Clinical Outcomes of Faricimab in Patients with Previously Treated Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PURPOSE: To assess the anatomic and functional outcomes in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) previously treated with anti-VEGF therapy in response to intravitreal faricimab. DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series. SUBJECTS: Patients with previously treated nAMD who received ≥ 4 consecutive injections of faricimab were included. The study period was from March through November 2022. METHODS: Clinical and imaging data were extracted from the electronic medical record. Central foveal thickness (CFT), maximum fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachment (fvPED) height, and Snellen visual acuity (VA) were obtained. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the change in CFT, maximum fvPED height, and logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution VA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in CFT, maximum fvPED height, and Snellen VA before faricimab and after ≥ 4 faricimab intravitreal injections. RESULTS: During the study period, 218 eyes of 191 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 79.9 (range, 70.6-89.2) years. The mean number of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections received before faricimab was 34.2 (range, 6.4-62). The following results were found after ≥ 4 faricimab injections. Mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution VA before switching to faricimab was 0.58 (Snellen VA ∼20/76; range, 20/22-20/264) and was 0.55 (Snellen VA ∼20/71; range, 20/21-20/235; P = 0.20) after switching. Mean maximum fvPED height was 195.0 (range, 50.2-339.8) µm before switching to faricimab and improved to 165.0 (range, 33.6-296.4; P < 0.001) µm after switching. Mean CFT was 354.8 (range, 184.7-524.9) µm before switching to faricimab and improved to 306.6 (range, 144.4-468.8; P < 0.001) after switching. The proportion of eyes with intraretinal fluid was 36.7% (80/218 eyes) before switching, and decreased to 24.8% (54/218 eyes, P < 0.001) after switching. The proportion of eyes with subretinal fluid was 53.2% (116/218 eyes) before switching and decreased to 26.6% (58/218 eyes, P < 0.001) after switching. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal faricimab may improve anatomic outcomes in patients with previously treated nAMD, while maintaining VA in the short-term. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Retinal Detachments after Open-Globe Injury: Risk Factors and Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To identify risk factors for retinal detachment (RD) after open-globe injury (OGI) and evaluate outcomes of RD repair after OGI. DESIGN: Case-control study. PARTICIPANTS: Overall, 769 patients presented with 786 OGIs, which were surgically managed with ≥ 30 days of follow-up. Of the 786 eyes, 223 developed RD, the other 551 served as controls, and RD status of 12 eyes was unknown. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of all OGIs presented to the University of Michigan between 2000 and 2022. Multivariable regression identified risk factors for RD after OGI and predictors of poor vision after RD repair. Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated time from OGI to RD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Predictors of visual outcome after RD repair after OGI. RESULTS: After OGI, 223 (28.4%) of 786 eyes were diagnosed with RD, with > 73% diagnosed within a month. Predictors of RD include posterior injury (zone II vs. I odds ratio [OR], 1.60 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.04-2.46]; P = 0.0331; zone III vs. I OR, 2.29 [1.53-3.41]; P < 0.0001), vitreous hemorrhage (OR, 2.29 [1.54-3.1]; P < 0.0001), and presenting acuity worse than count fingers (CFs) (OR, 2.65 [1.69 - 4.16]; P < 0.0001). Retinal detachment repair took place in 142 of 223 eyes. The mean logarithm of minimal angle of resolution visual acuity (VA) improved from 2.3 ± 0.8 to 1.7 ± 0.9 after RD repair at 6-month follow-up, with 51.2% of eyes achieving CF or better vision. Single surgery anatomic success rate was 69.7% and final anatomic success was 88%. Predictors of vision worse than CF include history of ocular surgery (OR, 0.32 [0.11-0.94]; P = 0.039), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR; OR, 0.39 [0.16 - 0.92]; P = 0.032), aphakia (OR, 0.25 [0.08 - 0.77]; P = 0.016), and redetachment (OR, 0.26 [0.1 - 0.63]; P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Most RD occur within the first month after OGI. Patients with posterior injuries, vitreous hemorrhage, or poor presenting VA were more likely to develop RD after OGI. Anatomic success was achieved in the majority, as was final VA of CF vision or better. History of ocular surgery, PVR at time of repair, aphakia, and redetachment were risk factors for a poor outcome. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Appropriateness and Readability of ChatGPT-4-Generated Responses for Surgical Treatment of Retinal Diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the appropriateness and readability of the medical knowledge provided by ChatGPT-4, an artificial intelligence-powered conversational search engine, regarding common vitreoretinal surgeries for retinal detachments (RDs), macular holes (MHs), and epiretinal membranes (ERMs). DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: This study did not involve any human participants. METHODS: We created lists of common questions about the definition, prevalence, visual impact, diagnostic methods, surgical and nonsurgical treatment options, postoperative information, surgery-related complications, and visual prognosis of RD, MH, and ERM, and asked each question 3 times on the online ChatGPT-4 platform. The data for this cross-sectional study were recorded on April 25, 2023. Two independent retina specialists graded the appropriateness of the responses. Readability was assessed using Readable, an online readability tool. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The "appropriateness" and "readability" of the answers generated by ChatGPT-4 bot. RESULTS: Responses were consistently appropriate in 84.6% (33/39), 92% (23/25), and 91.7% (22/24) of the questions related to RD, MH, and ERM, respectively. Answers were inappropriate at least once in 5.1% (2/39), 8% (2/25), and 8.3% (2/24) of the respective questions. The average Flesch Kincaid Grade Level and Flesch Reading Ease Score were 14.1 ± 2.6 and 32.3 ± 10.8 for RD, 14 ± 1.3 and 34.4 ± 7.7 for MH, and 14.8 ± 1.3 and 28.1 ± 7.5 for ERM. These scores indicate that the answers are difficult or very difficult to read for the average lay person and college graduation would be required to understand the material. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the answers provided by ChatGPT-4 were consistently appropriate. However, ChatGPT and other natural language models in their current form are not a source of factual information. Improving the credibility and readability of responses, especially in specialized fields, such as medicine, is a critical focus of research. Patients, physicians, and laypersons should be advised of the limitations of these tools for eye- and health-related counseling. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

