Incidence and risk factors of fellow-eyes wet conversion in unilateral neovascular age-related macular degeneration over 15-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: Incidence and risk factors of fellow eye wet conversion in unilateral neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) over 15-years follow-up. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed 593 unilateral nAMD patients with a minimum of five years up to 15 years of follow-up. The demographic data, visual acuity, fellow eye nAMD conversion rate, and the number of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections in the primary eye were evaluated. Also, the nAMD-converted fellow eyes were divided into two groups based on the time of conversion (less and more than two years from the first injection in the primary eye). Based on the data types, the T-test, Chi-square, and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze. RESULTS: The total cases were 593 patients, and 248 eyes (41.82%) converted to nAMD in the mean interval of 34.92 ± 30.62 months. The males exhibited a predisposition to wet conversion at 2.54 years earlier than their female counterparts (P = 0.025). In all the converted fellow eyes, the mean age was 2.3 years higher at presentation in the group who converted within two years of follow-up in compared to eyes that converted after two years (79.82 ± 8.64 vs 77.51 ± 8.5 years, P = 0.035). Additionally, eyes converting within two years had a mean baseline LogMAR visual acuity of 0.44 ± 0.47, compared to 0.32 ± 0.41 for conversions after two years (P = 0.014). CONCLUSION: This study reported that males showed a predisposition to fellow eye nAMD conversion at an earlier age. Additionally, there was a trend of faster fellow eye nAMD conversion in individuals with higher age and lower baseline visual acuity. KEY MESSAGES: What is known • Certain risk factors may make the fellow eye of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) more likely to progress to wet conversion. • Identifying these risk factors for fellow eye wet conversion can help prevent it, potentially preserving the patient's vision quality for a longer duration. • The studies on the incidence of wet conversion in the fellow eye have yielded controversial results. What is new • During the 15-year follow-up period, nearly half (47.58%) of the fellow eyes that underwent wet conversion did so within the initial two years following the wet conversion of the first eye. • Males showed a predisposition to fellow eye nAMD conversion at an earlier age. • There was a trend of faster fellow eye nAMD conversion in individuals with higher age and lower baseline visual acuity.

Choroidal and retinal exudative changes following extensive endolaser pan retinal photocoagulation.

BACKGROUND: In this report, we describe a case of proliferative diabetic retinopathy that developed into exudative changes confusing with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) following extensive endolaser pan retinal photocoagulation. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 49-year-old male patient with diabetic retinopathy in both eyes presented with vitreous hemorrhage and 6/60 visual acuity in his left eye. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans at presentation revealed serous PEDs in both eyes. On day 10 after vitreoretinal surgery and complete peripheral endolaser PRP for the left eye, there was serous retinal detachment (SRD) and an increase in PED heights, mimicking CSCR. No additional treatment was considered. At the three-week post-operative visit, OCT scans revealed that the SRD had resolved and the PED heights had decreased without rupture. At the final follow-up visit, 12 weeks after surgery, the SRD had not recurred, and the PEDs had stabilized. Despite no additional ocular therapy for the right eye, the serous PED height had decreased. The choroidal thickness (CT) at the fovea at various points during the follow-up visits revealed a reduction in both eyes. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrated the course of SRD, PED, and CT following extensive PRP. These changes may be associated with intraocular VEGF changes. In the presence of SRD and serous PED, the PED morphology may help differentiate the condition from CSCR. Although caution should be exercised when performing PRP during surgery or as an outpatient procedure, the SRD usually resolves without problem.

