National Access to EyeSi Simulation: A Comparative Study Among U.S. Ophthalmology Residency Programs.

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate regional disparities in access to EyeSi surgical simulation training among U.S. ophthalmology residency programs. Methods Access to EyeSi simulation was determined from sales data (2021) provided by VRMagic. Key demographic metrics of the primary counties of U.S. residency training programs were retrieved from the U.S. Census Bureau Database (2019) and PolicyMap (2021). Demographic metrics, Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital affiliation, and Doximity residency program ranking (2021) were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test. Results A total of 124 residency training programs across 95 U.S. counties were included. Regional density (number of EyeSi simulators/million people) was calculated; the west had a significantly lower density when compared with the northeast (NE), south, and midwest (0.4 vs 1.0, 1.3, 1.1, respectively). In the NE, there was a significantly lower population of Blacks ( p = 0.01), Hispanics ( p = 0.028), and Native Americans ( p = 0.008) residing in counties with access to EyeSi, compared with counties without EyeSi access. Programs with EyeSi access ( N = 95) had a median Doximity ranking of 52.5, whereas programs without EyeSi access ( N = 35) had a lower median ranking of 94 ( p < 0.001). Conclusion Our analysis demonstrates significant disparities in access to EyeSi simulation training in the United States that could disproportionately impact minority communities. Access to an EyeSi simulator was associated with higher residency ranking independent of VA affiliation.

The preoperative management of meibomian gland dysfunction prior to corneal refractive surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To describe the significance of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in corneal refractive surgery and to describe available approaches to preoperative evaluation and treatment based on current research. RECENT FINDINGS: There are several methods available for the evaluation and treatment of MGD. These are relevant for refractive surgeons to understand, as the presence of MGD preoperatively plays a role in the severity of MGD after corneal refractive surgery. Refractive surgery itself can exacerbate MGD. Treatment of MGD prior to surgery may have a meaningful impact on postoperative MGD. SUMMARY: Surgeons should include meibomian gland assessment in the preoperative refractive evaluation and should treat MGD proactively prior to performing refractive surgery. Relevant information in this field is growing; additional prospectively designed studies are needed to further enhance our understanding.

Corneal Crosslinking in Refractive Corrections.

Translational Relevance: The clinical application of corneal crosslinking relies on a good understanding of the biomechanical effect of various treatment parameters on corneal tissue. We discuss the results of the clinical and laboratory studies evaluating corneal crosslinking as a primary refractive treatment.

Acute Corneal Endothelial Graft Rejection With Coinciding COVID-19 Infection.

PURPOSE: To report a case of acute corneal endothelial graft rejection with the concurrent onset of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 31-year-old African American woman with a history of asthma, sleep apnea, obesity (body mass index of 40), and bilateral keratoconus was noted to have acute corneal endothelial graft rejection 3 months after uncomplicated penetrating keratoplasty of the left eye. The patient developed dysgeusia and subjective fever on the same day as ocular discomfort, and she was subsequently diagnosed with COVID-19 with only these 2 classic symptoms of the viral infection. CONCLUSIONS: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is known to cause conjunctivitis and has demonstrated transmissibility through ocular secretions. Acute immune and inflammatory dysregulations have been seen in cases of COVID-19 through various mechanisms. COVID-19 infection may potentially compromise ocular immune privilege contributing to acute corneal graft rejection.

Association of Sjögren's syndrome with myotonic dystrophy type 1.

A 47-year-old woman presented with sicca symptoms, polyarthralgias, polymyalgias and dysphagia. She was found to have positive antinuclear, anti-SSA-Ro and anti-SSB-La antibodies. Slit lamp exam confirmed the presence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and the patient was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome. Three years later, she was referred for evaluation of gait instability associated with recent falls. On physical examination, the patient was found to have bilateral ptosis, percussion myotonia, distal upper and lower extremity weakness, and a steppage gait. Electromyography demonstrated electrical myotonia. Genetic testing revealed expanded CTG repeats (733 and 533) in the myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) protein kinase gene, confirming the diagnosis of DM1. Dysphagia, pain and eye discomfort may occur in both Sjögren's syndrome and DM1, and in this case, may have delayed the diagnosis of muscular dystrophy.

