Prevalence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Patients with Chronic Exposure to P2X7R Inhibitors.

PURPOSE: P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is a purinergic cation channel whose activation has been linked with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Several nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, zidovudine (AZT), lamivudine (3TC) and abacavir (ABC), have been shown to inhibit P2X7R and improve outcomes in animal models of ARMD. Our aim is to investigate the association between chronic AZT, 3TC, and ABC therapy and ARMD in a clinical setting. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study comparing 445 patients with HIV and confirmed usage of AZT, 3TC, and ABC against 200 patients with HIV without usage of AZT, 3TC, and ABC and 445 non-HIV infected patients. Fundus examination and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-ODT) were used to measure prevalence of early-intermediate stage ARMD, geographic atrophy, and exudative ARMD. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of early-intermediate stage ARMD between the HIV infected patients with a history of AZT, 3TC, and ABC use and the HIV infected patients without AZT, 3TC, and ABC use (p = 0.887). There was also no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of geographical atrophy (p = 0.062) and exudative AMD (p > 0.999) between the HIV infected patients with a history of AZT, 3TC, and ABC use and non-HIV infected patients. CONCLUSION: We did not find an effect of P2X7R inhibiting antiretrovirals usage on early-intermediate stage ARMD, geographical atrophy, or exudative ARMD. Studies with larger cohort and more rigorous medication history are needed to assess the effects on geographical atrophy or exudative ARMD.

EVALUATING ULTRA-WIDEFIELD IMAGING UTILITY IN THE DETECTION OF TREATMENT-REQUIRING PERIPHERAL RETINAL TEARS AND HOLES.

PURPOSE: To determine the utility of ultra-widefield (UWF) imaging in detecting pathologic peripheral retinal tears and holes. METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational study. One-hundred ninety-eight eyes of 198 patients diagnosed with acute posterior vitreous detachment were included. Eyes were divided into two groups: 89 eyes with peripheral retinal holes and tears treated with laser retinopexy (treatment group) and 109 control eyes. Patients underwent UWF imaging and indirect ophthalmoscopy with scleral depression. UWF images from both groups were reviewed by two blinded graders and then compared with funduscopic examination and medical records. RESULTS: UWF imaging identified 60 of the 89 eyes (sensitivity of 67.4%) found to have treatment-requiring peripheral retinal lesions and 107 of the 109 control eyes (specificity of 98.2%).The distribution of misses based on octant location did reach statistical significance ( P = 0.004). Lesions anterior to the equator were more likely to be missed (21/41 eyes, 51.2%) compared with those located posterior to the equator (4/20 eyes, 25.0%) and at the equator (4/28, 14.3%), P = 0.002. The combined discordance rate between graders in the entire cohort was 12.1% (24/198 eyes) yielding an interrater agreement of 87.9%. CONCLUSION: UWF imaging showed a moderate sensitivity and high specificity in detecting treatment-requiring retinal tears and holes, with high interrater agreement. Given there is only a moderate sensitivity in identifying treatment-requiring retinal tears and holes, UWF imaging can assist with clinical examination, but a 360-degree scleral depressed examination should remain the gold standard.

Non-reversible tissue fixation retains extracellular vesicles for in situ imaging.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted nanosized particles with many biological functions and pathological associations. The inability to image EVs in fixed tissues has been a major limitation to understanding their role in healthy and diseased tissue microenvironments. Here, we show that crosslinking mammalian tissues with formaldehyde results in significant EV loss, which can be prevented by additional fixation with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) for visualization of EVs in a range of normal and cancer tissues.

ROLE OF OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY FOR PREDICTING POSTOPERATIVE VISUAL OUTCOMES AFTER REPAIR OF MACULA-OFF RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT.