OPHTHALMOMYIASIS INTERNA WITH INVASION OF THE OPTIC NERVE.

PURPOSE: To report a case of ophthalmomyiasis interna with optic nerve invasion that was treated with oral ivermectin and prednisone. METHODS: Case report with retrospective review of medical records and multimodal imaging studies. RESULTS: A Christmas tree farmer in his sixties presented with expanding multicolored, spiraling photopsias in the left eye. The visual acuity measured 20/50, and examination and imaging findings showed subretinal tracks consistent with ophthalmomyiasis interna. After several weeks of spontaneous improvement, the visual acuity decreased to 20/150 and fundus examination showed new optic disc edema that was treated with ivermectin and prednisone. Despite the development of optic disc pallor, the visual acuity improved to 20/25. CONCLUSION: Subretinal fly larvae can occasionally exit the eye by invading the optic nerve. Treatment of optic nerve involvement with ivermectin and prednisone can result in an excellent visual outcome.

Large Internal Limiting Membrane Tears: Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, and Surgical Utility.

PURPOSE: To describe the prevalence, clinical and imaging characteristics, and surgical utility of large internal limiting membrane (ILM) tears in eyes with epiretinal membrane (ERM). DESIGN: Retrospective interventional case series. METHODS: This was a single-institution study including 71 eyes of 70 consecutive patients that underwent ERM peeling by a single vitreoretinal surgeon between 2016 and 2019. Demographic and clinical data were collected from the medical record. ERMs and large ILM tears were identified and analyzed on multimodal imaging. The main outcome measures were the prevalence and characteristics of large ILM tears in eyes undergoing ERM peeling. RESULTS: Large ILM tears were present in 23 of 71 eyes (32.4%) with ERM that underwent surgical management. A review of patients with ERM during the same period who did not undergo surgical management found large ILM tears in 8 of 100 eyes (8.0%). Large ILM tears were commonly associated with other signs of ERM-induced retinal traction, including retinal nerve fiber layer schisis in 20 of 23 eyes (87.0%), inner retinal dimpling in 8 of 23 eyes (34.8%), and discrete paravascular red lesions in 16 of 19 eyes (84.2%). In all eyes stained with brilliant blue G, the preoperative diagnosis of large ILM tear was confirmed and the scrolled ILM edge was used successfully to initiate ILM peeling. CONCLUSIONS: Large ILM tears are often present in eyes undergoing surgery for ERM and are likely caused by ERM contracture. Careful preoperative identification of these tears is helpful for surgical planning because the scrolled flap of ILM provides a convenient and safe "handle" for initiating membrane peeling.

