"Predicting intraocular lens tilt using a machine learning concept".

OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study was to use a combination of partial least squares regression and a machine learning approach to predict IOL tilt using pre-operative biometry data. SETTING: Patients scheduled for cataract surgery at the Kepler University Clinic Linz. DESIGN: Prospective single center study. METHODS: Optical coherence tomography, autorefraction and subjective refraction was performed at baseline and 8 weeks after cataract surgery. In analysis I only one eye per patient was included and a tilt prediction model was generated. In analysis II a pair-wise comparison between right and left eyes was performed. RESULTS: In analysis I 50 eyes of 50 patients were analysed. Difference in amount, orientation and vector from pre- to post-operative lens tilt was -0.13°, 2.14° and 1.20° respectively. A high predictive power (variable importance for projection) for post-operative tilt prediction was found for pre-operative tilt (VIP=2.2), pupil decentration (VIP=1.5), lens thickness (VIP=1.1), axial eye length (VIP=0.9) and pre-operative lens decentration (VIP=0.8). These variables were applied to a machine learning algorithm resulting in an out of bag score of 0.92°. In analysis II 76 eyes of 38 patients were included. The difference of pre- to post-operative IOL tilt of right and left eyes of the same individuum was statistically relevant. CONCLUSION: Post-operative IOL tilt showed excellent predictability using pre-operative biometry data and a combination of partial least squares regression and a machine learning algorithm. Pre-operative lens tilt, pupil decentration, lens thickness, axial eye length and pre-operative lens decentration were found to be the most relevant parameters for this prediction model.

Diagnostic Potential of Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Scans for Pseudomonas Keratitis.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) scans for Pseudomonas keratitis. Methods: Patients with treatment-naïve keratitis underwent AS-OCT imaging. The following parameters were evaluated: corneal thickness (CT), infiltrate thickness (IT), infiltrate diameter (ID), tissue loss/gain, entropy, and distance of the lesion from the corneal pupillary center. Three different OCT devices were used for the analysis. The relationship between the detected pathogen and the OCT patterns was analyzed. Results: Nineteen eyes of 19 patients were included in the analysis: seven cases in the Pseudomonas group and 12 cases in the Gram-positive group. The mean (SD) values for the Pseudomonas and Gram-positive groups, respectively, were as follows: CT, 834 µm (165 µm) and 760 µm (120 µm); IT, 290 µm (152 µm) and 287 µm (84 µm); ID, 2067 µm (1470 µm) and 1307 µm (745 µm); distance to center, 3.0 mm (1.2 mm) and 3.0 mm (1.6 mm); epithelial defect, 1193 µm (586 µm) and 484 µm (615 µm); tissue gain, +31% (19%) and +10% (12%); and entropy level, 4.0 (0.8) and 3.9 (1.1). Conclusions: This study introduces novel insights by identifying specific OCT parameters that distinguish Pseudomonas keratitis, including a 30% tissue gain. These findings align with earlier research that underscores the potential of OCT in differentiating various pathogens causing keratitis. Translational Relevance: The findings of this study could be used to develop new diagnostic strategies for Pseudomonas keratitis. The OCT findings could be used to develop new biomarkers for the infection.

Enhancing Scleral Buckling Surgery Using an Illuminated Scleral Depressor.

PURPOSE: To report a technique for scleral buckling surgery under the operating microscope with wide-field viewing. METHODS: The identification and reliable marking of retinal breaks is one of the key steps for successful surgery in scleral buckling. For sufficient visualization of retinal breaks, some kind of indentation and illumination is necessary. In this technique, one instrument (Visible Periphery illuminated scleral indentor; Oertli Instrumente AG, Switzerland) combines scleral depression, illumination, and color marking (using a surgical marking pen) of the corresponding sclera above the retinal break. RESULTS: The illuminated scleral depressor enables the surgeon to safely and precisely mark the retinal break while stabilizing and rotating the eye with the other hand. This technique simplifies scleral buckling surgery by improving the handling and visualization of marking retinal breaks at the corresponding scleral. Neither intraoperative indirect ophthalmoscopy nor sclerotomies for chandelier light systems or any intraocular instrument are necessary. CONCLUSION: The illuminated scleral depressor facilitates scleral buckling surgery in a convenient way for easy and precise scleral marking of the retinal breaks even in challenging situations and positions of retinal breaks under the operating microscope with wide-field viewing. Indirect ophthalmology or other illumination sources are no longer needed.

Evaluating the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema with Aflibercept Based on a Regional Network of Ophthalmologic Care Givers.

Purpose: In Austria, anti-VEGF therapies are reimbursed only in clinical settings. This study aimed to describe the outcome of a treat and extend regimen (TER) with aflibercept for diabetic macular edema (DME) in a network of practitioners. Methods: In a prospective study over 36 months, patients with DME were treated with a loading dose of aflibercept and further on with adjusted treatment intervals based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings. All patients were monitored in an outpatient setting by regional ophthalmologists, and the treatment was administered in the clinic. Main outcome parameters were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline to the last regular visit. Number of visits at the practitioner's office as well as the number of injections were secondary outcome parameters. Results: Thirty-three patients completed the study at their final visit. BCVA improved significantly by 5.8 letters between baseline and the final visit from 70.4 letters at baseline (p=0.004). Patients visited the practitioner's office 12.8 times in the observation period of 36 months. 3.7, 5.1, and 3.9 visits were performed, respectively, in the first, second, and third years, and 25.5 ± 7.9 injections were performed. The mean interval of injections over the observation period was 6.2 ± 2.2 in weeks. Conclusion: The treat and extend regimen was valuable for treating patients with DME in this specific setting. The functional results of this study were comparable to those of other real-world evaluations. Adherence to the same treating institution seems to be important to avoid differences in therapeutic decision making and may also increase patient's compliance.

Case report: atypical, unilateral optic nerve infiltration as the first sign of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) relapse.

BACKGROUND: We describe a case of an atypical presentation of leukemic optic nerve infiltration. CASE PRESENTATION: A patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in remission suffered from sudden right eye vision loss. At the time of presentation, the affected eye presented with an afferent pupillary defect, while the fundus examination was normal. A complete work up of the patient revealed no signs of ALL relapse, but MR imaging of the optic nerve showed contrast agent uptake consistent with optic nerve infiltration. The patient developed a fulminant ALL relapse and died shortly after. Histology of the optic nerve showed a leukemic infiltration with CD10 positive cells. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of an ALL relapse in the optic nerve without intraocular signs. Patients' medical history should therefore be taken into consideration in patients with unclear vision loss.