LONG-TERM VISUAL OUTCOMES AND OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY BIOMARKERS IN EYES WITH MACULAR EDEMA SECONDARY TO RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION FOLLOWING ANTI-VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR THERAPY.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the structural characteristics and long-term visual outcomes in eyes impacted by macular edema as a consequence of retinal vein occlusion that has undergone effective treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. METHODS: Inclusion criteria comprised 42 eyes of 41 patients, subjected to long-term follow-up, displaying resolved macular edema after a minimum of 5 years since the commencement of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. During the final visit, two experienced observers evaluated several qualitative parameters using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, such as the integrity of the external limiting membrane, the state of the ellipsoid zone and retinal pigment epithelium, and the presence of disorganization of the retinal inner layers. In addition, a quantitative evaluation of the inner and outer retinal thicknesses was conducted for the purpose of topographical analysis. RESULTS: The most prominent qualitative correlation identified with best-corrected visual acuity during the final visit was connected to the presence of disorganization of the retinal inner layers ( P = 0.004) and the integrity of the external limiting membrane ( P = 0.015). In relation to quantitative aspects, a noteworthy correlation was noted between the visual acuity during the last visit and the parafoveal thickness in both the inner ( P = 0.003) and outer retina ( P = 0.018). CONCLUSION: In eyes where macular edema resulting from retinal vein occlusion has been successfully resolved with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, changes in the status of the external limiting membrane and the presence of disorganization of the retinal inner layers serve as valuable optical coherence tomography biomarkers, indicating prolonged visual outcomes.

Choroidal imaging biomarkers as predictors of conversion to exudative age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: Predicting the progression of intermediate AMD (iAMD) to neovascular AMD (nAMD) will help to identify high-risk patients and improve treatment outcomes. The present study assessed whether choroidal OCT biomarkers could predict conversion to nAMD. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with clinically stable iAMD who either converted to nAMD (C group) or did not convert (NC group) during one year of follow-up. OCT parameters included subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), central macular thickness (CMT), Haller vascular thickness (HVT), inner choroidal thickness (ICT), and double-layer sign (DLS). RESULTS: Of 116 total eyes, there were 37 in the NC group and 79 in the C group. Baseline SFCT was significantly lower in the C group compared to the NC group (169.0 ± 63.2 µm vs. 218.0 ± 97.8 µm, p = 0.01). Baseline HVT and ICT were lower in the C group (105.2 ± 40.6 µm vs. 121.0 ± 56.6 µm, p = 0.17 and 61.9 ± 35.5 µm vs. 77.5 ± 41.7 µm, p = 0.09). HVT was decreased at all time points in the C group vs NC (p > 0.05). The ICT was reduced in the C group at each time point except at conversion time (p > 0.05). Of all eight eyes who presented DLS at baseline, 100% converted to nAMD (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Lower SFCT at baseline may signal conversion to nAMD within 12 months.

Geographical Trends in Global Ophthalmology Research from 2002-2022.

PURPOSE: Characterize geographical trends in ophthalmology research between 2002-2022 and explore associations between study locations, designs, and funding sources DESIGN: Trend study METHODS: Analysis of 4199 publications from American Journal of Ophthalmology, British Journal of Ophthalmology, Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, JAMA Ophthalmology, and Ophthalmology. All original full-length publications from 2002, 2012, and 2022 were included. Exclusion criteria were meta-analyses, literature reviews, and case reports. Main outcome measures were publication years, locations, study designs, and funding sources. RESULTS: Publications from North America (45.8%), Europe (30.7%), and Asia (28.9%) were the most common, whereas Africa (0.8%) and South America (1.4%) were least represented. North American research decreased by 10.6% (p < 0.001), whereas Asian research increased by 25.4% (p < 0.001). The USA contributed 42.3% of research but experienced a 11.3% decline from 2002-2022 (p < 0.001). USA publications received 5.8% more industry funding from 2002-2022 (p = 0.006). China's research grew by 17.0% and had the highest proportion of government (83.1%) or intramural (24.2%) funding (p < 0.001), with government-funded studies increasing by 46.7% (p < 0.001). Japan was less associated with all funding types (p ≤ 0.001). Singapore, Iceland, and Switzerland were top performers when adjusted for population size. CONCLUSIONS: Within the examined journals, the USA remains the primary research contributor, with China witnessing rapid growth and Japan facing stagnation. Despite the USA's declining research proportion, North America and Europe continue to maintain a disproportionately high presence in prestigious academic journals. Publications from Africa and South America are limited.

Pachychoroid disease: review and update.

