Ophthalmic Res. [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Correlations between Clinical Activity Score and Serological and Radiological Data in Treatment-naïve Ethnic Han Chinese Thyroid Eye Disease.
Lai KKH, Aljufairi FMAA, Sebastian JU … +13 more , Wong NTY, Yuen KKF, Yeung CSK, Cheng GPM, Chu WCW, Yip WWK, Young AL, Yuen HKL, Lee ACH, Ng CM, Tham CCY, Pang CP, Chong KKL
Ophthalmic Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42371852 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Clinical activity score (CAS) is widely used to assess thyroid eye disease (TED) activity, but its predictive value in East Asian patients remains unclear. This study evaluated correlation between CAS and both r...
PURPOSE: Clinical activity score (CAS) is widely used to assess thyroid eye disease (TED) activity, but its predictive value in East Asian patients remains unclear. This study evaluated correlation between CAS and both radiological and serological markers in treatment-naïve ethnic Han Chinese TED patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of treatment-naïve ethnic Han Chinese TED patients managed at The Chinese University of Hong Kong between January 2014 and May 2022. STIR signal intensity was quantified using signal intensity ratio (SIR), while disease activity was assessed clinically using CAS. RESULTS: A total of 188 patients with a mean onset age of 50±14 years who underwent baseline MRI were included. The mean presenting CAS was 1.4±1.3. A weak positive correlation was observed between CAS and the SIR of the levator palpebral superioris/superior rectus complex (r=0.196, P=0.00709). Nominal positive correlations were observed between CAS and the SIRs of the inferior rectus (r=0.185, P=0.0112), and medial rectus (r=0.167, P=0.0224). In subgroup analysis of patients presenting with CAS ≥3, nominal positive correlations were observed between CAS and the SIRs of the lateral rectus (r=0.374, P=0.0416), medial rectus (r=0.351, P=0.0487), and inferior rectus (r=0.335, P=0.0348). No correlation was identified in patient with CAS <3. No significant correlation was found between CAS and serological markers. CONCLUSIONS: The correlation between CAS and STIR signals was generally weak, and no significant correlation was identified between CAS and serological markers. These findings suggest that orbital MRI may provide complementary information beyond clinical assessment in evaluating disease activity in Ethnic Chinese TED patients.
Stem Cell Based Interventions for Retinal Ganglion Cell Protection and Regeneration in Glaucoma: A Review of Current Evidence and Future Directions.
Chen TY, Meng M, Wu N … +2 more , Rong D, Sun X
Ophthalmic Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42228681 · Publisher ↗
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness, due to the ongoing loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and degeneration of the axons which form a major part of the retino-cortical pathway. Although the...
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness, due to the ongoing loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and degeneration of the axons which form a major part of the retino-cortical pathway. Although there are some therapies available which primarily ameliorate the intraocular pressure (IOP), loss of sight often continues and thus illustrate the need for therapies which address the degeneration of the nervous system. Stem cell interventions have the unique potential to assist with the preservation and restoration of dysfunctional RGCs via direct cellular replacement, differential neuroprotection, and stimulating endogenous repair mechanisms. The focus of this review is on the most contemporary innovations which utilize stem cells to preserve and regenerate RGCs, which are vitally important for sight. The review addresses some of the newer cell source and cell prep technologies, particularly those using disorganized retinal microenvironment cell preps. Retinal microenvironment cell preps have resulted in some novel microenvironment cells designed to sequester stem cell grafts, to improve stem cell microenvironment cell preps, for augmenting microenvironment cell preps. Some of the major challenges such as reconstructing and integrating the lost retino-tectal and retino-collateral synapses in the visual pathway and the axonal outgrowth to and targeting appropriate central visual synaptic areas. Some major challenges are safety, RGC immunochemistry and cell type diversity, and scalable cell prep technologies. This review encapsulates how stem cell biology, along with other technologies like gene editing and tissue engineering, are forming the basis for developing first-of-its-kind regenerative therapies to restore vision in glaucoma patients, based on recent pre-clinical studies and ongoing early-phase clinical trials.
Eye-Tracking Reading Patterns as Correlates of Clinical Measures in Glaucoma.
Ikeda MC, Bando AH, Nakamura VPL … +7 more , Hamada KU, Messias A, Teixeira SH, Prata TS, Tatham A, Paranhos A, Gracitelli CPB
Ophthalmic Res · 2026 May · PMID 42207782 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: To make correlations between reading performance patterns - saccades, fixation and reading speed - and functional and structural exams of patients with glaucoma. METHODS: A cross-sectional study collected ophtha...
