An Artificial Intelligence Driven Approach for Classification of Ophthalmic Images using Convolutional Neural Network: An Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: Early disease detection is emphasized within ophthalmology now more than ever, and as a result, clinicians and innovators turn to deep learning to expedite accurate diagnosis and mitigate treatment delay. Efforts concentrate on the creation of deep learning systems that analyze clinical image data to detect disease-specific features with maximum sensitivity. Moreover, these systems hold promise of early accurate diagnosis and treatment of patients with common progressive diseases. DenseNet, ResNet, and VGG-16 are among a few of the deep learning Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) algorithms that have been introduced and are being investigated for potential application within ophthalmology. METHODS: In this study, the authors sought to create and evaluate a novel ensembled deep learning CNN model that analyzes a dataset of shuffled retinal color fundus images (RCFIs) from eyes with various ocular disease features (cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy). Our aim was to determine (1) the relative performance of our finalized model in classifying RCFIs according to disease and (2) the diagnostic potential of the finalized model to serve as a screening test for specific diseases (cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy) upon presentation of RCFIs with diverse disease manifestations. RESULTS: We found adding convolutional layers to an existing VGG-16 model, which was named as a proposed model in this article that, resulted in significantly increased performance with 98% accuracy (p<0.05), including good diagnostic potential for binary disease detection in cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy. CONCLUSION: The proposed model was found to be suitable and accurate for a decision support system in Ophthalmology Clinical Framework.

Opacification of a scleral-sutured Akreos AO60 intraocular lens in the absence of concurrent or subsequent surgery: a case series.

Scleral-fixated intraocular lenses (SCIOLs) are an increasingly used option to place intraocular lenses in patients with compromised capsules. Akreos A060 is an acrylic hydrophilic lens that is commonly used for patients in need of SCIOL. As with other hydrophilic lenses, the Akreos A060 lens is associated with a risk of developing postoperative opacifications. To date, multiple case reports and case series have documented the development of opacifications in the Akreos A060 lens in the setting of subsequent intraocular surgery, most commonly after surgery involving gas or air, as commonly used in many routine retinal and corneal surgeries. Many theories have been proposed to explain this phenomenon, but none has been confirmed. This short case series presents two patients with Akreos A060 lenses who incidentally developed lens opacification in the absence of concurrent or subsequent intraocular surgery.

Successful management of a rare case of endogenous endophthalmitis from soft tissue (gluteal) abscess.

Endophthalmitis, an ophthalmic emergency carries poor visual prognosis without prompt diagnosis and treatment. Endophthalmitis is often exogenous and rarely endogenous. In this report, we describe a rare case of bacterial endogenous endophthalmitis in an immunocompetent 51-year-old patient due to methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus septicemia from a gluteal abscess. Ultrasonography confirmed endogenous endophthalmitis. The patient was treated with immediate intravitreal antibiotic injections, prolonged intravenous antibiotics in association with pars plana vitrectomy, retinal detachment repair and vitreous debris removal. Successful treatment was confirmed with negative blood cultures and a clear vitreous on b-scan ultrasound and fundus photography with improvement of his visual acuity. This case highlights the importance of consideration of rare infectious foci as etiology and prompts treatment for successful resolution of endogenous endophthalmitis.

Optics and Utility of Low-Cost Smartphone-Based Portable Digital Fundus Camera System for Screening of Retinal Diseases.

PURPOSE: To describe optical principles and utility of inexpensive, portable, non-contact digital smartphone-based camera for the acquisition of fundus photographs for the evaluation of retinal disorders. METHODS: The digital camera has a high-quality glass 25 D condensing lens attached to a 21.4-megapixel smartphone camera. The white-emitting LED light of the smartphone at low illumination levels is used to visualize the fundus and limit source reflection. The camera captures a high-definition fundus (5344 × 4016) image on a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMO) with an area of 6.3 mm × 4.5 mm. The auto-acquisition mode of the device facilitates the quick capture of the image from continuous video streaming in a fraction of a second. RESULTS: This new smartphone-based camera provides high-resolution digital images of the retina (50° telescopic view) in patients at a fraction of the cost (USD 1000) of established, non-transportable, office-based fundus photography systems. CONCLUSIONS: The portable user-friendly smartphone-based digital camera is a useful alternative for the acquisition of fundus photographs and provides a tool for screening retinal diseases in various clinical settings such as primary care clinics or emergency rooms. The ease of acquisition of photographs from a continuously streaming video of fundus obviates the need for a skilled photographer.

