Exploring the Potential of an Eye Tissue Donor Reporting App in Enhancing the Procurement of Corneal Donors: Mixed Methods Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: The availability of donated eye tissue saves and enhances vision in transplant recipients; however, the current demand for tissue surpasses the available supply. Corneal donor shortages lead to increased wait times, delayed surgeries, prolonged visual impairment, and increased inconvenience to patients requiring eye tissue transplantation. A web-based application was previously developed to facilitate easy and intuitive submission of potential donor information. OBJECTIVE: The primary objectives of this study were to assess health care professionals' attitudes toward the potential application and evaluate its effectiveness based on user feedback and donor registrations through the application. METHODS: Researchers used a mixed methods approach, commencing with a literature review to identify challenges associated with donor procurement. Stakeholder interviews were conducted to gauge health care professionals' perspectives regarding the application. User feedback was collected through questionnaires, surveys, and interviews to assess the application's usability and impact. An assessment of the reported potential donors and questionnaire responses were analyzed. RESULTS: The final version of the application successfully reported 24 real cornea donors. Among 64 health care providers who used the application to communicate about potential donors, 32 of them submitted trial entries exclusively for testing purposes. The remaining 8 health care professionals reported potential donors; however, these individuals did not meet the donor qualification criteria. The majority of participants found the application user-friendly and expressed their readiness to use it in the future. Positive ratings were assigned to the layout, appearance, purpose, and specific features of the application. Respondents highlighted the automatic sending of notifications via SMS text messages and the integration of all necessary documents for donor qualification and tissue collection as the most valuable functions of the application. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that donor reporting applications offer promising solutions to enhance tissue donor procurement. This application streamlined the reporting process, reduced paperwork, facilitated communication, and collected valuable data for analysis.

A deep learning approach to explore the association of age-related macular degeneration polygenic risk score with retinal optical coherence tomography: A preliminary study.

PURPOSE: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex eye disorder affecting millions worldwide. This article uses deep learning techniques to investigate the relationship between AMD, genetics and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans. METHODS: The cohort consisted of 332 patients, of which 235 were diagnosed with AMD and 97 were controls with no signs of AMD. The genome-wide association studies summary statistics utilized to establish the polygenic risk score (PRS) in relation to AMD were derived from the GERA European study. A PRS estimation based on OCT volumes for both eyes was performed using a proprietary convolutional neural network (CNN) model supported by machine learning models. The method's performance was assessed using numerical evaluation metrics, and the Grad-CAM technique was used to evaluate the results by visualizing the features learned by the model. RESULTS: The best results were obtained with the CNN and the Extra Tree regressor (MAE = 0.55, MSE = 0.49, RMSE = 0.70, R2 = 0.34). Extending the feature vector with additional information on AMD diagnosis, age and smoking history improved the results slightly, with mainly AMD diagnosis used by the model (MAE = 0.54, MSE = 0.44, RMSE = 0.66, R2 = 0.42). Grad-CAM heatmap evaluation showed that the model decisions rely on retinal morphology factors relevant to AMD diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The developed method allows an efficient PRS estimation from OCT images. A new technique for analysing the association of OCT images with PRS of AMD, using a deep learning approach, may provide an opportunity to discover new associations between genotype-based AMD risk and retinal morphology.

The level of cytokines in tears as a novel indicator of demyelinating diseases.

