A mini-invasive surgical technique for Carlevale IOL implantation: case series study and description of concomitant surgery.

PURPOSE: To examine the feasibility and outcomes of a modified technique for the implantation of scleral fixated Carlevale intraocular lens (IOL) (I71 FIL SSF. Soleko IOL Division, Pontecorvo, Italy), and to analyze the occurrence of adverse events. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study conducted revising patients charts from 2018 to 2023. Thirty-five eyes of 33 patients were included. Patients requiring IOL explantation had either IOL dislocation or opacification. The implantation of the Carlevale IOL was performed with the subconjunctival positioning of the anchors without any scleral flap. All maneuvers were performed transconjunctivally. The anatomical outcomes considered were IOL positioning, and the absence of postoperative complications. The functional outcomes analyzed were best correctedvisual acuity (BCVA) and refraction. RESULTS: In all the cases, the IOL was well positioned and centered postoperatively. No cases of conjunctival erosion were recorded. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.9±0.6 logMar (mean±standard deviation) preoperatively and 0.5±0.5 logMar (mean±standard deviation) postoperatively. The mean preoperative spherical equivalent was +6.8±7.7 dioptres, while postoperatively it was -1.1±1.6 dioptres. The most frequent procedure associated to secondary IOL implantation was posterior vitrectomy (25 eyes, 71.4%), which was performed with 25-gauge transconjunctival cannulas in the ciliary sulcus. The follow-up period was 24.5±16.9 months (mean±standard deviation). CONCLUSION: The described mini-invasive technique for Carlevale IOL implantation is safe and effective. It can be recommended either as a stand-alone operation or associated to concurrent surgical procedures.

The impact of artificial intelligence on retinal disease management: Vision Academy retinal expert consensus.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this review is to define the "state-of-the-art" in artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled devices that support the management of retinal conditions and to provide Vision Academy recommendations on the topic. RECENT FINDINGS: Most of the AI models described in the literature have not been approved for disease management purposes by regulatory authorities. These new technologies are promising as they may be able to provide personalized treatments as well as a personalized risk score for various retinal diseases. However, several issues still need to be addressed, such as the lack of a common regulatory pathway and a lack of clarity regarding the applicability of AI-enabled medical devices in different populations. SUMMARY: It is likely that current clinical practice will need to change following the application of AI-enabled medical devices. These devices are likely to have an impact on the management of retinal disease. However, a consensus needs to be reached to ensure they are safe and effective for the overall population.

Current status and practical considerations of artificial intelligence use in screening and diagnosing retinal diseases: Vision Academy retinal expert consensus.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The application of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in screening and diagnosing retinal diseases may play an important role in telemedicine and has potential to shape modern healthcare ecosystems, including within ophthalmology. RECENT FINDINGS: In this article, we examine the latest publications relevant to AI in retinal disease and discuss the currently available algorithms. We summarize four key requirements underlining the successful application of AI algorithms in real-world practice: processing massive data; practicability of an AI model in ophthalmology; policy compliance and the regulatory environment; and balancing profit and cost when developing and maintaining AI models. SUMMARY: The Vision Academy recognizes the advantages and disadvantages of AI-based technologies and gives insightful recommendations for future directions.

Optical Coherence Tomography Findings in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: A Systematic Review.

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is a sight-threatening condition that may lead to blindness if left untreated. Surgical treatments may vary and are tailored to a single patient. Anatomical and functional results may vary, due to factors that are currently under study. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) allows a detailed visualization of the retinal structure. Some studies have been performed using OCT on eyes with retinal detachment. We performed a review on the subject. Several data have been obtained using different OCT applications. Some alterations may represent potential biomarkers since they are associated with visual and anatomical prognoses. Increased knowledge on the subject may be helpful to choose among different surgical strategies and endotamponades. More research on the topic is needed.

Single-hand preloaded intraocular lens implantation through a screw-type single use injector.

INTRODUCTION: The most common intraocular lens (IOL) injectors are syringe- and screw-type. Screw-type injectors are useful to control IOL injection speed, but the surgeon needs to use both hands during implantation. It may result in a lack of eye stability, especially under topical anesthesia. METHODS: In this paper a single hand implantation technique is described. The second hand is used to hold a second instrument into the anterior chamber in order to stabilize the eye and aid the correct IOL positioning into the capsular bag. RESULTS: Surgery was performed uneventfully on six eyes of four patients, affected by senile corticonuclear cataract. In all cases the operation was conducted without complications. All the IOLs were well centered. CONCLUSIONS: The technique is safe and easy to replicate, however the shape of the injector plunger needs to be adequate.

