Visual outcomes after cataract surgery in monocular compared to binocular patients: a case-control study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to identify ocular comorbidities and reasons of blindness in monocular patients and to compare visual outcomes of cataract surgery between monocular and binocular patients. METHODS: A single-center case-control study was conducted between November 2011 and May 2019 to compare consecutive series of patients needing cataract surgery in Strasbourg University Hospitals, France. Cases were patients with permanent monocular vision loss. Controls were binocularly sighted patients. All patients underwent cataract surgery using phacoemulsification technique. Chart analysis included demographic data, medical history, and surgical determinants data. Student's t tests and Fisher's exact tests were the main methods used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Each group included 80 patients. The mean age at the time of surgery was significantly higher in monocular than binocular patients (77 vs. 71 years, p < 0.001). Thirty-two monocular patients (40%) had ocular comorbidities, compared to only 19 (23%) in the control group (p < 0.05). The leading cause of monocular status was amblyopia caused by strabismus (22 patients, 27.5%). Age-related macular degeneration, open-angle glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy were the three main ocular comorbidities that were observed in the monocular group. Monocular patients had significantly lower visual acuity than the control group (p < 0.01) before and after cataract surgery. Conversely, improvement in visual acuity after surgery was not statistically different between groups (p = 0.054). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of surgical complications between groups (p = 0.622). CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrates that cataract surgery in monocular patients is not more complicated than in binocular patients, but that it is significantly delayed.

Practice patterns in the management of bacterial keratitis: a five-continent survey.

PURPOSE: To assess the current diagnostic and therapeutic practice patterns in early management of bacterial keratitis over five continents. METHODS: Between March and August 2019, we distributed an online survey including two clinical scenarios of bacterial keratitis, namely, a mild case and severe case, to 2936 ophthalmologists from 144 countries around the world. The survey consisted of 29 questions. We performed descriptive statistics and a comparative analysis of the answers according to the participants' continent of practice, practice setting, seniority, and subspecialty. RESULTS: We received 237 surveys from 54 countries (8% response rate). The proportion of respondents performing microbiological investigations was higher in North America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania than Africa and South America (p < 0.05). This ratio was also higher among ocular surface specialists than for other ophthalmologists (p < 0.001). For mild cases, fluoroquinolone monotherapy and a combination of two or more antibiotics were prescribed by 46% and 41% respondents, respectively. For severe cases, fluoroquinolone monotherapy and a combination of antibiotics were prescribed by 20% and 78% respondents, respectively. Fluoroquinolone monotherapy was the most commonly prescribed treatment in South America, Africa, and Oceania. A combination of two antibiotics was preferentially prescribed in the rest of the world. Topical steroids were prescribed in both circumstances, respectively, in 72% and 75% of cases. CONCLUSION: Our results highlight essential geographical disparities in the current management of bacterial keratitis over five continents.

LONG-TERM MICROVASCULAR REMODELING AND CYSTIC CHANGES AFTER RETINAL DETACHMENT TREATED WITH SILICON OIL TAMPONADE.

PURPOSE: To determine the long-term microvascular alterations associated with macular cystic changes after retinal detachment surgery with silicone oil tamponade. METHODS: The results of two optical coherence tomography angiographies performed at 11 months and 38 months after silicone removal were retrospectively analyzed for 30 eyes. The data were compared between both measurements and between eyes with macular cysts (MC+) and without macular cysts (MC-). Two patterns of cysts were identified and compared: cysts exclusively involving the inner nuclear layer (INLc) and cysts present in all retinal layers. RESULTS: At both end points, 20 eyes (67%) presented with macular cysts, 12 of them (40%) had INLc. At the first end point, vascular density of superficial capillary plexus was higher and superficial foveal avascular zone was smaller in MC+ eyes than in MC- eyes (P = 0.04 and P = 0.017, respectively). At the second end point, vascular density of superficial capillary plexus significantly decreased in MC+ eyes as compared with the first end point (P < 0.001) and superficial foveal avascular zone enlarged (P < 0.001). Macular central thickness decreased between follow-ups only in eyes with INLc (P < 0.01). The final best-corrected visual acuity was better in eyes with INLc than in eyes with cysts present in all retinal layers (P < 0.01). There was no difference between the final best-corrected visual acuity in eyes with INLc and MC- eyes. CONCLUSION: Macular cysts are a common finding long after silicon removal. Vascular remodeling seems characterized by an initial increase of the vascular density of superficial capillary plexus in eyes with cysts, which is followed by its progressive decrease. The INLc is the most common pattern of cysts. They are associated with a progressive decrease of the central macular thickness without visual impairment.

