Syndromic retinitis pigmentosa caused by biallelic SCAPER frameshift variant.

PURPOSE: Mutations in the SCAPER gene have previously been reported to be a rare cause of syndromic and non-syndromic autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (RP). We report a case of syndromic RP caused by a frameshift heterozygous mutation in SCAPER. Our case has a relatively mild ocular phenotype with the presence of cone involvement noted on full field electroretinogram (ffERG) without impacting central or color vision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 17-year-old male presented with progressive nyctalopia in both eyes. He underwent ophthalmic examination and multimodal imaging. A complete retinal degeneration panel consisting of 322 genes was used to screen for molecular causes of retinal dystrophy in this patient along with family segregation analysis. RESULTS: Fundus examination of the proband revealed mild RP phenotype with waxy pallor of optic discs, attenuated retinal arterioles, and single bone spicule like pigmentary change in the mid-periphery bilaterally. Multimodal imaging and ffERG demonstrated a picture of RP with cone dysfunction without impacting central or color vision bilaterally. Examined family members were found to be normal. The proband was found to be heterozygous for two novel frameshift pathogenic variants in SCAPER c.3781del, p. (Val1261Serfs*26), c.868_869del, p. (Glu290Serfs*7) both leading to predicted premature termination. The family members tested were found to be heterozygous for SCAPER c.868_869del, p. (Glu290Serfs*7) pathogenic variant confirming their carrier status. CONCLUSION: We report a case of a syndromic RP of previously unreported ocular phenotype associated with SCAPER pathogenic variant, which will add to the phenotypic spectrum of retinopathy and systemic features associated with pathogenic variants in SCAPER.

32-year-old diabetic patient with progressive vision loss and crystalline retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To report the case of severe bilateral retinal vascular occlusion in a patient with hyperoxalosis and chronic renal failure. METHODS: Observational case report. Medical and imaging records were retrospectively reviewed. The patient was imaged with ultra-widefield (UWF) fundus photography and fluorescein angiography (UWF-FA), cross sectional and en face spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and OCT angiography. RESULTS: A 32-year-old diabetic patient receiving peritoneal dialysis was referred because of severe vision loss. UWF color fundus photography showed diffuse sclerotic retinal vessels and diffuse intraretinal crystals in both eyes. UWF-FA illustrated near-complete retinal vascular occlusion and capillary wipe out in both eyes. SD-OCT demonstrated diffuse inner and middle retina thinning in both eyes and multiple intraretinal hyperreflective foci consistent with crystalline deposits in all retina layers of both eyes. OCT angiography revealed severe capillary and large vessel non-perfusion in the superficial and deep retinal capillary plexus of each eye. The serum oxalate levels were increased at 28 µmol/L (reference range < 2 µmol/L) and genetic testing was positive for a heterozygous mutation of the AGXT (Alanine-Glyoxylate Amino Transferase) gene that causes type 1 autosomal recessive primary hyperoxaluria. CONCLUSION: A diagnosis of hyperoxalosis causing severe retinal vascular occlusion was rendered. Hyperoxalosis was the result of multiple factors including heterozygous AGXT mutation, chronic renal failure insufficiently treated with peritoneal dialysis, and a diet high in oxalate. This case highlights the importance of ruling out retinal oxalosis in patients on peritoneal dialysis in order to initiate prompt hemodialysis and prevent severe retinal vascular occlusion.

UVR and RPE - The Good, the Bad and the degenerate Macula.

Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) has a well-established causative influence within the aetiology of conditions of the skin and the anterior segment of the eye. However, a grounded assessment of the role of UVR within conditions of the retina has been hampered by a historical lack of quantitative, and spectrally resolved, assessment of how UVR impacts upon the retina in terms congruent with contemporary theories of ageing. In this review, we sought to summarise the key findings of research investigating the connection between UVR exposure in retinal cytopathology while identifying necessary avenues for future research which can deliver a deeper understanding of UVR's place within the retinal risk landscape.

Prevalence of peripheral retinal findings in retinal patients using ultra-widefield pseudocolor fundus imaging.