Extended depth of focus intraocular lenses for presbyopia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize the various extended depth of focus (EDOF) intraocular lenses currently available to patients and to describe visual outcomes and patient satisfaction. RECENT FINDINGS: EDOF lenses are a relatively new option for presbyopic correction. Preliminary studies show high levels of spectacle independence and patient satisfaction. The only United States Federal Drug Administration-approved intraocular lens currently on market is the TECNIS Symfony (Johnson and Johnson Vision, Jacksonville, FL). SUMMARY: Early studies show that EDOF lenses may provide satisfactory near and intermediate vision with reduced incidence of haloes and glares often noted by patients implanted with multifocal lenses. Results are promising, but limited.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs versus corticosteroids for controlling inflammation after uncomplicated cataract surgery.

BACKGROUND: Cataract is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Cataract surgery is commonly performed but can result in postoperative inflammation of the eye. Inadequately controlled inflammation increases the risk of complications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids are used to prevent and reduce inflammation following cataract surgery, but these two drug classes work by different mechanisms. Corticosteroids are effective, but NSAIDs may provide an additional benefit to reduce inflammation when given in combination with corticosteroids. A comparison of NSAIDs to corticosteroids alone or combination therapy with these two anti-inflammatory agents will help to determine the role of NSAIDs in controlling inflammation after routine cataract surgery. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of topical NSAIDs (alone or in combination with topical corticosteroids) versus topical corticosteroids alone in controlling intraocular inflammation after uncomplicated phacoemulsification. To assess postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), patient-reported discomfort, symptoms, or complications (such as elevation of IOP), and cost-effectiveness with the use of postoperative NSAIDs or corticosteroids. SEARCH METHODS: To identify studies relevant to this review, we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register (2016, Issue 12), MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to December 2016), Embase Ovid (1947 to 16 December 2016), PubMed (1948 to December 2016), LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature Database) (1982 to 16 December 2016), the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) (www.controlled-trials.com; last searched 17 June 2013), ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov; searched December 2016), and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (www.who.int/ictrp/search/en; searched December 2016). SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which participants were undergoing phacoemulsification for uncomplicated cataract extraction. We included both trials in which topical NSAIDs were compared with topical corticosteroids and trials in which combination therapy (topical NSAIDs and corticosteroids) was compared with topical corticosteroids alone. The primary outcomes for this review were inflammation and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently screened the full-text articles, extracted data from included trials, and assessed included trials for risk of bias according to Cochrane standards. The two review authors resolved any disagreements by discussion. We graded the certainty of the evidence using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS: This review included 48 RCTs conducted in 17 different countries and two ongoing studies. Ten included studies had a trial registry record. Fifteen studies compared an NSAID with a corticosteroid alone, and 19 studies compared a combination of an NSAID plus a corticosteroid with a corticosteroid alone. Fourteen other studies had more than two study arms. Overall, we judged the studies to be at unclear risk of bias. NSAIDs alone versus corticosteroids aloneNone of the included studies reported postoperative intraocular inflammation in terms of cells and flare as a dichotomous variable. Inflammation was reported as a continuous variable in seven studies. There was moderate-certainty evidence of no difference in mean cell value in the participants receiving an NSAID compared with the participants receiving a corticosteroid (mean difference (MD) -0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) -2.19 to 0.99), and there was low-certainty evidence that the mean flare value was lower in the group receiving NSAIDs (MD -13.74, 95% CI -21.45 to -6.04). Only one study reported on corneal edema at one week postoperatively and there was uncertainty as to whether the risk of edema was higher or lower in the group that received NSAIDs (risk ratio (RR) 0.77, 95% CI 0.26 to 2.29). No included studies reported BCVA as a dichotomous outcome and no study reported time to cessation of treatment. None of the included studies reported the proportion of eyes with cystoid macular edema (CME) at one week postoperatively. Based on four RCTs that reported CME at one month, we found low-certainty evidence that participants treated with an NSAID alone had a lower risk of developing CME compared with those treated with a corticosteroid alone (RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.41). No studies reported on other adverse events or economic outcomes. NSAIDs plus corticosteroids versus corticosteroids aloneNo study described intraocular inflammation in terms of cells and flare as a dichotomous variable and there was not enough continuous data for anterior chamber cell and flare to perform a meta-analysis. One study reported presence of corneal edema at various times. Postoperative treatment with neither a combination treatment with a NSAID plus corticosteroid or with corticosteroid alone was favored (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.16). We judged this study to have high risk of reporting bias, and the certainty of the evidence was downgraded to moderate. No included study reported the proportion of participants with BCVA better than 20/40 at one week postoperatively or reported time to cessation of treatment. Only one included study reported on the presence of CME at one week after surgery and one study reported on CME at two weeks after surgery. After combining findings from these two studies, we estimated with low-certainty evidence that there was a lower risk of CME in the group that received NSAIDs plus corticosteroids (RR 0.17, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.97). Seven RCTs reported the proportion of participants with CME at one month postoperatively; however there was low-certainty evidence of a lower risk of CME in participants receiving an NSAID plus a corticosteroid compared with those receiving a corticosteroid alone (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.06). The few adverse events reported were due to phacoemulsification rather than the eye drops. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We found insufficient evidence from this review to inform practice for treatment of postoperative inflammation after uncomplicated phacoemulsification. Based on the RCTs included in this review, we could not conclude the equivalence or superiority of NSAIDs with or without corticosteroids versus corticosteroids alone. There may be some risk reduction of CME in the NSAID-alone group and the combination of NSAID plus corticosteroid group. Future RCTs on these interventions should standardize the type of medication used, dosing, and treatment regimen; data should be collected and presented using the Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) outcome measures so that dichotomous outcomes can be analyzed.