PURPOSE: To identify any prognostic associations between preoperative optical coherence tomography findings and postoperative visual outcomes in patients with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. METHODS: A retrospective, single-center study of patients diagnosed with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment whom underwent surgical reattachment from 2012 to 2017. Optical coherence tomography images were analyzed by two retina surgeons. Outcome measures included "good" final vision (best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better), "poor" final vision (best-corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or worse), and change in vision (worsened, improved, and improved ≥15 letters) at most recent follow-up. P values were calculated using t tests, analysis of variance, Wilcoxon rank-sum, or Kruskall-Wallis test. RESULTS: A total of 49 eyes were included. There was a significant difference in the mean preoperative central retinal thickness between patients who had good final vision and patients who did not (96 µm vs. 161 µm, P = 0.048). In addition, a worse preoperative best-corrected visual acuity and greater subretinal fluid height were associated with vision improvement (P < 0.001). Those with persistent ellipsoid zone disruption postoperatively were less likely to have good final vision (odds ratio = 0.217, 95% confidence interval: 0.057-0.828). CONCLUSION: A lower mean preoperative central retinal thickness is associated with good visual prognosis. Eyes with ellipsoid zone disruption postoperatively were less likely to have good final vision. Future studies should include a larger cohort of patients and more optical coherence tomography variables to address the inconsistencies in the current literature.

Corneal confocal microscopy: Neurologic disease biomarker in Friedreich ataxia.

OBJECTIVE: Friedreich ataxia (FRDA), an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding for the mitochondrial protein frataxin, is characterized by ataxia and gait instability, immobility, and eventual death. We evaluated corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) quantification of corneal nerve morphology as a novel, noninvasive, in vivo quantitative imaging biomarker for the severity of neurological manifestations in FRDA. METHODS: Corneal nerve fiber density, branch density, and fiber length were quantified in individuals with FRDA (n = 23) and healthy age-matched controls (n = 14). All individuals underwent genetic testing and a detailed neurological assessment with the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) and Friedreich's Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS). A subset of individuals with FRDA who were ambulatory underwent quantitative gait assessment. RESULTS: CCM demonstrated a significant reduction in nerve fiber density and length in FRDA compared to healthy controls. Importantly, CCM parameters correlated with genotype, SARA and FARS neurological scales, and linear regression modeling of CCM nerve parameter-generated equations that predict the neurologic severity of FRDA. INTERPRETATION: Together, the data suggest that CCM quantification of corneal nerve morphology is a rapid, sensitive imaging biomarker for quantifying the severity of neurologic disease in individuals with FRDA. Ann Neurol 2018;84:893-904.

Different preferences between United States and European vitreoretinal surgeons: personal observations.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article describes the author's personal observations on different preferences in surgical technique and surgical setting between vitreoretinal specialists in the USA and Europe. These impressions, although clearly subjective, derive from the author's extensive experience with, and connection to, many vitreoretinal centers and surgeons around the world in a wide variety of venues. RECENT FINDINGS: Although the results of surgery and the availability of information and instrumentation are quite comparable on both sides, vitreoretinal surgeons in the USA are more likely to use local anesthesia, an outpatient setting, perform phakic vitrectomy, use gas as opposed to oil as a tamponade, use pneumatic retinopexy for certain cases, place an anterior chamber lens for secondary implantation, and perform intravitreal injections in the office or exam room. In addition, European colleagues more commonly perform combined phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation at the time of vitrectomy, use perfluorochemicals during retinal detachment surgery, and utilize heavy silicone oils. SUMMARY: These observations suggest that many factors, both medical and nonmedical, influence vitreoretinal surgeons and result in differing preferences for surgical techniques and surgical setting.

Role of SLMAP genetic variants in susceptibility of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy in Qatari population.