Older Persons Displaying Parkinsonian Gait: Prediction and Explanation of the Recurrent Falling Phenomenon and Its Related Poor Prognosis.

INTRODUCTION: Parkinsonian gait in older persons is a major risk factor for recurrent falling. This prospective, longitudinal study (named EVAMAR-AGEX) aimed to validate the threshold value of two or more falls per year for distinguishing non-recurrent (NRF) from recurrent fallers (RF), to explore predictive factors for recurrent falling, and to identify factors which underlie the transition of patients from NRF to RF. The study took place over 2 years, with an intermediate analysis at 1 year of follow-up. Herein, we report results after 2 years of follow-up. METHODS: Participants over the age of 65, diagnosed with parkinsonian gait, were followed over the course of 2 years. Induced parkinsonian syndrome and uncontrolled orthostatic hypotension were excluded. Assessments of motor, visual, and cognitive functions were carried out during visits at baseline. Between visits at 12 and 24 months of follow-up, data were collected by phone call every 2 months (falls, traumatic falls, hospitalizations, cognitive fluctuations, delirium, and mortality). Odds ratios (ORs) for a panel of predictive factors for recurrent falling were established using a Bayesian model. RESULTS: Sixty-six of the 79 initially enrolled participants progressed to the second year of the study, with a mean age of 80.57 (SD 6.3), 56% male, presenting parkinsonian gait (53% Parkinson's disease, 15% atypical neurodegenerative parkinsonism, 21% vascular parkinsonism, and 11% diffuse Lewy body disease). At 2 years of follow-up, 67% were RF. Univariate analysis revealed a previous history of falls to be the most significant predictive factor of recurrent falls (OR 13.16, credibility interval [CrI] [95%] 4.04-53.73), and this was reinforced at 2 years of follow-up compared to the intermediate 1-year analysis (OR 11.73, CrI [95%] 4.33-35.28). Multivariate analysis confirmed a previous history of falls (OR 13.20, CrI [95%] 3.29-72.08) and abnormal posture (OR 3.59, CrI [95%] 1.37-11.26) to be predictive factors for recurrent falling. Cognitive decline and fluctuating cognition were associated with the transition from NRF to RF (-3.5 MMSE points for participants transitioning from NRF to RF). CONCLUSION: Within this population of older persons presenting parkinsonian gait, a previous history of falls and abnormal posture may be used to easily identify individuals at risk of recurrent falls. Cognitive decline and fluctuations may underlie the transition of NRF to RF.

Development and validation of a new method for visual acuity assesment on tablet in pediatric population: eMOVA test.

BACKGROUND: Amblyopia is a major public health concern. Its screening and management require reliable methods of visual acuity assessment. New technologies offer nowadays many tests available on different app stores for smartphone or tablet but most of them often lack of scientific validation for a medical use. The aim of our study was to attempt validating a tablet-based near visual acuity test adapted to the pediatric population: the eMOVA test (electronic Measurement Of Visual Acuity) by comparing visual acuity measured with more conventional test. METHODS: A cohort of 100 children aged 3 to 8 attending the ophthalmic-pediatric for eye examination between September 2016 and June 2017 were included in the study. Near visual acuity was assessed on participants using both the eMOVA test and a Standard test (Rossano-Weiss test). Duration of each test, its comprehension, its acceptability and the attention of the child during the test was also investigated. RESULTS: The eMOVA test overestimated near visual acuity by 0.06 logMAR. This difference, statistically significant, was not clinically relevant. The duration of the eMOVA test was longer than the reference test, but less discomfort and preferred by children and their parents compared to standard tests. CONCLUSION: The eMOVA test appears as a reliable test to assess near visual acuity in children. By its portability and efficiency, this application proved to be a relevant tool to be used for children eye examination in daily routine at the hospital.