PURPOSE: To make correlations between reading performance patterns - saccades, fixation and reading speed - and functional and structural exams of patients with glaucoma. METHODS: A cross-sectional study collected ophthalmologic information of primary glaucoma patients. All patients had at least 0.5 logMAR best corrected visual acuity on the evaluated eye. Aloud reading of five MNREAD slides displayed on computer screen was recorded using ISCAN Eye-Tracker software. Reading speed, number and amplitude of saccades, and number and duration of fixations were collected. Humphrey 24-2 Standard Automated Perimetry (SAP) and Cirrus Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) data were collected to make correlations with reading patterns. RESULTS: In this exploratory analyses, a total of 57 patients with glaucoma were enrolled. Best Corrected Visual Acuity in the left eye was 0.18 (±0.16) logMAR. Central superior defect in the SAP had the slowest reading speed in all five slides (p<0.05) and a greater number of saccades (p<0.05 in three of 5 slides), and thinning of the inferior quadrant in OCT was the most associated with slower reading (p<0.05 in 2 of five slides) and greater number of fixations (p<0.05 in one of 5 slides). Peripheral SAP defects had correlation with shorter saccades. CONCLUSIONS: SAP data had a stronger correlation to reading abnormalities compared to the OCT data. Central superior SAP damage is the most associated with abnormal reading patterns in a computer screen environment. Peripheral SAP injuries correlated with shorter saccades size.
A Matching-Adjusted Comparison of Faricimab and Aflibercept 8 mg in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Macular Edema.
Lim JI, Leng T, Siedlecki J … +10 more , Lupidi M, Wells JA, Keane PA, Nudleman E, Mar F, Gibson K, Margaron P, Tabano D, Bührer C, Holekamp N
Ophthalmic Res · 2026 May · PMID 42139166 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Matching adjusted network meta-analyses (NMA) provide an established method to indirectly compare treatments across trials that share a common comparator. In this exploratory analysis, we conducted a matchi...
INTRODUCTION: Matching adjusted network meta-analyses (NMA) provide an established method to indirectly compare treatments across trials that share a common comparator. In this exploratory analysis, we conducted a matching-adjusted NMA to compare the efficacy of faricimab with aflibercept 8 mg for treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) via the common comparator of aflibercept 2 mg during the first 12 weeks of treatment when all agents are dosed equally. METHODS: Weighting was applied to match patient populations from YOSEMITE/RHINE (NCT03622580/NCT03622593) and TENAYA/LUCERNE (NCT03823287/NCT03823300) based on their baseline characteristics to published aggregated baseline characteristics for PHOTON (NCT04429503) and PULSAR (NCT04423718), respectively. The matched populations were used to recalculate outcomes from faricimab trials and an NMA anchored to aflibercept 2 mg was conducted. The analysis focused on change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters and central subfield thickness (CST) in µm during the first 12 weeks of treatment when dosing was every 4 weeks for all three agents. Results are expressed as mean difference in change in BCVA or CST for each aflibercept dose. RESULTS: For nAMD, BCVA change was similar between faricimab and aflibercept 2 mg and 8 mg, whereas CST reduction was greater for faricimab versus aflibercept 8 mg (-17.0 µm; 95% credible interval [CrI], -25.0, -8.4) and 2 mg (-19.0 µm; 95% CrI, -24.0, -13.0). For DME, BCVA change from baseline at 12 weeks was similar between faricimab and aflibercept 2 mg and 8 mg, while CST reduction was greater for faricimab versus aflibercept 8 mg (-19.0 µm; 95% CrI, -35.0, -3.2) and 2 mg (-19.0 µm; 95% CrI, -27.0, -12.0). CONCLUSION: This matching-adjusted NMA indicated that dual angiopoietin-2/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A inhibition with faricimab was associated with greater retinal drying during the matched-dosing phase in patients with nAMD and DME. Early dual pathway inhibition may therefore improve outcomes beyond anti-VEGF monotherapy.
Ab Externo Continuous Pressure Technique for Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty in Vitrectomized Eyes.
Cohen-Tayar Y, Abd-Alkader A, Bahar I … +1 more , Livny E
Ophthalmic Res · 2026 May · PMID 42096367 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in vitrectomized eyes presents a significant surgical challenge, as the compromised counter-pressure of the iris-lens diaphragm impedes proper shallowing of...
INTRODUCTION: Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in vitrectomized eyes presents a significant surgical challenge, as the compromised counter-pressure of the iris-lens diaphragm impedes proper shallowing of the chamber, complicating graft unfolding and centration. To address this challenge, surgeons often pivot to descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). DMEK superior visual outcomes, fast rehabilitation and low rejection risk, have prompted the exploration of tailored DMEK techniques in vitrectomized eyes. This study describes a novel technique, which consists of continuous external pressure on the corneal surface while unfolding and orienting the graft with minimum graft manipulations and no additional devices. METHODS: A case series of eight eyes from patients with an average age of 68±13 who underwent DMEK surgery with the novel ab externo continuous pressure technique is described. Visual acuity outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at one-year follow-up. Complications were assessed to date and up to seven years following operation with the ab externo continuous pressure DMEK technique. Data was analyzed using a student's t-test. RESULTS: All corneas cleared postoperatively and remained clear through twelve months of follow-up. Implementation of the continuous pressure technique allowed proper unfolding and centration of DMEK grafts in all these challenging cases. Best corrected visual acuity following surgery improved significantly from an average of logMAR 1.05±0.12 to logMAR 0.3±0.16 (p=0.003) with no intra-operative complications. Three patients underwent re-bubbling (37.5%), and one patient experienced late graft failure at three years postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The ab externo continuous pressure technique for DMEK in vitrectomized eyes is effective, safe and relatively easy to adopt. The technique requires no additional instrumentation and minimizes graft handling, offering a valuable option for managing these challenging cases.
