OCT Angiography: an Upcoming Non-invasive Tool for Diagnosis of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to review the most recent findings, characteristics, faults, and future perspectives of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD).Recent FindingsIn dry AMD, OCTA is useful on the evaluation of choriocapillaris perfusion and detection of na ïve quiescent non-exudative choroidal neovascularization (CNV). In wet AMD, OCTA can provide detailed anatomic and morphologic information of CNVs, which may help to understand why and how they develop and become active. In other hand, the many artifacts present in OCTA images may lead to misint...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - March 31, 2017 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in a Developing Economy with Improving Health Care
AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study is to highlight the changing pattern of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) incidence with improvement in economy and health care in Africa, pointing out the challenges and recommendations for sustainable, cost-effective screening and management.Recent FindingsROP was initially thought to be rare in some parts of Africa. Recent findings have shown this not to be true. Studies done over 2011 –2016 reported the presence of any ROP stage in 12–52% of screened babies with the prevalence of treatable ROP at 2.9–9.8%. ROP-trained ophthalmologists available to screen with binocular indi...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - March 15, 2017 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Pediatric Ocular Trauma: an Update
This article will review the recent literature and discuss the unique aspects to the presentation, evaluation, and treatment of pediatric ocular trauma.Recent FindingsOcular trauma occurs disproportionately in the pediatric population with injury rates and mechanisms similar throughout the world with only minor variation.SummaryTrauma in the pediatric population has the potential to cause devastating vision loss. Most injuries around the world present as closed-globe injuries; however, amongst those requiring hospitalization, open-globe injuries and traumatic hyphemas are common. Orbital fractures are relatively rare in th...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - March 9, 2017 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Systemic Treatment for Noninfectious Intraocular Inflammation
AbstractBackgroundAlthough uncommon, uveitis and other ocular inflammatory disorders may pose a serious threat to a patient ’s vision and quality of life.PurposeThe purpose of this review is to evaluate the indications for immunosuppressive therapy in the treatment of uveitis and to appraise the data regarding their usage, including efficacy and potential side effects.Recent FindingsWhile some agents such as antimetabolites have been used to treat uveitis for decades, there are now newer medications such as biologics that have recently met with great success. Adalimumab is the first biologic therapy FDA approved for the ...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - March 2, 2017 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
The PERG as a Tool for Early Detection and Monitoring of Glaucoma
This report provides a review of the current applications of the pattern electroretinogram (PERG) to investigate electrical responsiveness of retinal ganglion cells in early glaucoma.Recent FindingsWhile the PERG technique has been in use since the 1980 ’s, only recently PERG methods have been developed with skin electrodes and automated analysis that expand the PERG application in the clinical setting.SummaryThe PERG may be altered at stages of glaucoma that precede losses of visual field and optic nerve tissue. PERG alterations may be progressive and reversible after IOP lowering. PERG alterations may be inducible in s...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - February 27, 2017 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Diagnosis and Monitoring of Low-Tension Glaucoma
AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this review is to discuss current ideas on the definition, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of low-tension glaucoma (LTG).Recent FindingsWhile previously considered a distinct entity, LTG may be a continuation of primary open angle glaucoma with intraocular pressures (IOPs) within the statistical range of “normal”. Vascular dynamics, sleep apnea, and intracranial pressure may play a role in patients with LTG.SummaryLTG remains a diagnosis of exclusion. A thorough medical history and possible blood work-up and neuroimaging may help exclude nutritional deficiencies, toxicities, and...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - February 10, 2017 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Pediatric Corneal Transplantation —Where Are We Heading?
