Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Refractive Surgery
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this article, we review the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on refractive surgery.Recent FindingsCOVID-19 infection frequently causes eye symptoms, most commonly conjunctivitis or mild irritation. While virus can be detected in tears of symptomatic patients, the risk of transmission via this route appears low.SummaryRefractive surgery consultations were significantly reduced during the pandemic; however, volume is rebounding quickly likely due to a number of lifestyle, health, and financial factors. Laser refractive and intraocular surgery likely confer a low risk of virus spread, especially in ...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - October 22, 2021 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Nanoparticles as Cell Tracking Agents in Human Ocular Cell Transplantation Therapy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewHere we explore the use of nanoparticles (NPs) as cell tracking agents in ocular cell therapy.Recent FindingsCell transplantation is a promising strategy for treating degenerative eye disorders for which no curative therapies exist, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. While past and ongoing clinical trials of ocular cell transplantation have demonstrated encouraging findings, our insight into their successes and failures is limited, in large part due to the difficulty of following the fate of the transplanted cells in the human eye. In this regard, ...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - October 16, 2021 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Positive and Negative Dysphotopsias: Causes, Prevention, and Best Strategies for Treatment
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo explore the etiology and incidence of pseudophakic positive dysphotopsia (PD) and negative dysphotopsia (ND) and summarize strategies to prevent and treat its occurrence.Recent FindingsPD is managed with intraocular lens (IOL) exchange for lower refractive index or treated edge lenses or by use of photochromic contact lenses. PD related to presbyopia-correcting IOL designs is prevented with patient screening and education and mitigated post-operatively by optimizing visual acuity, treating ocular surface disease, and facilitating neuroadaptation through virtual augmentation. Consider IOL exchang...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - October 13, 2021 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Autoimmune Retinopathy, Testing, and Its Controversies
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this revision is to sumarize the most important clinical features of the autoimune retinopathies (AIRs).Recent FindingsAIRs are a group of inflammatory conditions affecting the retina characterized by progressive unexplained visual loss, abnormalities and contraction in visual fields, photoreceptor and electroretinographic dysfunction, and the presence of circulating anti-retinal antibodies. The pathogenesis of AIR remains unclear and various antiretinal antibodies have been associated to the disease. The diagnosis of AIR is based on a particular clinical presentation along with the ...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - October 8, 2021 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Optic Pit Maculopathy: Clinical Features and Management Options
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this article, we review the pathogenesis, clinical features, imaging modalities, and latest management options for optic pit maculopathy (OPM).Recent FindingsThe pathogenesis of OPM remains to be unclear, but imaging tools such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography are enhancing our knowledge. Observation continues to be the best management strategy for patients with good visual acuity, and many cases have demonstrated spontaneous resolution. For more advanced, progressive vision loss, treatment options involving vitrectomy can be considered and discussed with the patient. Su...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - October 7, 2021 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Adherence With Glaucoma Medications: Barriers to Success and Prospects for Improvement
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPatient adherence to prescribed medications is critical to prevent progression of glaucoma. This review summarizes recent literature about glaucoma treatment adherence including current strategies to aid in medication administration and opportunities for improvement.Recent FindingsMultiple studies have identified poor medication adherence as a major contributor to disease progression in glaucoma. There have been a variety of proposed and investigated techniques to improve adherence including eye drop monitors and reminders, patient education programs, eye drop delivery aids, and alternative medicat...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - October 1, 2021 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on Ocular Surface Pathology and Treatment Practices: a Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe ocular surface is a potential site of ocular involvement by SARS-CoV-2 infection. We performed a review of the literature to understand the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 disease manifestations on the ocular surface as well as to elucidate emerging treatment patterns and practice changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.Recent FindingsThe ocular manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 are likely limited to a mild and transient conjunctivitis. Other manifestations have not been validated in larger cohorts. Ocular surface tissue should be considered potentially infectious due to the presence of host receptors on su...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - August 5, 2021 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Current Indications for Photodynamic Therapy in Retina and Ocular Oncology
