OCTA: Essential or Gimmick?

This commentary article delves into the transformative role of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in diagnosing and managing a wide array of eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusions, and white dot syndromes. Developed in 2005, OCTA has emerged as a non-invasive, high-resolution imaging technique that offers advantages over traditional fluorescein angiography (FA), providing quicker and safer monitoring of ocular conditions with similar diagnostic accuracy. In diabetic retinopathy, OCTA has been instrumental in early identification of retinal changes, offering quantifiable metrics including perfused capillary density (PCD) for assessing vascular alterations. For age-related macular degeneration (AMD), OCTA has deepened our understanding of non-exudative neovascular AMD, allowing for more effective monitoring and potential earlier initiation of treatment. In cases of retinal vein occlusions, OCTA can reveal specific microvascular features and allow for depth-resolved measurements of the foveal avascular zone, providing significant prognostic implications. OCTA has also been invaluable in studying rare white dot syndromes, enabling nuanced differentiation between conditions that often present similarly. Emerging research also suggests that OCTA can have potential utility in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, where retinal vascular patterns could offer diagnostic insights. While OCTA is revolutionizing ophthalmic care, further clinical trials and standardization are needed for its broader adoption into clinical practice.

Optical coherence tomography imaging of the peripheral retina.

This review critically assesses the applicability of retinal periphery imaging technology, scrutinizing its practical limitations and potential advancements within ophthalmology. It underscores the significant costs and the need to evaluate the clinical utility of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography devices. It emphasizes how clinicians should consider their practice-specific use-cases while investing in devices with capabilities like ultra-widefield OCT, autofluorescence imaging, and angiography. The paper also highlights the challenges associated with image acquisition, such as artifact management and patient cooperation for extended fixation periods. This review outlines the utility of these modalities in various retinal pathologies, as well as their contribution to telemedicine and personalized care, facilitated by artificial intelligence for improved image processing, quantification, and interpretation. These techniques potentially offer a more comprehensive understanding of peripheral retinal conditions and associated pathologies, thus influencing clinical decision-making, particularly in remote regions with limited specialist access.

Adherence of studies involving artificial intelligence in the analysis of ophthalmology electronic medical records to AI-specific items from the CONSORT-AI guideline: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: In the context of ophthalmologic practice, there has been a rapid increase in the amount of data collected using electronic health records (EHR). Artificial intelligence (AI) offers a promising means of centralizing data collection and analysis, but to date, most AI algorithms have only been applied to analyzing image data in ophthalmologic practice. In this review we aimed to characterize the use of AI in the analysis of EHR, and to critically appraise the adherence of each included study to the CONSORT-AI reporting guideline. METHODS: A comprehensive search of three relevant databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library) from January 2010 to February 2023 was conducted. The included studies were evaluated for reporting quality based on the AI-specific items from the CONSORT-AI reporting guideline. RESULTS: Of the 4,968 articles identified by our search, 89 studies met all inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Most of the studies utilized AI for ocular disease prediction (n = 41, 46.1%), and diabetic retinopathy was the most studied ocular pathology (n = 19, 21.3%). The overall mean CONSORT-AI score across the 14 measured items was 12.1 (range 8-14, median 12). Categories with the lowest adherence rates were: describing handling of poor quality data (48.3%), specifying participant inclusion and exclusion criteria (56.2%), and detailing access to the AI intervention or its code, including any restrictions (62.9%). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we have identified that AI is prominently being used for disease prediction in ophthalmology clinics, however these algorithms are limited by their lack of generalizability and cross-center reproducibility. A standardized framework for AI reporting should be developed, to improve AI applications in the management of ocular disease and ophthalmology decision making.

Intraretinal hemorrhages and detailed retinal phenotype of three patients with Alagille syndrome.

PURPOSE: To explore patterns of disease expression in Alagille syndrome (ALGS). METHODS: Patients underwent ophthalmic examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging, fundus intravenous fluorescein angiography (IVFA), perimetry and full-field electroretinograms (ffERGs). An adult ALGS patient had multimodal imaging and specialized perimetry. RESULTS: The proband (P1) had a heterozygous pathogenic variant in JAG1; (p.Gln410Ter) and was incidentally diagnosed at age 7 with a superficial retinal hemorrhage, vascular tortuosity, and midperipheral pigmentary changes. The hemorrhage recurred 15 months later. Her monozygotic twin sister (P2) had a retinal hemorrhage at the same location at age 11. Visual acuities for both patients were 20/30 in each eye. IVFA was normal. OCT showed thinning of the outer nuclear in the peripapillary retina. A ffERG showed normal cone-mediated responses in P1 (rod-mediated ERGs not documented), normal ffERGs in P2. Coagulation and liver function were normal. An unrelated 42-year-old woman with a de-novo pathogenic variant (p. Gly386Arg) in JAG1 showed a similar pigmentary retinopathy and hepatic vascular anomalies; rod and cone function was normal across large expanses of structurally normal retina that sharply transitioned to a blind atrophic peripheral retina. CONCLUSION: Nearly identical recurrent intraretinal hemorrhages in monozygotic twins with ALGS suggest a shared subclinical microvascular abnormality. We hypothesize that the presence of large areas of functionally and structurally intact retina surrounded by severe chorioretinal degeneration, is against a predominant involvement of JAG1 in the function of the neurosensory retina, and that instead, primary abnormalities of chorioretinal vascular development and/or homeostasis may drive the peculiar phenotypes.