Successful delivery of subretinal aflibercept (new surgical technique) for the treatment of submacular hemorrhage in idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

Submacular hemorrhage (SMH) is often a result of trauma, wet age-related macular degeneration or IPCV and frequently leads to blindness secondary to extreme toxicity of hemoglobin products on photoreceptors. We describe a new technique of subretinal aflibercept injection during pars plana vitrectomy for the treatment of SMH in idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (IPCV). A 55-old male presented with sudden loss of vision (HM) secondary to massive subretinal hemorrhage associated with IPCV. Subretinal injection of aflibercept with a 25 g/42 g cannula coupled to the viscous fluid control unit of a standard vitrectomy system was performed during parsplana vitrectomy. Controlled injection of aflibercept intra-operatively has resulted in a resolution of SMH (confirmed with OCT and ICG). Visual acuity improved from HM to 20/20. This combined approach delivered anti-VEGF agent to target tissue in controlled fashion with the assistance of VFC system (similar to gene therapy) and restored full vision with resolution of SMH.

Pembrolizumab dramatically resolves choroidal metastatis from esophageal adenocarcinoma and restores vision: a case report.

Esophageal adenocarcinoma historically is an aggressive cancer with poor long-term survival. Ocular metastasis secondary to gastrointestinal malignancy is rare. In managing patients with ocular metastasis, quality of life (specifically vision preservation) is one of the most important factors patients and providers consider when deciding on a treatment regimen. Anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and PD-1 ligand (PD-L1) inhibitors such as pembrolizumab have shown promising results as second-line therapy for patient with metastatic malignancy. We describe a novel case of a functionally monocular patient with known metastatic esophageal adenocarcinoma who developed poor vision and a large choroidal lesion in his better seeing eye. The lesion regressed and vision restored to 20/20 after treatments with pembrolizumab in this case report.

Successful repair of spontaneous indirect bilateral carotid-cavernous fistula with coil embolization.

Bilateral carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) is a rare disease process, which portends poor visual outcome with delayed diagnosis and treatment. An 82-year-old woman presented with sudden onset of proptosis and decreased vision. A complete ophthalmologic examination along with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the brain and orbits, and MR angiography and venography of the brain confirmed the diagnosis of bilateral CCF. Diagnostic cerebral angiogram with concurrent coil embolization of the right cavernous sinus via left superior ophthalmic vein approach was performed. Bilateral indirect CCFs (type D CCF on the right and a type B CCF on the left) regressed completely after unilateral coil embolization. Visual acuity and limitation in extraocular movements significantly improved with complete resolution. In summary, we describe successful management of bilateral concurrent CCF with image-guided embolization and immediate recovery of vision and resolution of ophthalmological symptoms including proptosis and diplopia.

Successful repair of combined tractional and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with pars plana vitrectomy without scleral buckle in severe Behçet's disease.

Behçet's disease (BD) is a multisystemic, immune-mediated occlusive vasculitis of unknown etiology with a chronic, relapsing remitting course. Ocular involvement is characterized by recurrent nongranulomatous uveitis with necrotizing obliterative vasculitis affecting both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye and often leads to blindness. We describe successful surgical management of a rare case of combined rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and tractional retinal detachment (TRD) in a patient with Behçet's disease. A 28-year-old Hispanic women with known Behcet's disease presented with loss of vision of both eyes. She was found to have extensive bilateral necrotizing vasculitis with severe ischemia. Despite aggressive antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy and pan retinal photocoagulation, patient progressed to total blindness from development of combined rhegmatogenous and tractional funnel retinal detachment. Small gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with silicone oil tamponade was performed for retinal detachment repair (without scleral buckle). Combined RRD and TRD was successfully treated with standard PPV with silicone oil placement without use of scleral buckle. Visual acuity 1 year postoperatively improved from ability to perceive light to 20/400. Combined forms of retinal detachment, a rare development in Behçet's disease may be effectively treated with PPV (without scleral buckling) with favorable visual and anatomic outcomes.