Managing Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Clinical Practice: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression.

The use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents has profoundly changed the prognosis of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). As clinical experiences have accumulated, it has become mandatory to summarize data to give information that can be useful in everyday practice. We conducted a systematic review to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that reported 12-month changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in patients with nAMD on anti-VEGF monotherapy. Data were analyzed in a random-effects meta-analysis with BCVA change as the primary outcome. Meta-regression was conducted to evaluate the impact of multiple covariates. Four hundred and twelve heterogeneous study populations (109,666 eyes) were included. Anti-VEGFs induced an overall improvement of +5.37 ETDRS letters at 12 months. Meta-regression showed that mean BCVA change was statistically greater for RCTs (p = 0.0032) in comparison with observational studies. Populations following a proactive regimen had better outcomes than those following a reactive treatment regimen. Mean BCVA change was greater in younger populations, with lower baseline BCVA and treated with a higher number of injections (p < 0.001). Our results confirm that anti-VEGFs may produce a significant functional improvement at 12 months in patients with nAMD.

Combined transconjunctival sutureless three-port vitrectomy and scleral fixation of intraocular lens.

PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to describe an innovative and minimally invasive surgical technique for posterior vitrectomy combined with secondary intraocular lens implantation, using a sutureless scleral fixation Carlevale intraocular lens (I71 FIL SSF Carlevale lens. Soleko IOL Division, Italy). METHODS: The technique was conducted with only three transconjunctival sclerotomies and a corneal tunnel to perform intraocular lens explantation, posterior vitrectomy and Carlevale intraocular lens implantation. It is easier, quicker, and less invasive than the traditional technique with conjunctival peritomy, two scleral flaps and five sclerotomies. RESULTS: Surgery was performed uneventfully on three eyes of three patients. Two of them presented a luxation of the intraocular lens into the vitreous chamber, while one patient presented an intraocular lens subluxation. No complications were observed after a 5 to 8 months of follow-up. The intraocular lenses were well positioned, no conjunctival erosion was noted, and the intraocular pressure remained normal at all stages. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of a combined procedure of IOL explantation, posterior vitrectomy and secondary IOL implantation using only three transconjunctival sclerotomies. This appears to be less invasive and it causes less discomfort to the patient. We suggest considering this technique in all those cases requiring a combined procedure in absence of a proper capsular support.

Noncongenital juvenile-onset bilateral lamellar cataract in 1p36 deletion syndrome.

We report the case of a 16-year-old girl with 1p36 deletion syndrome, who experienced visual loss in both eyes for 2 months because of lamellar cataracts. Mutations on some 1p36 genes in both experimental models and humans may be associated with cataract. This is the first detailed description of acquired juvenile-onset bilateral cataract with 1p36 deletion.

Transient Clouding of a Sutureless Scleral Fixated Hydrophilic Intraocular Lens with Spontaneous Resolution: A Case Report and in vitro Experimental Test.

A 83-year-old woman underwent phacoemulsification in the left eye, complicated by posterior capsular rupture and dislocation of nuclear fragments in the vitreous cavity. She was left aphakic and referred to the Clinica Oculistica, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale, Udine, Italy. After 2 days, she underwent pars plana vitrectomy, with removal of the nuclear fragments, and secondary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. The lens used was a sutureless scleral fixation Carlevale lens (I71 FIL SSF Carlevale lens™. Soleko IOL Division), which was delivered to the operating theatre on the morning of the operation. During the implantation, it appeared opaque, without any deposit on its surfaces. The lens was not removed. On the next day, the lens was transparent, and it remained clear at the following control visits. An in vitro experimental test demonstrated that 25% hydrophilic polymers are vulnerable to thermal shock, developing an opacification which resolves after temperature stabilization of the lens.

Ocular Findings in COVID-19 Patients: A Review of Direct Manifestations and Indirect Effects on the Eye.

