Using Smartphone Chatbot for Postoperative Care after Intravitreal Injection during COVID-19 Period: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: During COVID-19 pandemic period, it was difficult for the patients regular and scheduled follow-up in outpatient department, especially when lock-down. However, early detection of patients with initial infection or other serious conditions after ocular surgeries, such as intravitreous injection (IVI) for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). OBJECTIVE: We accessed a postoperative care chatbot system (PCCS) in smartphone for patients to self-report postoperative symptoms/signs with an instant bidirectional feedback system. METHODS: During the COVID-19 level 3 epidemic alert in July 2021 in Taiwan, the PCCS alerted the patient to report and grade six ocular symptoms/signs associated with ocular inflammation or retinal detachment. Patients used the PCCS for 7 days postoperatively to assess their symptoms/signs per day after receiving an alert. The data automatically collected using a cloud computer system judged the grade and sent messages to medical staff for further medical assistance. User's satisfaction questionnaire was collected on the 7th day. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-five patients participated in this study. There were 26 reports (3.03%) of symptom grade deterioration (increased blurred vision, eye swelling, nausea, and floater/flash) in 12 patients (6.5%). No gender difference for the earlier medical consultation. One case occurred endophthalmitis and improved after 2 times prompt IVI antibiotics. 87% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied to communicate their symptoms instantly with the app, willing to use it again and considered it could improve quality of care. The incidence of earlier medical consultation is 3.8% (7/185) and the incidence of endophthalmitis is 0.5% (1/185). CONCLUSIONS: The chatbot system, designed for self-reporting postoperative symptoms and providing instant bidirectional feedback on smartphones, could be beneficial for enhancing early medical consultation without gender differences in AMD patients who receiving intravitreal injections. It achieves satisfactory response from patients.

Literature- and Experience-Based Consensus for Acute Post-operative Endophthalmitis and Endogenous Endophthalmitis in Taiwan.

Clinical practices on acute post-operative and endogenous endophthalmitis (EnE) are highly variable among clinicians due to a lack of up-to-date, high-quality evidential support. An expert consensus is thus much needed. A panel consisting of ten retinal specialists in Taiwan was organized. They evaluated relevant literature and developed key questions regarding acute post-operative and EnE that are cardinal for practice but yet to have conclusive evidence. The panel then attempted to reach consensus on all the key questions accordingly. There were eight key questions proposed and their respective consensus statements were summarized as follows: Gram staining and culture are still the standard procedures for the diagnosis of endophthalmitis. Vitrectomy is recommended to be performed earlier than the timing proposed by the Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study (EVS). Routine intracameral antibiotic injection for post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis prophylaxis is not recommended because of potential compounding error hazards and a lack of support from high-quality studies. Routine fundus examination is recommended for all patients with pyogenic liver abscess. In EnE, vitrectomy is recommended if diffused and dense vitritis is present, or if the disease progresses. These consensus statements may work as handy guidance or reference for clinical practices of acute post-operative and EnE.

Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Noninfectious Acute Anterior Uveitis with or without Human Leukocyte Antigen B27 in Adults - Expert Consensus in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Anterior uveitis is the most common anatomical type of uveitis. Patients with noninfectious anterior uveitis may develop various ocular complications and eventually visual impairment. Appropriately differentiating the etiologies can help clinicians to predict the outcome, arrange clinical follow-up, and decide the treatment or prevention strategy. Adequate treatment and effective prevention strategies can reduce the frequency of recurrence and the risk of developing complications. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 is the most common positive finding in patients with noninfectious AAU in many countries including Taiwan. PURPOSE: To report a consensus from experienced uveitis specialists and rheumatologists was made in Taiwan. METHODS: A panel of nine ophthalmologists from nine different referral centers with expertise in the management of uveitis and an experienced rheumatologist was held on January 16, 2022. A comprehensive literature review was performed. Differential diagnoses for etiologies, general treatments, and prevention strategies were discussed. Each statement in the consensus was made only if more than 70% of the experts agreed. RESULTS: A flow chart and seven statements regarding the differential diagnoses for etiologies, treatments and preventions, and co-management with rheumatologists were included in the consensus. CONCLUSIONS: This article discusses the general diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of noninfectious acute anterior uveitis, with or without HLA-B27, in adults for general ophthalmologists to improve overall outcomes of these patients.

