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1.
Eye Contact Lens ; 50(7): 292-296, 2024 Jul 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39078501

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Scleral lenses (SLs) can be customized using traditional diagnostic lens fitting or by using image- and/or impression-based technologies. This study describes the availability and usage of SL fitting technology in patients with keratoconus. METHODS: An online survey queried practitioners on the mode of practice, country of residence, and estimated number of SL fits completed for keratoconus. Practitioners were asked whether they had access to image- and/or impression-based technology and to estimate the percentage of fits completed using diagnostic fitting, image-based technology, and impression-based technology. Access and usage of technology was compared between academic and community practices, United States and non-United States, and high-volume (≥60 SLs) and low-volume fitters. RESULTS: 423 practitioners who fit SL for keratoconus participated. Image- and impression-based technologies were more frequently available in academic practices compared with community practices and high-volume compared with low-volume practitioners ( P <0.005). Practitioners with image-based technology used it for a median [interquartile range] 5 [25]% of SL fittings; those with impression-based technology used it for 8 [9]% of fittings, and those with both types of technology used image-based devices for 12 [23]% of fittings and impression-based for 5 [8]% of fittings. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, most participants report using diagnostic lenses to fit SLs for patients with keratoconus.


Subject(s)
Contact Lenses , Keratoconus , Prosthesis Fitting , Sclera , Keratoconus/therapy , Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Surveys and Questionnaires
3.
Cont Lens Anterior Eye ; : 102174, 2024 Apr 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38693011

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study describes efficiency of diagnostic, image-based, and impression-based fitting methods by eye care providers who prescribe scleral lenses (SL) for patients with keratoconus. METHODS: An electronic survey was distributed to eye care providers with an interest in SL fitting. Demographic data including practice modality, country of residence, and fitting volume were collected. Efficiency of each fitting method (diagnostic, image, and impression-guided) was queried including time required for initial evaluation, number of lenses ordered, and number of office visits required. Practitioners with access to image and impression-based technology were also asked time required to acquire data and to estimate the percentage of time a lens could be manufactured from the initial images or impressions. RESULTS: 423 practitioners who prescribe SL for patients with keratoconus reported completing a median [IQR] 100 [280] SL fittings. There was no difference in the median time required for initial evaluation (30 min; p = 0.5) or median number of lenses ordered during the fitting process (2 lenses; p = 0.2) between diagnostic, image-based, or impression-based SL fitting methods. Median time to acquire initial images was 10 [7] minutes and 15 [10] minutes to obtain impressions. Images obtained were adequate to order an initial lens 80 [45]% of the time while initial impressions were adequate 90 [40]%. CONCLUSION: In this study, practitioner-reported efficiency of SL fitting was similar between diagnostic, image-based and impression-based methods for patients with keratoconus.

4.
Eye Contact Lens ; 50(6): 259-264, 2024 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38625757

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Dry eye is a common condition that can decrease the quality of life. This survey-based study of persons with dry eye investigated self-reported treatments (initial, current), out-of-pocket expenses, time spent on self-management, sources of care, and sources of information about their condition. METHODS: Online dry eye newsletters and support groups were emailed a link to an electronic survey asking members to participate. Survey respondents were not required to answer every question. RESULTS: In total, 639 persons with self-reported dry eye responded (86% women, 14% men [n=623]; mean ± SD age, 55 ± 14 years [n=595]). Artificial tears were the most reported intervention (76% initially, 71% currently). The median (interquartile range) out-of-pocket treatment cost annually was $500 ($200-$1,320 [n=506]). In addition, 55% (n=544) estimated 5 to 20 min daily on self-management; 22% spent an hour or more. Ophthalmologists provided most dry eye care (67%, n=520). Only 48% (n=524) reported that their primary source of dry eye information came from their eye care clinician. CONCLUSIONS: Artificial tears are the primary treatment for dry eye. Ophthalmologists provide most dry eye care, but half of patients report that their eye care provider is not their primary source of information. Almost one fourth of patients spend an hour or more daily on treatments.