Current trends in pain management after photorefractive and phototherapeutic keratectomy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Since the introduction of photoablative procedures, postoperative pain management has been a major challenge for both the patient and the surgeon. Over the years, significant advances have been made in our ability to overcome this challenge. The purpose of this article is to discuss the most current strategies for pain control after photorefractive keratectomy and phototherapeutic keratectomy. RECENT FINDINGS: Methods for pain control can be targeted locally or systemically and can be pharmacological or nonpharmalogical. Options include anesthetics, NSAIDs, opiates, and anticonvulsants, as well as bandage contact lenses and corneal cooling. SUMMARY: Literature and experience provide insight on the efficacy and safety of the many options for post-photorefractive keratectomy pain control. Generally, refractive surgeons are using a combination approach to achieve pain control with excellent results.

Association between transient interface fluid on intraoperative OCT and textural interface opacity after DSAEK surgery in the PIONEER study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the association between transient interface fluid (TIF) and textural interface opacity (TIO) after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) surgery using intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) in the PIONEER (Prospective Intraoperative and Perioperative Ophthalmic ImagiNg with Optical CoherEncE TomogRaphy) study. METHODS: All consecutive eyes that underwent DSAEK between October 2011 and September 2013 from the PIONEER intraoperative and perioperative OCT study were included. iOCT images were captured after lenticule apposition with complete air fill and after air-fluid exchange. Postoperative day 1 OCT images were obtained. Outcome variables included the presence of TIO at the graft-host junction and the presence of intraoperative and postoperative interface fluid on OCT. RESULTS: Seventy-six eyes from 69 patients who underwent DSAEK with iOCT were included. The mean age of the patients was 71 years (range 31-90). The 2 most common indications for surgery were Fuchs dystrophy (63%) and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (24%). In 18 of 76 (23.7%) eyes, TIF was visible on iOCT post air-fluid exchange. Of these eyes, 14 developed TIO. TIO was observed in 18 of 76 (23.7%) eyes. TIF on iOCT was associated with a significantly higher rate of postoperative TIO (odds ratio = 47.25; P < 0.0001). Sixteen of the 18 eyes that had TIF on iOCT had had resolution on the postoperative day 1 OCT. There was no significant difference in the mean graft thickness between eyes with TIF on iOCT and those without (P = 0.58). CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with TIF on iOCT are more likely to develop TIO in the postoperative period. It is believed that the process of gap closure results in TIO, possibly secondary to precipitated solutes, retained viscoelastic, or lamellar irregularities caused by delayed adhesion or uneven matching of lamellar fibrils.