A Prospective Study of Clinical Features of Anterior Uveitis in Taiwan.

In this study, we reported the patterns, epidemiology, and clinical features of anterior uveitis (AU) in Taiwan, an area of Eastern Asia. This prospective, cross-sectional case series study was performed to identify patients with AU at two tertiary medical centers (Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital) located at the southern Taiwan between December 1, 2018, and March 31, 2020. The clinical diagnoses, ocular presentations, and laboratory data, including the results of the aqueous polymerase chain reaction tests, were investigated in these patients. A total of 112 patients, with a mean age of 48.9 years, were included. Most patients (87.5%) presented with unilateral eye disease, with 30 cases of ocular hypertension at the first presentation (27%). The most common clinical diagnoses were idiopathic AU (37.5%), human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27-associated acute AU (25.0%), and herpetic AU (18.8%). Among patients with herpetic AU, cytomegalovirus (CMV) was the most common pathogen (17/21, 81%). Compared to HLA-B27-associated acute AU, CMV-related AU was mostly observed in patients that were older in age, exhibited higher intraocular pressure, more keratic precipitates, greater iris atrophy, and more pseudophakia, but was least reported in those with posterior synechiae. This prospective study identified the pattern and clinical features of AU in southern Taiwan.

Prevalence of Congenital Color Vision Deficiency in Southern Taiwan and Detection of Female Carriers by Visual Pigment Gene Analysis.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of color vision deficiencies (CVDs) and determine whether carriers could be detected by analyzing the visual pigment genes. Materials and Methods: The data of students who underwent routine CVD screening using the Ishihara color test in Kaohsiung, Southern Taiwan were analyzed. Furthermore, the DNA samples of 80 randomly selected females and four obligate carriers were analyzed. The most upstream genes, downstream genes, and the most downstream genes in the red/green pigment gene arrays were amplified separately using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and exon 5 of each gene was analyzed. The prevalence of congenital red-green CVD in this study was 3.46% in males and 0.14% in females. The PCR analysis of the first gene, downstream gene, and last gene revealed normal patterns in 73 normal cases. Seven unusual patterns were detected in two proton carriers and five deutan carriers. Among the randomly selected females, 8.8% (7/80) were CVD carriers. The prevalence of CVD among male Taiwanese students in this study was 3.46%. Female carriers of congenital CVD can be identified by molecular analysis of the visual pigment genes. The proportion of CVD carriers among the randomly selected females was 8.8%, which was slightly higher than expected and further studies are warranted.

Cytomegalovirus Uveitis: Taiwan expert consensus.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) uveitis, a type of herpetic uveitis, is a major cause of infectious uveitis. Anterior and posterior CMV uveitis have diverse clinical presentations and treatment modalities. Based on expert consensus in Taiwan, this article provides suggestions regarding clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for CMV uveitis based on clinical practice experience in Taiwan. CMV uveitis may have a distinct clinical presentation. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is an essential diagnostic tool to confirm a diagnosis. Antiviral therapy is the mainstay of treatment. Different agents, routes, and other supplemental treatments have been summarized and discussed in this article. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of CMV uveitis are crucial to avoid irreversible complications and vision loss. This consensus provides practical guidelines for ophthalmologists in Taiwan.

Outcomes and eye care knowledge in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment patients with a history of laser refractive surgery for myopia.