INTRODUCTION: A novel research objective is to identify new molecules in more readily accessible biological fluids that could be used in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and other demyelinating disorders. AIM: To compare the level of selected cytokines in tears between patients with MS or other demyelinating disorder and healthy controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 84 patients with diagnosed MS during remission or with other demyelinating disease of the CNS and 70 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Tears were collected without any stimulation and stored till the day of assessment. The concentration of selected cytokines was measured by the Bio-Plex Pro Human cytokine screening panel 27 cytokines assay according to the manufacturer's instructions. Statistical analysis was performed with Statistica 13. RESULTS: IL-1b level was significantly lower in the study group compared to the control group [3,6 vs 8.71, p < 0.001]. The same pattern was observed for IL-6 [3,1 vs 5.26, p = 0.027] and IL-10 [1,7 vs 10.92, p < 0.001] (Table 1). In the study group, IL-1RA (p = 0.015), IL-5 (p = 0.04), IL-9 (p = 0.014), and IL-15 (p = 0.037) showed significant correlations with age. In the total sample, IL-1Ra (p = 0.016) and IFN-g (p = 0.041) were significantly correlated with age, while in the control group, IL-8 (p = 0.09), MIP-1a (p = 0.009), and RANTES (p = 0.031) showed significant correlations. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that MS and other demyelination diseases lead to decrease in the overall level of cytokines in tears. Further research is needed to determine the role of tear fluid in the assessment of demyelinating disorders like MS.

Assessment of Changes in Cap and Residual Stromal Thickness Values during a 6-Month Observation after Refractive Lenticule Extraction Small Incision Lenticule Extraction.

Background: In this study, the changes in corneal cap and residual stromal thickness (RST) values during a 180-day observation period after refractive lenticule extraction small incision lenticule extraction (ReLEx SMILE) were assessed. Methods: Fifty patients underwent ReLEx SMILE using the VisuMax 500 femtosecond laser, with corneal imaging conducted pre and post procedure via anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Cap thickness in the center and 1.5 mm from the center in four meridians was measured at various intervals. Results: The results showed a significant decrease in cap thickness 180 days post procedure compared to earlier intervals (p < 0.05). Similarly, RST decreased gradually and significantly post procedure (p < 0.05). Notably, changes in cap thickness within the central 1.5 mm area were more dynamic than RST changes during the 6-month observation period following SMILE. Conclusions: The corneal cap thickness measured with swept-source AS-OCT within the central 1.5 mm area underwent more dynamic changes than the residual stromal thickness during the 6-month observation following SMILE.

Artificial-Intelligence-Enhanced Analysis of In Vivo Confocal Microscopy in Corneal Diseases: A Review.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has seen significant progress in medical diagnostics, particularly in image and video analysis. This review focuses on the application of AI in analyzing in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) images for corneal diseases. The cornea, as an exposed and delicate part of the body, necessitates the precise diagnoses of various conditions. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs), a key component of deep learning, are a powerful tool for image data analysis. This review highlights AI applications in diagnosing keratitis, dry eye disease, and diabetic corneal neuropathy. It discusses the potential of AI in detecting infectious agents, analyzing corneal nerve morphology, and identifying the subtle changes in nerve fiber characteristics in diabetic corneal neuropathy. However, challenges still remain, including limited datasets, overfitting, low-quality images, and unrepresentative training datasets. This review explores augmentation techniques and the importance of feature engineering to address these challenges. Despite the progress made, challenges are still present, such as the "black-box" nature of AI models and the need for explainable AI (XAI). Expanding datasets, fostering collaborative efforts, and developing user-friendly AI tools are crucial for enhancing the acceptance and integration of AI into clinical practice.

Association of Genetic Risk for Age-Related Macular Degeneration with Morphological Features of the Retinal Microvascular Network.

BACKGROUND: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial disease encompassing a complex interaction between aging, environmental risk factors, and genetic susceptibility. The study aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between the polygenic risk score (PRS) in patients with AMD and the characteristics of the retinal vascular network visualized by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: 235 patients with AMD and 97 healthy controls were included. We used data from a previous AMD PRS study with the same group. The vascular features from different retina layers were compared between the control group and the patients with AMD. The association between features and PRS was then analyzed using univariate and multivariate approaches. RESULTS: Significant differences between the control group and AMD patients were found in the vessel diameter distribution (variance: p = 0.0193, skewness: p = 0.0457) and fractal dimension distribution (mean: p = 0.0024, variance: p = 0.0123). Both univariate and multivariate analyses showed no direct and significant association between the characteristics of the vascular network and AMD PRS. CONCLUSIONS: The vascular features of the retina do not constitute a biomarker of the risk of AMD. We have not identified a genotype-phenotype relationship, and the expression of AMD-related genes is perhaps not associated with the characteristics of the retinal vascular network.

