A Comparative Study of Responses to Retina Questions from Either Experts, Expert-Edited Large Language Models, or Expert-Edited Large Language Models Alone.

Objective: To assess the quality, empathy, and safety of expert edited large language model (LLM), human expert created, and LLM responses to common retina patient questions. Design: Randomized, masked multicenter study. Participants: Twenty-one common retina patient questions were randomly assigned among 13 retina specialists. Methods: Each expert created a response (Expert) and then edited a LLM (ChatGPT-4)-generated response to that question (Expert + artificial intelligence [AI]), timing themselves for both tasks. Five LLMs (ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4, Claude 2, Bing, and Bard) also generated responses to each question. The original question along with anonymized and randomized Expert + AI, Expert, and LLM responses were evaluated by the other experts who did not write an expert response to the question. Evaluators judged quality and empathy (very poor, poor, acceptable, good, or very good) along with safety metrics (incorrect information, likelihood to cause harm, extent of harm, and missing content). Main Outcome: Mean quality and empathy score, proportion of responses with incorrect information, likelihood to cause harm, extent of harm, and missing content for each response type. Results: There were 4008 total grades collected (2608 for quality and empathy; 1400 for safety metrics), with significant differences in both quality and empathy (P < 0.001, P < 0.001) between LLM, Expert and Expert + AI groups. For quality, Expert + AI (3.86 ± 0.85) performed the best overall while GPT-3.5 (3.75 ± 0.79) was the top performing LLM. For empathy, GPT-3.5 (3.75 ± 0.69) had the highest mean score followed by Expert + AI (3.73 ± 0.63). By mean score, Expert placed 4 out of 7 for quality and 6 out of 7 for empathy. For both quality (P < 0.001) and empathy (P < 0.001), expert-edited LLM responses performed better than expert-created responses. There were time savings for an expert-edited LLM response versus expert-created response (P = 0.02). ChatGPT-4 performed similar to Expert for inappropriate content (P = 0.35), missing content (P = 0.001), extent of possible harm (P = 0.356), and likelihood of possible harm (P = 0.129). Conclusions: In this randomized, masked, multicenter study, LLM responses were comparable with experts in terms of quality, empathy, and safety metrics, warranting further exploration of their potential benefits in clinical settings. Financial Disclosures: Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of the article.

Considerations for the Identification and Management of Geographic Atrophy: Recommendations from an Expert Panel.

Newly approved treatments for patients with geographic atrophy are changing the treatment paradigm, highlighting the need for eye care providers (ECPs) to have a set of recommendations on how to best manage GA patients. Here, we outline how to identify various stages of age-related macular degeneration including geographic atrophy (GA) by examining optimal management scenarios implicating various ECPs and reviewing treatment considerations for patients with GA. Early identification of GA will lead to optimal patient outcomes, while a standardized management scenario will reduce clinical burden among ECPs treating patients with GA.

IMPACT OF FOVEAL STATUS AND TIMING OF SURGERY ON VISUAL OUTCOME IN RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT.

PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of surgical timing on visual acuity outcomes in retinal detachments based on the preoperative foveal status. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted. Cases were stratified into fovea-on, fovea-split, and fovea-off groups. Days to surgery was defined as the time between the preoperative examination and surgery. The main outcome measure was the final postoperative visual acuity. RESULTS: 1,675 cases were studied. More than 80% of fovea-on/fovea-split and fovea-off cases had surgery within 1 and 3 days, respectively. The mean final postoperative visual acuity did not differ significantly between the fovea-on and fovea-split groups (Snellen equivalent [SE] 20/33 ± 20/49 and 20/32 ± 20/39, P = 1.000) and did not change significantly based on days to surgery in either group. The mean final postoperative visual acuity was lowest in the fovea-off group (Snellen equivalent = 20/56 ± 20/76, P < 0.001) and was significantly lower in cases where surgery was performed after two or more days when compared with cases performed within 1 day (Snellen equivalent 20/74 ± 20/89 vs. 20/46 ± 20/63, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Fovea-on and fovea-split retinal detachments demonstrated comparable visual outcomes. Fovea-off RDs demonstrated worse visual outcomes, which declined further when surgery was delayed by two or more days.

BILATERAL EYE PATCHING MAY IMPROVE CLINICAL OUTCOMES FOR ACUTE PRIMARY RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT.