BACKGROUND: Overexpression of SLMAP gene has been associated with diabetes and endothelial dysfunction of macro- and micro-blood vessels. In this study our primary objective is to explore the role of SLMAP gene polymorphisms in the susceptibility of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with or without diabetic retinopathy (DR) in the Qatari population. METHODS: A total of 342 Qatari subjects (non-diabetic controls and T2DM patients with or without DR) were genotyped for SLMAP gene polymorphisms (rs17058639 C > T; rs1043045 C > T and rs1057719 A > G) using Taqman SNP genotyping assay. RESULTS: SLMAP rs17058639 C > T polymorphism was associated with the presence of DR among Qataris with T2DM. One-way ANOVA and multiple logistic regression analysis showed SLMAP SNP rs17058639 C > T as an independent risk factor for DR development. SLMAP rs17058639 C > T polymorphism also had a predictive role for the severity of DR. Haplotype Crs17058639Trs1043045Ars1057719 was associated with the increased risk for DR among Qataris with T2DM. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggests the potential role of SLMAP SNPs as a risk factor for the susceptibility of DR among T2DM patients in the Qatari population.

A comparison of same setting versus delayed vitrectomy in the management of retained lens fragments after cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: Intravitreal retained lens fragments are a rare but potentially serious complication of phacoemulsification. The purpose of this study was to compare same setting ("no wait") vitrectomy with delayed surgery in the management of retained lens fragments in a single academic setting. METHODS: This study is a retrospective nonrandomized study of all patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy for retained lens fragments after cataract surgery from 2007 to 2012. Outcomes included visual acuity and the development of various complications such as retinal detachment, elevated intraocular pressure >30 mmHg, and cystoid macular edema. Multivariate analysis was performed to adjust for potentially confounding variables such as age and preoperative visual acuity. RESULTS: Twenty-eight consecutive eyes (13 same setting, 15 delayed setting) were included in the analysis. Patients in the same setting group were older than in the delayed group (81.00 vs. 72.87 years, P = 0.053). No other preoperative differences existed between the groups (axial length, preoperative vision, and intraocular pressure). The mean time to pars plana vitrectomy in the delayed group was 26.6 days (range, 1-91 days). The mean follow-up time was 363 days (same setting) and 643 days (delayed). At the most recent follow-up, no significant difference existed in mean vision between the same setting (logMAR, 0.42) and the delayed group (logMAR, 0.57) (P = 0.132). Multivariate analysis showed no difference in final vision when adjusting for age and preoperative vision. Although there was a trend for eyes in the same setting group to obtain good vision (≥ 20/40) faster, a higher percentage of eyes in the delayed group obtained good vision at the most recent follow-up (66.7 vs. 23.1%, P = 0.02). More eyes in the delayed group had an intraocular pressure >30 at any point (P = 0.055). There was no significant difference between the groups in any other complications such as retinal detachment, choroidal detachment, and cystoid macular edema during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: In this cohort, same setting pars plana vitrectomy offers no significant visual acuity advantage over delayed pars plana vitrectomy in patients with retained lens fragments. Fewer eyes in the same setting group "ever" had an intraocular pressure ≥ 30 during follow-up, whereas no other complication differences were seen between the groups.

Isolated foveal hypoplasia without nystagmus.

We report the case of a 23-year-old healthy Caucasian male with isolated foveal hypoplasia without nystagmus. Clinical examination and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography demonstrated the bilateral absence of a foveal depression and the patient was diagnosed with isolated foveal hypoplasia. This is a rare condition which is probably under-diagnosed since it can exist without nystagmus and low vision.

Implementation of a Teleophthalmology Screening Program for Diabetic Retinopathy in New York City.

Purpose: To examine the implementation of a teleophthalmology program for diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening at a metropolitan hospital system and identify the challenges that the clinical teams encountered using the program. Methods: The study was conducted in 2 parts. The first was a pilot retrospective chart review of 300 consecutive patients screened for DR by the teleophthalmology screening program. The baseline variables, DR capture rate and staging, and continuity of care for those diagnosed with DR were analyzed. The second was a web-based survey identifying the barriers encountered by 36 physicians and clinical staff as they participated in the teleophthalmology screening program. Results: Part 1: Of the patients evaluated, 57 (19.0%) were diagnosed with DR; 42 (73.7%) had mild nonproliferative DR (NPDR), 7 (12.3%) had moderate NPDR, none had severe NPDR, and 8 (14.0%) had PDR. Thirty-one patients (54.4%) with retinopathy diagnoses were referred for an in-person follow-up at the clinic while the rest continued monitoring via the program. Of this subset, 22 (71.0%) completed the follow-up visit. Part 2: The survey respondents comprised 28 physicians (77.8%), 6 licensed nurse practitioners (16.7%), and 2 medical assistants (5.6%). Twenty-two providers (71.0%) preferred initiating referrals for in-person annual examinations over teleophthalmology screening referrals. The most common barriers described were related to workflow interruption, time constraints, and staff shortages. Conclusions: The teleophthalmology DR screening program allowed identification of early or absent DR at clinics in an urban setting (New York City). The findings suggest areas for targeted improvement in the screening program to better complement internal referral practices' workflows.