Purpose: To investigate the surgical outcomes and eye care knowledge of patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) who had previously undergone laser refractive surgery (LRS) for myopia in a myopia epidemic area. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with primary RRD who underwent surgery and had a history of LRS for myopia at a tertiary medical center. Data were reviewed from medical charts to analyse the surgical outcomes. Questions about eye care knowledge and attitude toward myopia and LRS were obtained. Results: A total of 774 patients underwent RRD surgery, among whom 341 (44%) had myopia > -3 dioptres, 66% of whom had high myopia. Thirty eyes of 26 patients had a history of LRS for myopia. The mean age of patients with a history of LRS was significantly lower than that of those without a history of LRS (45.7 ± 2.9 years vs. 53.8 ± 1.0, p < 0.001). The mean pre-LRS spherical equivalent was -8.66 ± 0.92 (range: -3.00--12.00) dioptres. In more than half the patients (n = 15, 57.7%), the interval between LRS and RRD was more than 10 years. The primary retinal reattachment rate was only 60%, whereas the final retinal reattachment rate was 93%. The mean final visual acuity (VA) improved from a 20/286 to 20/105 (p = 0.006). Linear mixed model analysis showed factors of male sex and macular detachment were significant with poor visual outcome (p = 0.046 and 0.008) Eye care knowledge obtained from the 19 RRD patients with history of LRS, 47% of patients (9/19) mistakenly thought that LRS could cure myopia and its complications, and 63% of patients were less willing to visit an ophthalmologist because uncorrected VA improvement after LRS. Eighty-four percent thought that proper knowledge and more education about LRS and myopia for the public are important. Conclusion: In the RRD patients with a history of LRS for myopia, their age was relative younger. Male sex and macular detachment were associated with poor visual outcome. More education with proper knowledge of LRS, myopia and RRD is recommended for the patients to prevent or early detect the occurrence of RRD.

Step-wise diagnostic approach for patients with uveitis - Experts consensus in Taiwan.

Uveitis is a sight-threatening disease that can be associated with many different etiologies. Successful treatment of uveitis relies on accurate diagnosis and prompt efficient therapy. History taking, physical and ocular examinations, systemic evaluations, and response to treatment provide crucial information to differentiate possible etiologies involved in the pathophysiology of intraocular inflammation. This article provides recommendations for a step-wise approach to patients with uveitis in Taiwan based on an expert meeting and consensus. Systemic evaluations for uveitis should be performed step-by-step and include investigation of patients' general systemic conditions, ruling out infectious etiologies, and obtaining evidential biomarkers to diagnose a specific disease entity.

Combination Therapy with Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide and Oral Levodopa for the Treatment of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: A Pilot Study.

Purpose: To determine the clinical effectiveness of combination therapy with intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVITA) and oral levodopa in eyes affected by nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Methods: Longitudinal study involving 45 eyes of 45 patients with NAION who were evaluated within 14 days of NAION onset. The treatment group received an IVITA 4 mg/0.1 mL followed by 25 mg carbidopa/100 mg levodopa (Sinemet 25-100) 3 times daily for 12 weeks and the control group was untreated. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) converted to logarithmic minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), visual field (VF) grades based on automated or Goldman perimetry, and mean retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measured on optical coherence tomography were assessed at the initial visit, 1, 3, and 6 months after NAION attack. Results: At the first visit and 6 months after NAION onset, the mean logMAR BCVA in the treatment group was significantly better than the control group (P < 0.05). BCVA was not significantly different between onset and the 6-month visit for both the control and the treatment group; however, the change in BCVA after 6 months was significantly greater in the treatment group compared with the control group (P = 0.007). Concomitant systemic disease, the changes in VF grades, and RNFL thickness from initial to 6 months after NAION onset were not significantly different between 2 groups. Conclusions: Combination therapy with IVITA and oral levodopa/carbidopa appears to be effective in the treatment of recent-onset NAION.

