cyanoacrylate glue in the left eye. Systemic intravenous cyclophosphamide and oral prednisone were re-started. Both perforations healed but the patient passed away soon after precluding further follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular manifestations of PNP can rarely present with spontaneous corneal perforations. This is the first case of FDCS-associated PNP with corneal involvement. Such cases should be diagnosed expediently and managed with aggressive systemic immunosuppressive therapy.

Surgical technique for the management of corneal perforation in brittle cornea.

Brittle cornea syndrome is among the few special scenarios in ophthalmology that are a nightmare not only for the operating surgeon but also for the patient. Here, the thin and fragile corneas are unable to maintain the shape and structural integrity of the globe and are more prone to minor traumatic or spontaneous corneal perforations. Suturing a brittle cornea and closure of the corneal perforation in a brittle cornea are very challenging requiring the utmost care and special precautions. If proper measures are not taken during the surgery, it may be difficult to salvage the eye. Hence, it is imperative to diagnose appropriately, suture effectively, taking necessary preventive measures in salvaging these corneas. This manuscript aims at providing tips for handling brittle corneal perforations. It will also discuss the problems encountered during surgery, highlight the suturing techniques that can be customized, and finally give an insight into postoperative care.

Mini-DSAEK for Macro Corneal Perforations.

PURPOSE: We present a technique that preserves good vision in paracentral macroperforations and avoids challenges of tectonic lamellar or penetrating keratoplasty in eyes with poor visual potential. METHOD: A wet laboratory was implemented for mini-Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty to seal macroperforations ab interno. This included a suture support technique designed to prevent graft herniation. We also present 3 cases who were treated successfully with this technique. RESULTS: The laboratory test confirmed that mini-Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty can successfully seal macroperforations without the need of large incisions. The minidisc is introduced through the perforation, and a double mattress suture prevents graft herniation. The technique allowed us to preserve 20/15 unaided vision in a case with paracentral macroperforation. It also restored eye globe integrity and achieved long-term stability in 2 cases with limbal stem-cell deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Mini-Descemet stripping-automated endothelial keratoplasty technique can be an alternative approach to avoid poor visual outcomes of tectonic keratoplasty in paracentral perforations. It also offers host tissue preservation in eyes with high risk of rejection for tectonic grafts.

Corneal perforation associated with isolated ocular lichen planus: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: To report a case of unilateral corneal perforation due to isolated ocular lichen planus. METHODS: Interventional case report. Informed consent by the patient was obtained to publish clinical images. A 64-year-old male presented with severe vision loss and a 2-week history of corneal perforation treated with penetrating keratoplasty in the left eye. He had a longstanding diagnosis of severe chronic dry eye disease. On the initial assessment a visual acuity of 20/50 in the RE and HM perception in the left eye were documented. Biomicroscopy revealed subepithelial fibrosis on the tarsal conjunctiva and clinical signs of severe dry eye disease in both eyes. A clear corneal button and a white cataract were observed in the left eye. No other skin or mucosal lesions were observed. RESULTS: An excisional biopsy of the bulbar conjunctiva was performed under topical anesthesia. Direct immunofluorescence analysis revealed a linear deposit of fibrinogen in the basement membrane consistent with ocular lichen planus. Clinical improvement was achieved using aggressive topical lubrication, corneal epithelial regenerators, topical tacrolimus, and immunosuppressive therapy with systemic corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide. CONCLUSION: Isolated ocular lichen planus is an extremely infrequent presentation of lichen planus often indistinguishable from other cicatricial conjunctivitis. Corneal perforation is a severe complication associated with severe dry eye, not previously reported with ocular lichen planus. An adequate clinical assessment and histopathologic diagnosis are crucial to lead prompt treatment and prevent sight-threatening complications.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Corneal Perforation in Chronic Ocular Graft-Versus-Host-Disease.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with corneal perforation in patients with chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD). METHODS: We reviewed the case records of 405 patients diagnosed with chronic oGVHD over 8 years at a single academic center and assessed the prevalence of corneal perforation in the cohort. We reviewed patient demographics, indication for and type of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), time elapsed between HSCT and perforation, and clinical characteristics including oGVHD severity scores, ocular comorbidities, and topical medications at the time of perforation. Data were analyzed to determine the characteristics of patients with corneal perforation and establish the risk factors. RESULTS: Of the 405 patients with chronic oGVHD, 15 (3.7%) developed a corneal perforation. The mean age of patients at the time of perforation was 64 ± 11 years and 10 (67%) were men. The median time to corneal perforation was 3.3 years post-HSCT. Although perforation occurred unilaterally in all cases, 44% had epithelial defects and 38% had stromal abnormalities in the contralateral eye. Of the patients with corneal perforation, 9 (60%) had a National Institute of Health oGVHD severity score of 2 and 6 (40%) had a score of 3. Patients with chronic oGVHD on antiglaucoma drops had a significantly higher risk of corneal perforation (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Corneal perforation is a rare but vision-threatening complication of chronic oGVHD. Our study emphasizes the need for frequent and long-term follow-up of patients with oGVHD regardless of the severity of disease. In particular, patients with chronic oGVHD on topical antiglaucoma medications should be monitored closely due to a higher risk for corneal perforation.