The pachychoroid disease spectrum is a phenotype characterized by alterations in choroidal vasculature which result in outer retinal and choriocapillaris damage and visual loss. The presence of pachyvessels is one of the key features of the pachychoroid phenotype. Recent imaging studies suggest that pachyvessels may form because of choroidal venous congestion in one or more quadrants. The formation of intervortex anastomosis may function as a compensatory mechanism to dissipate the increased venous pressure, while outflow obstruction has been hypothesized to occur at the site of the vortex vein exiting the sclera. This review aims to summarize recent imaging findings and discuss evolution in the understanding of pathogenesis of the pachychoroid disease spectrum. We have summarized notable treatment trials in central serous chorioretinopathy and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and included an update of the current diagnostic and management strategies of the entities that are part of the pachychoroid disease spectrum.

Posterior staphyloma-induced serous maculopathy: Evolution and successful treatment with subthreshold micro pulse Laser.

PURPOSE: To describe the evolution of posterior staphyloma-induced serous maculopathy (PSISM) in a patient with myopic tilted disc syndrome and its treatment with subthreshold micro pulse laser (SMPL) therapy. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 38-year-old male, diagnosed previously with classical features of myopic tilted disc syndrome presented to the retina clinic after 5 years from the initial presentation with blurred vision in the right eye for 6 months, visual acuity of 6/15 and findings of serous macular detachment (SMD) and subretinal precipitates at the upper margin of the posterior staphyloma. Retinal imaging ruled out other causes of SMD such as chronic central serous chorioretinopathy, myopic macular neovascularisation and dome shaped macula. A diagnosis of PSISM was confirmed. The left eye fundus and macula was normal. RESULTS: Confluent SMPL burns were applied across the SMD. The serous maculopathy resolved over a period of 2 months and visual acuity improved to 6/9. No recurrence of SMD was noted even after 14 months post SMPL. CONCLUSION: PSISM develops gradually in eyes with myopic titled disc syndrome. SMPL is a viable therapeutic option in the management of PSISM and should be considered early in the treatment options.

Characteristics of myelinated retinal nerve fibres in associated straatsma syndrome.

PURPOSE: To study cases diagnosed of myelinated retinal nerve fibres (MRNF) continuous with the optic disc and describe the plausible pathogenic mechanism for the ocular features in Straatsma syndrome. METHODS: This retrospective observational study includes clinically diagnosed MRNF cases. MRNF, myopia, and amblyopia defined Straatsma syndrome. MRNF were classified into three types based on location: type 1 in the superior retina, type 2 in the superior and inferior retina, and type 3 in the inferior retina. MRNF size was measured on Optomap® (Optos, Daytona, UK) images and posterior staphyloma location was noted. Demographics and best-corrected refractive error in logMAR units was recorded. Descriptive statistics and Spearman's corelation test were used to analyse MRNF size's relationship to refractive error and logMAR visual acuity. RESULTS: The study included a total of 19 MRNF eyes from 18 patients. Seventeen (89%) eyes had Straatsma syndrome. Median age was 23.50 [range: 4-75] years. One (6%) patient exhibited bilateral presentation. The median logMAR visual acuity was 0.4 log units (interquartile range: 0.18-1.20) and mean refractive error was -7.21 ± 5.32. Type 2 MRNF (n = 14,74%) was the commonest. Average MRNF size was 34.37 ± 40.73 sq.mm. Posterior staphyloma was noted in 17 eyes, all in close MRNF association. Significant positive corelation was noted between logMAR visual acuity and MRNF size (r = 0.5, p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: Large size MRNF corelated with poor visual acuity in the study. The paper explains the possible pathogenetic mechanisms for the ocular findings seen in MRNF.

Evaluation of the Inner Macula Layers, Circumpapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer, and Minimum Rim Width Thickness in Patients with Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome Without Glaucoma Compared to Controls.