Ultra-widefield retinal imaging is increasingly used in ophthalmology and optometry practices to image patients identifying peripheral abnormalities. However, the clinical relevance of these peripheral retinal abnormalities is unclear. This cross-sectional study aims to firstly validate a new grading system, secondly, assess the prevalence of peripheral retinal abnormalities in retinal patients, and finally understand how peripheral findings may associate with retinal disease. Ultra-widefield pseudocolor fundus images were taken from the eyes of clinic patients. Demographic data and clinical diagnosis for each patient was noted. The grading system was validated using masked retinal specialists. Logistic regression identified associations between retinal disease and peripheral retinal findings. Using the grading system, inter-observer agreement was 76.1% with Cohen's Kappa coefficient 0.542 (p < 0.0001) and the test-retest agreement was 95.1% with Kappa 0.677(p < 0.0001). 971 images were included, with 625 eyes (64.4%) having peripheral abnormalities. Peripheral drusen was the most common abnormality (n = 221, 22.76%) and correlated with age-related macular degeneration (p < 0.001). Novel correlations were also identified between diabetic retinopathy and retinal pigmentation as well as pigmentary degeneration. This study provides a validated system for identifying peripheral abnormalities and adds to literature highlighting peripheral retinal associations with retinal disease which would benefit from further study.

Trends and practices following the 2016 hydroxychloroquine screening guidelines.

This study aimed to understand the profile of hydroxychloroquine-treated patients, referral patterns, and dosing and to assess the adherence of eye care providers to the latest 2016 screening guidelines provided by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Patients were identified using electronic health records (EHR) taking hydroxychloroquine and were seen by optometrists, retinal specialists, and non-retinal ophthalmologists. Review of EHR data includes demographic characteristics, indications, and dosing profile of hydroxychloroquine use, eye care provider managing the patient, and imaging modalities performed. A total of 166 patients were included in the study. The most common indications for screening were systemic lupus erythematosus and discoid lupus (52.4%) followed by rheumatoid arthritis (18.7%) and Sjögren's syndrome (9.6%). Ninety-two (55.4%) patients were on a higher-than-recommended dose of > 5 mg/kg/day. Patients who weighed less (mean 63.9 kg) were taking a higher-than-recommended dose (vs. 81.5 kg, p < 0.001). Although retinal specialists adhered best to the use of all three recommended imaging modalities, visual field testing was done appropriately for only 8.3% of Asian and 71.1% of non-Asian patients. In conclusion, there is substantial variability in screening by ophthalmic providers and prescribing practices compared with the current recommendations. In particular, there is a marked deficiency in correct visual field testing in Asian patients. These findings are important to highlight potential interventions to improve screening for hydroxychloroquine toxicity.

An unusual case of rapid resolution of bilateral vitelliform deposits after discontinuation of pentosan polysulfate sodium.

Purpose: To report the structural and functional changes in a 67-year-old male with pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) maculopathy with a progressive resolution of bilateral vitelliform lesions after PPS cessation. Observations: The patient was initially seen after taking daily PPS for over 26 years. Three months after discontinuing PPS, the bilateral vitelliform lesions identified on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) at initial consultation had completely resolved. Bilateral resolution of vitelliform lesions was associated with a decline in best-corrected visual acuity, and ellipsoid zone disruption on SD-OCT. Conclusions and importance: Several PPS maculopathy phenotypes have been previously described including vitelliform lesions. Our case highlights that discontinuing PPS may lead to rapid resolution of vitelliform lesions in PPS maculopathy and may be associated with a rapid reduction in vision.

Investigating the associations of macular edema in retinitis pigmentosa.

Macular edema (ME), the accumulation of intraretinal fluid in the macula, is a common sight affecting sequelae of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). However, it is unclear why some patients develop ME, and others do not. This study aims to identify associations between clinical-genetic factors in RP with ME. Patients with clinically confirmed RP cases were identified from the inherited retinal disease database at a large tertiary referral academic center. Demographic and genetic testing findings were noted. Additionally, optical coherence tomography volume scans were graded using a validated grading system. One hundred and six patients (73.1%) were found to have ME in at least one eye (OD = 88, mean = 37.9%, OS = 98, mean = 31.7%). Structurally, the presence of epiretinal membrane (ERM) (p < 0.007) and vitreo-macular traction (VMT) (p < 0.003) were significantly associated with ME. Additionally, X-linked (p < 0.032) and autosomal dominant inheritance (p < 0.039) demonstrated a significant association with ME, with RP1 (p < 0.045) and EYS (p < 0.017) pathogenic variants also significantly associated with ME. This study, in a large cohort of RP patients, confirms previous retinal structural associations for ME in RP and identifies potential new genetic associations.

The Sensitivity of Ultra-Widefield Fundus Photography Versus Scleral Depressed Examination for Detection of Retinal Horseshoe Tears.