Cirrhosis-related coagulopathy resulting in disseminated intravascular coagulation and spontaneous orbital hemorrhages.

A 33-year-old patient presented to our Emergency Department (ED) with left-sided eyelid ecchymoses and edema. A CT scan of the orbits demonstrated a left retrobulbar hemorrhage, prompting an ophthalmology consultation. Upon examination, the patient reported worsening eye pain and decreasing vision in the left eye. Despite aggressive management with superior and inferior lateral canthotomy/cantholysis with placement of an orbital drain, visual loss occurred, and the patient ultimately expired from her systemic condition. Coagulopathy from liver disease resulting in systemic hemorrhage is commonly seen. Orbital hemorrhage in this setting requires emergent diagnosis and management to prevent irreversible compressive optic neuropathy.

Risk factors for visual field progression in treated glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine intraocular pressure (IOP)-dependent and IOP-independent variables associated with visual field (VF) progression in treated glaucoma. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort of the Glaucoma Progression Study. METHODS: Consecutive, treated glaucoma patients with repeatable VF loss who had 8 or more VF examinations of either eye, using the Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm (24-2 SITA-Standard, Humphrey Field Analyzer II; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc, Dublin, California), during the period between January 1999 and September 2009 were included. Visual field progression was evaluated using automated pointwise linear regression. Evaluated data included age, sex, race, central corneal thickness, baseline VF mean deviation, mean follow-up IOP, peak IOP, IOP fluctuation, a detected disc hemorrhage, and presence of beta-zone parapapillary atrophy. RESULTS: We selected 587 eyes of 587 patients (mean [SD] age, 64.9 [13.0] years). The mean (SD) number of VFs was 11.1 (3.0), spanning a mean (SD) of 6.4 (1.7) years. In the univariable model, older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.19 per decade; P = .01), baseline diagnosis of exfoliation syndrome (OR, 1.79; P = .01), decreased central corneal thickness (OR, 1.38 per 40 µm thinner; P < .01), a detected disc hemorrhage (OR, 2.31; P < .01), presence of beta-zone parapapillary atrophy (OR, 2.17; P < .01), and all IOP parameters (mean follow-up, peak, and fluctuation; P < .01) were associated with increased risk of VF progression. In the multivariable model, peak IOP (OR, 1.13; P < .01), thinner central corneal thickness (OR, 1.45 per 40 µm thinner; P < .01), a detected disc hemorrhage (OR, 2.59; P < .01), and presence of beta-zone parapapillary atrophy (OR, 2.38; P < .01) were associated with VF progression. CONCLUSIONS: IOP-dependent and IOP-independent risk factors affect disease progression in treated glaucoma. Peak IOP is a better predictor of progression than is IOP mean or fluctuation.

NPY ablation in C57BL/6 mice leads to mild obesity and to an impaired refeeding response to fasting.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is an orexigenic (appetite-stimulating) peptide that plays an important role in regulating energy balance. When administered directly into the central nervous system, animals exhibit an immediate increase in feeding behavior, and repetitive injections or chronic infusions lead to obesity. Surprisingly, initial studies of Npy(-/-) mice on a mixed genetic background did not reveal deficits in energy balance, with the exception of an attenuation in obesity seen in ob/ob mice in which the NPY gene was also deleted. Here, we show that, on a C57BL/6 background, NPY ablation is associated with an increase in body weight and adiposity and a significant defect in refeeding after a fast. This impaired refeeding response in Npy(-/-) mice resulted in a deficit in weight gain in these animals after 24 h of refeeding. These data indicate that genetic background must be taken into account when the biological role of NPY is evaluated. When examined on a C57BL/6 background, NPY is important for the normal refeeding response after starvation, and its absence promotes mild obesity.