Subject(s)
Cost of Illness , Dry Eye Syndromes , Dry Eye Syndromes/economics , Dry Eye Syndromes/prevention & control , Dry Eye Syndromes/therapy , Information Sources/statistics & numerical data , Lubricant Eye Drops/economics , Lubricant Eye Drops/therapeutic use , Ophthalmologists/statistics & numerical data , Self-Management/economics , Self-Management/statistics & numerical data , Surveys and Questionnaires , Time , Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged
5.
Ophthalmic Physiol Opt ; 44(4): 769-773, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38404141

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Midday fogging is a complication of scleral lens (SL) wear that interrupts clear vision during the course of wear. SLs can be made with a variety of gas permeable materials, sizes and surface treatments, and various solutions are available for storing the lenses and for filling them before application on the eye. Many of these factors have been implicated as possible contributors to midday fogging. This study explored the lens and solution properties in habitual SL wearers with and without midday fogging. METHODS: In this prospective study, 48 habitual SL wearers were evaluated and asked to report whether they experienced midday fogging and if they removed their lenses during the day. They completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), which is a validated tool for dry eye assessment. Lens parameters (material, coatings and diameter) and lens storage and filling solutions were documented. Backward elimination of regression terms evaluated the lens and solution properties in those with and without fogging. OSDI scores were compared using the Mann-Whitney analysis. RESULTS: Collectively, the lens properties and solutions accounted for 27.7% of the variance related to midday fogging. None of the factors alone had a significant impact upon midday fogging. The median (interquartile range) OSDI score for those with fogging [37 (35)] was significantly different from those without fogging [10 (15)], with the scores corresponding to severe dry eye and normal eyes, respectively. CONCLUSION: SL wearers with midday fogging exhibited similar symptoms to patients with severe dry eye. Lens and solution characteristics may play a small role in patients with midday fogging, although changing just a single factor is not likely to impact its presence.


Subject(s)
Dry Eye Syndromes , Humans , Male , Female , Prospective Studies , Adult , Dry Eye Syndromes/etiology , Dry Eye Syndromes/physiopathology , Dry Eye Syndromes/diagnosis , Young Adult , Middle Aged , Contact Lens Solutions , Contact Lenses/adverse effects , Sclera
6.
Eye Contact Lens ; 50(3): 132-137, 2024 Mar 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38305382

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of obtaining cornea scleral profile (CSP) measurements using Scheimpflug imaging and report on the fitting process of free-form custom scleral lenses (SLs) for patients with ocular surface disease (OSD). METHODS: This prospective study of patients fit with free-form SLs collected data on the following: demographics, indications for wear, corneal and scleral tomography, scan acquisition process, and SL fitting process. RESULTS: Cornea scleral profile scans were acquired on 15 eyes of nine patients. Mean scan time for right eyes was 10.7, and 9.7 min for left eyes. A mean of 2.9 follow-up visits were required to complete SL fitting, with a mean of 2.1 lenses ordered. One eye did not tolerate lens wear, and one eye could not be fit using the CSP scan because of insufficient data. The initial lens ordered was dispensed at the first follow-up visit for seven of the remaining 13 eyes, all of which were ultimately fit successfully in free-form lenses. CONCLUSIONS: In this study of profilometry-guided SL fitting for eyes with OSD and low magnitude corneal astigmatism, the number of lenses and follow-up visits required were similar to outcomes of previous studies that described the diagnostic approach to SL fitting. In addition, imaging technology does not negate the need for skilled clinical observation while fitting SLs.


Subject(s)
Contact Lenses , Corneal Diseases , Humans , Visual Acuity , Prospective Studies , Corneal Diseases/diagnosis , Corneal Diseases/therapy , Cornea , Sclera , Prosthesis Fitting
7.
Pediatr Nephrol ; 39(7): 2171-2175, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38267590