PURPOSE: Ultra-widefield (UWF) imaging is commonly used in ophthalmology in tandem with scleral depressed examinations (SDE) to evaluate peripheral retinal disease. Because of the increased reliance on this technology in tele-ophthalmology, it is critical to evaluate its efficacy for detecting the peripheral retina when performed in isolation. Therefore, we sought to evaluate UWF imaging sensitivity in detecting retinal horseshoe tears (HSTs). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical validity and reliability study. METHODS: A single-institutional retrospective analysis was performed on patients at the Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego. Patients with HSTs seen on SDE who underwent treatment with laser were included in the study. A total of 140 patients with HSTs in the right and/or left eyes met the inclusion criteria. Those with concomitant ruptured globes, retinal detachments, and vitreous hemorrhages were excluded. A total of 123 patients with 135 HSTs were included in the final analysis. The primary outcome was the number of HSTs detected by UWF imaging. A secondary outcome was HST location. Sensitivity was measured with respect to HST location, and statistical significance was calculated by Fisher exact testing. RESULTS: A total of 69 (51.1%) HSTs were visualized on UWF images and 66 (48.9%) were not visualized. The sensitivity of UWF imaging in capturing HSTs was 7 of 41 (17.1%), 8 of 25 (32.0%), 7 of 14 (50.0%), and 47 of 55 (85.5%) for the superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal quadrants, respectively. Sensitivities between HST visibility and location were statistically significant (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of HSTs were missed by UWF imaging. This study demonstrates that UWF imaging alone is not sufficiently sensitive to exclude the presence of HSTs.

The Role of Microglia in Inherited Retinal Diseases.

Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a leading cause of irreversible visual loss in the developed world. The primary driver of pathology in IRDs is pathogenic genetic variant. However, there is increasing evidence, from recent studies, for a role of the immune system in disease mechanism, particularly retinal microglia. Microglia are the primary immune cells in the retina and actively contribute to disease pathogenesis when activated locally by phagocytosing photoreceptors, inducing inflammation and signaling infiltration of circulating monocytes. In this article, we discuss the evidence for the contribution of retinal microglia to IRD pathogenesis reported so far using mice model.

A Novel Mouse Model for Late-Onset Retinal Degeneration (L-ORD) Develops RPE Abnormalities Due to the Loss of C1qtnf5/Ctrp5.

Late-onset retinal degeneration (L-ORD) is an autosomal dominant macular dystrophy resulting from mutations in the gene CTRP5/C1QTNF5. A mouse model (Ctrp5+/-) for the most common S163R developed many features of human clinical disease. We generated a novel homozygous Ctrp5 gene knock-out (Ctrp5-/-) mouse model to further study the mechanism of L-ORD. The retinal morphology of these mice was evaluated by retinal imaging, light microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at 6, 11, and 18.5 mo. Expression of Ctrp5 was analyzed using immunostaining and qRT-PCR. The Ctrp5-/- mice showed lack of both Ctrp5 transcript and protein. Presence of a significantly larger number of autofluorescent spots was observed in Ctrp5-/- mice compared to the WT (P < 0.0001) at 19 mo. Increased RPE stress with vacuolization and thinning was observed as early as 6 mo in Ctrp5-/- mice. Further, ultrastructural analyses revealed a progressive accumulation of basal laminar sub-RPE deposits in Ctrp5-/- mice from 11 mo. The Ctrp5-/- mice shared retinal and RPE pathology that matches with that previously described for Ctrp5+/- mice suggesting that pathology in these mice results from the loss of functional CTRP5 and that the presence of CTRP5 is critical for normal RPE and retinal function.

Patients' Perception of Robot-Driven Technology in the Management of Retinal Diseases.