This article provides a historical perspective and reviews the latest developments in the field and, in doing so, aims to provide recommendations on the best practice for pediatric keratoplasties.Recent FindingsOutcomes of conventional penetrating keratoplasties in children have improved due to technological advances in pre-operative assessments, evolution of intraoperative techniques, careful post-operative follow-up, and prompt complication management. Newer types of corneal transplantation, such as deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and endothelial keratoplasties, have also been successfully adopted in children. Recent...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - February 2, 2017 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Twenty-Seven-Gauge Vitrectomy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis paper aims to provide an overview of the currents aspects involving 27-gauge vitrectomy published on the PubMed directory.Recent FindingsAlmost 15 years have passed since the microincision vitrectomy system was introduced. The idea of removing vitreous through a smaller aperture has become a reality and is widely adopted among surgeons. Although not completely accepted, the use of 27-gauge systems has shown encouraging results. Newer vitrect omy platforms and cutter designs have tried to associate high-performance, smaller instruments with better outcomes. Consequently, the indications for 2...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - February 2, 2017 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Update on the Management of High-Risk Penetrating Keratoplasty
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this article, we review the indications and latest management of high-risk penetrating keratoplasty.Recent FindingsDespite the immune privilege status of the cornea, immune-mediated graft rejection still remains the leading cause of corneal graft failure. This is particularly a problem in the high-risk graft recipients, namely patients with previous graft failure due to rejection and those with inflamed and vascularized corneal beds. A number of strategies including both local and systemic immunosuppression are currently used to increase the success rate of high-risk corneal grafts. Moreover, in...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - February 1, 2017 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Intra-arterial and Intravitreal Chemotherapy for Retinoblastoma
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of this review is to summarize history, treatment outcomes, indications, complications, and current controversies of both intra-arterial (IAC) and intravitreal (IViTC) chemotherapy in the management of retinoblastoma (RB).Recent FindingsOver the years, the ability of IAC to provide excellent tumor control while limiting systemic toxicity has extended its indications from globe-sparing salvage therapy to the first-line therapy for unilateral disease. The establishment of safe IVitC techniques, on the other hand, has changed treatment philosophies from avoiding intraocular drug delivery at al...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - January 31, 2017 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
The Future of Treatment for Wet AMD
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAge-related macular degeneration is among the leading causes of blindness in the USA, and the prevalence is increasing. Although anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy has dramatically improved the treatment outcome for patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), repeated intravitreal injections can be a challenge for patients and physicians. The following provides a review of several innovative approaches to wet AMD therapy currently under investigation.Recent FindingsNovel anti-VEGF delivery routes, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor antagonism, immunomod...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - January 31, 2017 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Low Vision Therapy for Glaucoma Patients
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewThe purpose of the present article is to describe the evaluation and treatment processes for glaucoma patients with functional challenges related to their vision.Recent FindingsStudies of glaucoma patients demonstrate a decline in the ability to perform vision-related activities. Low vision therapy has proven to have a positive impact for many of these patients. We review the most recent literature in this area and also report on the characteristics of glaucoma patients enrolled in low vision services.SummaryGlaucoma is a significant cause of visual impairment and blindness. Low vision rehabili...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - January 22, 2017 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Evidence-Based Update on Ocular Chemical Injuries
AbstractPurposeChemical injuries of the eye remain a serious cause of visual disability. The current literature is reviewed, with a focus on recent studies that inform evidence-based treatment decisions.Recent FindingsPrevention continues to be a primary goal. In addition to conventional therapy (urgent irrigation, topical corticosteroids and antibiotics, oral vitamin C, possibly doxycycline and topical antioxidants), there is evidence that amniotic membrane, umbilical cord serum, or platelet-rich plasma may improve epithelial healing rates in moderate to severe burns. Reconstruction of the ocular surface continues to evol...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - January 17, 2017 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Corneal Transplantation in the Setting of Neurotrophic Keratopathy —Risks and Considerations
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of this study is to review diagnosis and clinical characteristics of neurotrophic keratitis and discuss both medical and surgical treatment options depending on disease severity.Recent FindingsManagement of NK depends upon identifying the severity and etiology of denervation and co-exiting ocular disorders. For active disease, the objective is to halt progression of melting, to provide structural support, and to prevent secondary infection. This can be accomplished through conjunctival flaps, amniotic membrane grafts, and tissue glue for small perforations. Surgery for visual restoration is...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - January 16, 2017 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Newer Surgical Options for Glaucoma
This article reviews the primary challenges of developing a successful glaucoma surgery and the recent advancements in glaucoma laser and surgeries.Recent FindingsRecent surgical modalities have been designed to target eye inflow or outflow system. The advancements in their designs are based on detailed knowledge about eye fluidic system. These new developments have been associated with higher success rate and lower complications. More detailed investigations are currently being conducted regarding the long-term safety and repeatability of these interventions.SummaryAdvanced surgical modalities have shown promising results...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - January 13, 2017 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