Incidence of Blepharoptosis Following Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injections.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of blepharoptosis after intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections and compare the rates of blepharoptosis between patients injected with an eyelid speculum and those injected without a speculum. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), codes were used to identify patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and those who developed ptosis after intravitreal injections. Patients with nonexudative AMD who did not receive intravitreal injections served as controls. The outcomes were the incidence of ptosis in the injection group compared to the noninjection group and incidence of ptosis in patients whose injections were performed with an eyelid speculum as compared to those whose injections were performed without a speculum. RESULTS: We recruited 1100 exudative AMD patients who received at least 1 intravitreal anti-VEGF injection and 2258 nonexudative AMD patients who had not received an injection. In the injection group, 18 of 1100 patients (1.6%) developed ptosis, compared with 52 of 2258 patients (2.3%) in the noninjection group (P = .25). Within the injection group, ptosis was mostly bilateral, diagnosed on average 22.4 months after the initial injection, and after more than a 1-year injection-free period. Eleven of 537 patients (2.0%) injected without a speculum developed ptosis, compared with 8 of 444 patients (1.8%) injected with a speculum (P = .82). CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant differences in incidence rates of ptosis were observed. In this analysis, neither intravitreal anti-VEGF injections nor speculum use during injections appears to increase the risk of ptosis.

Heads-Up Three-Dimensional Viewing Systems in Vitreoretinal Surgery: An Updated Perspective.

Three-Dimensional (3D) heads-up visualization systems have significantly advanced vitreoretinal surgery, providing enhanced detail and improved ergonomics. This review discusses the application of 3D systems in vitreoretinal surgery, their use in various procedures, their combination with other imaging modalities, and the role of this technology in medical education and telementoring. Furthermore, the review highlights the benefits of 3D systems, such as improved ergonomics, reduced phototoxicity, enhanced depth of field, and the use of color filters. Potential challenges, including the learning curve and additional costs, are also addressed. The review concludes by exploring promising future applications, including teleophthalmology for remote assistance and specialist availability expansion, virtual reality integration for global clinical education, and the combination of remotely robotic-guided surgery with artificial intelligence for precise, efficient surgical procedures. This comprehensive review offers insights into the current state and future potential of 3D heads-up visualization systems in vitreoretinal surgery, underscoring the transformative impact of this technology on ophthalmology.

Surface epithelialization of the type I Boston keratoprosthesis front plate: immunohistochemical and high-definition optical coherence tomography characterization.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work is to characterize a transparent tissue layer partially covering the anterior surface of the type I Boston permanent keratoprosthesis front plate in four patients. METHODS: The tissue over the front plate was easily scrolled back as a single transparent layer using a sponge. In two cases, histopathologic analysis was undertaken and immunofluorescent staining with a cytokeratin 3-specific antibody was performed. The relationship of the tissue to the keratoprosthesis device was further characterized using spectral domain high-definition optical coherence tomography (HD-OCT). RESULTS: Histopathologic analysis revealed the tissue to be non-keratinized squamous epithelium. No goblet cells were seen, suggesting the cells were of corneal, and not conjunctival, epithelial origin. Immunofluorescent staining of all cells was positive for cytokeratin 3, a protein strongly associated with corneal epithelium. The tissue was easily discerned by HD-OCT and was of substantial thickness near the external junction between the keratoprosthesis device and the carrier corneal tissue. In three cases, visual acuity was unaffected by the presence or absence of this tissue. In one case, a prominent tissue margin temporarily obscured the visual axis and reduced visual acuity; this resolved with mechanical central debridement and has not recurred. CONCLUSIONS: The transparent tissue layer covering the anterior surface of the type I Boston keratoprosthesis front plate was found to represent non-keratinized squamous epithelium, most likely of corneal epithelial origin. This potentially represents a further step in bio-integration of the keratoprosthesis device. In particular, epithelial coverage of the critical junction between the device and the carrier corneal tissue might serve an important barrier function and further reduce the incidence of infection and extrusion of the type I Boston permanent keratoprosthesis.