INTRODUCTION: There is increasing application of robots and other artificial intelligence-driven technologies in the management of retinal disease. These technologies have the potential to meet increasing demands for retinal diseases. However, there is currently a lack of understanding of patients' attitudes towards use of robots in ophthalmology. This study investigates patients' attitudes towards robot-led management of retinal disease. METHODS: Paper questionnaires were distributed to 177 patients attending intravitreal treatment (IVT) at the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion between 1 October 2022 and 31 January 2023. The questionnaire collected information on age, sex, diagnosis and postcode. In the questionnaire, patients responded to questions about their attitudes towards robot-led diagnosis, treatment decisions and IVT injections. Responses were collected using a 5-category Likert scale which was analysed using ordinal logistic regression with adjustments for age, sex and deprivation status. RESULTS: Those from affluent socioeconomic backgrounds were significantly (p < 0.001) more accepting of robots diagnosing and deciding on treatment, although the total number of patients who were accepting was only 26 (14.7%). Furthermore, there was an increased proportion of patients who would accept robots if the robot made fewer mistakes than doctors, if the robot reduced waiting or appointment time and if the robot was able to communicate well and have empathy; the same association with socioeconomic background remains (p < 0.001). Lastly, 116 patients (65.5%) would not be happy if IVT injections were performed by a robot; this was more likely the case if the patient was female (p = 0.04) or from a more deprived socioeconomic background (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Attitudes towards robot involvement in diagnosis and management of retinal disease are significantly associated with socioeconomic backgrounds and sex. Additional studies are required to further investigate these determinants of robot receptiveness to ensure acceptance and compliance with treatment with these new technologies.

Pediatric Eye Care Treatment Rates and Community Compliance to a Spectacle Provision Program in an Underserved School District in San Diego, CA.

Significance: The need for early identification and treatment of young children's refractive error needs has become a public health concern. The UCSD Eyemobile for Children (EyeMobile) provides vision screenings and comprehensive eye exams on the Eyemobile among a population of underserved, predominantly Hispanic preschool and elementary school children. The program also provides spectacles for children who fail eye exams due to refractive error. Methods: We performed a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of all children screened from 2011 to 2017 by the Eyemobile across 10 San Diego elementary schools. We examined demographics, distance and near visual acuity, autorefraction, stereopsis, and color vision. To measure compliance to our spectacle program, we checked if children who were prescribed spectacles were wearing them, as instructed, at the following year's screening. Differences between compliance measures with respect to school, age, ethnicity, and gender were determined using chi-square analysis, while all other measures were fit to a binary logistic regression to determine statistically significant factors. Results: A total of 12,176 elementary school children were screened between 2011 and 2017. Of these children, 5269 (43.3%) were referred for a comprehensive eye examination. Across six years, 3163 (60.0%) of the children referred completed their eye examinations. There was a significant increase (p < 0.001) in exam completion in the successive years. Exam completion was significantly higher in ten-year-olds (p = 0.0278) and in 3 of the 10 schools (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0027, and p = 0.0309). A total of 1089 (8.9% of screened) children were prescribed spectacles. Of the 409 children that were recorded with the compliance method, 342 (83.6%) were found to be fully compliant and wearing their spectacles as prescribed. Conclusion: The Eyemobile program demonstrated high levels of compliance for both eye examination completion and prescribed spectacle wear in underserved populations in the San Diego region, compared to similar national programs.

MICROPERIMETRY IN FOVEAL-SPARING ATROPHIC LATE-ONSET RETINAL DEGENERATION.

PURPOSE: To understand the baseline and longitudinal microperimetry characteristics in foveal-sparing atrophic late-onset retinal degeneration. METHOD: Prospective, cross-sectional, longitudinal study in which patients from the retina clinics of two academic teaching hospitals were included. Mesopic microperimetry was performed using a Nidek MP-1 micro-perimeter. Mean total, foveal, inner ring, and outer ring sensitivities were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 20 eyes from 10 patients had baseline data. The subset of 10 eyes from five patients had follow-up data. The mean baseline macular sensitivity was 10.02 dB (± 5.26) with findings showing symmetry between both eyes. In the follow-up cohort, there was a significant loss of outer ring (0.83 dB per year; P = 0.0001), inner ring (0.67 dB per year; P = 0.034), and foveal sensitivity (0.92 dB loss per year; P = 0.015), whereas the mean sensitivity decreased significantly (0.66 dB per year; P = 0.0008) at 4-year follow-up. The drop in mean sensitivity was associated with significant increases in the number of deep scotoma points (6.20, P = 0.037) and a decrease in the number of normal points (-6.30, P = 0.022). CONCLUSION: Microperimetry is a useful tool for macular function follow-up to measure disease progression in late-onset retinal degeneration.