Longitudinal change in corneal curvature and Fourier indices after corneal suture removal in corneal lacerations.
Chen X, Ke X, Liang H … +4 more , Yang M, Mai X, Jhanji V, Chen H
Ophthalmic Res · 2026 May · PMID 42096356 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to investigate the longitudinal changes in corneal curvature and refractive components after suture removal in full-thickness corneal laceration using Swept Source Anterior Segm...
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to investigate the longitudinal changes in corneal curvature and refractive components after suture removal in full-thickness corneal laceration using Swept Source Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (SS AS-OCT). METHODS: Thirty patients were included in this study. The patients were divided into three groups according to the location of the wound on the cornea: central, paracentral and peripheral. SS AS-OCT was performed before corneal suture removal, 1 hour, 1 week and 2 weeks after corneal suture removal. The corneal curvature parameters and Fourier indices were compared longitudinally in each group. RESULTS: After removing the corneal suture, the changes in aveK and spherical component were mostly in the first week, and less than 0.25D in the second week except the spherical component in the central group. The cylinder, regular astigmatism, asymmetry, and higher-order irregularity decreased after suture removal. The patterns of change in the refractive components differ a little with different location of the wound. The best-corrected visual acuity improved after suture removal in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrates the changes in corneal curvature and refractive components after corneal suture removal in various locations of corneal laceration. This information provides a reference for deciding the time and strategy of subsequent procedures for visual rehabilitation.
The AROMA Dataset for Automatic Detection of Artifact Type and Severity in Retinal Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.
Szwarcberg L, Anwer A, Gozlan A … +5 more , Drouard P, Gabrielle PH, Creuzot-Garcher C, Mériaudeau F, Arnould L
Ophthalmic Res · 2026 · PMID 42085342 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: In recent years, retinal vascular imaging has attracted growing interest and is experiencing rapid technological advancements in imaging modalities such as swept-source optical coherence tomography angiogra...
INTRODUCTION: In recent years, retinal vascular imaging has attracted growing interest and is experiencing rapid technological advancements in imaging modalities such as swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS OCT-A). OCT-A enables precise, noninvasive, quantitative measurements of retinal vascularization. However, it is also prone to artifacts that are challenging to detect and can significantly limit diagnostic accuracy and biomarker reliability. METHODS: We present a dataset of en face retinal SS OCT-A images, labeled by artifact type and severity. Each patient's OCT-A scan consists of 14 images that are graded by multiple experts and assigned corresponding artifact labels with an overall quality grade. We also report results for two deep-learning binary classification models trained on the dataset: one based on image compression via principal component analysis (PCA) and the other using a six-channel tensor. RESULTS: The dataset comprised 281 OCT-A scans from 115 anonymized patients. The PCA-based model achieved a precision of 87% for image quality classification, while the six-channel model achieved 97%. CONCLUSION: Using a curated dataset of en face SS OCT-A images with detailed artifact annotations, we trained a deep-learning model capable of high-precision image quality classification. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using task-specific artificial intelligence for quality assessment based on artifact detection in retinal imaging.
Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Isoform Imbalance Is Associated with Innate Inflammation and Corneal Epitheliopathy in Dry Eye Disease.
Dabre Z, Moon HG, Sheth T … +10 more , Pasupuleti B, Mun C, Byrne K, Mun J, Hernandez D, Ascencio N, Shehadi J, Flavin M, Kaja S, Jain S
Ophthalmic Res · 2026 · PMID 41961771 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Tear-deficient dry eye disease (DED), including Sjögren's syndrome and ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD), is often refractory to therapy. We tested whether platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) isofo...