Cyanoacrylate Tissue Adhesive for the Treatment of Corneal Thinning and Perforations: A Multicenter Study.

PURPOSE: To examine the outcomes of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (CTA) application for impending or frank corneal perforations and assess for predictors of treatment response. METHODS: A multicenter cohort study was conducted to assess the clinical outcomes of adult patients who underwent CTA gluing for impending or frank corneal perforations between 2013 and 2018. The primary outcome was the proportion of successful CTA applications, defined as tectonic stability of the globe without subsequent keratoplasty (KP). Secondary outcomes included visual acuity and success of subsequent surgical interventions, if performed. RESULTS: Fifty-three eyes of 52 patients were included in this study [56% women; mean age at presentation 70 ± 13 years; median length of follow-up of 387 days (interquartile range: 191-704)]. Medical comorbidities were present in 62% of patients. The most common etiologies for perforations included infections (43%) and Sjogren disease (9%). Of the CTA-treated eyes, 22% had a complete resolution of the corneal lesion. Fifty-four percent of patients underwent KP. Longer duration of CTA treatment was associated with CTA success (P = 0.04). For patients requiring KP, 71% were successful and 29% failed. There is no significant difference in the median time delay between patients with successful and failed KPs (P = 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: CTA may be considered a stand-alone treatment for corneal perforations. It yielded a success rate of 22%. Failed CTA treatment occurred quickly, largely because of the severity of presentation. In cases requiring KP, the delay between glue application and surgery did not influence the PK success.

Prevalence of Persistent Corneal Epithelial Defects in Chronic Ocular Graft-Versus-Host Disease.

PURPOSE: To establish the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and risk factors for persistent corneal epithelial defects (PED) in patients with chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD) and to determine visual outcomes after healing. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: A chart review was conducted of patients in whom chronic oGVHD was diagnosed between January 2011 and December 2018 and their demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. Data were analyzed to determine prevalence of PED, and multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the risk factors associated with it. RESULTS: A total of 405 patients at a mean age of 60 ± 13 years in whom chronic oGVHD was diagnosed; 58% were men. The prevalence of PED was 8.1%. The median time for PED development after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was approximately 24 months. Median time to PED resolution was 4.5 weeks after starting therapy. The mean best-corrected visual acuity declined by 2 lines post-PED resolution. The prevalence rates of corneal ulcer and perforation were 6.2% and 4.0%, respectively, over 8 years. Logistic regression analysis, used to determine factors associated with PED, showed diabetes (P = .006), limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) (P = .02), filamentary keratitis (P = .02), subconjunctival fibrosis (P = .02), and a higher National Institutes of Health (NIH) oGVHD score (P = .01) were significant risk factors for PED development. CONCLUSIONS: The study found the prevalence rate of PED, corneal ulceration, and corneal perforation in chronic oGVHD to be 8.1%, 6.2%, and 4%, respectively. Analysis showed that oGVHD patients with diabetes, LSCD, filamentary keratitis, subconjunctival fibrosis, and a high NIH score were at higher risk of developing severe corneal disease.

Queratoplastia penetrante con fines ópticos. Presentación de cuatro casos / Penetrating keratoplasty with optical aims. Presentation of four cases

RESUMEN La queratoplastia penetrante ha sido el procedimiento empleado, de forma casi universal, para el tratamiento de las patologías corneales que afectan de forma irreversible a la visión. Se reportaron 4 casos clínicos de pacientes con afecciones corneales con compromiso visual severo, dado por visión de cuenta dedos y percepción luminosa. Luego de la evaluación completa en cada caso, se decidió realizar la queratoplastia penetrante con fines ópticos, con el objetivo de recuperar la transparencia de la córnea y la calidad visual. No existieron complicaciones transquirúrgicas y fueron seguidos según protocolo de evaluación postoperatoria de trasplante corneal. Los resultados y evaluación fueron satisfactorios, al año mantenían la transparencia del injerto y se logró mejoría considerable de la agudeza visual (AU).