Fuch's Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy in Cataract Patients Is Associated with Elevated Levels of Inflammatory Chemokines, but Not Growth Factors, in the Aqueous Humor.

The study investigated a profile of chemokines and growth factors in the aqueous humor (AH) of eyes with Fuch's endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) and cataracts in comparison with cataract patients as a control group. A total of 52 AH samples (26 FECD + cataract and 26 cataract/control) were collected before cataract surgery. None of the patients had any clinically apparent inflammation at the time of AH collection. The AH levels of MCP-1 (CCL2), MIP-1α (CCL3), MIP-1ß(CCL4), RANTES (CCL5), eotaxin (CCL11), IP-10 (CXCL10), FGF basic, G-CSF, GM-CSF, PDGF-bb, and VEGF were compared between the groups. The analyses were performed using the Bio-Plex 200 System from Bio-Rad. Among the studied parameters, the AH levels of RANTES, eotaxin, and IP-10 significantly increased in the FECD + cataract eyes, compared with the cataract controls (p < 0.05). Elevated levels of the RANTES, Eotaxin, and IP-10 indicate more intense inflammation in the eyes of patients in the FECD + cataract group. Moreover, these factors exhibit potential as predictive biomarkers for early detection of FECD in cataract patients. The discovery of elevated concentrations of biochemical markers in a patient, who has not yet received a clinical diagnosis, may suggest the need for heightened observation of the other eye to monitor the potential development of FECD.

Outcomes of Boston Keratoprosthesis Type I Implantation in Poland: A Retrospective Study on 118 Patients.

Background: Boston Keratoprosthesis Type I (BI-KPro I) is a synthetic cornea that can be used to restore vision in patients with corneal blindness. This retrospective study evaluated the outcomes of BI-KPro implantation in 118 patients. Material: The mean age of the patients was 56.76 ± 14.24 years. Indications for keratoprosthesis implantation were as follows: graft failure, 47 (39.83%); ocular burn, 38 (32.20%); neurotrophic keratopathy, 11 (9.32%), mucous membrane pemphigoid 9 (7.67%); autoimmune, 6 (5.08%); Stevens-Johnson syndrome, 4 (3.39%); and aniridia (2.54%). Methods: The surgeries were performed between March 2019 and June 2022 at a single clinical center in two locations. The postoperative visual acuity, complications, and need for additional surgical procedures were analyzed. Results: The Best Corrected Visual Acuity before surgery was 0.01 ± 0.006. After one year (V1), it was 0.30 ± 0.27; at two years (V2), it was 0.27 ± 0.26; and at three years (V3), it was 0.21 ± 0.23. The percentage of patients with visual acuity better than 0.1 on the Snellen chart was 37.29% after 1 year, 49.35% after 2 years, and 46.81% after 3 years of follow up. The most common complications were glaucoma (78 patients; 66.1%), corneal melting (22 patients; 18.6%), and retroprosthetic membranes (20 patients; 17.0%). Conclusions: The BI-KPro can significantly improve visual acuity. The worst long-term results were obtained in the group of patients with autoimmune diseases; therefore, careful consideration should be given to implanting BI-KPro in this group. The high incidence of de novo glaucoma or the progression of pre-existing glaucoma suggests the need for careful monitoring.

Endocyclophotocoagulation Combined with Phacoemulsification in Glaucoma Treatment: Five-Year Results.