Mutation survey in Taiwanese patients with Stickler syndrome.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify gene mutation and phenotype correlations in a cohort of Taiwanese patients with Stickler syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients clinically diagnosed with Stickler syndrome or suspected Stickler syndrome were enrolled. DNA was extracted from venous blood samples. For the targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach, specific primers were designed for all COL2A1, COL11A1, COL11A2, COL9A1, and COL9A2 exons and flanking intron sequences. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients from 12 families were enrolled in this study. The myopia power in these 23 cases (35 eyes) ranged from -4.625 to -25.625 D, with a median of -10.00 D. Four patients had retinal detachment. Fourteen patients had a cleft palate. These 23 patients and 13 healthy controls were enrolled in the NGS study. Three families had significant single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in COL2A1. The mutation rates in this survey were 25% (3/12 families) and 35% (8/23 cases). The SNV of family #1, located at exon 27, c.1753G >T, p. Gly585Val, was novel and has not yet been reported in the ClinVar database. Families #10 and #11 had the same SNV, located in exon 33, c.2101C >T, p. Arg701X. Both variants were classified as likely pathogenic according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. CONCLUSION: Genetic mutations in COL2A1 were found in 25% of Taiwanese families with Stickler syndrome. One novel variant was identified using NGS, which expanded the COL2A1 mutation spectrum. Molecular genetic analysis is helpful to confirm the clinical diagnosis of patients with suspected Stickler syndrome.

Axial length of cataract eyes: a comparison of two cohorts over a span of 10 years apart.

BACKGROUND: To assess the associations of axial length with age-related cataract within a span of 10 years in an Asian population in southern Taiwan. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study examined 960 adults who underwent cataract surgery at the Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in year 2008 and year 2018. Axial length was assessed with the ultrasound biometry and/or the Zeiss IOLMaster. Eyes with prior blunt eye trauma or had underwent vitrectomy operations were excluded. The significance of the changes in axial length between the two cohorts was determined after performing age-matched analyses. Due to utilization of ultrasound biometry and/or Zeiss IOLMaster, axial length corrections with our mean difference in measurement results, which were similar to previous studies on comparison between the two measurement tools, were carried out. RESULTS: Axial length showed an age-related elongation in 10-year cross-sectional data, from a mean of 23.65 ± 1.80 mm in year 2008 to a mean of 24.30 ± 1.90 in year 2018 (p = 0.003). Patients with high myopia (axial length > 26 mm) increased significantly over the 10-year period from 8.1 to 16 % (p < 0.001). A birth cohort effect on axial length was evident as the axial lengths of year 2008 cohort were shorter than the 2018 cohort when they were in the same operation age group. In particular, persons born after the 1960s demonstrated a predominant increase in axial length in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms a trend in increase of axial myopia, especially high myopias, over the 10-year period. A novel finding of this study was discovering a birth cohort effect on axial length, especially in persons born after the 1960s in southern Taiwan.

Natural history and visual outcome of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in Southern Taiwan: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the natural course, visual outcome, and risk factors for visual loss after nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) attack in Chinese patients from a tertiary medical center in Southern Taiwan. METHODS: This is a longitudinal observational study that included sixty NAION patients, who were seen in our neuro-ophthalmology clinic from 2007 to 2016. Records of their ophthalmic history, medical history, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field (VF) testing, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were obtained for analysis. RESULTS: When the first visit was within two weeks after NAION onset, 62% of patients had BCVA of less than 0.1 (logMAR BCVA ≥ 1) and 38% had at least moderate-severe depression (VF grade ≥ 3) on VF on the initial visit. VA stabilized at three months after onset and was predictive of VA at 12 months. Diabetes mellitus was a risk factor associated with VA worsening. Sixty-one percent of patients had BCVA of less than 0.1 at 12 months after onset. VF remained relatively unchanged during the disease, with 41% eyes having VF grade ≥ 3 at 12 months after onset. On OCT, all quadrants of retinal nerve fiber layer thickened initially, returned to the level of the fellow eye at one month, and continued thinning up to 12 months slowly. CONCLUSION: In Southern Taiwan, a higher proportion of Chinese patients (over half) presented with severe visual loss during the first two weeks of NAION attack and at 12 months after the onset of NAION as compared to the findings previously reported in Caucasians. Understanding the natural course of NAION in Chinese patients may provide insights toward a possible therapeutic window for NAION treatments in this group of patients.