INTRODUCTION: Tear-deficient dry eye disease (DED), including Sjögren's syndrome and ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD), is often refractory to therapy. We tested whether platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) isoform imbalance, quantified as a PDGF-AB/BB: PDGF-AA ratio ("PDGF Ratio"), is associated with innate activation and corneal epitheliopathy. METHODS: Tear samples from 151 participants were profiled across two independent assay runs: discovery (n = 79) and replication (n = 72). Data were harmonized as within-plate rank percentiles. Plate-adjusted mediation tested whether the PDGF Ratio mediated associations between tear-deficient status and an innate NF-κB composite (IL-18/IL-6/IL-8/TNF-α) and National Eye Institute (NEI) scale graded corneal staining. A parallel model for staining included Schirmer scores to distinguish trophic from aqueous volume deficiency. RESULTS: The PDGF Ratio differed significantly across diagnostic groups (Kruskal-Wallis p < 0.001), driven by concurrent PDGF-AA depletion (median rank 0.69 healthy vs. 0.19 oGVHD) and PDGF-AB/BB enrichment (0.18 vs. 0.62; both p < 0.001). High ratio co-occurred with higher innate cytokine ranks and lower EGF and IFN-γ. In pooled mediation, the ratio accounted for 62.8% of the tear-deficient association with innate inflammation (indirect 0.168; 95% CI 0.118-0.225) and 34.2% of the association with corneal staining (indirect 0.117; 95% CI 0.055-0.190). The staining pathway remained significant after accounting for Schirmer (indirect 0.113; 95% CI 0.050-0.185). CONCLUSION: Tear-deficient DED exhibits a reproducible PDGF isoform imbalance that statistically accounts for substantial portions of innate activation and corneal staining. These findings support the PDGF Ratio as a coherent candidate biomarker and therapeutic axis for isoform-selective rebalancing.
Microbial Keratitis in Southern Arizona.
Abdelhady A, Han J, Wu R … +7 more , Coffeen M, Leibovit-Reiben ZE, Panjwani M, Wang M, Villavicencio OF, Zhang X, Holmes JM
Ophthalmic Res · 2026 · PMID 41911091 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: There is a paucity of data on microbial keratitis in the southwestern USA, specifically southern Arizona. Understanding demographic factors and causative organisms will help design future treatments and pre...
INTRODUCTION: There is a paucity of data on microbial keratitis in the southwestern USA, specifically southern Arizona. Understanding demographic factors and causative organisms will help design future treatments and preventative measures. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on all cases (>17 years old) of microbial keratitis at Banner University Medical Center Tucson, Arizona, from September 1, 2017, to August 31, 2022. Frequencies of social, demographic, ocular factors, and isolated organisms were reported. We used Fisher's exact tests to compare findings with 2023 census data. RESULTS: We identified 272 eyes in 268 patients. Compared with census data, demographic factors overrepresented in microbial keratitis were as follows: unemployment (50.4%) and homelessness (8.2%). Drug use was identified in 22.4% of patients. Associated factors were contact lens wear (33.1%) and preceding ocular trauma (14.7%). Among eyes associated with contact lens use, 49 (54.4%) were worn overnight. Of 203 eyes with culture results, 152 (74.9%) yielded a positive microbial culture; 96.5% were bacterial and 3.4% were fungal. Gram-positive bacteria were found in 54.7%, most commonly Staphylococcus epidermidis (16.7%). The most common gram-negative isolate was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.8%). CONCLUSION: In southern Arizona, microbial keratitis is particularly associated with drug use, unemployment, and homelessness. Contact lens use and overnight wear were common, warranting education on safe practices. Positive fungal cultures were rare. Each factor deserves consideration for societal intervention, to reduce the burden of microbial keratitis in southern Arizona, and should be evaluated as potential risk factors in other communities. Overall culture results may influence choice of initial therapy.
Donor Tissue Impact on Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Graft Preparation and Clinical Outcome.
Schrittenlocher S, Weliwitage J, Serban M … +4 more , Woitas A, Matthaei M, Bachmann B, Cursiefen C
Ophthalmic Res · 2026 · PMID 41843722 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Aims of the study were to determine which donor characteristics, like previous diseases and surgeries, influence the graft preparation difficulty of the Descemet membrane/endothelial lamella in DMEK surgery...
INTRODUCTION: Aims of the study were to determine which donor characteristics, like previous diseases and surgeries, influence the graft preparation difficulty of the Descemet membrane/endothelial lamella in DMEK surgery and to analyze the impact on the 1-year clinical outcome. METHODS: Overall, 1,051 eyes with DMEK surgery between January, 2018, and January, 2021, performed at the University Hospital Cologne, Germany, were included in this single-center and retrospective study. Information regarding the donors' previous diseases and surgeries were provided by a large database of a cornea bank (Multi Tissue Bank Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) and merged with the Cologne DMEK database that contains information regarding preparation characteristics of the surgeon-prepared graft directly preoperatively and postoperative clinical follow-up. Three preparation groups (easy, difficult, and very difficult) were correlated to the donors' previous disease and surgeries. Also, outcome parameters, like visual acuity, endothelial cell density, and graft survival, were correlated to the graft preparation group. RESULTS: Donor diabetes was found as significant predictor for central adhesions (p < 0.001). Diabetes patients are 2 times more likely to have central adhesions complicating preparation than non-diabetes patients (OR = 2.2). Previous cataract surgery was significantly associated with difficult stripping and preparation (p < 0.001), with an estimated 1.07-fold increase in stripping difficulty (95% CI: 0.80-1.34) and overall 1.99-fold increase in preparation difficulty (95% CI: 1.71-2.29). Chronic kidney disease (p = 0.012) and previous cataract surgery (p = 0.005) show significant associations to tissue loss. Donor diagnosis such as diabetes mellitus type 2, chronic ischemic heart disease, and respiratory insufficiency has a significant association with the preparation group (p = 0.001; p = 0.004; and p = 0.032, respectively). No interactions were found between preparation difficulties and visual acuity (p = 0.122), rebubbling rate (p = 0.780), or endothelial cell density (p = 0.886) nor graft survival (p value = 0.157) 1 year postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Donor diabetes mellitus, heart failure, hypertension, respiratory insufficiency, kidney disease, and previous cataract surgery are associated with difficult DMEK graft preparation, the latter two also with tissue loss. No impact of donor factors on clinical outcome was found.