ABSTRACT Penetrating keratoplasty has been a procedure used, almost universally, to treat corneal diseases affecting vision in an irreversible way. Four clinical cases are reported of patients with corneal affections severely compromising vision, given by short vision and luminous perception. After completely evaluating each case, the authors decided to perform the penetrant keratoplasty with optical aims, to recover cornea transparency and the vision quality. There were not transurgical complications and the patients were followed up according to the protocols of post-surgery evaluation of corneal graft. The results and evaluation were satisfactory; after a year, the transparency of the graft was maintained and visual acuity substantially improved (AU).

A New Surgical Approach for the Management of Acute Corneal Hydrops Complicated With Corneal Perforation.

PURPOSE: To report an unusual case of a patient with keratoconus and acute hydrops complicated with corneal perforation and describe its management using a new surgical approach. METHODS: A case report and new surgical approach description. RESULTS: A 47-year-old female patient with a history of keratoconus and implantable contact lens surgery presented at our institute with symptoms of acute corneal hydrops in her right eye. On examination, best corrected visual acuity was of counting fingers in the involved eye. Slit-lamp examination revealed a small inferotemporal corneal perforation, surrounded by marked corneal edema and a positive Seidel test. Initial attempts of conservative treatment with cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive application and bandage soft contact lens placement were ineffective. We decided to proceed with an inferior, lamellar wedge resection of the diseased corneal tissue. One month postoperatively, the cornea remained clear, whereas best corrected visual acuity was 0.1. CONCLUSIONS: Lamellar wedge resection could represent an alternative surgical approach for keratoconic patients, with eccentric acute hydrops and subsequent corneal perforation that provides rapid visual rehabilitation.

Validation of a Comprehensive Clinical Algorithm for the Assessment and Treatment of Microbial Keratitis.

PURPOSE: To validate a comprehensive clinical algorithm for the assessment and treatment of microbial keratitis (MK). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: The "1, 2, 3 Rule" for the initial management of MK was conceived by Vital and associates in 2007 to inform the decision as to when to perform corneal cultures. The rule is invoked when any 1 of 3 clinical parameters is met: ≥1+ anterior chamber cells, ≥2 mm infiltrate, or infiltrate ≤3 mm distance from the corneal center. When the rule is met, we added the mandatory use of fortified topical antibiotics after cultures are obtained. We compared outcomes of cases presenting to Massachusetts Eye and Ear 2 years before (Group I, n = 665) and after (Group II, n = 767) algorithm implementation. The primary composite outcome was a vision-threatening complication, such as corneal perforation. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 67.0 and 60.0 days, respectively, 172 patients experienced a vision-threatening complication (Group I, 12.9% vs Group II, 11.2%, P = .51). While the algorithm codified conventional management practice at either end of disease severity, the effect of algorithm-augmented care was best appreciated in patients with lesions satisfying only 1 criterion. In this group, there was an increase in the proportion of patients undergoing culture at presentation (54.6% vs 67.7%, P = .006), fortified antibiotic prescription (29.7% vs 53.9%, P < .001), and reduction in vision-threatening complications (9.7% vs 1.8%, P = .001). The proportion of patients who were not cultured at presentation but later required culturing decreased (13.4% vs 5.1%, P = .001), as did patients who did not meet any criteria but were nonetheless cultured (23.9% vs 8.5%, P < .001). Multiple logistic regression showed that all algorithm parameters were independently associated with outcome: ≥1+ anterior chamber cells (odds ratio [OR] 1.66, 95% confidence interval 1.09-2.52); ≥2 mm infiltrate (OR 4.74, 2.68-8.40); and ≤3 mm from corneal center (OR 2.82, 1.85-4.31), confirmed with comparison to a bootstrapped sample (n = 10,000). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of this algorithm reduced vision-threatening complications for patients with lesions satisfying only 1 criterion, arguably the most difficult patients in whom to judge disease severity. Implementation also led to a decrease in patients receiving unnecessary care.