PURPOSE: Evaluate preoperative bilateral eye patching (BEP) on subretinal fluid and vision in acute primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs). METHODS: Retrospective nonrandomized interventional study of 335 patients with RRD undergoing BEP until surgery (BEP cohort) and separated by the percentage of full-time compliance: high (≥90%), medium (>90% but ≥50%), and low (<50%). Those declining BEP were included (control). All underwent surgery and were followed for ≥3 months. Imaging was obtained immediately before surgery. Best-corrected visual acuity was measured at the longest follow-up and immediately before surgery. SRF and foveal status immediately before surgery were analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty and 95 patients were in BEP and control cohorts, respectively. Thirty patients presented immediately before surgery for analysis. High (64%) and medium (35%) compliance showed significantly greater ( P < 0.01) SRF reduction compared with low (4%) and control (3%). Mac-off RRD showed significantly greater ( P < 0.01) foveal reattachment with high (29%) and medium (8%) compliance compared with low (2%) and control (1%). Mac-on RRD demonstrated no significant differences ( P ≥ 0.51) in final best-corrected visual acuity among high (0 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] [median], 20/20 Snellen), medium (0.10 logMAR, 20/25 Snellen), low (0.10 logMAR), and control cohorts (0.10 logMAR). Mac-off RRD demonstrated significantly better final best-corrected visual acuity with high compliance (0.30 logMAR, 20/40 Snellen) compared with low (0.40 logMAR, 20/50 Snellen; P = 0.04) and control (0.60 logMAR, 20/80 Snellen; P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Preoperative BEP can stabilize or improve subretinal fluid in acute primary RRD. Patients with BEP >50% of the time experienced the greatest benefits.

PROPHYLACTIC TREATMENT OF LATTICE DEGENERATION IN FELLOW EYES AFTER REPAIR OF UNCOMPLICATED PRIMARY RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT.

PURPOSE: To evaluate prophylactic treatment (PTx) of lattice degeneration (LD) on retinal tear (RT) and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) risk in fellow eyes of patients after primary RRD repair in the first eye. METHODS: This was a consecutive case series with cohort control involving patients with RRD repair from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2017. Patients received PTx (PTx cohort) or no PTx (No-PTx cohort) in fellow eye with 5-year follow-up. Primary outcome measure was proportion with new fellow eye RT/RRD. Secondary outcomes included logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and status of myopia, posterior vitreous detachment, and pseudophakia. RESULTS: Four hundred ninety-eight patients were divided into 146 and 352 in PTx and No-PTx cohorts, respectively. PTx cohort developed significantly ( P < 0.05) fewer RT/RRD (17%) than No-PTx cohort (41%). PTx significantly ( P < 0.05) lowered RT/RRD irrespective of posterior vitreous detachment and myopia status. PTx patients undergoing phacoemulsification demonstrated significantly ( P < 0.05) less RT/RRD (22%) than No-PTx cohort (31%). There was no significant ( P = 0.96) final BCVA difference between PTx (median = 0 logMAR) and No-PTx (median = 0 logMAR) cohorts. CONCLUSION: PTx of asymptomatic fellow eye LD reduced RT/RRD risk.

Geographic Atrophy Management Consensus (GA-MAC): a Delphi panel study on identification, diagnosis and treatment.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: With a paradigm shift in geographic atrophy (GA) treatments now available, establishing consensus on the identification and diagnosis of the disease along with considerations for management of patients with GA will assist eye care professionals (ECP) in their day-to-day practices, leading to improved patient outcomes. METHODS: A modified Delphi panel process (Geographic Atrophy Management Consensus) consisting of three total surveys and one virtual live meeting held between survey 2 and survey 3. Data were collected from July to October 2022. Participants included expert members of the eye care community that have demonstrated outstanding leadership among peers: a steering committee with three ECPs and a 15-member panel divided between five optometrists, five comprehensive ophthalmologists and five retina specialists. Consensus on statements related to the management of patients with GA was calculated using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method. RESULTS: At the conclusion of the third survey, consensus was reached on 91% of the 77 statements. Critical consensus topics include: (1) optical coherence tomography as the favoured method to diagnose and monitor GA, (2) preferred practice patterns regarding referral of patients to retina specialists and (3) treatment criteria given the advent of emerging therapeutics for GA. CONCLUSIONS: Generating awareness of early signs of disease development, progression and identifying the best tools to evaluate GA establishes ideal management and referral strategies. Given the paradigm shift in GA management driven by approved therapies, coupled with the fact that the disease is progressive resulting in devastating vision loss, these strategies are critical to ensure best overall outcomes.