Ultra-wide-field angiography improves the detection and classification of diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate patients with diabetic retinopathy using ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiography and to compare the visualized retinal pathology with that seen on an overly of conventional 7 standard field (7SF) imaging. METHODS: Two hundred and eighteen eyes of 118 diabetic patients who underwent diagnostic fluorescein angiography using the Optos Optomap Panoramic 200A imaging system were included. The visualized area of the retina, retinal nonperfusion, retinal neovascularization, and panretinal photocoagulation were quantified by two independent masked graders. The respective areas identified on the ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiography image were compared with an overly of a modified 7SF image as outlined in the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study. RESULTS: Ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiograms imaging, on average, demonstrated 3.2 times more total retinal surface area than 7SF. When compared with 7SF, ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiography showed 3.9 times more nonperfusion (P < 0.001), 1.9 times more neovascularization (P = 0.036), and 3.8 times more panretinal photocoagulation (P < 0.001). In 22 eyes (10%), ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiography demonstrated retinal pathology (including nonperfusion and neovascularization) not evident in an 7SF overly. CONCLUSION: Compared with conventional 7SF imaging, ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiography reveals significantly more retinal vascular pathology in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Improved retinal visualization may alter the classification of diabetic retinopathy and may therefore influence follow-up and treatment of these patients.

Multilayered macular hemorrhages as an unusual complication of transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery.

Purpose: To report a case of multilayered intraocular hemorrhage at the posterior pole as a complication of transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery. Observations: Our patient underwent an uncomplicated endoscopic transorbital resection of a left sphenoid wing meningioma. In the immediate post-operative period, the patient reported blurred vision of her left eye, and dilated fundus examination demonstrated multilayered hemorrhages at the posterior pole. No intracranial hemorrhage was identified on post-operative imaging. Due to persistent subnormal visual acuity and non-clearing hemorrhage over several weeks of follow-up, a pars plana vitrectomy with peeling of the internal limiting membrane was performed to clear the hemorrhagic component obscuring the macula. Conclusions and Importance: We report the first case of multilayered intraocular hemorrhages at the posterior pole, mimicking Terson syndrome, in the absence of intracranial hemorrhage or elevated intracranial pressure as a complication of transorbital surgery.

Trends in primary retinal detachment surgery: results of a Bicenter study.

PURPOSE: To assess trends and outcomes in retinal detachment (RD) surgery based on a retrospective, interventional, bicenter study. METHODS: Baseline demographic data, surgical procedures, and outcomes from 230 patients with a diagnosis of primary rhegmatogenous RD, who underwent surgery between January 2007 and December 2008 at the Rudolf Foundation Clinic, Vienna (Center 1) and the Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, (Center 2) were analyzed using a regression model. RESULTS: Besides the baseline parameters, lens status (P = 0.01), refraction (P = 0.01), retinal tears (P < 0.02), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (P = 0.02), and previous treatment (P < 0.02), the primary RD procedure (P < 0.0001) was significantly different between the 2 centers. In Center 1, scleral buckling was the most common primary RD procedure (66.19%) compared with vitrectomy (82.42%) in Center 2. Primary retinal reattachment (88.49% Center 1 vs. 84.62% Center 2, P = 0.43) and best-corrected visual acuity at the final follow-up (best-corrected visual acuity ≥ 0.3 logarithm of minimum angle of resolution 48.92% Center 1 vs. 47.25% Center 2, P = 0.78) were not significantly different between the 2 centers. CONCLUSION: Although there is a trend toward primary vitrectomy, scleral buckling was preferred in the center in Vienna and primary vitrectomy in the center in New York. Despite the different primary RD procedures, anatomical and visual outcomes were comparable.