BACKGROUND: this study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of phaco-endocyclophotocoagulation (phaco-ECP) in patients with glaucoma over five consecutive years. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients (38 eyes) with primary and secondary glaucoma were enrolled to undergo phaco-ECP (Endo Optiks URAM E2, Beaver-Visitec International, Waltham, MA, USA). The primary outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, success rates, glaucoma medication use, and visual acuity after phaco-ECP. An IOP reduction of 20% compared to the baseline value without re-intervention was considered a successful treatment. Complete success was defined as a cessation of antiglaucoma medications. Secondary outcome measures included intraoperative and postoperative complications. Measurements were performed preoperatively and in the first week and 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, and 60 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean ± SD values of IOP preoperatively, at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months postoperatively were 22.6 ± 6.7 mmHg, 15.9 ± 3.9 mmHg (p < 0.001), 15.9 ± 2.9 mmHg (p < 0.001), 15.6 ± 2.7 mmHg (p < 0.001), 15.5 ± 3.8 mmHg (p < 0.001), and 15.2 ± 2.6 mmHg (p < 0.001), respectively. The mean IOP at the last follow-up was reduced by 32.7%. The decrease in the number of antiglaucoma medications was statistically significant at each follow-up visit compared to the baseline. The qualified success rate was 40.6%. All patients at the 60-month follow-up visit required the use of antiglaucoma medications-none of the patients achieved complete success. During the follow-up period, nine patients (28.3%) that required retreatment due to nonachievement of the target IOP were considered failures. Six patients (15.8%) were lost from the follow-up. A total of 23 patients were evaluated 60 months after their phaco-ECP. Complications directly associated with the procedure, such as corneal edema (25.6%), IOP spikes (20.5%), IOL dislocation (2.6%), and uveitis (12.8%), were observed in our patients. Hypotony was not observed in any of our patients. CONCLUSIONS: The phaco-ECP procedure was effective, well-tolerated, and safe for reducing IOP in glaucoma patients with cataracts over a long-term follow-up. Randomized, larger-scale studies are required to validate the results obtained.

Analysis of Cytokine and Chemokine Level in Tear Film in Keratoconus Patients before and after Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL) Treatment.

Keratoconus (KC) is a degenerative corneal disorder whose aetiology remains unknown. The aim of our study was to analyse the expressions of cytokines and chemokines in KC patients before and after specified time intervals after corneal cross-linking (CXL) treatment to better understand the molecular mechanisms occurring before and after CXL in KC patients process of corneal regeneration.; Tear samples were gathered from 52 participants immediately after the CXL procedure and during the 12-month follow-up period. All patients underwent a detailed ophthalmological examination and tear samples were collected before and after CXL at regular intervals: 1 day before and after the surgery, at the day 7 visit, and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after CXL. The control group consisted of 20 healthy people. 10 patients were women (50%) and 10 were men (50%). The mean age was 30 ± 3 years of age. Tear analysis was performed using the Bio-Plex 3D Suspension Array System. Corneal topography parameters measured by Scheimpflug Camera included: keratometry values (Ks, Kf), PI-Apex, PI-Thinnest, Cylinder.; All the 12 months post-op values of the KC patients' topographic measurements were significantly lower than the pre-op. As for the tear cytokine levels comparison between the patient and control groups, cytokine levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and CXCL-10, among others, were detected in lower amounts in the KC group. The pre-op level of IL-6 exhibited a significant increase the day after CXL, whereas comparing the day after the procedure to 12 months after CXL, this showed a significant decrease. Both TNF-α and IL-1 showed a significant decrease compared to the day before and after CXL. We observed significantly higher levels of IL-1ß, IL-10, IFN-γ and TNF-α in moderate and severe keratoconus than in mild keratoconus (p < 0.05). We also demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation between both pre-op and 12 months after CXL TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6 and Ks and Kf values (p < 0.05, r > 0); Alterations of inflammatory mediators in tear fluid after CXL link with topographic changes and may contribute to the development and progression of KC.

General Treatment and Ophthalmic Management of Peters' Anomaly.