Investigating Associations Between Nonadherence to Guideline-Recommended Treatment of Pediatric Seizures and Adverse Outcomes: A Canadian Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests that nonadherence to treatment guidelines for seizures may affect patient outcomes. We examined the feasibility of conducting a larger investigation to test this hypothesis in the pediatric population. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed charts of patients aged ≤18 years who presented with seizure to the emergency departments of two Ontario hospitals in 2019 to 2021. Patients were grouped by seizure duration (<5 minutes [n = 37], ≥5 minutes [n = 41]). We examined nonadherence to guideline-recommended treatment, adverse outcomes (hospitalization, length of stay, respiratory complications), and missing values for key variables. RESULTS: Of 78 patients, 34 (44%) did not receive guideline-recommended treatment. Nonadherence was similar in the two groups (<5 minutes: 46%; ≥5 minutes: 41%). Common deviations included administering an antiseizure medication (ASM) for seizures of less than five minutes (46%), a delay (>10 minutes) between the first and second ASM doses (50%), and use of a benzodiazepine for the third dose (45%). Hospitalizations were common in both seizure duration groups (∼90%), whereas respiratory complications were relatively rare. Time of seizure onset was missing in 51% of charts, and none contained the time of first contact with emergency services when patients were transported by ambulance. CONCLUSION: We found evidence of substantial nonadherence to guideline-recommended treatment of pediatric seizures. Medical records do not contain sufficient information to comprehensively investigate this issue. A multicenter prospective study is the most feasible option to examine the association between nonadherence to guideline-recommended treatment and patient outcomes.

Novel features of degenerative retinoschisis identified using ultra-widefield multicolor channels: A review of 139 eyes.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: To utilize ultra-widefield multimodal imaging (Optos PLC) to describe novel findings in degenerative retinoschisis. METHODS: This retrospective, non-comparative case series of degenerative retinoschisis received a waiver of consent from Advarra IRB, Protocol 00066379. Initial ultra-widefield pseudocolour, colour-separated, autofluorescence, and peripheral OCT imaging were analysed for characterizing features. RESULTS: In total, 139 eyes were included. A hyporeflective reticular pattern associated with retinoschisis was seen on pseudocolour images in 39% of cases, but visible in 53% on green-separated images. Fine hyper-reflective foci were observed in 49%. In 27%, retinoschisis was confirmed with OCT. CONCLUSIONS: Ultra-widefield pseudocolour and green-separated images are valuable for the diagnosis and characterization of degenerative retinoschisis. The findings described may prompt the evaluation of subtle retinoschisis with peripheral OCT.

Spontaneous Late Visual Recovery in Pediatric Central Retinal Artery Occlusion: A Case Report and Literature Review.

The authors report a rare case of pediatric central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) and spontaneous late recovery, with associated literature review. A retrospective review of patient medical records and literature search of four relevant databases was conducted. A 7-year-old girl with sudden, painless loss of vision in her right eye was referred to the authors' center where she was found to have a CRAO with hand motion visual acuity. One month later, the patient developed multiple retinal hemorrhages throughout the fundus. Despite undergoing extensive investigations, a cause for her condition was not determined. Seventeen months after the original event, the patient regained a visual acuity of 20/40. A CRAO in the pediatric population is relatively rare and requires extensive investigation into the potential cause. Compared to adult CRAO, presentation in the pediatric age group should warrant a high index of suspicion and extensive work-up to treat any underlying systemic conditions and possibly prevent involvement of the other eye. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2023;60(6):e70-e74.].

Promising practices for the design and implementation of sexuality education programmes for youth in India: a scoping review.

Sexual violence and HIV/AIDS are major public health concerns in India. By promoting bodily autonomy, wellbeing, and dignity through knowledge and skills, comprehensive sexuality education for young people can help prevent adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes. While there is increased recognition globally regarding young people's need for sexuality education, translating this recognition into accepted programmes in India has been challenging. This scoping review aims to examine recommendations for promising practices for the design and implementation of sexuality education programmes and resources aimed at youth in India. A systematic search and review of the literature was conducted from June to August 2020. Of the total 5312 citations identified and screened, 622 advanced to full-text screening, and 39 were included in the final analysis. Promising practices include the need to: tailor content to serve the needs of the specific youth population being targeted; use engaging and participatory methods to teach sexual health content; work in partnership and collaboration with local experts and organisations; address potential barriers to participation and work to mitigate those barriers for marginalised youth; be youth friendly, flexible and convenient; and to be developmentally and culturally appropriate for the Indian youth context. Sexuality education programmes should integrate into existing community services and link with local reproductive health services to help provide youth with access to the services they may need. Continued work and efforts are required to address the interrelated and broad structural factors, including political, financial, social, and cultural factors that affect youth sexual health and wellbeing.

