Article
Ophthalmology
Shruti Chandra, Sarega Gurudas, Ian Pearce, Martin Mckibbin, Ajay Kotagiri, Geeta Menon, Benjamin J. L. Burton, James Talks, Anna Grabowska, Faruque Ghanchi, Richard Gale, Andrea Giani, Victor Chong, Ching Ning Taffeta Chen, Luke Nicholson, Sridevi Thottarath, Swati Chandak, Sobha Sivaprasad
Summary: The study aimed to compare the baseline characteristics in patients with and without early residual fluid (ERF) after aflibercept loading phase (LP) in patients with treatment naive neovascular age related macular degeneration (nAMD). The study found that increased central subfield thickness (CST) and the presence of intraretinal fluid (IRF) and subretinal fluid (SRF) at baseline were the main determinants of ERF.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Thibaud Mathis, Batoul El Ameen, Mayeul Chaperon, Yasmine Serrar, Francois Devin, Mikhail Dziadzko, Amina Rezkallah, Laurent Kodjikian
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether anatomical criteria based on optical coherence tomography (OCT)-guided strategy could determine the decision to retreat in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). A cross-sectional study of 142 eyes treated for nAMD was conducted, and the OCT-guided strategy showed a high level of agreement with the gold standard for treatment decisions. The findings suggest that selected nAMD patients under anti-VEGF treatment can be monitored without regular visual acuity testing.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Robyn H. Guymer, Thomas G. Campbell
Summary: Age-related macular degeneration is becoming increasingly important due to aging populations and increased longevity. It affects individuals older than 55 years and threatens high-acuity central vision needed for important tasks. Advances in retinal imaging have identified biomarkers of progression. New treatments for neovascular AMD offer potentially longer-lasting effects, but a treatment for atrophic late-stage AMD is still being developed. An effective intervention for early-stage disease or prevention of late-stage AMD has not been found yet, and our understanding of underlying mechanisms continues to evolve.
Article
Ophthalmology
Tiarnan D. L. Keenan, Traci E. Clemons, Amitha Domalpally, Michael J. Elman, Moshe Havilio, Elvira Agron, Gidi Benyamini, Emily Y. Chew
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of retinal specialists in detecting retinal fluid presence in eyes with age-related macular degeneration, and found that an artificial intelligence algorithm achieved higher accuracy compared to human specialists. The AI algorithm outperformed human specialists in detecting both intraretinal and subretinal fluid presence.
Article
Ophthalmology
Anton M. Kolomeyer, Eli Smith, Ebenezer Daniel, Gui-Shuang Ying, Wei Pan, Max Pistilli, Juan Grunwald, Maureen G. Maguire, Benjamin J. Kim
Summary: The extent of sclera/choroidal blood vessel B-PPA was associated with the incidence and size of geographic atrophy (GA) in eyes treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents. Patients without beta-peripapillary atrophy (B-PPA) had a higher number of GA-associated risk alleles of ARMS2 and HTRA1.
RETINA-THE JOURNAL OF RETINAL AND VITREOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Sobha Sivaprasad, Katie Banister, Augusto Azuro-Blanco, Beatriz Goulao, Jonathan A. Cook, Ruth Hogg, Graham Scotland, Heinrich Heimann, Andrew Lotery, Faruque Ghanchi, Richard Gale, Geeta Menon, Louise Downey, Nicola Hopkins, Peter Scanlon, Ben Burton, Craig Ramsay, Usha Chakravarthy
Summary: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of routinely used tests of visual function and retinal morphology with FFA for detecting active macular neovascularization in patients with unilateral nAMD. Results showed that methods like self-reported vision changes, Amsler testing, visual acuity measurements, and fundus checks performed poorly in diagnosing active nAMD, while OCT demonstrated higher sensitivity and specificity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yu-Ting Jeng, Tso-Ting Lai, Chao-Wen Lin, Ta-Ching Chen, Yi-Ting Hsieh, Chang-Ping Lin, Tzyy-Chang Ho, Chung-May Yang, Chang-Hao Yang