Inner Retinal Thickness and Vasculature in Patients with Reticular Pseudodrusen.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate retinal layer thickness and vessel density differences between patients with reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) and intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration (iAMD). METHODS: Participants included in the study were patients diagnosed by retinal specialists with RPD, iAMD, and both RPD and iAMD at our academic referral center, seen from May 2021 until February 2022. The central 3 mm retinal thickness was measured using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (Heidelberg Spectralis HRA+OCT System; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). Individual retinal thickness measurements were obtained from the innermost layer (nerve fiber layer) until the outermost layer (retinal pigment epithelium [RPE]). Each thickness measurement was subdivided into nine Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) sectors. For the vessel density, OCT angiography from the Heidelberg Spectralis System was measured using proprietary third-party software (AngioTool; National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD). Clinical and demographic characteristics were compared across the three groups (iAMD, RPD, iAMD and RPD) and analyzed with necessary adjustments. Linear mixed-effects models with necessary corrections were employed to compare continuous eye-level measurements between our three groups as well as in pairwise fashion using the R statistical programming software (R version 4.2.1). RESULTS: A total of 25 eyes of 17 patients with RPD, 20 eyes of 15 patients with iAMD, and 14 eyes of 9 patients with both iAMD and RPD were analyzed. Retinal thickness analysis identified that the superior inner (p = 0.028) and superior outer (p = 0.027) maculas of eyes with both iAMD and RPD were significantly thinner than those with iAMD alone. In eyes with RPD, the superior inner and superior outer RPE (p = 0.011 and p = 0.05, respectively), outer plexiform layer (p = 0.003 and p = 0.013, respectively), and inner nuclear layer (p = 0.034 and p = 0, respectively) were noted to be thinner compared to eyes with iAMD alone. In addition, the macular deep capillary plexus vessel density was significantly reduced in eyes with RPD compared to eyes with iAMD (p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Patients with RPD had inner retinal structural as well as vascular changes compared to iAMD patients. Inner retinal vascular attenuation should be investigated further to see if there is a causal association with retinal thinning.

Pigmentary retinopathy associated with immune therapy for advanced cutaneous melanoma.

Purpose: To describe a case of bilateral retinal pigmentary changes in the setting of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (ICIT). Observations: A 69-year-old man with a history of advanced cutaneous melanoma was started on combination ICIT with nivolumab and ipilimumab and stereotactic body radiation therapy. Soon after, he developed photopsias and nyctalopia with findings of discrete retinal pigmentary changes bilaterally. Initial visual acuities were 20/20 and 20/30 in the right and left eye, respectively. Multi-modal imaging revealed sub-retinal deposits with progressive changes in pigmentation and autofluorescence, associated with decreased peripheral fields on formal perimetry. A full-field electroretinogram revealed attenuated and delayed a- and b-waves. Positive serum retinal autoantibodies were identified. The patient developed left-sided optic nerve edema and center-involving cystoid macular edema which improved after treatment with sub-tenon's triamcinolone. Conclusions: The use of ICIT has greatly expanded in oncologic practice with subsequent increases in immune related adverse events that pose significant systemic and ophthalmologic morbidities. We propose that the new retinal pigmentary changes seen in this case are the sequelae of an autoimmune inflammatory response against pigmented cells. This adds to the rare side effects that may occur after ICIT.

Peripheral retinal vessel whitening in patients with diabetes mellitus.

This study aimed to identify retinal vessel whitening outside the standard Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) fields and to correlate the findings with vision and severity of diabetic retinopathy. Patients with diabetes mellitus who were seen in the retinal clinic to assess diabetic retinopathy status were included. Retinal vessel whitening was identified using ultra-widefield imaging. Four hundred and forty-five eyes of 260 patients were included. Thirty-five eyes in 24 patients (7.9%) were noted to have peripheral retinal vessel whitening. Thirty-one eyes with peripheral retinal vessel whitening did not have vessel whitening within the standard 7 ETDRS fields (p < 0.001). The proportion of whitening increased as DR severity increased, from 4.0% for patients with no DR (OR 0.249) to 33.3% for those with severe NPDR and PDR (OR 6.430 and 7.232, respectively). In addition, patients with peripheral retinal vessel whitening had worse visual acuity (logMAR = 0.34) compared to those without (logMAR = 0.15) (p < 0.001). In conclusion, we found an association between peripheral retinal vessel whitening in diabetic patients which correlated with diabetic retinopathy severity. Additionally, we found an association between vessel whitening and reduced vision, suggesting that vessel whitening identified using ultra-widefield imaging may be a prognostic indicator of vision in diabetic retinopathy.

REFINING THE RETINAL PHENOTYPE OF PATIENTS WITH SUSPECTED PENTOSAN POLYSULFATE SODIUM RETINOPATHY.