OCT-Angiography for Detection of Choroidal Neovascularization: A Retrospective Real-Life Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to assess OCT-angiography (OCT-A) contribution for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) detection, with respect to multimodal imaging (MMI) modality (including OCT, fluorescein angiography (FFA), and indocyanine green angiography [ICG]), in a real-life consultation practice. METHODS: Data of all consecutive patients undergoing OCT-A examination for CNV suspicion were collected between September 2017 and September 2019 at Strasbourg University Hospital, France. Only eyes which had anti-VEGF injection in the last 3 months were excluded. All types of neovascularization were included. For all patients, data from OCT, OCT-A, FFA, and ICG were interpreted by residents and retinal specialists, independently. Final diagnosis of CNV was based on decision to treat. Sensibility, specificity, and predictive values were computed for OCT-A alone and for MMI (OCT combined to angiography). They were computed for each group. OCT-A was also assessed as "contributory" (i.e., assessing without doubt the presence or absence of CNV) or not, with respect to MMI. RESULTS: In total, 161 eyes of 145 patients were included. MMI sensibility was better than OCT-A sensibility (93.8 vs. 65.6%). OCT-A specificity was better than MMI specificity (96.9 vs. 89.5%). OCT-A was essential for diagnosis in 16.9% of cases. Sensibility and specificity values for all exams were better when interpreted by retinal specialists than residents. OCT-A was judged "contributory" in 57.4% of eyes. OCT-A was significantly less contributory when artefacts were present (32.9% of eyes with artefacts vs. 63.5% without, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: OCT-A showed to be essential in diagnosing CNV in >16% of cases. However, it often failed to conclude for the absence of CNV, which obliged to perform more exams such as angiography. OCT-A must be part of diagnostic procedure for CNV detection but does not discard angiography in everyday life practice.

VISUAL IMPAIRMENT AND MACULAR VASCULAR REMODELING SECONDARY TO RETROGRADE MACULOPATHY IN RETINAL DETACHMENT TREATED WITH SILICON OIL TAMPONADE.

PURPOSE: To assess the frequency of macular cysts (MCs) in retinal detachment treated with silicone oil and evaluate their impact on visual acuity and macular vascularization using optical coherence tomography-angiography. METHODS: Forty-three eyes of 41 patients treated with silicone oil for retinal detachment were retrospectively studied. Best-corrected visual acuity and 6- × 6-mm optical coherence tomography-angiography examination at least 3 months after silicone oil removal were reviewed. In eyes with MCs, cyst area was measured on the en face optical coherence tomography-angiography image using ImageJ. Density of superficial capillary plexus and area of superficial foveal avascular zone were generated by the optical coherence tomography-angiography. Density of deep capillary plexus and deep foveal avascular zone area were measured using ImageJ. RESULTS: Twenty-five eyes (58%) presented with MCs. Cysts were exclusively located in the inner nuclear layer in 60% of cases. Mean best-corrected visual acuity in the MC group was lower than that of the non-MC group (P = 0.012). Macular cyst area negatively correlated with best-corrected visual acuity (P = 0.0201). Density of superficial capillary plexus was higher in the MC group (P < 0.0001), whereas area of superficial foveal avascular zone was lower (P < 0.0001). Macular cyst area negatively correlated with density of deep capillary plexus (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The incidence of INL-MCs after silicone oil removal is high. These are associated with impaired vision and macular vascular remodeling. We highlight their similarity with the "retrograde maculopathy" phenomenon.

State of the Art in Robot-Assisted Eye Surgery.

Despite the advantages that robot-assisted surgery can offer to patient care, its use in ophthalmic surgery has not yet progressed to the extent seen in other fields. As such, its use remains limited to research environments, both basic and clinical. The technical specifications for such ophthalmic surgical robots are highly challenging, but rapid progress has been made in recent years, and recent developments in this field ensure that the use of this technology in operating theatres will soon be a real possibility. Fully automated ocular microsurgery, carried out by a robot under the supervision of a surgeon, is likely to become our new reality. This review discusses the use of robot-assisted ophthalmic surgery, the recent progress in the field, and the necessary future developments which must occur before its use in operating theatres becomes routine.