The novel pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has challenged the medical community. While diagnostic and therapeutic efforts have been focused on respiratory complications of the disease, several ocular implications have also emerged. SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been found in tears of the infected patients, and reports suggest that the ocular surface could serve as a portal of entry and a reservoir for viral transmission. Clinically, COVID-19 has been associated with mild conjunctivitis, which can be the first and only symptom of the disease. Subtle retinal changes like hyperreflective lesions in the inner layers on optical coherence tomography (OCT), cotton-wool spots, and microhemorrhages have also been reported. In addition, COVID-19 has been associated with an increased incidence of systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus and Kawasaki disease, which are particularly relevant for ophthalmologists due to their potentially severe ocular manifestations. Several treatment strategies are currently under investigation for COVID-19, but none of them have been proved to be safe and effective to date. Intensive care unit patients, due to risk factors like invasive mechanical ventilation, prone position, and multiresistant bacterial exposure, may develop ocular complications like ocular surface disorders, secondary infections, and less frequently acute ischemic optic neuropathy and intraocular pressure elevation. Among the array of drugs that have shown positive results, the use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine has raised a concern due to their well-known retinal toxic effects. However, the risk of retinal toxicity with short-term high-dose use of antimalarials is still unknown. Ocular side effects have also been reported with other investigational drugs like lopinavir-ritonavir, interferons, and interleukin-1 and interleukin-6 inhibitors. The aim of this review was to summarize ophthalmological implications of SARS-CoV-2 infection to serve as a reference for eye care and other physicians for prompt diagnosis and management.

State-of-the art pharmacotherapy for non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

INTRODUCTION: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness among the elderly in the industrialized world. While effective treatment is available for neovascular AMD, no therapy is successful for the non-neovascular form. Herein, the authors report the current knowledge on non-neovascular AMD pathogenesis and the promising research on treatments. AREAS COVERED: In the present review, the authors summarize the most recent advances in the treatment of non-neovascular AMD and provide an update on current treatment strategies. Evidence available from preclinical and clinical studies and from a selective literature search is reported. EXPERT OPINION: When investigating AMD, numerous pathological cascades and alterations of physiological processes have been investigated. It is well-known that AMD is a multifactorial disease, with environmental causes and genetics playing a role. Perturbations in multiple pathogenic pathways have been identified and this led to the development of several molecules directed at specific therapeutic targets. However, despite the huge research effort, the only proven approach so far is oral antioxidant supplementation. We believe that, in addition to successful advancement of promising drugs, further research should be directed at tailoring therapy to specific patient groups, eventually employing a combinational therapy strategy.

Fungal Endogenous Endophthalmitis Secondary to Magnusiomyces capitatus.

We report the case of a 68-year-old immunocompetent patient with a dilatation of the ascending aorta, intraluminal vegetations, and pseudoaneurysmatic bulging who presented with unilateral fungal endogenous endophthalmitis 8 days after coronary angiogram. The isolated pathogen resulted to be Magnusiomyces capitatus, a filamentous, yeast-like fungus that can be commonly found in normal human microflora, with an immunosuppression-related pathogenicity. A literature research revealed a single case of ophthalmic infection - a keratitis - caused by this pathogen. Furthermore, we add a review of mycotic endophthalmitis related to aortic infection.

Obesity paradox in coronary artery bypass grafting: myth or reality?

OBJECTIVE: A high body mass index has been suggested to be protective in patients with coronary artery disease and in those undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, these conflicting results might be related to the different risk profiles among the various body mass index categories. We sought to clarify the effect of varying degrees of excessive body weight on hard clinical outcomes in patients undergoing CABG. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted to investigate the effect of a high body mass index on early and late mortality after first-time isolated CABG. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for confounding factors. RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 3269 normal weight, 6662 overweight, 3821 obese, and 211 morbidly obese patients. After matching, early mortality was not affected by overweight (mean difference, 0.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.2% to 1.5%), obesity (mean difference, 0.5%; 95% CI, -0.7% to 1.7%), and morbid obesity (mean difference, 1.6%; 95% CI, -1.0% to 1.0%), regardless of the patients' risk profile according to the European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation. Overweight status was not protective for late death (hazard ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.9-1.08; P = .4). Compared with normal weight patients, both obese and morbidly obese patients had a higher risk of late death (hazard ratio, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.07-2.66; P = .006 for obese patients; hazard ratio, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.74-2.49; P = .3 for morbidly obese patients). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity did not increase operative mortality, but it was associated with reduced late survival in patients undergoing primary isolated CABG. Our results raise concerns in supporting any protective effect of obesity in cardiovascular disease, specifically in patients undergoing surgical myocardial revascularization.