Spontaneous Improvement of Myopic Retinoschisis Following a Long-term Observational Period: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: To highlight spontaneous resolution or improvement of myopic retinoschisis (MR) in actively surveilled patients. METHODS: Case series of five patients diagnosed with MR who did not undergo pars-plana vitrectomy and were carefully monitored by a single retina specialist. Ocular and medical history were reviewed, and clinical characteristics including visual acuity, and the status of the MR were monitored with spectral domain ocular coherence tomography (SD-OCT) at each clinic visit. RESULTS: Five patients with were identified to have MR without vitreomacular traction, or macular hole formation. Two patients exhibited spontaneous and complete resolution of MR without surgical intervention over an average observation time of 52.5 months. In these cases, a clinical posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) was documented preceding the resolution of MR over an average time of 26.5 months. Snellen best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in these patients were improved (Case 1 from 20/50 to 20/40, Case 2 from 20/30 to 20/25). The remaining three patients were monitored for an average of 52 months and showed improvement of MR via OCT imaging. Snellen BCVA either remained stable or improved from baseline (Case 3 stable at 20/30, Case 4 improved from 20/40 to 20/30, and Case 5 stable at 20/20). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that conservative management of MR with observation can be considered especially in patients with challenging co-morbidities (such as monocular status), and with a clinically identified posterior vitreous detachment without vitreomacular traction.

Clinical Factors and Outcomes of Acute-Onset Endophthalmitis Following Small-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy Surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Describe risk factors, findings, and outcomes of acute endophthalmitis (AE) following small-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective single-center, nonrandomized study of post-PPV AE patients from 2013 to 2021. All received vitreous biopsy before treatment. Patients were divided into cohorts: 1) PPV within 3 days of diagnosis (Urgent-PPV), and 2) no urgent PPV (Other-treatment [Tx]). Main outcome was best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 6 months. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were analyzed. Epiretinal membrane was the most common indication for PPV (48%). Incidence was 0.074%. Culture-positive rate was 57%. For final BCVA, there was no significant (P = 0.85) difference between Urgent-PPV (median = 0.40 logMAR) and Other Tx cohorts (median = 0.35 logMAR). Sclerotomy wounds were not sutured in 71% of patients. Approximately 24% and 38% of patients analyzed had either no tamponade or partial tamponade, respectively. CONCLUSION: Tamponade agents and sclerotomy suturing may be important factors when evaluating post-small-gauge PPV-associated AE. Further studies are necessary for clarification. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2023;54:395-400.].

Macular Retinoschisis from Optic Disc without a Visible Optic Pit or Advanced Glaucomatous Cupping (No Optic Pit Retinoschisis [NOPIR]).

PURPOSE: To review eyes with peripapillary and macular retinoschisis without a visible optic pit or advanced glaucomatous optic atrophy, or No Optic Pit Retinoschisis (NOPIR). DESIGN: Retrospective multicenter case series. SUBJECTS: The study included 11 eyes of 11 patients. METHODS: Retrospective study of eyes with macular retinoschisis without a visible optic pit, advanced optic nerve head cupping, or macular leakage on fluorescein angiography. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity (VA), retinoschisis resolution, months to resolution, and recurrence of retinoschisis RESULTS: The mean age was 68.1 ± 17.6 years, mean intraocular pressure was 17.4 ± 3.8 mmHg, and the mean spherical equivalent refractive error was -3.1 ± 2.9 diopters. No subject had pathologic myopia. Seven subjects were treated for glaucoma, and 9 subjects had nerve fiber layer defects on OCT. All eyes had retinoschisis in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) in the nasal macula and extending to the edge of the optic disc, and 8 subjects had fovea-involving retinoschisis. Three nonfoveal and 4 fovea-involved eyes were observed, and 4 fovea-involved eyes with vision loss underwent surgery. Surgery involved preoperative juxtapapillary laser followed by vitrectomy and membrane and internal limiting membrane peeling with intraocular gas and face-down position. The mean baseline VA was significantly worse in the surgery group than that in the observation group (P = 0.020). Retinoschisis resolved and vision improved in all surgical cases. The mean resolution time for the surgery group was 2.75 ± 0.96 months, which was shorter than that for the observation group (28.0 ± 21.2 months; P = 0.014). No eye developed recurrence of the retinoschisis after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Peripapillary and macular retinoschisis can develop in eyes without a visible optic pit or advanced glaucomatous cupping. Eyes without foveal involvement and those with foveal involvement but only mild decrease in vision can be observed for spontaneous resolution. If there is persistent foveal involvement with vision loss, surgery can improve vision by resolving the macular retinoschisis. Surgery for fovea-involved macular retinoschisis without a visible optic pit resulted in faster anatomic resolution and better vision recovery. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Retinal Displacement after Scleral Buckle versus Combined Buckle and Vitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: ALIGN Scleral Buckle versus Pars Plana Vitrectomy with Scleral Buckle.