Intraocular cytokines imbalance in congenital cataract and its impact on posterior capsule opacification.

BACKGROUND: Congenital cataract is of particular interest because of the variability of etiologies and the inflammatory reaction that are often observed. The aim of the study was to describe intraocular levels of various inflammation-related cytokines of patients with congenital cataract and to study their correlations with clinical determinants. METHODS: We followed a cohort of 18 patients (18 eyes) with congenital cataract from a University hospital and measured levels of various inflammation-related cytokines in the aqueous humor of patients with congenital cataract, and compared these levels to those observed in a control group (patients with senile cataract) using multiplex immunoassay. Correlation analysis was used to study the possible correlation between intraocular levels of cytokines and clinical determinants. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the group with congenital cataract showed clear and significantly elevated concentrations of inflammatory markers (IL-1ß, IL-15, IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-6, IL-5, IL-9, MIP-1α, MCP-1 and IP-10). Postoperative intraocular inflammation and opacification of the posterior capsule seemed to be correlated with preoperative IL-1ß, TNF-α and IL-6 levels. CONCLUSIONS: An inflammatory condition may occur in eyes with congenital cataract. The cytokine profiles are really different than those observed in senile cataract. Moreover, cytokines levels may be of interest to predict posterior capsule opacification and to complete the etiological workup.

Risk Factors for Contact Lens-Related Microbial Keratitis: A Case-Control Multicenter Study.

PURPOSE: The most feared complication of contact lens (CL) wear is microbial keratitis (MK), even though its incidence remains low. This study aimed to identify the risk factors of CL-related MK in a large, prospective, multicenter case-control study. METHODS: A multicenter case-control study was designed. The CL-related MK subpopulation (Case) was compared with healthy CL wearers (Control) using a 52-item anonymous questionnaire designed to determine subject demographics and lens wear history. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to compare both groups. RESULTS: The study enrolled 499 cases and 508 controls. The risk factors associated with the greatest increased odds of CL-related MK were as follows: using disinfecting solution more than 3 months (odds ratio [OR]=1.94), cosmetic CL wear and use of multipurpose disinfection solution (1.37 each), overnight wear, and soft lens use (OR=1.24 each). The protective factors associated with the greatest reduction in OR were fitting by an ophthalmologist (OR=0.73) and hyperopia versus myopia (OR=0.75). CONCLUSIONS: The infectious determinants were linked to the type of lenses, hygiene routine, CL handling, disinfecting solution, and storage case. This study aimed to highlight the increasingly CL-related MK, which likely occurs because of lack of patient information regarding basic rules of hygiene and CL care and handling.

Müller cell activation and photoreceptor depletion in a mice model of congenital ocular toxoplasmosis.

Müller glial cells are critically involved in retinal inflammatory processes. Here, we investigate the activation of Müller cells in a model of congenital ocular toxoplasmosis (OT). Four weeks after infection, retinal sections were studied immunohistochemically using the markers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin. Müller cells showed strong up-regulation of both markers, as well as a deteriorated morphology in all infected retinas. Moreover, cell density and color intensity of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) of photoreceptors were decreased. Our results indicate that the severe retinal damage and loss of vision observed in human OT may be not only directly caused by infection but rather mediated by infection induced reactive gliosis.