Allergic fungal sinusitis masquerading as cavernous sinus thrombosis.

Allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS), a noninvasive form of fungal sinusitis, is rarely seen in immunocompetent patients. Involvement of sphenoid sinus can result in proptosis and loss of vision. We report AFS masquerading as posterior cavernous sinus syndrome. A 59-year-old African-American man presented with right complete ptosis with ophthalmoplegia. After an initial work-up and imaging studies, patient underwent endonasal sphenoid surgery, which revealed characteristic 'allergic fungal mucin'. Cavernous sinus syndrome is a rare presenting clinical feature of allergic fungal sinusitis. Ophthalmologists should be aware of this rare presentation of relatively common otorhinological disease for timely referral and appropriate management.

Ultra wide field angiography documented peripheral retinal eovascularization as cause of vitreous hemorrhage after scleral buckle surgery.

We describe an unusual case of ultra wide fluorescein angiography (UWFA) documented peripheral retinal neovascularization (NVE) with delayed vitreous hemorrhage after placement of an encircling scleral buckle (a common procedure for repair of retinal detachment). Anterior segment ischemia is a rare complication after scleral buckle surgery for the treatment of retinal detachment and results from altered choroidal flow through the impingement of the anterior and long posterior ciliary arteries. UWFA performed for the evaluation of vitreous hemorrhage confirmed ischemia anterior to the scleral buckle and consequential NVE. This case represents the utility of UWFA in evaluating and managing this exceptionally rare complication associated with a common procedure in the field of vitreoretinal surgery.

Multimodal Imaging Characteristics of ADRP in a Family with p.Thr58Arg Substituted RHO Mutation.

BACKGROUND: Autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP) is a rare cause of progressive visual impairment in young patients and is frequently a result of RHO gene mutations. p.Thr58Arg rhodopsin mutation leads to misfolding of rhodopsin, subsequent accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum, and leads to consecutive atrophy of photoreceptor cells through apoptosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We describe multimodal imaging findings in a 58-year-old female with adRP due to a c.173 C > G, p.Thr58Arg rhodopsin mutation (confirmed on genotyping), including ultra-wide-field fundus autofluorescence (UWF-FAF), color scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, structural optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT-angiography (OCT-A), electroretinography (ERG), and visual field testing (HVF). Additionally, we compare the patient's phenotypic findings to those of her offspring, who was also affected by adRP. RESULTS: The 58-year-old female and her son with symptoms of nyctalopia and decreased vision showed macular pigmentary changes in a bull's-eye pattern along with bone spicules in periphery with retinal atrophy. Genotyping confirmed p.Thr58Arg rhodopsin mutation. Wide area of dystrophic retina was noted on UWF-FAF, along with corresponding atrophy of photoreceptor layer on OCT. OCTA revealed complete nonperfusion of the superficial capillary plexus in areas of retinal dystrophy. ERG revealed increased latency and decreased amplitudes; HVF revealed constriction of visual fields consistent with retinal findings. CONCLUSIONS: Multimodal imaging is extremely helpful in delineating the extent of retinal dystrophy and comparable to ERG for monitoring of progress in retinitis pigmentosa. Photoreceptor layer thickness (measured with OCT) strongly correlated with ERG and can be used as a secondary surrogate for monitoring the disease progress.

Typical electronegative electroretinography and nyctalopia as a presenting feature of systemic malignant melanoma.