PURPOSE: To refine the retinal phenotypes of suspected pentosan polysulfate sodium toxicity using ultra-widefield imaging. METHODS: Patients with complete dosing profiles who visited the ophthalmology department and with ultra-widefield and optical coherence tomography imaging records were identified using electronic health records at a large academic center. Retinal toxicity was initially identified using previously published imaging criteria, while grading was categorized using both previously reported and new classification systems. RESULTS: One hundred and four patients were included in this study. Twenty-six (25%) were identified as having toxicity from PPS. The mean duration of exposure and cumulative dose between the retinopathy group (162.7 months, 1,803.2 g) were longer and higher compared with the nonretinopathy group (69.7 months, 972.6 g) (both P < 0.001). There was variability of extramacular phenotype in the retinopathy group, with four eyes having only peripapillary involvement and six eyes having far peripheral extension. CONCLUSION: Retinal toxicity in the setting of prolonged exposure and increased cumulative dosing from PPS therapy produces phenotypic variability. Providers should be aware of the extramacular component of toxicity when screening patients. Understanding the different retinal phenotypes may prevent continued exposure and reduce the risk of vision-threatening foveal-involving disease.

Anterior segment phenotypic changes in late-onset retinal degeneration with Ser163Arg mutation in CTRP5/C1QTNF5.

PURPOSE: Late-onset retinal degeneration (L-ORD) is a rare retinal dystrophy with anterior segment (AS) abnormalities, including long anterior zonules (LAZ) and iris atrophy. This investigation evaluates AS changes in a L-ORD cohort. METHODS: Prospective, longitudinal study including L-ORD individuals (Ser163Arg) with ocular exam and standard slit-lamp photographs between 2011 and 2022. AS images were merged and assessed for LAZ number and zonule-free zone (ZFZ) radius. Further clinical findings such as iris atrophy patterns were reported descriptively. RESULTS: Twelve eyes of 6 patients (4 males, median age = 60.5 years) were included, showing a median of 160 (11-372) LAZs, mainly localized superiorly (39%) and inferiorly (24%). There was a high inter-ocular correlation (rs = 0.94, p < 0.01), no difference in LAZ count between eyes (p = 0.82), and an inverse relationship between LAZ and age (r = - 0.82; p < 0.05). The ZFZ had median 2.1 mm (1.3-5.4), with no inter-ocular difference (p = 0.31). Iris transillumination defects occurred in 11/12 eyes, with 4 major patterns identified: pupillary ruff rarefaction (10/12), patchy atrophy (6/12), notched defects (6/12), and radial streaks (2/12). In a short-term follow-up of 5.9 years, 4 eyes showed a reduction in LAZ count to median 139.5 (67-169) (p = 0.50) and a concomitant increase in ZFZ measurement to median 2.2 (1.7-2.6) (p = 0.17). CONCLUSION: This study confirms symmetric LAZs count and ZFZ in L-ORD, with ZFZ measurements smaller than in previous cohorts. A reduction in LAZs count and an increase in ZFZ with age were suggested longitudinally, yet findings need further evaluation as follow-up was limited to two cases.

Efficacy and accuracy of artificial intelligence to overlay multimodal images from different optical instruments in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.

BACKGROUND: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) represents a group of progressive, genetically heterogenous blinding diseases. Recently, relationships between measures of retinal function and structure are needed to help identify outcome measures or biomarkers for clinical trials. The ability to align retinal multimodal images, taken on different platforms, will allow better understanding of this relationship. We investigate the efficacy of artificial intelligence (AI) in overlaying different multimodal retinal images in RP patients. METHODS: We overlayed infrared images from microperimetry on near-infra-red images from scanning laser ophthalmoscope and spectral domain optical coherence tomography in RP patients using manual alignment and AI. The AI adopted a two-step framework and was trained on a separate dataset. Manual alignment was performed using in-house software that allowed labelling of six key points located at vessel bifurcations. Manual overlay was considered successful if the distance between same key points on the overlayed images was ≤1/2°. RESULTS: Fifty-seven eyes of 32 patients were included in the analysis. AI was significantly more accurate and successful in aligning images compared to manual alignment as confirmed by linear mixed-effects modelling (p < 0.001). A receiver operating characteristic analysis, used to compute the area under the curve of the AI (0.991) and manual (0.835) Dice coefficients in relation to their respective 'truth' values, found AI significantly more accurate in the overlay (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: AI was significantly more accurate than manual alignment in overlaying multimodal retinal imaging in RP patients and showed the potential to use AI algorithms for future multimodal clinical and research applications.