Retinal microvascular changes in unilateral functional amblyopia detected by oct-angiography and follow-up during treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the macular microvascular changes using optical coherence tomographic angiography (OCT-A) in children with unilateral amblyopia and their reversibility during treatment. METHODS: Patients with unilateral strabismic or anisometropic amblyopia or residual amblyopia from early congenital cataract surgery, examined between October 2019 and March 2021, were included. Vessel density and perfusion density in the superficial capillary plexus and area, perimeter and circularity of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were analysed using OCT-A in amblyopic eyes, contralateral eyes and control group healthy eyes. Correlation analyses between the microvascular parameters and the visual acuity were performed. In a pilot study on a few patients from the amblyopic cohort, longitudinal follow-up during treatment was also performed. RESULTS: A total of 128 eyes of 64 patients were included: 32 amblyopic eyes compared with 32 contralateral eyes and 64 control eyes. Vessel density and perfusion density in the superficial capillary plexus were significantly lower in amblyopic eyes compared to control eyes in 6 × 6 mm (p < 0.02) and 3 × 3 mm (p < 0.01) scans. Correlation analyses showed a linear decrease in vessel density and perfusion density with decreasing visual acuity. The microvascular changes observed were reversible with the occlusion treatment of amblyopia (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The study found a decrease in vessel density and perfusion density in the macula of children with unilateral functional amblyopia. These microvascular changes were correlated with visual acuity and appeared to be reversible with treatment of amblyopia. On the whole, OCT-A appears to be a relevant complementary examination when it comes to diagnosing and monitoring functional amblyopia.

Could internal limiting membrane peeling before Voretigen neparvovec-ryzl subretinal injection prevent focal chorioretinal atrophy?

Purpose: To report the effect of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling prior to Voretigen Neparvovec-ryzl (VN) subretinal injection on focal chorioretinal atrophy development in patients presenting with RPE65-mediated Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). Design: Retrospective case series. Methods: Three patients who underwent bilateral subretinal VN injection for RPE65-mediated LCA were followed up for 18-24 months. ILM peeling was performed unilaterally in patients 1 and 2 and bilaterally in patient 3. Chorioretinal atrophy was identified on fundus biomicroscopy, non-mydriatic retinography and/or ultrawide field fundus imaging. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), visual fields, full-field stimulus threshold (FST) and visual functioning questionnaire score (NEI-VFQ-25) were reported. Outcome measures were changes in BCVA, visual fields, FST, NEI-VFQ-25, and chorioretinal atrophy location. Results: Chorioretinal atrophy at the injection site exclusively developed in eyes which did not undergo prior ILM peeling. In patient 3, bilateral pre-operative nummular chorioretinal alterations progressed toward epithelial atrophic patches in the mid and extreme retinal periphery 18 months after VN injection. BCVA and visual fields improved bilaterally. NEI_VFQ 25 remained stable in patient 1 and improved in patient 2 and 3. FST test improved bilaterally in patient 3. Conclusions: ILM peeling prior to VN injection seems to be a smoother and safer technique to administer VN treatment and may prevent secondary focal atrophy development at the injection site. However, another type of more extended chorioretinal atrophy might exist and could be related to LCA evolution or to incompletely understood adverse effect of VN product.

Validity evidence of a new virtual reality simulator for phacoemulsification training in cataract surgery.

This study aims to assess validity evidence of the new phacoemulsification module of the HelpMeSee [HMS] virtual reality simulator. Conducted at the Ophthalmology Department of Strasbourg University Hospital and Gepromed Education Department, Strasbourg, France, this cross-sectional study divided 20 surgeons into two groups based on their experience over or under 300 cataract surgeries. Surgeons filled out a background survey covering their phacoemulsification experience and prior simulator use before undergoing single-session simulations on the EyeSi [EYS] and HMS simulators. Handgrip strength was measured pre- and post-simulation to evaluate grip fatigue. Afterwards, surgeons rated the perceived realism on a seven-point Likert scale. Participants were predominantly right-handed males, with expert surgeons averaging 44 years and intermediate surgeons 29 years of age. Expert surgeons had completed around 2000 phacoemulsification surgeries compared to 150 by intermediates. Primary outcome was to assess the construct validity of HMS simulator based on the difference in total and modules scores between both groups. Significant performance differences were observed between the two groups, with experts scoring higher. HMS scores were 35.8 ± 1.5 out of 46 points for experts and 27.2 ± 2.3 for intermediates (p = 0.006). For EYS, scores were 405.2 ± 20.3 out of 500 points for experts and 327.8 ± 25.2 for intermediates (p = 0.028). Experts experienced significantly less grip fatigue post-simulation on HMS compared to intermediates. This research evaluates validity evidence of HMS's phacoemulsification modules for the first time. It emphasizes the potential to broaden simulation-based training by targeting diverse populations.