PRECIS: Minimum Rim width (MRW) is thinner in patients with non-glaucomatous pseudoexfoliation syndrome (XFS) and may be the first parameter affected in these patients due to the vascular nature of this disease. PURPOSE: To evaluate the macular inner layers, circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cp-RNFL), and MRW in non-glaucomatous XFS compared to healthy subjects. METHODS: In this prospective study, using Heidelberg Spectralis optical coherence tomography (OCT) with glaucoma module premium edition, 8×8 grids of macular inner layers were exported, and the global, superior, and inferior thicknesses were used. Also, on the deviation map, the elliptical annulus around the fovea, which was 4.8×4 mm in size, was analyzed. Moreover, both groups calculated cp-RNFL and MRW values in three superior and three inferior sectors. RESULTS: Thirty-two eyes of thirty-two subjects with clinically detected non-glaucomatous XFS and 30 right eyes of age-sex-matched healthy controls were included. No significant difference was found between the case and control groups concerning the intraocular pressure (IOP) (14.94±2.09 mmHg vs. 15.27±2.27, respectively, P value= 0.556). The MRW of the superotemporal segment (MRW-TS) was significantly thinner in the XFS group compared with the control ones (303.69±60.49 µm vs. 341.43±56.19 µm, P = 0.014). No significant differences were found in the other sectors of MRW, macular inner layers, and cp-RNFL thickness between the groups. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that the MRW, especially in the superotemporal sector, may show early eye damage in patients with non-glaucomatous XFS, and it may be used to detect the early stage of glaucoma in XFS.

Diabetic macular edema: Upcoming therapies.

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a serious vision-threatening complication that can arise at any stage of diabetic retinopathy. Primary treatment involves anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, which are highly effective but associated with challenges, such as the need for frequent injections, relapses, and resistance to therapy. Therefore, there has been a growing interest in developing new treatments that offer similar or superior outcomes in DME. This review article explores emerging treatments, including WNT agonists, gene therapy, protein inhibitors, and, most importantly, the first-ever non-invasive and oral drugs. The evolving therapies in diabetic retinopathy offer hope for continued improvement in vision loss associated with one of the most common chronic conditions worldwide.

The Complement System as a Therapeutic Target in Retinal Disease.

The complement cascade is a vital system in the human body's defense against pathogens. During the natural aging process, it has been observed that this system is imperative for ensuring the integrity and homeostasis of the retina. While this system is critical for proper host defense and retinal integrity, it has also been found that dysregulation of this system may lead to certain retinal pathologies, including geographic atrophy and diabetic retinopathy. Targeting components of the complement system for retinal diseases has been an area of interest, and in vivo, ex vivo, and clinical trials have been conducted in this area. Following clinical trials, medications targeting the complement system for retinal disease have also become available. In this manuscript, we discuss the pathophysiology of complement dysfunction in the retina and specific pathologies. We then describe the results of cellular, animal, and clinical studies targeting the complement system for retinal diseases. We then provide an overview of complement inhibitors that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for geographic atrophy. The complement system in retinal diseases continues to serve as an emerging therapeutic target, and further research in this field will provide additional insights into the mechanisms and considerations for treatment of retinal pathologies.

Update on central retinal artery occlusion.

The medical condition referred to as "central retinal artery occlusion" (CRAO) was first documented by Albrecht von Graefe in 1859. Subsequently, CRAO has consistently been identified as a serious medical condition that leads to substantial visual impairment. Furthermore, it is correlated with vascular complications that have the potential to affect crucial organs such as the brain and heart. A considerable amount of research has been extensively published on the various aspects of this topic, which is marked by notable debates and misconceptions, especially regarding its management and outcomes. The primary aim of this review article is to analyze the latest developments in the understanding of CRAO, which includes its causes, techniques for retinal imaging, systemic evaluation, and therapeutic strategies, such as vitrectomy. This review article offers readers a comprehensive learning experience to gain knowledge on the fundamental principles and recent advancements in CRAO.

Oral Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 2α Inhibitor Belzutifan in Ocular von Hippel-Lindau Disease: Subgroup Analysis of the Single-Arm Phase 2 LITESPARK-004 Study.