Oxidative stress enhanced the transforming growth factor-ß2-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition through chemokine ligand 1 on ARPE-19 cell.

Fibroblast-like transformation of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is a pathological feature of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) that may cause blindness. The effect of oxidative stress alone or together with transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-ß2) on epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) is not fully understood in RPE. TGF-ß2 induced the upregulation EMT markers including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Snail, and Slug and downregulation of E-cadherin (E-cad) in ARPE-19 cells. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) not only upregulated α-SMA but also enhanced the effect of TGF-ß2 on the expression of Snail and Slug. The CXCL family of cytokines could be the mediators of EMT induced by H2O2 and TGF-ß2. H2O2 induced CXCL1, that upregulated α-SMA and fibronectin. Both SB225002, an inhibitor of CXCR2, and antioxidant N-acetylcysteine suppressed the TGF-ß2-induced EMT in ARPE-19 cells. Taken together, the results suggest that oxidative stress enhanced TGF-ß2-induced EMT through the possible autocrine effect of CXCL1 on CXCR2 in ARPE-19 cells.

Patchy Scotoma Observed in Chorioretinal Patchy Atrophy of Myopic Macular Degeneration.

Purpose: To investigate the retinal sensitivity of highly myopic eyes with chorioretinal patchy atrophy (PA) using microperimetry. Methods: Fifty-two eyes of 32 patients with high myopia were prospectively included. Twenty-two eyes of 16 patients had PA lesions; eyes without PA were analyzed as controls. Testing points on microperimetry in eyes with PA were designated as 3 zones: zone 1 as the PA lesion including its borders; zone 2 including testing points adjoining PA; zone 3 including all other testing points. Results: In the PA group, the mean retinal sensitivity in zone 1 was 2.1 ± 2.8 dB, zone 2 = 8.3 ± 4.3 dB, and zone 3 = 9.4 ± 4.1 dB. Sensitivity in zone 1 was significantly reduced than zones 2 and 3 (P < 0.001). The mean retinal sensitivity in the PA group was lower than controls (6.5 ± 4.3 vs 13.9 ± 4.1 dB, P < 0.001), and combined zone 2 and 3 in the PA group also presented lower retinal sensitivity (8.8 ± 4.0 dB). Conclusions: Eyes with PA generate patchy scotoma in PA lesions and reduced retinal sensitivity in regions beyond atrophic lesion on microperimetry. The presence of PA may be an indicator to reflect both significantly anatomical and functional alterations on myopic macular degeneration.

To treat or not to treat: a clinical series of retinal arterial macroaneurysms: A single-center retrospective study.

Retinal arterial macroaneurysms (RAMs) develop as outpouchings of the arterial wall that is weakened by arteriosclerosis. The traditional treatment of RAMs comprises observation, focal laser photocoagulation, or surgery. Recently, intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs has been announced as an effective therapy for fovea-threatening RAMs and quickly improve visual acuity and central retinal thickness (CRT).In the retrospective series, medical charts and ocular images of 24 patients diagnosed as having RAM between May 2011 and November 2018 in our facility were reviewed to delineate clinical manifestations and visual prognosis in RAM patients receiving different treatment modalities. Twenty-four patients (25 eyes; 11 men and 13 women) were enrolled, and one eye with comorbidity of branch retinal vein occlusion was excluded. The mean age of the patients was 69.00 ±â€Š13.45 years. Fourteen patients (58.33%) had a history of hypertension, and 17 patients (70.83%) were aged > 60 years. Furthermore, patients with fovea-threatening RAMs presented with either hypertension or were aged > 60 years.Eyes with fovea involvement (n = 18) were analyzed and separated into two groups according to their treatment modalities: those receiving anti-VEGF intravitreal injections (n = 13) and observation only (n = 5). The baseline visual acuity revealed no significant difference in the two groups. In patients receiving anti-VEGF intravitreal injections, a significantly better visual acuity was detected after anti-VEGF intravitreal injections than the baseline visual acuity (logMAR, 0.78 ±â€Š0.51 vs 1.52 ±â€Š0.48, P < .001), and CRT significantly improved (505.50 ±â€Š159.26 µm vs 243.60 ±â€Š60.17 µm, P = .001). Patients receiving anti-VEGF intravitreal injections also revealed better final visual acuity than those in the observation group (logMAR, 0.78 ±â€Š0.51 vs 1.34 ±â€Š0.48, P = .04).A systematic work-up for hypertension and arteriosclerotic disease could be considered the recommended procedure once RAM has been diagnosed. With better final visual acuity, significant visual improvements, and fast reduction of CRT observed in patients with fovea-threatening RAMs receiving anti-VEGF intravitreal injections, intravitreal anti-VEGF was considered an effective therapy for complicated RAM. During the follow-up period, the majority of RAM eyes had good maintenance of visual function even with foveal complications.