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a leading cause of hospitalizations and mortality among patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) therapy, especially those with a central venous catheter (CVC) for dialysis access. The use of chlorhexidine impregnated catheter caps (ClearGuard) has been associated with a decrease in the rate of HD catheter-related BSIs (CA-BSIs) in adults; similar data have not been published for children. METHODS: We compared CA-BSI data from participating centers within the Standardizing Care to Improve Outcomes in Pediatric Endstage Kidney Disease (SCOPE) collaborative based on the center's use of ClearGuard caps for patients with HD catheter access. Centers were characterized as ClearGuard (CG) or non-ClearGuard (NCG) centers, with CA-BSI data pre- and post-CG implementation reviewed. All positive blood cultures in participating centers were reported to the SCOPE collaborative and adjudicated by an infectious disease physician. RESULTS: Data were available from 1786 SCOPE enrollment forms completed January 2016-January 2022. January 2020 served as the implementation date for analyzing CG versus NCG center data, with this being the time when the last CG center underwent implementation. Post January 2020, there was a greater decrease in the rate of HD CA-BSI in CG centers versus NCG centers, with a decrease from 1.18 to 0.23 and 0.41 episodes per 100 patient months for the CG and NCG centers, respectively (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Routine use of ClearGuard caps in pediatric dialysis centers was associated with a reduction of HD CA-BSI rates in pediatric HD patients.


Subject(s)
Catheter-Related Infections , Central Venous Catheters , Chlorhexidine , Kidney Failure, Chronic , Renal Dialysis , Humans , Renal Dialysis/adverse effects , Renal Dialysis/methods , Child , Catheter-Related Infections/microbiology , Catheter-Related Infections/epidemiology , Catheter-Related Infections/etiology , Male , Female , Adolescent , Central Venous Catheters/adverse effects , Central Venous Catheters/microbiology , Kidney Failure, Chronic/therapy , Chlorhexidine/therapeutic use , Chlorhexidine/analogs & derivatives , Chlorhexidine/administration & dosage , Child, Preschool , Catheterization, Central Venous/adverse effects , Catheterization, Central Venous/instrumentation , Anti-Infective Agents, Local/administration & dosage , Anti-Infective Agents, Local/therapeutic use
8.
Eye Contact Lens ; 50(2): 59-64, 2024 Feb 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37910817

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To report patient-reported experiences with dry eye disease and therapeutic contact lenses. METHODS: A survey was distributed to patients with dry eye disease. Demographics, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), systemic disease, contact lens history, and burden of care information were collected. Descriptive statistics are presented and categorized by nonlens, soft lens, and scleral lens (SL) wearers. RESULTS: Of 639 respondents, 15% (94/639) were currently using therapeutic soft or SLs (47 soft and 69 SL). Mid-day fogging or clouding of vision was reported by SL (75%, 50/67) and soft lens (62%, 29/47) wearers. Seventy-two percent of SL wearers spent more than 20 min daily on dry eye treatment while 43% of soft lens wearers spent more than 20 min. Median annual expenditure was higher for SL ($1,500, n=63) than nonlens ($500, n=371) or soft lens wearers ($700, n=43). Mean OSDI scores in all groups were in the severe category (51±22 years, n=401 nonlens wearers; mean age; 45±22 years, n=47 soft lens wearers; 60±24 years, n=69 SL wearers). CONCLUSIONS: Mid-day fogging and blurring of vision was reported by most of the individuals using therapeutic lenses for dry eye disease. SL wearers allocate the most resources for dry eye care.


Subject(s)
Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic , Dry Eye Syndromes , Humans , Dry Eye Syndromes/therapy , Vision, Ocular , Surveys and Questionnaires , Patient Outcome Assessment
9.
Optom Educ ; 48(3): 27-30, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37655307

ABSTRACT

Although optometric programs have incorporated scleral lens (SL) education into their curricula, actual student experiences with SL fitting varies widely. This survey study describes the SL fitting and training experiences of graduating optometry students in US schools and colleges. Participants (323) were fourth-year students preparing to graduate in 2020 (19% response rate). Students appeared to have insufficient SL fitting practice, the median number of SL evaluations completed before graduation was 5 (range 0-110) and 63% reported less than 10 fits. Students with an interest in fitting SLs may wish to pursue additional training opportunities, such as residency, to acquire further experience before achieving sufficient proficiency with SLs.