PURPOSE: To report the efficacy of the oral hypoxia-inducible factor 2α inhibitor belzutifan in participants with von Hippel-Lindau disease-associated retinal hemangioblastomas in the LITESPARK-004 study. DESIGN: Subgroup analysis of the phase 2, single-arm, open-label LITESPARK-004 study. PARTICIPANTS: Adults with 1 or more von Hippel-Lindau disease-associated measurable renal cell carcinoma tumors not requiring immediate surgical intervention were eligible. METHODS: Participants received oral belzutifan 120 mg once daily until disease progression or unacceptable treatment-related toxicity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Efficacy of belzutifan in retinal hemangioblastomas was a secondary end point, measured as response (improved, stable, or progressed) by independent reading center-certified graders based on color fundus imaging performed every 12 weeks using the investigator's preferred imaging standards. Additional assessments, where available, included OCT and ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography. RESULTS: Among 61 participants in LITESPARK-004, 12 had 1 or more evaluable active retinal hemangioblastomas in 16 eyes at baseline per independent reading center. As of April 1, 2022, the median follow-up for participants with ocular von Hippel-Lindau disease at baseline was 37.3 months. All 16 eyes were graded as improved, with a response rate of 100.0% (95% confidence interval, 79.4%-100%). No new retinal hemangioblastomas or ocular disease progression were reported as of data cutoff date. Eight participants underwent additional multimodal eye assessments performed at the National Institutes of Health study site. Among this subgroup, 10 of 24 hemangioblastomas in 8 eyes of 6 participants measured 500 µm or more in greatest linear dimension at baseline and were analyzed further. All 10 hemangioblastomas had a mean area reduction of 15% or more by month 12 and of 30% or more by month 24. CONCLUSIONS: Belzutifan showed promising activity against ocular von Hippel-Lindau disease, including capacity to control retinal hemangioblastomas, with effects sustained for more than 2 years while treatment is ongoing. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

A journey through the world of vitreous.

Vitreous, one of the largest components of the human eye, mostly contains water. Despite decades of studying the vitreous structure, numerous unanswered questions still remain, fueling ongoing active research. We attempt to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the development, morphology, biochemical composition, and function of the vitreous. We emphasize the impact of the vitreous structure and composition on the distribution of drugs. Fast-developing imaging technologies, such as modern optical coherence tomography, unlocked multiple new approaches, offering the potential for in vivo study of the vitreous structure. They allowed to analyze in vivo a range of vitreous structures, such as posterior precortical vitreous pockets, Cloquet canal, channels that interconnect them, perivascular vitreous fissures, and cisterns. We provide an overview of such imaging techniques and their principles and of some challenges in visualizing vitreous structures. Finally, we explores the potential of combining the latest technologies and machine learning to enhance our understanding of vitreous structures.

Progression of macular retinoschisis following intravitreal aflibercept injection for myopic macular neovascularization-a case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Macular retinoschisis (MRS) and myopic macular neovascularization (mMNV) are both potentially blinding complications of high myopia. In this case report, we highlight the progression of MRS after intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment for mMNV, as well as an extensive review of the literature on this topic. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 49-year-old woman presented with two weeks of recent onset blurring and metamorphopsia in her right eye. She had high myopia in both eyes (right eye - 20/60 with - 16D, left eye - 20/20 with - 13D). Slit-lamp ophthalmoscopy found a normal anterior segment in both eyes. On fundus examination, features of pathological myopia with posterior staphyloma and peripapillary atrophy were observed in both eyes. An active mMNV, as well as intraretinal fluid, minimal perifoveal inner and outer MRS, and focal posterior vitreous traction along the inferotemporal retinal arcade, were detected on optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the right eye. The patient received an intravitreal injection of Aflibercept (2 mg/0.05 ml). RESULTS: OCT scans at two- and four-month follow-up visits revealed regressed mMNV with a taut epiretinal membrane, progressive worsening of outer MRS, and the development of multiple perifoveal retinal detachment inferior to the fovea. Pars plana vitrectomy surgery was performed for the progressive MRS with good anatomical (resolved MRS) and functional outcome (maintained visual acuity at 20/60) at the last one-month post-surgery visit. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections for mMNV can cause vitreoretinal interface changes, exacerbating MRS and causing visual deterioration. Vitrectomy for MRS could be one of several treatment options.