Epidemiology and clinical features of viral anterior uveitis in southern Taiwan-diagnosis with polymerase chain reaction.

BACKGROUND: To report the epidemiology and clinical features of viral anterior uveitis in patients in southern Taiwan. METHODS: A retrospective, case series study. HLA-B27 negative anterior uveitis patients with increased intraocular pressure or corneal edema seen at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from January 1, 2007 to January 31, 2018 had their aqueous sent for polymerase chain reaction analysis. Their records were reviewed for demographic data, ocular findings, and laboratory results. RESULTS: In the aqueous samples obtained from 102 eligible eyes, 42 eyes were herpesviridae-positive, which included 9 with herpes simplex virus (8.8%), 5 with varicella-zoster virus (4.9%), 27 with cytomegalovirus (26.5%), and 1 with Epstein-Barr virus (1%). Herpesviridae-positive patients were more likely to be male, and have glaucoma. Glaucoma and pseudophakic eyes were significantly associated with CMV-positive eyes. CONCLUSION: PCR analysis of the anterior chamber fluid is important for the confirmation of the diagnosis of viral anterior uveitis. Cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis is not uncommon in patients in southern Taiwan, and it may follow an uneventful cataract extraction in immunocompetent patients.

Treatment patterns in diabetic macular edema in Taiwan: a retrospective chart review.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize diabetic macular edema (DME) treatment patterns in Taiwan and examine their impact on health care resource utilization and visual and anatomic outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective, observational cohort study of longitudinal data from medical records of five hospital ophthalmology clinics. Patients with type 2 diabetes and DME who received ≥1 laser treatment or pharmacotherapy (intravitreal/subtenon corticosteroids and/or intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] agents) between January 2012 and December 2013 (index period) and attended ≥1 follow-up visit after the first treatment during that period were identified (prevalent population, N=431). In addition, a subset that received no anti-VEGFs before 2012 (anti-VEGF-naïve population, N=77) was analyzed. Outcome measures were change in DME treatment distribution between January 2009 and December 2014 and health care resource utilization over up to 3 years from the first DME treatment received in the index period (prevalent population), mean number of anti-VEGF injections and change from baseline in visual acuity and central macular thickness over 12 months (anti-VEGF-naïve population). RESULTS: Between 2009 and 2014, laser treatment use declined, overall use of anti-VEGFs increased, and bevacizumab use decreased proportionately as ranibizumab use increased. Patients receiving corticosteroids and anti-VEGFs in the first 6 months post-index had greater health care resource utilization than those treated with laser, corticosteroids, or anti-VEGF alone (P<0.0001, cross-cohort comparison). Among anti-VEGF-naïve patients, 69% received one to four anti-VEGF injections in the first year post-index. Overall, visual acuity improvement from baseline was minimal at 1 year (0.4 letters, observed data; 0.1 letters, last observation carried forward), and modest central macular thickness reduction (28 µm [last observation carried forward]) was detected. CONCLUSION: In Taiwanese clinics, DME treatment patterns have shifted from use of laser to anti-VEGFs (with higher health care resource utilization); however, few patients receive anti-VEGF injections at the frequency reported in landmark trials, consistent with poorer visual outcomes. Effective alternative treatments with lower treatment burden should be considered.