Automated Retinal Layer Segmentation in CLN2-Associated Disease: Commercially Available Software Characterizing a Progressive Maculopathy.

Purpose: CLN2-associated disease is a hereditary, fatal lysosomal storage disorder characterized by progressive brain and retinal deterioration. Here, we characterize the inner and outer retinal degeneration using automated segmentation software in optical coherence tomography scans, providing an objective, quantifiable metric for monitoring subtle changes previously identified with a validated disease classification scale (the Weill Cornell Batten Scale). Methods: This study is a retrospective, single-center cohort review of images from examinations under anesthesia in treatment-naïve patients with CLN2-associated disease. Automated segmentation software was used to delineate retinal nerve fiber, ganglion cell layer (GCL), and outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness measurements in the fovea, parafovea, and perifovea based on age groups (months): 30 to 38, 39 to 45, 46 to 52, 53 to 59, 60 to 66, and 67 or older. Results: Twenty-seven eyes from 14 patients were included, with 8 serial images yielding 36 interpretable optical coherence tomography scans. There was a significant difference in parafoveal ONL thickness between 39 to 45 and 46 to 52 months of age (P = 0.032) not seen in other regions or retinal layers. Perifoveal ONL demonstrated a difference in thickness between the 60 to 66 and greater than 67 months age cohorts (P = 0.047). There was strong symmetry between eyes, and high segmentation repeatability. Conclusions: Parafoveal ONL thickness represents a sensitive, early age indicator of CLN2-associated degeneration. Outer retinal degeneration is apparent at younger ages than inner retinal changes though in treatment-naïve patients all retinal layers showed significant differences between 60 to 66 and more than 67 months of age. Translational Relevance: This study establishes sensitive, quantitative biomarkers for assessing retinal degeneration in a large cohort natural history study in anticipation of future clinical trials.

Choroidal Neovascularization and Macular Hemorrhage: Real-World Experience During the New York City COVID-19 Lockdown.

Purpose: This work reviews ocular, systemic, and demographic factors contributing to presentation of choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM)-associated macular hemorrhage after the New York City coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown. Methods: A retrospective, consecutive case series was conducted of all established patients presenting with macular hemorrhage between March 22, 2020, and August 10, 2020. Results: Fourteen patients (mean age 82.2 years) were evaluated. Ten patients had active CNVMs, 1 had an inactive lesion that was last injected 2 years prior, and 3 had new conversions from nonexudative age-related macular degeneration. In the actively treated CNVM group there was a delay in expected follow-up from 50.4 days to 125 days. Eight patients with previously active CNVM (73%) had a history of prior macular hemorrhage. Eight patients (57%) were on some form of antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy. Twelve patients (86%) had COVID-19-specific risk factors besides age, and all but 1 patient (93%) delayed care without discussion with a physician. Ten patients (71%) had more than 1 week of symptoms prior to presentation. Twelve patients (86%) had signs of CNVM on prior optical coherence tomography. Conclusions: Adequate documentation of potential risks for hemorrhage (particularly prior hemorrhage or presence of subclinical type 1 CNVM), as well as COVID-19-specific risk factors, would aid triage of clinic appointments in future lockdowns. High-risk patients would likely benefit from direct physician communication discussing their individual risk profiles to alleviate anxiety over clinic visits and communicate their risk of severe vision loss.

Feasibility and Clinical Utility of Ultra-Widefield-Navigated Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging.