10.
Brain Commun ; 5(2): fcad119, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37101831

ABSTRACT

Plasticity in the brain is impacted by an individual's age at the onset of the blindness. However, what drives the varying degrees of plasticity remains largely unclear. One possible explanation attributes the mechanisms for the differing levels of plasticity to the cholinergic signals originating in the nucleus basalis of Meynert. This explanation is based on the fact that the nucleus basalis of Meynert can modulate cortical processes such as plasticity and sensory encoding through its widespread cholinergic projections. Nevertheless, there is no direct evidence indicating that the nucleus basalis of Meynert undergoes plastic changes following blindness. Therefore, using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, we examined if the structural and functional properties of the nucleus basalis of Meynert differ between early blind, late blind and sighted individuals. We observed that early and late blind individuals had a preserved volumetric size and cerebrovascular reactivity in the nucleus basalis of Meynert. However, we observed a reduction in the directionality of water diffusion in both early and late blind individuals compared to sighted individuals. Notably, the nucleus basalis of Meynert presented diverging patterns of functional connectivity between early and late blind individuals. This functional connectivity was enhanced at both global and local (visual, language and default-mode networks) levels in the early blind individuals, but there were little-to-no changes in the late blind individuals when compared to sighted controls. Furthermore, the age at onset of blindness predicted both global and local functional connectivity. These results suggest that upon reduced directionality of water diffusion in the nucleus basalis of Meynert, cholinergic influence may be stronger for the early blind compared to the late blind individuals. Our findings are important to unravelling why early blind individuals present stronger and more widespread cross-modal plasticity compared to late blind individuals.

11.
Eye Contact Lens ; 49(3): 89-91, 2023 Mar 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36602410

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT: The benefits of scleral lens (SL) wear have been described in cross-sectional and retrospective studies; however, the frequency of complications associated with SL wear has not, to the best of our knowledge, been determined. From a survey of SL practitioners, we estimated the period prevalence over 1 year of corneal complications that required SL wearers to discontinue lens wear. In a sample of 72,605 wearers, SL wear was discontinued for the following complications: corneal edema, 1.2%; corneal neovascularization, 0.53%; microbial keratitis, 0.45%; and limbal stem cell deficiency, 0.20%. This study design allowed for calculation of period prevalence of these complications rather than complication incidence rates. Information presented in this report may be useful in clinical decision-making and for future study design.


Subject(s)
Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic , Keratitis , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Cross-Sectional Studies , Keratitis/etiology , Cornea , Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic/adverse effects
12.
Eye Contact Lens ; 49(2): 56-62, 2023 Feb 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36694309

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To report current trends in scleral contact lens prescription and management, including lens designs prescribed, care products recommended, and procedures performed during routine scleral lens (SL) evaluation. METHODS: An online survey was designed by the Scleral Lenses in Current Ophthalmic Practice Evaluation study team and administered to eye care practitioners attending a specialty contact lens meeting. The survey was available from November 8, 2019, through March 31, 2020. Participants' demographic data were collected, along with information on lens diameters, landing zone (LZ) designs, recommended care products, and components of routine SL evaluation. RESULTS: In total, 715 participants responded to at least one of the survey items of interest. Most lenses prescribed (63%) were 16 mm or more in diameter. Lenses with toric LZs were the most frequently prescribed (48%), followed by spherical (40%), quadrant-specific (8%), and impression-based or image-based designs (3%). Most participants (61%) recommended hydrogen peroxide products for lens care. Nonpreserved saline in a single-use vial was most frequently recommended to fill the bowl of the lens before application. Intraocular pressure was measured during SL evaluation by 45% of participants; 38% of participants routinely measured corneal thickness. CONCLUSIONS: Practitioners increasingly are prescribing SLs with advanced LZ designs. Most practitioners recommend hydrogen peroxide-based disinfection systems and single-use vials of nonpreserved saline for lens care and application. Because differences in components of routine SL evaluations were reported, clinicians may benefit from reaching a consensus on essential components of SL evaluation.