Successful outcome after radiotherapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with choroidal metastasis: A case report and review of literature.

Choroid metastasis from esophageal carcinoma is rare; reports addressing the effectiveness of treatment strategies are limited. We report a case of a 51-year-old man with metastatic esophageal carcinoma who had a 1-month history of blurred vision in his left eye. An ophthalmologic examination revealed a choroidal mass in his left eye. Adjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil was initiated; however, visual acuity did not improve. External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) was initiated, resulting in near complete regression of the mass. EBRT is an effective therapeutic modality and should be considered in patients with choroidal metastasis of esophageal carcinoma.

Fixation behavior in macular dystrophy assessed by microperimetry.

PURPOSE: To investigate the fixation behavior in macular dystrophy using microperimetry. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with macular dystrophy and unilateral macular pucker. Macular dystrophic eyes were compared based on fixation within or outside of the atrophic region. The normal fellow eyes in patients with unilateral macular pucker formed the control group. Clinical and demographic characteristics of age, sex, best-corrected visual acuity, spherical equivalent, and fixation behavior (which included foveal mean sensitivity (MS), fixation MS, MS improvement, stability, centrality, and eccentric distance of fixation) were analyzed. A total of 58 patients were recruited, comprising 29 eyes of 29 patients in the macular dystrophy group and 29 eyes of 29 patients in the control group. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, patients with macular dystrophy had significantly poorer visual acuity, foveal MS, fixation MS, stability, and centrality, and more eccentric preferred retinal locations (PRLs). In macular dystrophy, the PRLs were most common on the superior side (48.3%). Compared to fixation in the atrophic region, PRLs out of the atrophic lesion gained more MS (7.41 vs. 0.89 dB, p = 0.001), although with less stable fixation (10.0 vs. 47.4%, p = 0.044). By multivariate linear regression, eccentric distance was found to be significantly associated with MS improvement (p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: The commonest location of PRLs in macular dystrophy is anatomically superior to the lesion. The dystrophic eye can gain better sensitivity by using PRLs outside the atrophic area.

Mineral trioxide aggregate affects cell viability and induces apoptosis of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth.

BACKGROUND: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is widely used for pulp-capping procedures in permanent teeth and as a gold standard material in endodontics. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of MTA on cell viability and apoptosis when MTA is directly in contact with Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth (SHEDs). METHODS: MTA was mixed and coated in the bottom of a 24-well plate. SHEDs collected and cultured from normal exfoliated human deciduous teeth (passages 3-4) were seeded on square cover glasses. The glasses with seeded SHEDs were incubated in the plates with or without MTA coating. They were divided into four groups: MTA direct contact, direct control, MTA indirect contact, and indirect control. After 1, 2 and 3 days of culturing, cell morphology was observed and cell viability was assessed by the WST-1 cell cytotoxicity assay. TUNEL assay, immunofluorescent labeling and western blot analysis were used to study the effects of MTA on SHEDs apoptosis. RESULTS: MTA impaired cell viability of SHEDs in 1, 2 and 3 days, and the effect of direct contact was more severe. Cell apoptosis with positive Annexin V and TUNEL staining was noted when there was direct contact with MTA. Western blot analysis revealed that Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL decreased after SHEDs were in contact with MTA. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that direct contact with 1 week post-set MTA significantly decreases the viability of SHEDs and induced cell apoptosis. The results suggest that there is a possible cytotoxic effect of pulp tissue when there is direct contact with MTA. Different responses would be expected due to the strong alkaline characteristics of fresh mixed MTA.