Purpose: This work aims to evaluate the clinical utility and feasibility of a novel scanning laser ophthalmoscope-based navigated ultra-widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography (UWF SS-OCT) imaging system. Methods: A retrospective, single-center, consecutive case series evaluated patients between September 2019 and October 2020 with UWF SS-OCT (modified Optos P200TxE, Optos PLC) as part of routine retinal care. The logistics of image acquisition, interpretability of images captured, nature of the peripheral abnormality, and clinical utility in management decisions were recorded. Results: Eighty-two eyes from 72 patients were included. Patients were aged 59.4 ± 17.1 years (range, 8-87 years). During imaging, 4.4 series of images were obtained in 4.1 minutes, with 86.4% of the image series deemed to be diagnostic of the peripheral pathology on blinded image review. The most common pathologic findings were chorioretinal scars (18 eyes). In 31 (38%) eyes, these images were meaningful in supporting clinical decision-making with definitive findings. Diagnoses imaged included retinal detachment combined with retinoschisis, retinal hole with overlying vitreous traction and subretinal fluid, vitreous inflammation overlying a peripheral scar, Coats disease, and peripheral retinal traction in sickle cell retinopathy. Conclusions: Navigated UWF SS-OCT imaging was clinically practical and provided high-quality characterization of peripheral retinal lesions for all eyes. Images directly contributed to management plans, including laser, injection or surgical treatment, for a clinically meaningful set of patients (38%). Future studies are needed to further assess the value of this imaging modality and its role in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating peripheral lesions.

Ocular Outcomes after Treatment of Cytomegalovirus Retinitis Using Adoptive Immunotherapy with Cytomegalovirus-Specific Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes.

PURPOSE: To describe ocular outcomes in eyes with cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis treated with adoptive immunotherapy using systemic administration of CMV-specific cytotoxic Tlymphocytes (CMV-specific CTLs). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with active CMV retinitis evaluated at a tertiary care academic center. METHODS: Treatment of CMV retinitis with standard-of-care therapy (systemic or intravitreal antivirals) or CMV-specific CTLs (with or without concurrent standard-of-care therapies). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The electronic medical record was reviewed to determine baseline characteristics, treatment course, and ocular outcomes, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), treatments administered (CMV-specific CTLs, systemic antivirals, intravitreal antivirals), resolution of CMV retinitis, any occurrence of immune recovery uveitis, cystoid macular edema, retinal detachment, or a combination thereof. RESULTS: Seven patients (3 of whom had bilateral disease [n = 10 eyes]) were treated with CMV-specific CTLs, whereas 20 patients (6 of whom had bilateral disease [n = 26 eyes]) received standard-of-care treatment. Indications for CMV-specific CTL therapy included persistent or progressive CMV retinitis (71.4% of patients); CMV UL54 or UL97 antiviral resistance mutations (42.9%); side effects or toxicity from antiviral agents (57.1%); patient intolerance to longstanding, frequent antiviral therapy for persistent retinitis (28.6%); or a combination thereof. Two patients (28.6%; 4 eyes [40%]) received CMV-specific CTL therapy without concurrent systemic or intravitreal antiviral therapy for active CMV retinitis, whereas 5 patients (71.4%; 6 eyes [60%]) continued to receive concurrent antiviral therapies. Resolution of CMV retinitis was achieved in 9 eyes (90%) treated with CMV-specific CTLs, with BCVA stabilizing (4 eyes [40%]) or improving (4 eyes [40%]) in 80% of eyes over an average follow-up of 33.4 months. Rates of immune recovery uveitis, new-onset cystoid macular edema, and retinal detachment were 0%, 10% (1 eye), and 20% (2 eyes), respectively. These outcomes compared favorably with a nonrandomized cohort of eyes treated with standard-of-care therapy alone, despite potentially worse baseline characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: CMV-specific CTL therapy may represent a novel monotherapy or adjunctive therapy, or both, for CMV retinitis, especially in eyes that are resistant, refractory, or intolerant of standard-of-care antiviral therapies. More generally, adoptive cell transfer and adoptive immunotherapy may have a role in refractory CMV retinitis. Larger prospective, randomized trials are necessary.