Subject(s)
Contact Lenses , Lens, Crystalline , Humans , Hydrogen Peroxide , Surveys and Questionnaires , Sclera , Prescriptions
13.
Eye Contact Lens ; 49(2): 51-55, 2023 Feb 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36440667

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To explore trends in demographic characteristics of scleral lens (SL) practitioners and primary indications for SL fitting over 5 years. METHODS: An online survey similar to the 2015 Scleral Lenses in Current Ophthalmic Practice Evaluation (SCOPE) study was designed and administered from November 8, 2019, through March 31, 2020, to attendees at two international contact lens meetings, members of the Scleral Lens Education Society, and participants in the 2015 SCOPE study. Practitioners reporting at least five completed SL fits were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Of 922 respondents, 777 had fit at least five SLs: 63% from the United States (59 other countries were represented), findings similar to the 2015 survey, in which 799 respondents (72%) were US-based and 49 from other countries. Most practitioners were in community practice (76%) than academic practice (24%). In 2015, 64% were in community practice and 36% in academic practice. A median of 84% of SLs were fit for corneal irregularity, 10% for ocular surface disease, and 2% for uncomplicated refractive error. In comparison, the 2015 indications were 74%, 16%, and 10%, respectively. The median number of fits completed per practitioner was 100 (range, 5-10,000; mean [SD] 284 [717]; n=752). In 2015, the median was 36 (range, 5-3,600; mean [SD] 125 [299]; n=678). CONCLUSIONS: The number of experienced SL practitioners is increasing, as is international representation. Most practitioners practice in community rather than academic settings. SLs continue to be primarily prescribed for corneal irregularity and are rarely used solely for correction of refractive error.


Subject(s)
Corneal Diseases , Refractive Errors , Humans , Visual Acuity , Prosthesis Fitting , Refractive Errors/therapy , Surveys and Questionnaires , Sclera
14.
Cont Lens Anterior Eye ; 46(1): 101501, 2023 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34456112

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To describe international scleral lens prescription and management practices across multiple practice types. METHODS: For this cross-sectional study, scleral lens practitioners were asked to complete an electronic survey that requested information about a single scleral lens patient. Data collected included practitioner demographics (practice type, country, years of experience) and patient indications for scleral lens wear, fitting process, lens design, and care products. RESULTS: Data were collected for 259 patients (419 eyes). Most participants (60%) practiced in the US, 75% worked primarily in community practice, and 58% claimed more than 5 years' experience fitting scleral lenses. Indications for scleral lens wear were corneal irregularity (87%), ocular surface disease (9%), and uncomplicated refractive error (4%). During the fitting process, the mean (SD) number of lenses ordered was 2.4 (1.6) (range, 1-16 lenses) during 3.8 (2.4) visits (range, 1-18 visits). Of patients, 62% used a daily surfactant cleaner, 47% used hydrogen peroxide disinfection, and 67% used single-use vials of nonpreserved saline. Mean lens diameter was 16.2 (1.1) mm (range, 11.8-23.0 mm). The landing zones were spherical (64%), toric (26%), quadrant-specific (7%), and custom (3%) designs. Optical power was spherical in 70%, toric in 27%, and higher-order aberration correcting in 3% of lenses. Only 5 lenses had multifocal optics. CONCLUSIONS: General consensus regarding prescribing patterns (lens design, wearing schedules, care products) between US vs non-US, community vs academic, and new vs established providers is reported in this study. Relatively low percentages of patients wearing lenses with advanced landing zones or optical designs suggest that these new options have not been widely adopted.


Subject(s)
Contact Lenses , Humans , Visual Acuity , Cross-Sectional Studies , Consensus , Prosthesis Fitting , Sclera , Prescriptions
15.
Eye Contact Lens ; 49(2): 46-50, 2023 Feb 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36517221

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To describe prescribing patterns of therapeutic scleral lenses (SLs) in the management of corneal irregularity and ocular surface disease among practitioners who prescribe SLs. METHODS: Participants ranked treatment options for corneal irregularity and ocular surface disease in the order they would generally consider using them in an electronic survey. Median rank score for each option is reported, along with the percentage of participants assigning first place ranking to each option. The percentage of participants assigning first, second, or third place ranking to each option is also reported. RESULTS: Seven hundred and seventy-eight practitioners participated. Scleral lenses are most frequently considered as the first choice for the management of corneal irregularity based on overall median rank, followed by corneal rigid lenses (rigid gas-permeable [RGPs]). Scleral lenses were the first choice of 42% of participants, followed by RGPs (20%). For ocular surface disease, lubricant drops are most frequently used first, followed by meibomian gland expression, topical cyclosporine or lifitegrast, topical steroids, punctal plugs, and SLs, respectively. Lubricant drops were the first therapeutic option considered for ocular surface disease by 63% of participants and 45% ranked SLs as their sixth, seventh or eighth treatment based on median overall rank. CONCLUSIONS: Scleral lenses were identified as the first option for management of corneal irregularity more frequently than RGPs. Scleral lenses are considered for management of ocular surface disease before surgical intervention but after meibomian gland expression, punctal occlusion, and topical medical therapy are attempted.