Risk Factors for Enucleation Following Open Globe Injury: A 17-Year Experience.

Purpose: At the time of open globe injury (OGI), it may be difficult for clinicians to predict which eyes are at highest risk for requiring enucleation. We performed a 17-year retrospective cohort study to report outcomes and risk factors for enucleation following open globe injuryto better aid clinicians counseling patients at OGI diagnosis. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of all patients who presented to the University of Michigan with open globe injury (OGI) and were surgically managed between January 2000 and July 2017 was conducted. At least 30 days of follow-up was required. All eyes that ultimately underwent enucleation following OGI were identified and their clinical course analyzed. The main outcome measured was the rate of enucleation after OGI. Results: There were 587 eyes meeting inclusion criteria. The mean patient age was 40.75 ± 25.1 (range 1-91). 441/585 (75.4%) patients were male. Average follow-up time was 1029.9 ± 1285.9 days. 116/587 eyes (19.8%) required enucleation after OGI, with 81.9% undergoing enucleation less than 30 days from injury. In enucleated eyes, the mean presenting logMAR vision was 2.91 ± 0.47 (Snellen equivalent between hand motion and light perception). The most common mechanism of injury requiring enucleation was globe rupture, 89/116 (76.7%), with 14/116 (12.1%) penetrating injuries and 13/116 (11.2%) perforating injuries. The mean age of patients that underwent enucleation was 45.6 ± 22.5 (range 3-91). Conclusion: Open globe injuries are often visually devastating and a significant number of cases ultimately require enucleation. Despite emergent closure within 24 hours, 19.8% of eyes managed for OGI at our institution required eventual enucleation. 81.2% of these eyes required enucleation within 30 days of injury. Wound length greater than 10 mm, uveal prolapse, higher zone of injury, IOFB, and RAPD were identified as risk factors that predict future need for enucleation.

Endophthalmitis, Visual Outcomes, and Management Strategies in Eyes with Intraocular Foreign Bodies.

Purpose: Ocular trauma with intraocular foreign body (IOFB) can have devastating visual consequences. Management and antimicrobial strategies remain variable due to the infrequency and heterogeneity of presentation. Our goal was to identify risk factors for endophthalmitis and poor visual outcomes in cases of IOFB and investigate management strategies. Patients and Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted in 88 eyes of 88 patients suffering traumatic injury with IOFB at the University of Michigan between January 2000 and December 2019. Medical records were reviewed to characterize the injuries and IOFBs as well as how clinical presentation and treatment modalities were associated with outcomes. Results: Delayed presentation (P=0.016) and organic IOFB (P=0.044) were associated with development of endophthalmitis. Retinal detachment (P=0.012), wound length greater than 5 mm (P=0.041), and poor presenting visual acuity (P=0.003) correlated with poor final visual outcome. Antibiotic prophylaxis was given to all patients, though agents and routes of delivery varied. Endophthalmitis developed in 4.9% of the eyes after initial management, with primary and secondary removal of posterior segment IOFBs associated with similar rates of endophthalmitis (P=1.000). Conclusion: Poor presenting visual acuity and severity of injury, as measured by large wound and retinal detachment, correlate with poor visual outcome. Prompt globe closure and antimicrobial prophylaxis are critical for infection prevention. In cases where IOFB removal and globe closure cannot be performed concurrently, primary globe closure with aggressive antibiotic prophylaxis offers a reasonable alternative to prevent endophthalmitis.