Quantitative assessment of intervortex anastomosis in central serous chorioretinopathy and fellow eyes: Does the size of anastomotic vessels matter for the diagnosis?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency and size of intervortex anastomosis at the posterior pole on en-face spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) cases and their fellow eyes and its associations with choroidal morphology. METHODS: Sixty-five treatment-naive eyes of 65 patients with CSC, 65 fellow eyes, and 55 eyes of healthy age-matched participants were included. The presence of intervortex anastomosis at the watershed zone and asymmetry of the choroidal vessels between the superior and inferior macula were evaluated using 6 × 6 mm en-face SD-OCT. The diameter of the widest Haller vessel and the diameter of the widest anastomotic Haller vessel passing through the watershed zone were measured on en-face SD-OCT images. The choroidal vascularity index (CVI) was assessed using ImageJ software. RESULTS: Intervortex vein anastomosis on the horizontal watershed zone was detected in 75.4% diseased eyes, 61.5% in fellow eyes, and 36.4% in healthy age-matched controls (p < 0.001). The mean CVI was significantly higher in both diseased (74.3 ± 2.3%) and fellow (73.8 ± 2.2%) eyes of CSC cases than in healthy controls (72.5 ± 2.3%) (p = 0.002, p = 0.013, respectively). In the cases with intervortex vein anastomosis, the diameter of the widest anastomotic Haller vessel passing through the watershed zone was 0.40 ± 0.10 mm in diseased eyes, 0.35 ± 0.11 mm in fellow eyes, and 0.30 ± 0.09 mm in healthy age-matched controls (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Intervortex anastomosis might be seen as a variation in normal eyes, however, its frequency and the size of anastomotic vessels are significant higher in not only CSC but also in fellow eyes.

Screen Failures in Clinical Trials in Retina.

PURPOSE: Disparities in clinical trials are a major problem because of significant underrepresentation of certain gender, racial, and ethnic groups. Several factors including stringent eligibility criteria and recruitment strategies hinder our understanding of retinal disease. Thus, we aimed to study the various reasons of screen failures and specific patient and study characteristics among screen failures. DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional retrospective study. METHODS: Screening data of 87 trials from 6 centers were analyzed. Study characteristics (disease studied, phase of trial, and route of drug administration) and patient demographics (age, gender, race, ethnicity, and employment status) were compared among different causes of screen failures. Screen failures were broadly classified into 6 categories: exclusion because of vision-based criteria, exclusion because of imaging findings, exclusion because of other factors, patient-related criteria, physician-related criteria, and miscellaneous. Descriptive statistics, Pearson chi-square test, and analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of various reasons for screen failures in multiple trials and its trend among different study and patient characteristics. RESULTS: Among 87 trials and 962 patients, 465 (48.2%) patients were successfully randomized and 497 (51.8%) patients were classified as screen failures. The trials were conducted for various retinal diseases. Mean age was 76.50 ±10.45 years and 59.4% were females. Predominantly White patients (93.4%) and unemployed/retired patients (66.6%) were screened. Of the 497 screen failures, most were because of patients not meeting inclusion criteria of imaging findings (n = 221 [44.5%]) followed by inclusion of vision-based criteria (n = 73 [14.7%]), exclusion because of other factors (n = 75 [15.1%]), patient-related (n = 34 [6.8%]), physician-related (n = 28 [5.6%]), and miscellaneous reasons (n = 39 [7.8%]). Reason for screen failure was not available for 27 (5.4%) patients. A higher proportion of patients screened for surgical trials (15%) declined to participate in the study compared with noninvasive trials involving topical drugs and photobiomodulation (0%) (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Patients not meeting the imaging and vision-cased criteria were the most common reasons for screen failures. White patients and unemployed patients predominantly participated in clinical trials. Patients are more inclined to continue participation in noninvasive clinical trials compared with surgical trials. Better recruitment strategies and careful consideration of study criteria can aid in decreasing the rate of screen failures.