Subject(s)
Contact Lenses , Corneal Diseases , Humans , Corneal Diseases/therapy , Visual Acuity , Sclera , Prescriptions
16.
Eye Contact Lens ; 47(9): 515-519, 2021 Sep 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34424225

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To assess dry eye symptoms associated with different contact lens modalities in patients with keratoconus using a dry eye questionnaire. METHODS: An online survey was distributed by the National Keratoconus Foundation. The survey asked participants to report demographic characteristics, current optical correction, age at the time of diagnosis of keratoconus, and contact lens history. The 12-item Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire was also completed. Data from participants wearing the same contact lens modality bilaterally were analyzed. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 197 individuals wearing the same contact lens modality bilaterally. The average age of participants at the time of the survey was 47.2±14.8 years (range: 15-87 years), and the average age at which keratoconus was diagnosed was 26.1±9.9 years (range: 8-55 years). The mean overall OSDI score of all participants was 40.2±22.8 (range: 0-100). There was no difference in the mean OSDI scores based on current contact lens modality type (F=1.79; n=187; P=0.13). Based on an OSDI score of 33 or higher, 90% of participants reported symptoms indicative of dry eye disease. Scleral lens wearers reported less discomfort on the individual items related to windy and low-humidity conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with keratoconus, irrespective of contact lens modality, report a high incidence of dry eye symptoms.


Subject(s)
Contact Lenses , Dry Eye Syndromes , Keratoconus , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Contact Lenses/adverse effects , Dry Eye Syndromes/epidemiology , Dry Eye Syndromes/etiology , Humans , Keratoconus/therapy , Middle Aged , Sclera , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young Adult
17.
Sci Data ; 8(1): 23, 2021 01 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33473138

ABSTRACT

Shedding light on the distribution and ecosystem function of mesopelagic communities in the twilight zone (~200-1000 m depth) of global oceans can bridge the gap in estimates of species biomass, trophic linkages, and carbon sequestration role. Ocean basin-scale bioacoustic data from ships of opportunity programs are increasingly improving this situation by providing spatio-temporal calibrated acoustic snapshots of mesopelagic communities that can mutually complement established global ecosystem, carbon, and biogeochemical models. This data descriptor provides an overview of such bioacoustic data from Australia's Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) Ships of Opportunity (SOOP) Bioacoustics sub-Facility. Until 30 September 2020, more than 600,000 km of data from 22 platforms were processed and made available to a publicly accessible Australian Ocean Data Network (AODN) Portal. Approximately 67% of total data holdings were collected by 13 commercial fishing vessels, fostering collaborations between researchers and ocean industry. IMOS Bioacoustics sub-Facility offers the prospect of acquiring new data, improved insights, and delving into new research challenges for investigating status and trend of mesopelagic ecosystems.