Outcomes of Penetrating Keratoplasty After Open Globe Injury.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical features, surgical outcomes, and prognostic factors of penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) after open globe injury (OGI). METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients treated for OGI between January 2000 and July 2017 was conducted. Demographic, preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative data were collected for those who underwent PKP after OGI. The predictive value of each preoperative variable on graft failure was assessed using univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, and the predictive value of variables on post-PKP visual outcome was assessed using both univariate and multivariable logistic regression models. All eyes that underwent PKP after OGI were included unless they had less than 365 days of follow-up. RESULTS: Forty-six eyes that underwent PKP met inclusion criteria. The median age was 46 years (interquartile range = 23.00-61.25), median follow-up was 78.5 months (interquartile range = 38.63-122.02), and 37 of 46 subjects (80.4%) were male. The observed 1- and 5-year graft survival estimates were 80.4% and 41.7%, respectively. Factors statistically associated with graft failure in multivariable analyses were rejection episode, hazard ratio (HR) = 3.29; retinal detachment (RD), HR = 3.47; and endophthalmitis, HR = 6.27. Fifteen of 42 eyes (35.7%) regained ambulatory vision (20/200 or better). The strongest predictors of vision worse than 20/200 at the last follow-up were RD, odds ratio (OR) = 43.88; graft rejection, OR = 12.42; and injury outside the workplace, OR = 25.05. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a high graft survival at 1 year, most of the patients did not regain ambulatory vision. Graft rejection, RD, and endophthalmitis were risk factors for graft failure. These factors should be considered when counseling patients regarding PKP after OGI.

Risk Factors for Endophthalmitis Following Open Globe Injuries: A 17-Year Analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To determine the rate of endophthalmitis and assess risk factors for development of endophthalmitis following open globe injury (OGI). METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients treated for OGI at the University of Michigan from January 2000 to July 2017 was conducted. Exclusion criteria included intravitreal injection or intraocular surgery in the 30 days prior to injury or less than 30 days of follow-up. A total of 586 out of 993 open globe injuries were included in the study. The main outcome measure was the rate of endophthalmitis. RESULTS: In this study, 25/586 eyes (4.3%) had endophthalmitis. Of these, 12/25 eyes (48.0%) presented with endophthalmitis and 13/25 eyes (52.0%) developed endophthalmitis after globe closure. Multivariate analysis identified time to globe repair (OR 4.5, CI 1.9-10.7, p = 0.0008), zone I injury (OR 3.6, CI 1.1-11.0, p = 0.0282), and need for additional surgery (OR 5.5, CI 1.5-19.7, p = 0.0092) as factors associated with increased risk of developing endophthalmitis. Subconjunctival antibiotic injection at the time of globe closure (OR 0.3, CI 0.1-0.7, p = 0.0036) was associated with decreased risk of developing endophthalmitis. CONCLUSION: Prompt globe closure and subconjunctival antibiotics may reduce the risk of endophthalmitis in OGI. Furthermore, our practice of a one-time dose of systemic prophylactic antibiotics, and intravitreal antibiotics if intraocular foreign body (IOFB) removal is delayed, was not found to increase the rate of endophthalmitis.

Proteus mirabilis Keratitis: Risk Factors, Clinical Features, Treatment Outcomes, and Microbiological Characteristics.