Summary: This study investigated the impact of retinal fluid tolerance on visual acuity and retinal thickness in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The results indicate that a fluid-tolerant approach can provide comparable gains in visual acuity to strict treatment, and reducing the number of injections may improve adherence to therapy.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Baraa Nawash, Joshua Ong, Matthew Driban, Jonathan Hwang, Jeffrey Chen, Amrish Selvam, Sashwanthi Mohan, Jay Chhablani
Summary: Optical coherence tomography has greatly advanced the diagnosis and management of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. This review aims to assess the prognostic value of OCT-derived biomarkers. The analysis reveals that retinal fluid has the strongest impact on clinical outcomes, including visual acuity and treatment regimens. Consistent findings regarding these OCT prognostic biomarkers can guide personalized clinical decisions and the integration of OCT with artificial intelligence may further improve nAMD therapy.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Wataru Kikushima, Yoichi Sakurada, Atsushi Sugiyama, Seigo Yoneyama, Mio Matsubara, Yoshiko Fukuda, Kenji Kashiwagi
Summary: Aflibercept monotherapy shows initial improvement in visual acuity for exudative AMD patients with good baseline BCVA, but the effect diminishes after two years, with similar final BCVA levels observed after five years. Retreatment was required for the majority of patients during the study period.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Ophthalmology
Kenji Yamashiro, Akio Oishi, Masayuki Hata, Ayako Takahashi, Akitaka Tsujikawa
Summary: Anti-VEGF treatment for nAMD has been evaluated in 30 previous clinical trials, with ranibizumab, aflibercept, and brolucizumab showing significant improvement in visual acuity. Improvement in VA is rapid within the first month and continues at a slower rate after the second injection, with most VA improvements achieved within the first 3 months. A treat-and-extend regimen is recommended to prevent over or under treatment of nAMD.
JAPANESE JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Raill Martinez-Castillo, Carmen Gonzalez-Gallardo, Jose I. Munoz-Avila, Pilar Font, Marta Villalba-Gonzalez, Indira Stoikow, Ignacio Fernandez-Choquet de Isla, Francisco Pugliese, Roberto Anaya-Alaminos, Jose L. Garcia-Serrano, Francisco Hermoso- Fernandez, Fabio Contieri, Jose E. Munoz-de-Escalona-Rojas, Lorena Perez-Fajardo, Mario Blanco-Blanco, Yolanda Jimenez-Gomez, Miguel Gonzalez-Andrades
Summary: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term visual and anatomical outcomes in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, depending on the time delay from confirmed diagnosis to treatment initiation. The results showed that the patients in group 1, who received treatment within 48 hours of diagnosis, had improved visual acuity after 1-2, 6, and 12 months of follow-up compared to the other groups. Early treatment with VEGF inhibitors is critical to achieve the best functional benefits in new-onset nAMD patients.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Prem Patel, Veeral Sheth
Summary: AMD is a common cause of vision loss, with two main types, neovascular and non-neovascular, treated primarily through inhibition of VEGF. Discrepancies between clinical trial results and real-world outcomes exist, indicating the potential for new treatments to improve therapeutic efficacy.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Sungsoon Hwang, Se Woong Kang, Sang Jin Kim, Kyungdo Han, Bong Sung Kim, Wonyoung Jung, Dong Hui Lim, Dong Wook Shin
Summary: This population-based cohort study aimed to evaluate the prospective association between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and related visual disability (VD) with the risk of depression. A total of 3,599,589 individuals over 50 years old who participated in the Korean National Health Screening Program in 2009 were included in the study. The results showed that patients with a diagnosis of AMD had a higher risk of developing depression, and the risk further increased in patients with AMD and accompanying VD.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
San-Ni Chen, Chi-Chun Lai, Jia-Kang Wang, Hin-Yeung Choi, Chien-Neng Kuo, Ching-Yao Tsai, Hsing- Wang, Chung-May Yang
Summary: The RENOWNED study in Taiwan demonstrated the effectiveness of ranibizumab in improving visual outcomes in patients with nAMD. The study showed an improvement in BCVA and a reduction in central retinal thickness.