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to summarize the current indications for photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of retinal diseases and intraocular tumors.Recent FindingsThe recent introduction of new imaging modalities such as optical coherence tomography angiography and swept-source optical coherence tomography has enabled the quick and non-invasive identification of certain retinal conditions that benefit from PDT. Furthermore, recent reports in the literature have confirmed the role of PDT as an effective treatment modality for selected intraocular tumors.SummaryWhile the use of PDT has decr...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - August 5, 2021 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
The Future Is Now: Incorporating Telemedicine into Glaucoma Care
This article reviews the literature on teleglaucoma for screening and management of glaucoma, discussing considerations for incorporating teleglaucoma into clinical practice.Recent FindingsTeleglaucoma screening reduces the rate of false-positive referrals and can accurately screen at-risk populations with accuracy similar to in-person screening. The use of teleglaucoma for the management of glaucoma shows promise for low-risk patients with early disease. Furthermore, teleglaucoma is cost-effective and reduces travel burden for patients resulting in high patient satisfaction.SummaryTeleglaucoma offers potential for improvi...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - July 7, 2021 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
A Comparison of Genomic Advances in Exfoliation Syndrome and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review compares recent progress of the genetics of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and exfoliation syndrome/glaucoma (XFS/XFG).Recent FindingsMany common variants and associated endophenotypes have been discovered in POAG through genomic wide association studies (GWAS), particularly in ethnically diverse cohorts. Though the functional significance of these common variants is unknown, these advances have increased heritability estimates and helped create polygenic risk scores. In contrast, few variants have been identified in XFS/XFG, hindering efforts to examine endophenotypes, create satis...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - June 29, 2021 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Performing DMEK with Other Surgical Procedures: Staged vs. Combined Approaches in Straightforward Cases
AbstractPurpose of reviewVarious strategies exist in the approach to patients requiring both cataract removal and endothelial keratoplasty. In this review, we seek to define the differences in keratoplasty technique relevant to a multi-procedure case; to discuss known outcomes of the triple procedure, as well as outcome differences compared to staged procedures; and to identify knowledge gaps in need of further investigation.Recent findingsOptimal management of ocular comorbidities is becoming increasingly relevant with the rapid growth of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) worldwide. The triple procedure co...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - June 9, 2021 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
How Should Corneal Nerves Be Incorporated Into the Diagnosis and Management of Dry Eye?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewConfocal microscopy and aethesiometry have allowed clinicians to assess the structural and functional integrity of corneal nerves in health and disease. This review summarizes literature on nerves in dry eye disease (DED) and discusses how this data can be applied to DED diagnosis and treatment.Recent FindingsSubjects with DED have a heterogeneous symptom and sign profile along with variability in nerve structure and function. Most studies have reported lower nerve density and sensitivity in aqueous tear deficiency, while findings are more inconsistent for other DED subtypes. Examining nerve status...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - May 20, 2021 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Update on Imaging Modalities for Ocular Surface Pathologies
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo discuss recent studies of imaging modalities for ocular surface pathologies.Recent FindingsNovel micro-ocular coherence tomography technology can produce high-resolution images of corneal cellular and nervous structures. Ocular coherence tomography angiography can aid in detecting early-stage limbal stem cell deficiency. Several studies used in vivo confocal microscopy to evaluate corneal nerve metrics and morphology.SummaryThe applications of anterior segment optical coherence tomography, anterior segment optical coherence tomography angiography, ultrasound biomicroscopy, and in vivo confocal m...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - May 18, 2021 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Intracranial Pressure and Its Relationship to Glaucoma
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWhile the pathophysiology of glaucoma remains elusive, a growing body of evidence suggests that intracranial pressure may play a significant role. This review aims to highlight recent findings on the role of intracranial pressure in the development of glaucomatous optic neuropathy.Recent FindingsThe translaminar pressure gradient is defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) minus intracranial pressure (ICP) divided by the thickness of the lamina cribrosa. Prior research has demonstrated the effect of elevated IOP of ganglion cell apoptosis, but newer research shows that ganglion cell death may occur wi...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - May 17, 2021 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
Autologous Blood Products: When, Where, and How?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this article, we review the latest clinical outcomes of the treatment of ocular surface diseases with autologous blood products.Recent FindingsBesides their well-known use in the treatment of severe dry eye disease, these products have recently been successfully used in the management of other conditions such as post-crosslinking surgery in patients with keratoconus. Also, new and easier-to-preserve presentations of these products are discussed.SummaryAutologous blood eye drops have become an interesting, well-known, and widely used therapeutic option for many ocular surface diseases since their...
Source: Current Ophthalmology Reports - April 30, 2021 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research