PURPOSE: To assess the risk of retinal displacement after scleral buckle (SB) versus pars plana vitrectomy with SB (PPV-SB). DESIGN: Multicenter prospective nonrandomized clinical trial. METHODS: The study took place at VitreoRetinal Surgery in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai, India, and St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Canada from July 2019 to February 2022. Patients who underwent successful SB or PPV-SB for fovea-involving rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with gradable postoperative fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging were included in the final analysis. Two masked graders assessed FAF images 3 months postoperatively. Metamorphopsia and aniseikonia were assessed with M-CHARTs and the New Aniseikonia Test, respectively. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with retinal displacement detected with retinal vessel printings on FAF in SB versus PPV-SB. RESULTS: Ninety-one eyes were included in this study, of which 46.2% (42 of 91) had SB and 53.8% (49 of 91) underwent PPV-SB. Three months postoperatively, 16.7% (7 of 42) in the SB group and 38.8% (19 of 49) in the PPV-SB group had evidence of retinal displacement (difference = 22.1%; odds ratio = 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-8.6; P = 0.02) on FAF. The statistical significance of this association increased after adjustment for extent of retinal detachment, baseline logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, lens status, and sex in a multivariate regression analysis (P = 0.01). Retinal displacement was detected in 22.5% (6 of 27) of patients in the SB group with external subretinal fluid drainage and 6.7% (1 of 15) of patients without external drainage (difference = 15.8%; odds ratio = 4.0; 95% CI, 0.4-36.9; P = 0.19). Mean vertical metamorphopsia, horizontal metamorphopsia (MH), and aniseikonia were similar between patients in the SB and PPV-SB groups. There was a trend to worse MH in patients with retinal displacement versus those without retinal displacement (P = 0.067). CONCLUSIONS: Scleral buckle is associated with less retinal displacement compared with PPV-SB, indicating that traditional PPV techniques cause retinal displacement. There is a trend toward increased risk of retinal displacement in SB eyes that underwent external drainage compared with SB eyes without drainage, which is consistent with our understanding that the iatrogenic movement of subretinal fluid, such as that which occurs intraoperatively during external drainage with SB, may induce retinal stretch and displacement if the retina is then fixed in the stretched position. There was a trend to worse MH at 3 months in patients with retinal displacement. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Primary Retinal Detachment Outcomes Study: summary of reports number 1 to number 18.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To highlight the recent work published from the Primary Retinal Detachment Outcomes (PRO) Study Group. RECENT FINDINGS: The PRO database was a large dataset made up of patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRD) who had surgical repair during 2015. The database was constituted of nearly 3000 eyes from 6 centers across the United States and included 61 vitreoretinal surgeons. Nearly 250 metrics were collected for each patient, creating one of the richest datasets of patients with primary rhegmatogenous detachments and their outcomes. The importance of scleral buckling was demonstrated, particularly for phakic eyes, elderly patients, and those with inferior breaks. 360° laser may result in poorer outcomes. Cystoid macular edema was common, and risk factors were identified. We also found risk factors for vision loss in eyes presenting with good vision. A PRO Score was devised, to predict outcomes based on presenting clinical characteristics. We also identified characteristics of surgeons with the highest single surgery success rates. Overall, there were no major outcome differences between viewing systems, gauges, buckles sutured vs. scleral tunnels, drainage method, and techniques to address proliferative vitreoretinopathy. All incisional techniques were found to be very cost-effective treatment modalities. SUMMARY: Numerous studies resulted from the PRO database that significantly added to the literature regarding the repair of primary RRDs in the current era of vitreoretinal surgery.

Evaluation of Outcomes of Acute Cataract Surgery-Related Endophthalmitis Using a Novel Management Algorithm Based on Presenting Risk Factors.