Peters' anomaly (PA) is a manifestation of complex disorders in the development of the anterior segment of the eye. The most recognizable feature of the disease is a doughnut-shaped central corneal opacity and adhesions between the opacity and underlying iris. Glaucoma is observed in 30-70% of patients, with up to 50% of the patients showing concomitant vision-threatening disorders. Up to 60% of patients have systemic abnormalities or developmental delays. Being a rare malformation, PA is one of the most common congenital indications for corneal transplantation in infants. Penetrating keratoplasty is used as the primary method of treatment in cases with corneal opacification of a degree that forbids visual development in both eyes. The heterogeneity of co-occurring ophthalmic and systemic malformations in the spectrum of PA determines the wide range of success, defined by various endpoints: graft clarity or visual acuity. Although surgical advancement has made corneal grafting possible in younger children, it has a higher graft failure rate and worse visual prognosis than adult keratoplasty. Optical sector iridectomy, pupil dilation, or cornea rotation can alternatively be performed. Satisfying results of pediatric keratoprosthesis in particular cases of PA have been described. Postoperative treatment of PA aims to maintain a clear optical pathway and prevent amblyopia. This article therefore aims at reporting the ophthalmic treatment and need for multidisciplinary management of PA, including pharmacological and surgical treatment.

Visual Acuity Examination Methodology in Keratoconus.

Visual acuity is one of the most important parameters for evaluating the vision of patients with keratoconus. This study reviewed 295 articles related to keratoconus published between 2017 and 2022 in which visual acuity was one of the parameters measured. The methodology of visual acuity testing in studies on keratoconus was thoroughly analyzed. The analysis showed that the most commonly indicated chart for testing visual acuity papers on keratoconus is the Snellen chart. It was shown that in 150 out of 295 articles, the authors do not describe the methodology for testing visual acuity. What is more, it was also shown that in 68 of the 295 articles which were analyzed, a procedure for converting visual acuity tested with a Snellen chart into a logMAR scale was used. In this review, we discuss the validity and reliability of such conversions. In particular, we show that insufficient description of visual acuity testing methodology and lack of information on the conversion of visual acuity results into the logMAR scale may contribute to the misinterpretation of visual acuity test results.

Efficacy of Continuous-Wave Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation Post-Pars Plana Vitrectomy in Glaucoma Patients: A Retrospective Study from Poland.

BACKGROUND Glaucoma, a vision-threatening condition, results from optic nerve damage and affects millions of people worldwide. Often asymptomatic, it is hereditary, with risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and steroid use. Despite its link with intraocular pressure (IOP), not everyone with high IOP develops glaucoma. After pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), patients face increased IOP risks. Traditional treatment includes pharmacotherapy, and, when ineffective, surgical interventions. Continuous-wave transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (CW-TSCPC) is an alternative for refractory glaucoma but can have complications. Our study compares the efficacy and safety of CW-TSCPC after PPV. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group consisted of 18 patients diagnosed with glaucoma who underwent the CW-TSCP procedure as the first-choice therapy after conservative treatment of glaucoma proved ineffective. The comparison group consisted of 12 patients who underwent the CW-TSCP procedure after conservative drug treatment and in whom surgical treatment of glaucoma had been unsuccessful. All patients had inadequate control of IOP after PPV. RESULTS Study and comparison group patients showed a decrease in IOP during the follow-up, independent of the type of endotamponade used (P<0.05). When the indication for PPV was retinal detachment hemorrhage into the vitreous chamber, a significant decrease in IOP between 0 days and 180 days was only found in the study group (P<0.05). In contrast, when the indication for PPV was the state after uveitis or proliferative diabetic retinopathy, a significant decrease in IOP was found at 180 days in the study and comparison groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The analysis showed that the CW-TSCPC procedure can be recommended as the first-choice invasive treatment in patients with increased IOP after PPV.