JOURNAL OF THE FORMOSAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alessandro Arrigo, Emanuela Aragona, Cristian Perra, Lorenzo Bianco, Alessio Antropoli, Andrea Saladino, Alessandro Berni, Giulia Basile, Adelaide Pina, Francesco Bandello, Maurizio Battaglia Parodi
Summary: The study aimed to use quantitative optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based imaging to characterize macular edema (ME) in retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The study was an observational, prospective case series with a 1-year follow-up. RP patients underwent complete ophthalmologic assessment, including OCT, OCT angiography, and microperimetry. ME was found in 25% of RP eyes, mainly localized in the inner nuclear layer. RP eyes with ME showed higher vessel density values and thicker choroidal layers compared to those without ME. The impairment of retinal-choroidal exchanges and Muller cell disruption might play a role in the pathogenesis of ME in RP.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Pauline T. Merrill, Christopher R. Henry, Quan Dong Nguyen, Ashvini Reddy, Barry Kapik, Thomas A. Ciulla
Summary: This study investigates the efficacy and safety of suprachoroidal CLS-TA in patients with uveitic macular edema (UME) with or without concurrent systemic corticosteroid or steroid-sparing therapy (ST). The results demonstrate that CLS-TA provides clinically meaningful benefits in improving best-corrected visual acuity and central subfield thickness in UME patients, regardless of concurrent ST usage.
OCULAR IMMUNOLOGY AND INFLAMMATION
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Janet Coleman-Belin, Alon Harris, Bo Chen, Jing Zhou, Thomas Ciulla, Alice Verticchio, Gal Antman, Michael Chang, Brent Siesky
Summary: Common risk factors for ocular pathologies involve age-related damage to the optic nerve. Understanding the mechanisms of age-related changes can help develop targeted treatments for eye diseases. This review focuses on age-related neurodegenerative changes in the optic nerve and their relationship with ocular pathophysiology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Emma Pead, Atalie C. Thompson, Dilraj S. Grewal, Sarah McGrory, Cason B. Robbins, Justin P. Ma, Kim G. Johnson, Andy J. Liu, Charlene Hamid, Emanuele Trucco, Craig W. Ritchie, Graciela Muniz, Imre Lengyel, Baljean Dhillon, Sharon Fekrat, Tom MacGillivray
Summary: This study used ultra-widefield retinal imaging to evaluate the presence of retinal microvascular abnormalities in patients with Alzheimer's dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The results showed that patients with Alzheimer's dementia had increased retinal vessel branching and arteriolar thinning, while patients with MCI had increased rates of arteriolar and venular thinning and a trend for decreased vessel branching.
TRANSLATIONAL VISION SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Steven Yeh, Christopher R. Henry, Barry Kapik, Thomas A. Ciulla
Summary: The results of this study demonstrate the effectiveness and tolerability of SCS-TA in the treatment of macular edema secondary to noninfectious uveitis.
OPHTHALMOLOGY AND THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel E. Maidana, Lucia Gonzalez-Buendia, Joan W. Miller, Demetrios G. Vavvas
Summary: Recent evidence suggests that modulating the RIPK3 pathway can improve the survival of transplanted cells and aid in the repair of degenerated retinas. Simultaneous inhibition of RIPK3 in both the donor and host can maximize the survival of transplanted cells. Additionally, targeting RIPK3 in the immune system can protect both donor and host retinal cells. These findings highlight the potential of immunomodulatory and neuroprotective strategies targeting RIPK3 in the regenerative therapy of photoreceptor transplantation.
Article
Ophthalmology
Praruj Pant, Anita Kundu, Jay K. Rathinavelu, Xin Wei, Rupesh Agrawal, Sandra S. Stinnett, Jane S. Kim, Akshay S. Thomas, Sharon Fekrat
Summary: This study aimed to characterize choroidal vascular changes in BRVO eyes with CME by comparing the CVI, SFCT, and CST. The results showed differences in CVI between BRVO eyes and fellow eyes at presentation, but these differences resolved over time. The study provides important insights for predicting visual outcomes and treatment patterns for patients with BRVO-related CME.
OPHTHALMOLOGY AND THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Dennis Y. Akrobetu, Cason B. Robbins, Justin P. Ma, Snnath Soundararajan, Michael S. Quist, Sandra S. Stinnett, Kathryn P. L. Moore, Kim G. Johnson, Andy J. Liu, Dilraj S. Grewal, Sharon Fekrat
Summary: The purpose of this study was to assess the intrasession repeatability of macular OCTA parameters in AD, MCI, PD, and NC patients. The results showed that the repeatability of macular OCTA metrics was similar and moderate to good in both NC and neurodegenerative disease groups.
OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Aumer Shughoury, Ashay Bhatwadekar, Denis Jusufbegovic, Amir Hajrasouliha, Thomas A. Ciulla
Summary: The therapeutic landscape of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is rapidly expanding, with new approaches such as anti-VEGF therapies, receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and gene therapy showing promise for the early and long-lasting treatment of this blinding eye disease. However, further research is needed to validate the efficacy of these novel therapeutics and evaluate real-world outcomes.
EXPERT OPINION ON BIOLOGICAL THERAPY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Aumer Shughoury, Duriye D. Sevgi, Thomas A. Ciulla
Summary: Targeting the complement system is a promising therapeutic approach for slowing the progression of GA in AMD, potentially improving visual outcomes. However, increased risk of exudative conversion must be considered, and further research is required to identify clinical criteria and best practices for initiating complement inhibitor therapy for GA.
EXPERT OPINION ON PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Ophthalmology
Dimitrios P. Ntentakis, Victor San Martin Carvalho Correa, Anastasia Maria Ntentaki, Eleni Delavogia, Toshio Narimatsu, Nikolaos E. Efstathiou, Demetrios G. Vavvas
Summary: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in the working population of the USA, and its long-term management requires effective glycemic control. Seven anti-diabetic classes have been introduced in the past two decades, but their effects on DR have not been thoroughly studied. A systematic review of the literature revealed that newer anti-diabetic drugs have neutral effects on DR progression, with some differences in specific drugs and type 2 diabetes populations. Further investigation and assessment are recommended.
GRAEFES ARCHIVE FOR CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Cynthia A. Toth
Summary: The 2023 Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award recognizes the impact of optical coherence tomography, inventeda by Drs. Fujimoto, Huang, and Swanson.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Terry Lee, Alexandra Rivera, Matthew Brune, Anita Kundu, Alice Haystead, Lauren Winslow, Raj Kundu, C. Ellis Wisely, Cason B. Robbins, Ricardo Henao, Dilraj S. Grewal, Sharon Fekrat
Summary: The purpose of this study was to train and test convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to automate the quality assessment of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) images in patients with neurodegenerative disease. The study used ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness maps and OCTA scans of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) as image inputs. A CNN model based on AlexNet was trained and achieved high accuracy in assessing the quality of the images.
TRANSLATIONAL VISION SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Chengxin Zhou, Fengyang Lei, Mirja Mittermaier, Bruce Ksander, Reza Dana, Claes H. Dohlman, Demetrios G. Vavvas, James Chodosh, Eleftherios I. Paschalis
Summary: Limbal stem cell (LSC) deficiency is a common and severe complication after chemical injury to the eye. This study reveals that LSC damage is mediated by immune cell mediators, even without direct injury to LSCs. Elevated pH in the anterior chamber triggers uveal stress, release of inflammatory cytokines, and subsequent LSC damage and death.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chengxin Zhou, Fengyang Lei, Jyoti Sharma, Pui-Chuen Hui, Natalie Wolkow, Claes H. Dohlman, Demetrios G. Vavvas, James Chodosh, Eleftherios I. Paschalis
Summary: This study developed a thermosensitive drug delivery system (DDS) for sustained delivery of TNF-alpha and VEGF inhibitors to the eye, aiming to provide a clinically feasible and practical therapy for multiocular protection following ocular injury. The study found that the subconjunctival administration of the dual anti-TNF-alpha/anti-VEGF DDS achieved sustained delivery of antibodies to ocular tissues for 3 months, preventing corneal neovascularization and improving corneal re-epithelialization, while reducing immune cell infiltration and preventing damage to the retina and optic nerve. This therapeutic approach has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for severe ocular injuries and retinal vascular diseases.
Article
Cell Biology
Daniel E. Maidana, Lucia Gonzalez-Buendia, Sara Pastor-Puente, Afsar Naqvi, Eleftherios Paschalis, Andrius Kazlauskas, Joan W. Miller, Demetrios G. Vavvas
Summary: Photoreceptor cell degeneration and immune cell infiltration are two major events in retinal degeneration. This study identified neutrophils and monocytes as the predominant peripheral immune cell populations infiltrating the detached retina, and targeted depletion of these immune cells showed neuroprotective effects on photoreceptor cells.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)