The Lens Newsletter: October 2, 2024

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week’s episode we discuss Delayed repair of open globe injuries between 25-36 hours may be reasonable without significantly increasing risks of endophthalmitis or poor visual outcomes. SGLT2 inhibitors may reduce progression from non-proliferative to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in patients with pre-existing NPDR, though it does not affect development of NPDR in those without prior DR. The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) found that visual field loss accelerates significantly after primary open-angle glaucoma diagnosis, with progression linked to older age, higher cup-to-disc ratios, and greater IOP variability. Anti-VEGF injections for retinal diseases cause significant short-term IOP spikes that tend to normalize within 15 minutes.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week’s episode we discuss… Patients with treated phakic retinal tears undergoing cataract surgery face an increased risk for new retinal tears or detachments, particularly within the first postoperative year. PRP treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy stabilizes disease, but may exacerbate macular capillary nonperfusion, raising concerns for long-term outcomes. In the search for new prognosticators of MS disease status, ERG is likely not useful in monitoring or prognostication of MS. Myopic regression affects nearly half of patients within 18 months of LASIK or SMILE surgery, with preoperative spherical equivalent as the strongest predictor.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week’s episode we discuss: A novel complement-inhibitor gene therapy showed reasonable safety and tolerability in a phase-one clinical trial for geographic atrophy from AMD Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa have significantly higher rates of depression compared to the general population A study of Chicagoland children demonstrated increased rates of myopia progression during the COVID-19 pandemic, perhaps due to increased time spent on screens and indoors.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week’s episode we discuss… A randomized parallel group trial demonstrates the utility of low-level red-light therapy with orthokeratology in the treatment of myopia Differences from the start, female speakers are less likely to be introduced by their formal titles than their male counterparts at ophthalmology grand rounds  A new study analyzes the vitreous metabolome of endophthalmitis patients finding differences in the elderly and younger patients compared to controls

In this week’s issue: A retrospective study suggests that semaglutide is not associated with increased risk for non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Black patients were less likely to have conclusive genetic testing compared to White patients when screening for inherited retinal diseases. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors were shown to decrease risk of glaucoma compared to other antihyperglycemic agents.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week’s episode we discuss… Intergrading testing for a new classification of plus disease in ROP with scores P1-9 was more reliable than previous grading classifications of no-plus, pre-plus, and plus. Small molecule air pollutants were found to be correlated with an increase in glaucoma in a longitudinal cohort study. AI models for differentiating choroidal nevi from melanoma were shown to have an accuracy of 88% (AUC), surpassing ophthalmologists in sensitivity but not specificity.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week’s episode we discuss… Faricimab demonstrates a greater reduction in retinal thickness compared to aflibercept in diabetic macular edema Integrating eye exams into routine primary care can improve screening for ocular diseases Patients who undergo early pars plan vitrectomy for vitreous hemorrhage have superior best-corrected visual acuity compared to those who undergo surgery later The progression of retinal degeneration in Macular telangiectasia type 2 is quantified

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week’s episode we discuss: Secondary IOL placement in aphakic children carries potential risks of hyperopic surprise and glaucoma. A study estimated the objective contribution of vision impairments to dementia risk in a population of older adults. A population-based study in Korea discovered a link between psoriasis, type 2 diabetes, and conversion to wet AMD.

On this episode we're speaking with Dr. Nimesh (Nemo) Patel, who helped create the pediatric retina fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital. The episode is about the new pediatric retina fellowship and a brief introduction to retinal disorders that affect children. After listening to this episode you will have a better understanding of this very sub-specialized field and impress your attending & senior residents! Take a listen now to our fourth episode of season 4!

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week’s episode we discuss… Plasma exchange is an increasingly common treatment modality for certain types of optic neuritis, like neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.  African American patients with primary open angle glaucoma have been less likely to receive MIGS.  CSF analysis may be a useful adjunct to MRI for the detection of central nervous system lymphoma in patients with vitreoretinal lymphoma.