Impairment of lacrimal secretion in the unaffected fellow eye of patients with recurrent unilateral herpetic keratitis.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of recurrent unilateral herpetic keratitis (HK) on the tear secretion of the unaffected fellow eye. DESIGN: Prospective, noninterventional study. PARTICIPANTS AND CONTROLS: Thirty-five patients with a history of recurrent unilateral HK (clinically quiescent for at least 3 months) (HK group) and 35 patients who were age- and sex-matched with no history of corneal disease (control group). METHODS: Tear osmolarity, tear instability (tear break-up time [TBUT]), tear reflex (Schirmer's I test), and central corneal sensitivity with the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer (Luneau, France) were measured in the HK and control groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Tear osmolarity, TBUT, Schirmer's I, and central corneal sensitivity were compared between the affected and unaffected eyes of the HK and control groups. RESULTS: Tear osmolarity and tear secretion reflex were similar between the affected and unaffected eyes of the HK group. Corneal sensitivity and TBUT were statistically lower in the affected eyes compared with the unaffected eyes in the HK group (P = 0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). The central corneal sensitivity of unaffected eyes in the HK group was not significantly different from that in the control group (P>0.05). The tear stability and tear secretion reflex were decreased and tear osmolarity was increased in the unaffected eyes of the HK group compared with the control group (P<0.05, all cases). The difference between unaffected and control eyes varied according to the type of HK. All 4 tests were modified in patients with neurotrophic keratitis (KN). In the keratouveitis subgroup, only corneal sensitivity was normal, whereas Schirmer's I results were also normal in patients with archipelago keratitis. Tear osmolarity was consistently affected in both eyes of herpetic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Tear function is impaired in the unaffected eyes of patients with unilateral recurrent HK, even when the disease is apparently quiescent. The higher severity of results in the unaffected fellow eye of patients with KN in comparison with other herpes subgroups suggests that recurrent HK induces a reduction in the afferent pathways of the tear secretion reflex from the affected eye, leading to tear dysfunction in the unaffected eye. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Interleukin 17A as an effective target for anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic treatment of toxoplasmic uveitis.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis is the most common cause of posterior uveitis in immunocompetent subjects. The requirement of limiting both parasite multiplication and tissue destruction suggests that the balance between T-helper (Th) 17 and T-regulatory cells is an important factor in toxoplasmosis-induced retinal damage. METHODS: In a prospective clinical study of acute ocular toxoplasmosis, we assessed the cytokine pattern in aqueous humors of 10 affected patients. To determine the immunological mechanisms, we evaluated intraocular inflammation, parasite load, and immunological responses using messenger RNA and protein levels in a mouse model. Anti-interleukin 17A (IL-17A) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were administered with the parasite to evaluate the role of IL-17A. RESULTS: Severe ocular inflammation and cytokine patterns comparable to human cases were observed, including IL-17A production. Neutralizing IL-17A decreased intraocular inflammation and parasite load in mice. Detailed studies revealed up-regulation of T-regulatory and Th1 pathways. When interferon γ (IFN-γ) was neutralized concomitantly, the parasite multiplication rate was partially restored. CONCLUSIONS: Local IL-17A production by resident cells plays a central role in the pathology of ocular toxoplasmosis. The balance between Th17 and Th1 responses (especially IFN-γ) is crucial for the outcome of infection. This data reveals new in vivo therapeutic approaches by repressing inflammatory pathways using intravitreal injection of IL-17A mAbs.