Mechanisms and Safety of Therapeutic Strategies in Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Narrative Review.
Helau C, Zhou S, Zhou L … +4 more , Chen Y, Co Shih K, Wang H, Chan YK
Ophthalmic Res · 2026 · PMID 41824744 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a chronic and widespread abnormality of the meibomian glands that often results in symptoms such as eye irritation and blurred vision, significantly affecting patients' da...
BACKGROUND: Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a chronic and widespread abnormality of the meibomian glands that often results in symptoms such as eye irritation and blurred vision, significantly affecting patients' daily activities. While conventional treatments like warm compresses and meibomian gland expression remain widely used, their limitations have driven the development of novel therapeutic technologies. SUMMARY: This review synthesizes evidence from 71 clinical and experimental studies in Medline databases on both established and emerging therapeutic strategies for MGD, including physical interventions (warm compresses, eyelid cleansing, probing and expression, thermal pulsation systems such as LipiFlow®, and intense pulsed light) and pharmacological approaches. Across these modalities, most interventions improve symptoms, tear film stability, and meibum quality primarily by enhancing glandular outflow and modulating ocular surface inflammation. Device-based physical therapies typically offer greater and more long-lasting improvements than conventional methods but are limited by cost, access, and a lack of long-term safety data. KEY MESSAGES: Though the current range of MGD treatments cannot regenerate affected glands, their secreting functions can be greatly improved. Clinicians should therefore individualize treatment options according to disease stage, meibography findings, comorbid ocular surface conditions, and patient-specific factors such as tolerance, adherence, and cost.
Accuracy of Intraocular Lens Power Calculation Formulas in Cataract Eyes after Vitrectomy with Silicone Oil Tamponade: A Network Meta-Analysis.
Zhao P, Li M, Guo ZX … +6 more , Tian ZY, Zhang JS, Mao YY, Xin Z, Li ZY, Wan XH
Ophthalmic Res · 2026 · PMID 41785196 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to systematically compare the accuracy of artificial intelligence and traditional intraocular lens (IOL) calculation formulas in cataract eyes after vitrectomy with silicone oil tam...
INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to systematically compare the accuracy of artificial intelligence and traditional intraocular lens (IOL) calculation formulas in cataract eyes after vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched to select relevant studies published up to October 29, 2025. A total of 12 formulas (SRK/T, Hoffer Q, Hoffer QST, Haigis, Barrett Universal II, Holladay I, Holladay II, RBF, LSF, EVO, Kane, and Pearl-DGS) were included for final comparison. The primary outcomes were the percentage of eyes with prediction errors (PE) within ± 0.50 D and ± 1.00 D. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 7 studies comprising 1,060 eyes. Overall, compared to traditional formulas, newer formulas demonstrated relatively higher accuracy. The results indicated that among all the formulas being compared, the optimal formula was Kane. For the percentage of eyes with PE within ± 0.50 D, Kane had the highest precision. For the IOL power percentage within ± 1.00 D, EVO performed the best, with Kane also ranking highly. Furthermore, RBF also performed very well. CONCLUSION: Kane and EVO appear to be better choices for silicone oil-filled eyes after vitrectomy.
Correlations between Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Measurements and Visual Acuity in Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa at Baseline and One-Year Follow-Up.
Carpenter E, Saigal K, Slaney E … +3 more , Walia JY, Fallgatter K, Chen J
Ophthalmic Res · 2026 · PMID 41632744 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) structural findings and visual acuity in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), with and with...
INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) structural findings and visual acuity in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), with and without cystoid macular edema (CME), at baseline and 1-year follow-up. METHODS: This retrospective chart review included 30 patients with RP treated at the University of Florida Health Eye Center from 2014 to 2020. Patient records were analyzed for SD-OCT structural features and visual acuity outcomes. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, χ2 tests, independent t tests, and Pearson's correlation tests. Main outcome measures were best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), presence of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) in the fovea and macula, central retinal thickness (CRT), total macular volume (TMV), and presence of an epiretinal membrane (ERM). RESULTS: The study included 30 patients (21 female, 9 male) with an average age of 46.83 ± 18.86 years (range, 10-80 years). The average follow-up period between visits was 11.9 ± 1.6 months (range, 9-15 months). Among the 60 eyes analyzed, 50% had CME. Eyes with CME had a greater CRT at the follow-up visit (p = 0.029). No significant differences were found in BCVA or TMV between RP patients with and without CME. Correlation analyses revealed a significant relationship between CRT and BCVA at both visits (p = 0.001, p = 0.004) in RP patients without CME, but not in RP patients with CME. EZ foveal sparing consistently predicted BCVA outcomes (p < 0.001) and CRT (p ≤ 0.001) at both visits in RP patients with and without CME. Greater TMV at both visits (p = 0.009, p = 0.012) and the presence of an ERM at the follow-up visit (p = 0.046) were significantly associated with a decline in BCVA between visits in RP patients without CME. CONCLUSIONS: EZ foveal sparing is a significant predictor of visual acuity in RP patients regardless of the presence of CME. While CRT correlates with visual acuity in patients without CME, it does not predict outcomes in those with CME. TMV may serve as a marker for preclinical CME, and both increased TMV and ERM presence may predict visual decline in RP patients with undetectable CME on SD-OCT.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Faricimab Intravitreal Injections in Naïve Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
Belloni Baroni L, Toto L, Formenti F … +6 more , Passamonti M, Quarta A, Ruggeri ML, Aloia R, Di Nicola M, Mastropasqua R
Ophthalmic Res · 2026 · PMID 41632743 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to evaluate functional and anatomical changes at the 44-week follow-up in patients with naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with faricimab intravitreal...
INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to evaluate functional and anatomical changes at the 44-week follow-up in patients with naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with faricimab intravitreal injections (IVIs). METHODS: Fifty-four eyes of 54 patients with naïve active macular neovascularization and nAMD were enrolled at the Ophthalmology Clinic of University "G. d'Annunzio," Chieti-Pescara, Italy. All patients were scheduled for faricimab IVI. Each patient underwent complete ophthalmic examination including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) charts and optical coherence tomography. All measurements were evaluated at baseline, at week 20 and then according to fixed retreatment interval up to week 44. Fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography were also performed at baseline. Main outcome measures were changes in BCVA, central macular thickness (CMT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), intraretinal fluid presence, subfoveal subretinal fluid presence and thickness, the presence of pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs), and its maximum height (PED-MH). RESULTS: BCVA improved and CMT reduced significantly from baseline to week 44 (p = 0.002 and p = 0.020, respectively) in the overall sample with a higher significant improvement from baseline to week 20 (p < 0.001 for both parameters) and no additional significant improvement from week 20 to week 44 in the overall sample (p = 0.348 and p = 0.146, respectively). At week 20, 72.3% of patients were in the Q12/Q16 interval. Patients in the Q8 interval showed significant improvement in BCVA (p < 0.001) and significant reduction of CMT (p = 0.008) from baseline to week 44, respectively. PED-MH as well showed a significant reduction from baseline to week 44 (p < 0.001). Patients in the Q12 interval showed significant improvement in BCVA (p = 0.030) and significant reduction of CMT, SFCT, and PED-MH from baseline to week 36 (p < 0.001). Patients in the Q16 interval showed significant reduction of BCVA during follow-up (p = 0.026). CMT, SFCT, and PED-MH were significantly reduced from baseline to week 44 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Faricimab showed efficacy in the treatment of naïve nAMD patients with an improvement of many anatomical and functional parameters at 44 weeks, allowing the maintenance of a treatment regimen for most patients equal to or greater than 12 weeks.
Impact of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy on Corneal Sensitivity and Ocular Surface.
Cid-Bertomeu P, Vilaltella M, Capilla L … +1 more , Huerva V
Ophthalmic Res · 2026 · PMID 41557563 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is frequently associated with microvascular complications, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). The cornea, one of the most densely innervated tissues in the body, has been...
INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is frequently associated with microvascular complications, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). The cornea, one of the most densely innervated tissues in the body, has been proposed as a surrogate marker for small fiber neuropathy. Patients with DM often present with ocular surface disease (OSD) and corneal sensitivity impairment, but the relationship between DPN, ocular surface alterations, and inflammatory biomarkers remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate ocular surface parameters between patients with type 2 DM with and without DPN and to explore the associations among corneal sensitivity, ocular surface inflammation (matrix metalloproteinase-9 [MMP-9]), and dry eye-related parameters. METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, 158 eyes of 79 patients with type 2 DM were categorized based on the presence or absence of DPN, diagnosed via electromyography. Corneal sensitivity was evaluated using the Brill esthesiometer, and tear MMP-9 levels were assessed with the InflammaDry test. Additional assessments included the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear osmolarity, Schirmer test, noninvasive tear break-up time, and meibography. Corneal impairment was defined as esthesiometry levels 4-6 or pressure thresholds ≥8 mbar in either eye. RESULTS: Patients with DPN exhibited significantly reduced corneal sensitivity (6.98 ± 2.25 mbar vs. 5.62 ± 2.53 mbar; p = 0.014) and higher OSDI scores (median 26 vs. 10; p < 0.001). MMP-9 positivity was more common in patients with corneal sensory impairment (81.8% vs. 54.3%; p = 0.0215). A significant negative correlation was observed between tear osmolarity and corneal sensitivity (r = -0.182, p = 0.022). Multivariable regression showed that both DPN (β = 1.20) and MMP-9 positivity (β = 1.24) were independently associated with reduced sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced corneal sensitivity was significantly associated with the presence of DPN and with MMP-9 positivity and showed a negative correlation with tear osmolarity. Corneal sensitivity testing combined with tear MMP-9 assessment may provide complementary information on ocular surface changes in diabetic patients, although current variability and limited reproducibility prevent their use as standalone screening tools for neuropathy.
Efficacy of Faricimab in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Single-Arm Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Karam M, Baeshen M, Alfuzaie R … +5 more , Mohammad M, Alshatti A, Samet A, Paez-Escamilla M, Sun V
Ophthalmic Res · 2026 · PMID 41499325 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a leading cause of vision loss and requires long-term anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and sa...
INTRODUCTION: Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a leading cause of vision loss and requires long-term anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of faricimab in patients with nAMD. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to the PRISMA guidelines to identify studies assessing faricimab in nAMD. Primary outcomes included visual acuity, central macular thickness (CMT), and dry macula rate. Secondary outcomes included macular status, central choroidal thickness (CCT), and complications. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled mean with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Out of the 365 studies identified, 21 studies were included, comprising a total sample size of 1,864 eyes of 1,791 patients. Post-operatively, there was a statistically significant improvement in corrected distance visual acuity (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.122, 95% p = 0.039) and CMT (SMD: -3.672, p = 0.010). Similarly, there was a significant improvement in the rate of dry macula at the final follow-up visit (event rate: 0.529; p < 0.05). For the secondary outcomes, there was a statistically significant improvement in CCT (SMD: -0.199, p = 0.026) and in the rate of macular exudates (0.452, p < 0.05), specifically intraretinal fluid (0.140, p < 0.05) and subretinal fluid (0.271, p < 0.05). Complications secondary to faricimab injections included hemorrhagic pigment epithelial detachment with a rate of 0.120 (p < 0.05) and retinal pigment epithelium tear with a rate of 0.025 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of faricimab injection in patients with nAMD is safe and effective, resulting in significant improvements in a myriad of visual measures and OCT parameters.
Corneal Fluorescein Staining in FDA-Reviewed Dry Eye Registrational Clinical Trials: Evidence of Limited Endpoint Responsiveness.
Dabre Z, Mun C, Sheth T … +6 more , Kim C, Sarwar M, Ungaretti N, Byrne K, Kaja S, Jain S
Ophthalmic Res · 2026 · PMID 41493896 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Corneal fluorescein (FL) staining is the most widely used efficacy endpoint in dry eye disease (DED) registrational trials, yet dye diffusion and variable readout timing can blur punctate staining, reducing...
INTRODUCTION: Corneal fluorescein (FL) staining is the most widely used efficacy endpoint in dry eye disease (DED) registrational trials, yet dye diffusion and variable readout timing can blur punctate staining, reducing the precision and consistency of grading. We assessed the performance of FL staining as an efficacy endpoint by analyzing endpoint success across FDA-reviewed DED trials and evaluated whether a standardized, diffusion-resistant dye could provide an alternative quantitative measure of corneal staining. METHODS: We conducted a synthesis of FDA-reviewed DED registrational clinical trials through April 2025 to determine the proportion of trials that met the corneal FL staining efficacy endpoint. Clinical relevance was assessed using a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of ≥3 units on the 0-15 National Eye Institute (NEI) scale. In a clinical cohort of 50 DED patients (97 eyes), total corneal staining was compared after sequential instillation of 5 µL of 2% FL (readout ∼2.5 min) and 1% lissamine green (LG) (readout ≤30 s). RESULTS: Among 20 FDA-reviewed registrational trials that prespecified corneal FL staining as an efficacy endpoint, 10 (50%) failed to meet this endpoint. Of the seven trials in which FL staining served as a primary or co-primary endpoint, only one achieved MCID for corneal staining. Across all trials meeting the endpoint, treatment-vehicle differences were small (mean additional reduction 0.4-1.2 units; Cohen's d < 0.5), indicating that FL staining yielded uniformly small effect sizes. In the clinical cohort, 1% LG produced corneal staining that was strongly associated with 2% FL for mild (ρ = 0.99), moderate (ρ = 0.93), and severe (ρ = 0.69) disease (p < 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis showed that while the mean bias was negligible, the width of the 95% limits of agreement (-1.26 to 0.85) suggests the two corneal staining dyes are not fully interchangeable at the individual-measurement level. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal FL staining demonstrates limited responsiveness as an efficacy endpoint in DED registrational trials. Because 1% LG provides corneal staining strongly associated with 2% FL while preserving discrete punctate detail and allowing standardized, early readouts, it may represent a suitable alternative vital dye for future DED efficacy and safety assessments.