Biosimilar SB15 versus reference aflibercept in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: 1-year and switching results of a phase 3 clinical trial.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and immunogenicity of SB15 versus reference aflibercept (AFL), and switching from AFL to SB15 in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). DESIGN: Prospective, double-masked, randomised, phase 3 trial. METHODS: Participants with nAMD were randomised 1:1 to receive SB15 (N=224 participants) or AFL (N=225). At week 32, participants either continued on SB15 (SB15/SB15, N=219) or AFL (AFL/AFL, N=108), or switched from AFL to SB15 (AFL/SB15, N=111). This manuscript reports 1-year and switching results of secondary efficacy endpoints such as changes from baseline to week 56 in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield thickness (CST, from internal limiting membrane (ILM) to retinal pigment epithelium), and total retinal thickness (TRT, from ILM to Bruch's membrane). Additional endpoints included safety, PK and immunogenicity. RESULTS: Efficacy results were comparable between groups. The least squares mean (LSmean) change in BCVA from baseline to week 56 was 7.4 letters for SB15/SB15 and 7.0 letters for AFL/AFL (difference (95% CI)=0.4 (-2.5 to 3.2)). The LSmean changes from baseline to week 56 in CST and TRT were -119.2 µm and -132.4 µm for SB15/SB15 and -126.6 µm and -136.3 µm for AFL/AFL, respectively (CST: difference (95% CI)=7.4 µm (-6.11 to 20.96); TRT: difference (95% CI)=3.9 µm (-18.35 to 26.10)). Switched and non-switched participants showed similar LSmean changes in BCVA from baseline to week 56 (AFL/SB15, 7.9 letters vs AFL/AFL, 7.8 letters; difference (95% CI)=0.0 (-2.8 to 2.8)). Safety, PK and immunogenicity were comparable between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Efficacy, safety, PK and immunogenicity were comparable between SB15 and AFL and between switched and non-switched participants.

Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of Ahmed Valve Implantation in Aniridic Glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the efficacy and safety of Ahmed valve implantation in patients with aniridic glaucoma for three consecutive years. METHODS: Six adult patients (seven eyes) with Ahmed valve (AV) implants for aniridic glaucoma were enrolled in the study. The primary outcome measures were intraocular pressure reduction, glaucoma medication use, success rates, and visual acuity after AV implantation. A 30% reduction in IOP from baseline without the need for re-intervention was considered an effective treatment. The cessation of antiglaucoma medications was defined as complete success. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were included as secondary outcome measures. Measurements were performed preoperatively, at the first week, and 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of seven eyes (6 patients) were evaluated 36 months after AV implantation. The mean ± SD values of IOP preoperatively at 1 day, 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months postoperatively were 30.4 ± 4.0 mmHg, 14.6 ± 4.6 mmHg, 16.1 ± 4.6 mmHg, 20.7 ± 7.0 mmHg, 14.5 ± 2.7 mmHg, 16.5 ± 5.9 mmHg, 16.2 ± 4.0 mmHg, 16.3 ± 4.3 mmHg, 17.2 ± 10.1 mmHg, 17.6 ± 6.9 mmHg, and 18.2 ± 5.5 mmHg, respectively. At the last follow up, the mean IOP was reduced by 40.2%. The qualified success rate was 85.7%. One patient (one eye) at the last follow-up visit did not require antiglaucoma medications, resulting in a complete success rate of 14.3%. Intra- and postoperative mild or moderate subconjunctival bleeding was observed in all the patients. No other major/minor intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: In long-term follow up, the AV implantation procedure is well-tolerated and relatively safe for reducing IOP in adult aniridia patients with glaucoma. These results should be validated through studies involving a larger patient cohort.

Preventing the Progression of Myopia in Children-A Review of the Past Decade.