The effect of strabismus surgery on the learning abilities of school-aged children.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether strabismus surgery improves the learning performance - calculation, reading and drawing - of school-aged children. METHODS: In a case-control study, patients between the ages of 7 and 10 years with horizontal strabismus, recommended for surgical correction, were prospectively included. Reading, calculating and drawing abilities were evaluated before and 3 months after corrective strabismus surgery using standardized tests. Cases were compared to control patients: patients with a surgical indication postponed due to the COVID lockdown. RESULTS: Forty-two operated patients and 42 controls between the ages of 7 and 10 years with horizontal strabismus were included. The average reading speed was 65.8 words per minute pre-operatively compared to 80.6 words per minute post-operatively (p = 0.0038). The average drawing score was 71.1 pre-operatively compared to 84.3 post-operatively (p = 0.012). The average calculation score was 3.2 pre-operatively compared to 3.4 post-operatively (p = 0.363). Improvement given by strabismus surgery was confirmed avoiding the learning effect by comparison with the control group. The improvements observed were more significant in the youngest patients and esotropia. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights that strabismus surgery significantly improved the children's reading fluency and drawing task execution. These encouraging data should be taken into account when considering the indications for strabismus surgery.

Binocular visual function improvement after pars plana vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane.

PURPOSE: To report binocular visual function changes after pars plana vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane (ERM) and the related outcomes. METHODS: Twenty-three eyes of 23 patients operated on for ERM were included in a retrospective study. Clinical data, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity and binocular visual function were assessed pre- and 1 and 3 months post-operatively. Binocular visual function assessment included the evaluation of fusional amplitudes (i.e., vergences) by the synoptophore, far distance stereopsis using polarized glasses and near stereopsis using Randot and TNO tests. Central macular thickness (CMT) was measured on Spectral Domain - Optical Coherence Tomography. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 67 years. Mean BCVA and contrast sensitivity significantly improved post-operatively at one (p = 0.0006 and p = 0.0022, respectively) and 3 months (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively), while CMT significantly decreased after 1-3 months (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Fusional amplitudes improved after 3 months (p < 0.0001). Far distance and near stereopsis significantly improved after 3 months (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0007 for Randot test, and p < 0.0001 for TNO test, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Pars plana vitrectomy for ERM surgery leads to an improvement of monocular and binocular visual functions (i.e., binocular fusion, near and far distance stereopsis), within 3 months post-operatively.

Multiple metrics assessment method for a reliable evaluation of corneal suturing skills.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of a multiple metrics assessment method to differentiate between surgeons of differing experience while performing a corneal suturing task. Volunteer ophthalmologists were assigned to three groups (senior [SG], junior [JG] and novice [NG]) according to their experience in corneal suturing. All participants performed three sessions of corneal wound closure by three stitches. Suturing and participant posture were recorded with cameras, and assessed by two blind assessors for stitch quality (using Zhang score) and ergonomics (using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment [RULA] score). Task duration was recorded. Objective analyses of stitches geometry and instrument position were carried out. We included 24 participants: 5 in the SG, 8 in the JG and 11 in the NG. Stitch quality was significantly better and time to perform the procedure significantly lower in more experienced groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). SG participants better respected regular distance and parallelism between stitches compared to others (p = 0.01). Instrument position was similar between groups, although SG participants minimized their back-and-forth movements compared to NG participants. Ergonomics assessment was similar. Multiple metrics assessment efficiently determined how to differentiate between novices and experienced surgeons on corneal suturing skills, providing hints for future training studies.

Telangiectatic capillaries causing persistent diabetic macular edema successfully treated by photodynamic therapy.

PURPOSE: To report two cases of persistent macular edema caused by the exudation of diabetic telangiectatic capillaries (TelCaps) which have been successfully treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT). METHODS: review of data from two patients suffering from persistent macular edema caused by parafoveolar TelCaps. In both cases, conventional laser was impossible, because TelCaps were to close from foveal center. RESULTS: The use of focal PDT on perifoveolar TelCaps permitted to reduce persistent macular edema and to avoid inefficient intra-vitreal anti-vascular epithelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) or steroid injections. In both cases, visual acuity was fully restored four to six months after PDT. Central Macular Thickness was also normalized in the first case and significantly reduced in the second case. In both cases, visual gain was sustained throughout the whole follow-up period (2 and 1 year respectively). CONCLUSION: PDT can be helpful to treat diabetic macular edema caused by TelCaps non-responding to approved intravitreal therapy or for which conventional laser is contraindicated.