Long-Term Trends in the Global Burden of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Sex Differences, Aging Effects, and Future Projections in Middle-Aged and Older Adults.
Li Y, Mou B, Song X
Ophthalmic Res · 2026 · PMID 41433217 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of irreversible vision loss in middle-aged and older populations worldwide. Understanding its long-term epidemiological trends is essential for antici...
INTRODUCTION: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of irreversible vision loss in middle-aged and older populations worldwide. Understanding its long-term epidemiological trends is essential for anticipating future healthcare needs and guiding preventive strategies. This study characterizes the global, regional, and national burden of AMD in adults aged ≥45 years, with a focus on sex disparities, aging effects, and projected trends. METHODS: Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, we analyzed the prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of AMD across age, sex, region, country, and Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) groups. We applied an age-period-cohort model to disentangle the effects of aging, temporal changes, and birth cohort on AMD risk. Frontier analysis was conducted to identify best-practice benchmarks in disease burden reduction. The association between SDI and AMD burden was assessed to evaluate health inequities. An autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was used to project age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) and prevalence rate from 2022 to 2036. RESULTS: Between 1990 and 2021, the absolute number of AMD cases and DALYs nearly doubled. In 2021, both prevalence and DALY rates increased exponentially with age, with females exhibiting consistently higher rates across all age groups. The age-period-cohort model indicated a declining trend in AMD risk over successive birth cohorts, suggesting potential improvements in early-life or cumulative risk factors. Notably, the highest age-standardized rates were observed in low-SDI regions, highlighting significant global inequities in disease burden. ARIMA projections suggest a modest but concerning increase in the global ASDR, rising to 6.80 (95% CI: 5.82-7.78) by 2036, with female ASDR reaching 7.46 (95% CI: 6.29-8.63). CONCLUSION: The burden of AMD remains substantial and is projected to grow, particularly among aging populations and in low-resource settings. The persistent sex disparity, especially the elevated burden in elderly women, calls for targeted screening and intervention programs. These findings emphasize the need for equitable, age- and sex-sensitive public health strategies to mitigate the rising impact of AMD in the coming decades.
Retraction Statement.
Ophthalmic Res · 2025 · PMID 41406076 · Publisher ↗
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Changes of Schlemm's Canal and Trabecular Meshwork Dimensions from Digital Ocular Massage in High Myopia: A Pilot Study.
Lam AKC, Wong RWL, Wu THY … +3 more , Lau HKC, Lai CHT, Wong AKW
Ophthalmic Res · 2026 · PMID 41406064 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated changes of Schlemm's canal (SC) and trabecular meshwork (TM) dimensions from digital ocular massage in high myopia. METHODS: Healthy participants with either high myopes (≤-6.00 D) or w...
INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated changes of Schlemm's canal (SC) and trabecular meshwork (TM) dimensions from digital ocular massage in high myopia. METHODS: Healthy participants with either high myopes (≤-6.00 D) or with refractive errors ≥ -3.00D were recruited. Right eyes underwent digital ocular massage. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was monitored using rebound tonometry. Anterior chamber angle was imaged using swept-source optical coherence tomography. IOP, SC, and TM were compared before and immediately after digital ocular massage. RESULTS: Sixteen eyes from 16 high myopes (-6.00 D to -8.125 D) and 18 eyes from 18 control participants (+0.50 D to -2.875 D) were included. There was no difference in age and gender distribution between the two groups. The two groups shared similar IOP, SC area, SC length, TM length, and TM thickness at baseline. Both groups had significant IOP drop from a baseline of around 15 mm Hg to 9 mm Hg after ocular massage. High myopia demonstrated a mild enlargement of the SC area (from 10,655.60 ± 4,362.02 µm2 to 12,632.40 ± 4,393.19 µm2, p = 0.098), not reaching statistical significance. The TM thickness was reduced from 160.21 ± 26.29 µm to 151.77 ± 26.91 µm, p = 0.018). Control eyes showed significant enlargement of SC area (from 8,540.71 ± 3,905.98 µm2 to 11,686.53 ± 4,586.37 µm2, p = 0.001) and SC length (from 240.47 ± 69.96 µm to 280.40 ± 59.37 µm, p = 0.041). CONCLUSION: Control eyes showed significant enlargement of SC in responding to IOP drop while high myopia did not.
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