We report a unique case of a female who presented with unilateral disk edema, melanoma-associated retinopathy symptoms, and suggestive electroretinography findings preceding a diagnosis of metastatic melanoma of the pelvis. A 63-year-old female presented with complaints of seeing shimmering lights and nyctalopia, and underwent an extensive ophthalmological and electrophysiological examination. Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes. Visual fields showed relative central scotomata and concentric narrowing. Slit-lamp and fundus examinations were normal. Rod-specific electroretinography responses were severely reduced, with electronegative maximal combined rod-cone responses and delayed cone responses with normal amplitude. Melanoma-associated retinopathy was suspected. Extensive systemic and internal evaluation revealed occult metastatic melanoma of the pelvis of unknown primary site.

Choroidal thickness measured with swept source optical coherence tomography in posterior staphyloma strongly correlates with axial length and visual acuity.

PURPOSE: To measure the choroidal thickness in patients with high myopia from staphyloma using swept source OCT (SS-OCT) in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) fields and compare to normal cohort. The study also evaluated the correlation between choroidal thickness with axial length and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). METHODS: In this prospective cross sectional study, 37 eyes of 20 patients with high myopia from staphyloma and 86 eyes of 43 normal subjects were included. In each eye, horizontal scans centered on the fovea (12 × 9 mm) were performed using SS-OCT (DRI-OCT, Topcon, Japan). Choroidal thickness in 9 ETDRS subfields, including central subfield (CSF) was analyzed and correlated with axial length as well as BCVA. RESULTS: The axial length and BCVA in the high myopia from staphyloma group ranged from 25.12 to 33.54 mm (28.4 ± 1.2) and 20/20-20/400, respectively. The choroidal thickness in staphyloma group was 85.53 ± 48.61 µm as compared to 250.24 ± 71.01 µm in the normal group (p < 0.0001). Stepwise regression analysis showed that axial length strongly correlated with decreased choroidal thickness (p < 0.001) in staphyloma group (r = 0.71, r 2 = 0.5). Refractive error and BCVA moderately correlated(r = - 0.47; r 2 = 0.22) with choroidal thickness (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Choroidal thickness in staphyloma (measured with novel technology of SS-OCT) patients is markedly reduced compared to normal controls. In addition, choroidal thickness strongly correlated with axial length of the eye and inversely correlated with visual acuity. This testing modality maybe used as a good predictor of visual acuity in patients with high myopia from staphyloma.

Evaluation of anterior capsular contraction syndrome after cataract surgery with commonly used intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of anterior capsular contraction syndrome (ACCS) in cataract patients after implantation with one of two most commonly used hydrophobic acrylic lenses. SETTING: This study included patients from Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA. DESIGN: This study is a retrospective chart review. METHODS: In this study, 1,047 eyes of 811 patients with and without known ACCS risk factors who underwent successful phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation were included. Eyes that sustained intraoperative capsular tears and patients with a postoperative follow-up of <1 month were excluded. Each patient underwent surgery by the same surgeon receiving either the SN60WF IOL or the ZCB00 IOL. The duration of postoperative follow-up along with the presence of ACCS and the dimensions of the anterior capsule opening in these cases were recorded. The incidence of ACCS between the two lenses was compared. RESULTS: ACCS was significantly (P=0.045) less frequent in those patients who received the ZCB00 lens compared to those who received the SN60WF lens, despite a significantly greater (P<0.0001) number of patients with ACCS risk factors in the ZCB00 cohort. CONCLUSION: In a direct comparison of the ZCB00 and SN60WF IOLs, a lower incidence of ACCS was found with ZCB00 IOL.

SWEPT SOURCE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY VALIDATES LAMINA CRIBROSA ANOMALY IN OPTIC DISK PIT.