18.
Am J Kidney Dis ; 78(1): 96-102.e1, 2021 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33421455

ABSTRACT

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: The preferred vascular access for hemodialysis recipients is an arteriovenous fistula in the nondominant arm. Prior placement of a peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheter can lead to vascular injury and limit options for arteriovenous fistula creation, a particular problem for children, who may need hemodialysis for their entire lifetime. We instituted an initiative to increase the frequency of PIV catheter placement in the dominant arm for hospitalized pediatric patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). STUDY DESIGN: Quality improvement initiative. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Children with CKD stage 3-5, receiving dialysis, and/or following kidney transplantation who were hospitalized at one children's hospital between September 2018 and August 2020. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ACTIVITIES: Retrospective data on PIV catheter location for patients from January 1 to June 30, 2017, served as baseline data. Quality improvement activities consisted of: 1) education of the multidisciplinary treatment team, patients, and parents regarding importance of vein preservation; 2) placement of individualized notes in the electronic medical record identifying the preferred arm for PIV catheter placement; 3) use of "restricted extremity" arm bands; and 4) vascular access team participation to minimize attempts for PIV catheter placement. OUTCOME: Monthly compliance with placement of PIV catheters in dominant arms. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: Location of PIV catheter placements were determined monthly and used to create run charts describing compliance. RESULTS: At baseline and before institution of this initiative, 34 of 72 (47%) PIV catheters were placed in patients' dominant arms, with only 2 of 8 (25%) PIV catheters placed in the dominant arm for children aged<5 years. After instituting the initiative, 345 of 371 (93%) PIV catheters were placed in the dominant arm of 93 children; in children aged<5 years, 58 of 62 (94%) PIV catheters were placed in the dominant arm. Only 38 of 371 (10%) PIV catheters were placed in the antecubital vein. LIMITATIONS: Single-center study. CONCLUSIONS: Education regarding the importance of vein preservation, along with implementation of a standardized process for identifying children for whom vein preservation is important, can help direct PIV catheter placement and potentially preserve vasculature in pediatric patients with CKD.


Subject(s)
Catheterization, Peripheral/standards , Quality Improvement , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/therapy , Adolescent , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Retrospective Studies
19.
Cont Lens Anterior Eye ; 44(3): 101353, 2021 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32951995

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To describe current components of scleral lens curricula at U.S. based optometry colleges and universities. METHODS: Contact lens educators were surveyed between June 2019 and August 2019 regarding their optometric scleral lens curriculum. Respondents were asked to describe their experience and involvement in optometric scleral lens education as well as to describe components of scleral lens curricula. Educators were also asked to identify sources of information upon which they rely on in order to stay informed about new developments and best practices in scleral lens prescription and management. RESULTS: Most programs begin scleral lens education during the 3rd year of optometric education (71.2 %; n = 52). Students complete an estimated 18.0 ± 18.1 (range 2-100) scleral lens evaluations during training (n = 36). Ideal fitting characteristics taught include central corneal clearance of 206.3 ± 44 microns (range 150-350, n = 40), limbal clearance of 62.1 ± 23.6 microns (range 20-100, n = 36) with one clock hour or less of conjunctival vascular compression (n = 41). Educators ranked in-person continuing education (61 %, 22/36) followed by contact lens laboratory consults (22 %, 8/36) as the two most important sources of information on best practices in scleral lens prescription and management. CONCLUSIONS: Educators are uniquely positioned to guide the next generation of eyecare providers by incorporating and disseminating new research findings into their scleral lens curricula.


Subject(s)
Optometry , Curriculum , Humans , Optometry/education , Prosthesis Fitting , Sclera , Surveys and Questionnaires
20.
Cont Lens Anterior Eye ; 44(5): 101380, 2021 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33199216

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To describe outcomes using impression based-scleral devices for the management of anterior segment disease. METHODS: Retrospective chart review identified all patients who were fitted with impression-based scleral devices between January 1, 2013 and June 30, 2019 at three specialty contact lens practices. Patient demographic data, indication for device use, visual and physiological outcomes, as well as details of the fitting process and survival of device use were determined. RESULTS: Forty-four patients (70 eyes) were included in the study. Primary indications for device use included corneal irregularity (28 patients, 44 eyes) and ocular surface disease (16 patients, 26 eyes). Fifty-four percent of patients had more than one ocular surface condition, and 39 % of patients had undergone at least one anterior segment surgical procedure. Twenty-nine patients had unsuccessfully attempted to wear standard scleral lenses prior to being fit with impression-based devices. Visual acuity improved significantly with impression-based devices compared to habitual correction (p < 0.001). Completion of the fitting process (including visit to acquire the impression and post-fitting assessments) required an average of 4 [1.5] visits.Ideal haptic alignment was achieved with 74 % and complete limbal clearance was achieved in 83 % of fits. Device use was discontinued due to complications in two eyes. CONCLUSION: Patients with complex eye disease who are unable to successfully wear standard scleral lenses successfully may achieve visual and therapeutic success with impression-based devices.


Subject(s)
Contact Lenses , Sclera , Cornea , Humans , Prosthesis Fitting , Retrospective Studies , Visual Acuity
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