PURPOSE: To characterize the risk factors, clinical presentations, management choices, and outcomes of Proteus mirabilis keratitis. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 26 culture-proven cases of P. mirabilis infections were diagnosed and treated between 1998 and 2019 at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Medical records were available for 14 keratitis cases and were reviewed for demographic information, ocular risk factors, and treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Sixteen eyes of 14 patients were included in the study. The average age was 47.8 ± 19.3 years, with a median follow-up time of 6 months. The most common ocular risk factors were poor ocular surface and contact lens use in 57.1% and 42.9% of cases, respectively. Eleven of the 14 patients (78.6%) had positive corneal cultures, and 13 of the 14 patients (92.9%) had positive conjunctiva or eyelid cultures. All isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, moxifloxacin, gatifloxacin, and cefazolin. Surgical intervention was required in 4 patients (28.6%). Average LogMAR visual acuity was 1.3 ± 1.0 at presentation and 0.9 6 ± 1.0 at the most recent follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: Proteus mirabilis is an uncommon cause of microbial keratitis. Patients with poor ocular surface and those who use contact lens are at increased risk for developing this cause of keratitis. Empiric treatment with fortified antibiotics or fluoroquinolones seemed to provide effective coverage for P. mirabilis.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Keratitis: Initial Treatment, Risk Factors, Clinical Features, and Treatment Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical characteristics, management choices, and outcomes of cases of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) keratitis. DESIGN: Retrospective interventional case series. METHODS: Fifty-two culture-proven (52 eyes) cases of MRSA keratitis diagnosed and treated at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center were identified and reviewed. RESULTS: The mean age was 66.6 ± 19.2 years with a median follow-up time of 147 days. The most prevalent risk factors included a history of ocular surgery (62.5%), topical corticosteroid use (35.4%), and dry eye syndrome (37.5%). There was a high burden of systemic disease (95.8%). The average presenting logarithm of minimal angle of resolution visual acuity was 1.7 ± 0.8 and the average final logarithm of minimal angle of resolution visual acuity was 1.2 + 1.0. Initial antibiotic treatment varied, with 20.8% receiving moxifloxacin alone, 20.8% receiving fortified cefazolin and fortified tobramycin together, and 12.5% receiving fortified vancomycin and fortified tobramycin, although other antibiotics were used during treatment if warranted. Surgical management was often required as 17.3% of eyes perforated: 13.5% required tarsorrhaphy, 5.8% required penetrating keratoplasty, and 1 eye was enucleated. When patients treated with fourth-generation fluoroquinolones were compared with those treated with fortified vancomycin, no difference in final visual acuity, treatment duration, or need for surgery was found. CONCLUSION: MRSA causes fulminant keratitis often requiring surgical management with poor visual acuity outcomes. Poor ocular surface, topical corticosteroid use, previous ocular surgery, and/or a high burden of systemic disease were identified as common risk factors. Patients treated with fluoroquinolones in our study had comparable outcomes to those treated with fortified vancomycin; however, those treated with fortified vancomycin tended to have more severe ulcers at presentation.

Clinical features of Streptococcus pyogenes keratitis: Case series.

PURPOSE: To characterize the risk factors, clinical presentations, management, outcomes, and microbiological properties of Streptococcus pyogenes keratitis. METHODS: Eight culture-proven cases (eight eyes) of S. pyogenes keratitis were diagnosed and treated between 2008 and 2018 at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Medical records were available for six patients, and these were reviewed to identify demographic information, systemic and ocular history, clinical presentations, antibiotic sensitivity, treatments, and outcomes of S. pyogenes isolates. RESULTS: Of the six charts reviewed, the median patient age was 67 years and all patients were female. Four patients had a history of cataract extraction more than one year prior to presentation, one had a history of improper contact lens use, and one had basement membrane dystrophy. Two patients, who also happened to have the most serious medical comorbidities, presented with corneal perforation on initial examination. The median follow-up length was 90.5 days. Visual outcomes varied greatly between patients. Three patients had visual acuity ranging from 20/30 to 20/70, while the two patients with corneal perforation had a final visual acuity of light perception, and one patient was lost to follow-up. Five of six isolates were susceptible to fluoroquinolones and all isolates were susceptible to cefazolin. CONCLUSIONS: S. pyogenes represented an uncommon ocular pathogen at UPMC eye clinic. However, if left untreated, this infection resulted in severe ocular morbidity. The majority of patients had a benign ocular history, suggesting that S. pyogenes can infect healthy corneas in immunocompetent patients. The majority of isolates were susceptible to cefazolin and fluoroquinolones.

Ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Endothelial keratoplasty has evolved tremendously since its inception. Thick Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) grafts have made sway for slimmer ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK). This review discusses the recent literature comparing outcomes of UT-DSAEK, DSAEK, and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). RECENT FINDINGS: DMEK provides quick visual recovery and has remarkably low incidence of graft rejection. However, the learning curve is long compared to DSAEK. UT-DSAEK utilizes donor grafts less than 100-µm thick. Recent studies comparing DMEK and UT-DSAEK have shown DMEK has better visual outcomes with similar rejection rates. SUMMARY: UT-DSAEK remains an excellent surgical option for endothelial keratoplasty in eyes with complex anterior segment anatomy. The visual outcomes after UT-DSAEK have been shown to be superior when compared with DSAEK. Recent studies show that DMEK provides better visual outcomes compared with UT-DSAEK.