PURPOSE: Develop treatment algorithm for acute endophthalmitis (AE) following cataract surgery. METHODS: Retrospective single-center, non-randomized interventional study involving patients with AE divided into cohorts according to our novel scoring system, the Acute Cataract surgery-related Endophthalmitis Severity (ACES) score. Total score ≥3 points indicated need for urgent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV; within 24 hours), whereas <3 points indicated urgent PPV was unnecessary. Patients were retrospectively evaluated for visual outcomes based on whether their clinical course followed with or deviated from ACES score recommendations. Main outcome was best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 6-month or longer after treatment. RESULTS: Total of 150 patients were analyzed. Patients whose clinical course followed the ACES score recommendation for immediate surgery had significantly (P < 0.01) better final BCVA (median = 0.18 logMAR, 20/30 Snellen) compared to those that deviated (median = 0.70 logMAR, 20/100 Snellen). For those where the ACES score deemed urgent PPV was unnecessary, no significant (P = 0.19) difference was observed between patients that followed with (median = 0.18 logMAR, 20/30 Snellen) and those that deviated from (median = 0.10 logMAR, 20/25 Snellen) recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: The ACES score may potentially provide critical and updated management guidance at presentation for when to recommend urgent PPV for patients suffering from post-cataract surgery AE.

CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF ACUTE ENDOPHTHALMITIS AFTER INTRAVITREAL DELIVERY OF VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR INHIBITORS VERSUS STEROIDS.

PURPOSE: To compare patients with acute endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors vs. steroids. METHODS: Retrospective single-center, nonrandomized interventional study from 2013 to 2021.Patients underwent vitreous biopsy before initiating treatment and were divided into the following cohorts: (1) anti-VEGF managed medically (T&I-anti-VEGF), (2) anti-VEGF managed by immediate pars plana vitrectomy (PPV-anti-VEGF), and (3) steroid therapy and managed medically or by pars plana vitrectomy (steroid). RESULTS: A total of 141 patients were analyzed. The steroid cohort demonstrated significantly worse presenting (median = 2.80 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]; P ≤ 0.01) and final (median = 2.30 logMAR) best-corrected visual acuity compared with T&I-anti-VEGF (presenting: median = 2.00 logMAR; final: median = 0.40 logMAR) and pars plana vitrectomy-anti-VEGF cohorts (presenting: median = 2.30 logMAR; final: median = 0.48 logMAR). There was no significant ( P = 0.33) difference in the final best-corrected visual acuity between T&I-anti-VEGF and pars plana vitrectomy-anti-VEGF cohorts. There were no significant ( P ≥ 0.63) differences among cohorts in best-corrected visual acuity before acute endophthalmitis diagnosis (T&I-anti-VEGF: median = 0.40 logMAR; pars plana vitrectomy-anti-VEGF: median = 0.40 logMAR; steroid: median = 0.44 logMAR). Microbial cultures revealed similar profiles for all cohorts. CONCLUSION: Acute endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection steroid therapy had worse outcomes compared with anti-VEGF therapy.

PRO score: predictive scoring system for visual outcomes after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To compare risk factors for poor visual outcomes in patients undergoing primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair and to develop a scoring system. METHODS: Analysis of the Primary Retinal detachment Outcomes (PRO) study, a multicentre interventional cohort of consecutive primary RRD surgeries performed in 2015. The main outcome measure was a poor visual outcome (Snellen VA ≤20/200). RESULTS: A total of 1178 cases were included. The mean preoperative and postoperative logMARs were 1.1±1.1 (20/250) and 0.5±0.7 (20/63), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression identified preoperative risk factors predictive of poor visual outcomes (≤20/200), including proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) (OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.13 to 1.40), history of antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections (1.38; 1.11 to 1.71), >1-week vision loss (1.17; 1.08 to 1.27), ocular comorbidities (1.18; 1.00 to 1.38), poor presenting VA (1.06 per initial logMAR unit; 1.02 to 1.10) and age >70 (1.13; 1.04 to 1.23). The data were split into training (75%) and validation (25%) and a scoring system was developed and validated. The risk for poor visual outcomes was 8% with a total score of 0, 17% with 1, 29% with 2, 47% with 3, and 71% with 4 or higher. CONCLUSIONS: Independent risk factors were compared for poor visual outcomes after RRD surgery, which included PVR, anti-VEGF injections, vision loss >1 week, ocular comorbidities, presenting VA and older age. The PRO score was developed to provide a scoring system that may be useful in clinical practice.

Feasibility of Dynamic Video Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy for Evaluation of Vitreous Opacities.