PURPOSE: Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography validates lamina cribrosa anomaly in optic disk pit. METHOD: Observational case report. RESULTS: A 25-year-old African American male presented with decreased vision in right eye of 4 days duration. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) for distance in right eye was 20/200 and in left eye was 20/20. Dilated fundus examination of right eye showed serous macular detachment of entire posterior pole along with an optic pit on temporal margin of optic disk. En-face image of the optic disk on Swept source OCT (SS-OCT) confirmed defect in the lamina cribrosa in the right eye. CONCLUSION: Congenital optic disk pit a birth defect in lamina cribrosa is a rare, visually impairing disorder. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scan showed neurosensory detachment, however, lamina cribrosa defects are not delineated with it. SS-OCT a recent advance in scanning technology allows superior resolution of optic disk and confirms the anomaly of lamina cribrosa.

Intraocular Pressure in Premature Low Birth Weight Infants.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) and central corneal thickness (CCT) in premature low birth weight (LBW) infants and their correlation with gestational age (GA). METHODS: IOP and CCT were measured in premature LBW infants (defined as a birth weight ≤ 1,500 g or birth GA ≤ 30 weeks) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at the University of Florida Division of Neonatology, UF Health Jacksonville. RESULTS: Ninety eyes of 45 premature LBW infants with mean birth GA of 28.2 ± 2.3 weeks and mean birth weight of 1,131.5 ± 380.1 g were evaluated. The mean IOP and CCT were 29.0 ± 9.0 mm Hg and 660.0 ± 65.0 µm, respectively. There was no correlation between the IOP and CCT (r = 0.09; P = .38). There was a negative correlation between IOP and GA (r = -0.41) and between CCT and GA (r = -0.26). CONCLUSIONS: IOP is higher and CCT is thicker in premature infants compared to adults; however, there was no correlation between IOP and CCT. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2016;53(5):300-304.].

Clinical applications of spectral domain optical coherence tomography in retinal diseases.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was introduced about two decades ago and has revolutionized ophthalmic practice in recent years. It is a noninvasive noncontact imaging modality that provides a high-resolution cross-sectional image of the cornea, retina, choroid and optic nerve head, analogous to that of the histological section. Advances in OCT technology in signal detection technique from time-domain (TD) to spectral-domain (SD) detection have given us the potential to study various retinal layers more precisely and in less time. SD-OCT better delineates structural changes and fine lesions in the individual retinal layers. Thus, we have gained substantial information about the pathologic and structural changes in ocular conditions with primary or secondary retinal involvement. This review we discuss the clinical application of currently available SD-OCT in various retinal pathologies. Furthermore, highlights the benefits of SD-OCT over TD. With the introduction of enhanced depth imaging and swept - source OCT visualization of the choroid and choriocapillaris has become possible. Therefore, OCT has become an indispensable ancillary test in the diagnosis and management of diseases involving the retina and/or the choroid. As OCT technology continues to develop further it will provide new insights into the retinal and choroidal structure and the pathogenesis of posterior segment of the eye.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Retinal Diseases.

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a new, non-invasive imaging system that generates volumetric data of retinal and choroidal layers. It has the ability to show both structural and blood flow information. Split-spectrum amplitude-decorrelation angiography (SSADA) algorithm (a vital component of OCTA software) helps to decrease the signal to noise ratio of flow detection thus enhancing visualization of retinal vasculature using motion contrast. Published studies describe potential efficacy for OCTA in the evaluation of common ophthalmologic diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal vascular occlusions and sickle cell disease. OCTA provides a detailed view of the retinal vasculature, which allows accurate delineation of microvascular abnormalities in diabetic eyes and vascular occlusions. It helps quantify vascular compromise depending upon the severity of diabetic retinopathy. OCTA can also elucidate the presence of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in wet AMD. In this paper, we review the knowledge, available in English language publications regarding OCTA, and compare it with the conventional angiographic standard, fluorescein angiography (FA). Finally, we summarize its potential applications to retinal vascular diseases. Its current limitations include a relatively small field of view, inability to show leakage, and tendency for image artifacts. Further larger studies will define OCTA's utility in clinical settings and establish if the technology may offer a non-invasive option of visualizing the retinal vasculature, enabling us to decrease morbidity through early detection and intervention in retinal diseases.