Adherence of randomised controlled trials using artificial intelligence in ophthalmology to CONSORT-AI guidelines: a systematic review and critical appraisal.

PURPOSE: Many efforts have been made to explore the potential of deep learning and artificial intelligence (AI) in disciplines such as medicine, including ophthalmology. This systematic review aims to evaluate the reporting quality of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluate AI technologies applied to ophthalmology. METHODS: A comprehensive search of three relevant databases (EMBASE, Medline, Cochrane) from 1 January 2010 to 5 February 2022 was conducted. The reporting quality of these papers was scored using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials-Artificial Intelligence (CONSORT-AI) checklist and further risk of bias was assessed using the RoB-2 tool. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 2973 citations from which 5 articles satisfied the inclusion/exclusion criteria. These articles featured AI technologies applied to diabetic retinopathy screening, ophthalmologic education, fungal keratitis detection and paediatric cataract diagnosis. None of the articles reported all items in the CONSORT-AI checklist. The overall mean CONSORT-AI score of the included RCTs was 53% (range 37%-78%). The individual scores of the articles were 37% (19/51), 39% (20), 49% (25), 61% (31) and 78% (40). All articles were scored as being moderate risk, or 'some concerns present', regarding potential risk of bias according to the RoB-2 tool. CONCLUSION: A small number of RCTs have been published to date on the applications of AI in ophthalmology and vision science. Adherence to the 2020 CONSORT-AI reporting guidelines is suboptimal with notable reporting items often missed. Greater adherence will help facilitate reproducibility of AI research which can be a stimulus for more AI-based RCTs and clinical applications in ophthalmology.

Systematic review of simulation-based education in strabismus assessment and management.

BACKGROUND: Strabismus is a dynamic condition for which simulation-based training is valuable, given the variable complexity and relatively reduced exposure compared with other ophthalmic presentations. This study assessed the performance of simulation models available for medical training in the assessment and management of strabismus. METHODS: A systematic review of relevant peer-reviewed academic databases was conducted, without publication date restrictions. English-language publications evaluating the performance of simulation models for education on strabismus were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB-2 tool and CLARITY Risk of Bias Instrument for Cross-Sectional Surveys of Attitudes and Practices. Validity of evidence was evaluated using the Kirkpatrick framework. RESULTS: Of the total 3,298 citations exported for title and abstract screening, 54 advanced to full-text screening, and 7 were included in final review. Model types were either dry (2), wet (4), or virtual reality (1). All models were deemed to be successful, but few standardized parameters were specified. Costs of models ranged from a few dollars (ball and wood), to moderate (non-cadaveric), to costly (virtual reality). All studies scored a moderate or high risk of bias, and the majority (4/7) of studies scored level 1 on the Kirkpatrick scale. CONCLUSIONS: Research on simulation for strabismus assessment and management is limited and varied for model fidelity and testing audiences. All models were deemed individually successful compared to non-simulation-based teaching methodologies, although no direct comparisons were made. The limited evidence available suggests that low-fidelity and low-cost models can be used for trainees without sacrificing educational quality.

Patient Risk Interpretation of Symptoms Model (PRISM): How Patients Assess Cardiac Risk.

BACKGROUND: While there is a prevailing perception that coronary artery disease (CAD) is a "man's disease," little is known about the factors which influence cardiac risk assessment and whether it varies by gender. OBJECTIVES: 1) Qualitatively capture the complexity of cardiac risk assessment from a patient-centered perspective. 2) Explore how risk assessment may vary by gender. 3) Quantitatively validate qualitative findings among a new sample. DESIGN: This study was conducted in two parts: (1) semi-structured in-depth interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using modified grounded theory; (2) emergent themes were surveyed in a separate sample to validate findings quantitatively. Differences were estimated using 2-tailed t-tests and kappa. PARTICIPANTS: Participants who were referred for their first elective coronary angiogram for suspected CAD with at least 1 prior abnormal test were recruited from a tertiary care hospital. MAIN MEASURES: Patient-centered themes were derived from part one. In part two, patients estimated the probability that their symptoms were heart-related at multiple time points. RESULTS: Part 1 included 14 men and 17 women (mean age=63.3±11.8 years). Part 2 included 237 patients, of which 109 (46%) were women (mean age=66.0±11.3 years). Part 1 revealed that patients' risk assessment evolves in three distinct phases, which were captured using an Ishikawa framework entitled "Patient Risk Interpretation of Symptoms Model" (PRISM). Part 2 validated PRISM findings; while patients were more likely to attribute their symptoms to CAD over time (phase 1 vs. 3: 21% vs. 73%, p<0.001), women were marginally less likely than men to perceive symptoms as heart-related by phase 3 (67% women vs. 78% men, p=0.054). CONCLUSIONS: Patient assessment of CAD risk evolves, and women are more likely to underestimate their risk than men. PRISM may be used as a clinical aid to optimize patient-centered care. Future studies should validate PRISM in different clinical settings.