To explore the feasibility of confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope video for evaluation and quantification of vitreous opacities. Descriptive study outlining the utilization of dynamic confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope video technology to capture movement of vitreous opacities. By having the patient perform a saccade followed by refixation, the vitreous gel was set in motion and the shadowing and movement of the vitreous opacities was easily visualized. The whole process of recording the images took less than a minute. Qualitative analysis showed dense shadowing from the vitreous opacities tracking over the central visual axis in some patients. Video scanning laser ophthalmo-scope can be a useful tool in documenting the presence and degree of vitreous opacities. This technology can be applied for clinical decision-making as well as educating patients. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2022;53:714-716.].

COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy and Its Association With Altered Presentation of Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment.

PURPOSE: Evaluate factors associated with coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy and clinical trends in primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs) during the first year of vaccine availability. DESIGN: Single-center, clinical cohort study. METHODS: Consecutive patients from December 14, 2020, to December 12, 2021, presenting vaccinated (Prior-), subsequently vaccinated (Later-), or remaining unvaccinated (Never-Vax). Primary outcome was proportion with macula-off (mac-off) RRD. Secondary outcomes included logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), primary proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), proportion lost to follow-up, and distance traveled. RESULTS: 1047 patients were divided into 391 Prior-, 252 Later-, and 404 Never-Vax cohorts. Significantly greater proportions of Later- and Never-Vax cohorts presented with mac-off RRDs (Prior-Vax = 44.5%; Later-Vax = 54%, P < .0001; Never-Vax = 57.9%, P < .0001) and primary PVR (Prior-Vax = 4.3%; Later-Vax = 13.6%, P < .0001; Never-Vax = 17.1%, P < .0001) compared to Prior-Vax cohort. Significantly greater proportion of Never-Vax cohort (7.7%, P < .0001) were lost to follow-up compared to Prior- (2.3%) and Later-Vax (2.2%) cohorts. Never-Vax cohort (median = 35 miles) traveled farther compared to Prior- (median = 22.3 miles; P < .0001) and Later-Vax cohorts (25.45 miles; P = .0038). Prior-Vax cohort had significantly better (P < .05) initial (median = 0.30 logMAR) and final (0.18 logMAR) BCVA compared to Later- (Initial: 0.54 logMAR; Final: 0.30 logMAR) and Never-Vax (Initial: 0.70 logMAR; Final: 0.40 logMAR) cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is associated with worse clinical presentation and outcomes for primary RRD.

Hemi- and Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Associated with COVID-19 Infection in Young Patients without Known Risk Factors.

PURPOSE: Venous thromboembolic complications have been reported in association with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. We raised awareness regarding a potential temporal association between COVID-19 infection and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). DESIGN: Multicenter, retrospective, nonconsecutive case series. SUBJECTS: Patients presenting with hemi-RVO (HRVO) or central RVO (CRVO) between March 2020 and March 2021, with confirmed COVID-19 infection, were included. The exclusion criteria were as follows: age >50 years, hypertension, diabetes, glaucoma, obesity, underlying hypercoagulable states, and those requiring intubation during hospitalization. METHODS: This was a multicenter, retrospective, nonconsecutive case series including patients presenting with hemi-RVO (HRVO) or central RVO (CRVO) between March 2020 and March 2021, with confirmed COVID-19 infection. The exclusion criteria were as follows: age >50 years, hypertension, diabetes, glaucoma, obesity, underlying hypercoagulable states, and those requiring intubation during hospitalization. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ophthalmic findings, including presenting and final visual acuity (VA), imaging findings, and clinical course. RESULTS: Twelve eyes of 12 patients with CRVO (9 of 12) or HRVO (3 of 12) after COVID-19 infection were included. The median age was 32 years (range, 18-50 years). Three patients were hospitalized, but none were intubated. The median time from COVID-19 diagnosis to ophthalmic symptoms was 6.9 weeks. The presenting VA ranged from 20/20 to counting fingers, with over half (7 of 12) having a VA of ≥20/40. OCT revealed macular edema in 42% of the eyes; of these, 80% (4 of 5) were treated with anti-VEGF injections. Ninety-two percent (11 of 12) had partial or complete resolution of ocular findings at final follow-up. Four eyes (33%) had retinal thinning, as determined using OCT, by the end of the study interval. The final VA ranged from 20/20 to 20/60, with 11 of the 12 (92%) eyes achieving a VA of ≥20/40 at a median final follow-up period of 13 weeks (range, 4-52 weeks). CONCLUSIONS: Although we acknowledge the high seroprevalence of COVID-19 and that a causal relationship cannot be established, we reported this series to raise awareness regarding the potential risk of retinal vascular events due to a heightened thromboinflammatory state associated with COVID-19 infection.