The growing incidence of myopia worldwide justifies the search for efficient methods of myopia prevention. Numerous pharmacological, optical, and lifestyle measures have already been utilized, but there remains a need to explore more practical and predictable methods for myopia control. This paper presents a review of the most recent studies on the prevention of myopia progression using defocus-incorporated multiple-segment spectacle lenses (DIMSsl), repeated low-level red-light (RLRL) therapy, and a combination of low-dose atropine (0.01%) with orthokeratology lenses.

A Web Application for Reporting Eye Donors: Idea, Development and Doctor's Opinion.

BACKGROUND: Obtaining corneas in a country of 38 million, Poland, is extremely inefficient. In Poland, about 1000 corneas are transplanted annually, of which over 500 come from multi-organ donations. To our knowledge, such a low percentage of donations is in the absence of reporting of potential corneal donors. There is no computer system in our country for tissue donor reporting. The aim of the work is to present an innovative application developed for this purpose. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It was a cross-sectional, observational study. The questionnaires were collected from doctors who had access to the app. RESULTS: Almost all participants (47/52) answered that they would use this app if it was available in the hospital, 46 acknowledged that the application could encourage doctors to report tissue donors, and 48 confirmed it should be integrated with the IT system of hospitals and should be available in all of them. CONCLUSION: Despite advances in medicine and technology and increased awareness of organ donation and transplantation, the gap between supply and demand is constantly growing. Due to the large number of patients awaiting corneal transplants in Poland, it is necessary to introduce changes aimed at improving this situation. The newly developed app may contribute to increasing donor reporting.

Retro-Mode in NIDEK Mirante: A Comparative Analysis with Other Imaging Modalities for AMD and CSR.

BACKGROUND: Retro-mode is a novel technique capable of creating pseudo-3D images of the retina. However, its clinical utility remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the Nidek Mirante multimodal imaging platform for ocular assessment in patients with various retinal conditions. METHODS: A total of 115 participants with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSR) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were included. Two experienced graders independently evaluated the images, and statistical analysis was performed to assess interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) between graders and modalities; Results: For CSR detection, retro-mode demonstrated exceptionally high ICC rates (ICC = 1; 100%), while color and autofluorescence (FAF) showed moderate coefficients (0.69 and 0.78, respectively). The detection of pigment epithelial detachment was high across all methods, with only retro-mode deviated right (DR) allowing detection in 69% of cases, while retro-mode DR and deviated left (DL) achieved 100% detection. FAF-green achieved a 95% detection rate. In detecting retinal atrophy, most modalities demonstrated high detection rates, with the lowest detection rates offered by retro-mode DL (ICC = 0.85) and DR (ICC = 0.89), while retro-mode ring aperture offered 0.97. Infra-red and fluorescein angiography imaging offered the highest detection rates among the tested modalities, with 97% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Retro-mode showed promise for comprehensive ocular evaluation and diagnosis, with certain imaging modalities demonstrating higher accuracy in detecting specific retinal features.

Advanced Anterior Eye Segment Imaging for Ichthyosis.

The purpose of this study was to describe ocular surface and anterior eye segment findings in various types of ichthyoses. METHODS: This was a single-center prospective observational study. The study group consisted of five patients (P1-P5) aged 13-66 years. Multimodal imaging was performed, including slit-lamp examinations, swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). RESULTS: All patients were diagnosed with moderate-to-severe dry eye disease (DED). The corneas showed a significant pattern of irregularity, with a significant difference between the corneal thickness at the apex (CAT) and the corneal thinnest thickness (CTT), exceeding 375 µm. Three patients were diagnosed with ectasia patterns based on SS-OCT. All patients showed abnormalities in at least one Fourier index parameter for at least one eye at 3 or 6 mm in the keratometric, anterior, or posterior analyses. IVCM examinations revealed changes in all corneal layers. CONCLUSIONS: By combining the results of multimodal imaging, we were able to detect preclinical abnormalities, distinguish characteristic changes common to ichthyosis, and reveal the depth and characteristics of corneal abnormalities. Therefore, patients with ichthyosis should be examined for DED and ectatic disorders early in clinical practice.