The prevalence of asteroid hyalosis in adults ≥ 40 years old was 0.6–0.8% in the 2005–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Older age and elevated serum creatinine were associated with the presence of asteroid hyalosis.

Corneal transplant rejection primarily occurs due to T helper 1 (Th1) effector cell mediated immune response of the host toward allogeneic tissue. The evidence suggests that Type 1 migratory conventional CD103+ dendritic cells (CD103+DC1) acquire an immunosuppressive phenotype in the tumor environment; however, the involvement of CD103+DC1 in allograft survival continues to be an elusive question of great clinical significance in tissue transplantation. In this study, we assess the role of CD103+DC1 in suppressing Th1 alloreactivity against transplanted corneal allografts. The immunosuppressive function of CD103+DC1 has been extensively studied in non-transplantation settings. We found that host CD103+DC1 infiltrate the corneal graft and migrate to the draining lymph nodes (DLN) to suppress alloreactive CD4+ Th1 cells via the programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1/ PD-1) axis. The systemic depletion of CD103+ DC1 in allograft recipients leads to amplified Th1 activation, impaired Treg function, and increased frequency of allograft rejection. While allograft recipient Rag1 null mice reconstituted with naïve CD4+CD25- T cells efficiently generated peripheral Treg cells (pTreg), the CD103+DC1-depleted mice failed to generate pTreg. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of pTreg failed to rescue allografts in CD103+DC1-depleted recipients from rejection. These data demonstrate the critical role of CD103+DC1 in regulating host alloimmune responses. Short title: Role of CD103+ DCs in corneal allograft survival.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of diabetic patients with retinal venous loops (RVLs) and to assess the association with retinal ischemia using widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (WF SS-OCTA). METHODS: In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, a total of 195 eyes of 132 diabetic patients (31 eyes with no diabetic retinopathy (DR), 76 eyes with nonproliferative DR (NPDR), and 88 eyes with proliferative DR (PDR)) were imaged with WF SS-OCTA using Angio 6 × 6 mm and Montage 15 × 15 mm scans. Quantitative ischemia-related parameters, including ischemia index (ratio of nonperfusion area to total retinal area), foveal avascular zone (FAZ), and neovascularization features, were evaluated. RVLs were classified as type I or type II according to the branching level of the feeder vessel. A multivariate generalized estimating equations (GEE) logistic regression model was used to analyze the association of systemic parameters and ischemia-related metrics with RVLs in PDR eyes. RESULTS: Forty-eight RVLs were identified in 22 eyes (11.28%). The prevalence of RVLs was higher in PDR compared to NPDR eyes (21.59% vs. 3.95%, P < 0.05). Type II RVLs accounted for a higher proportion than type I (89.58% vs. 10.42%, P < 0.001). RVLs were more likely to originate from superior (vs. inferior) and temporal (vs. nasal) veins (P < 0.05). The GEE model showed that neovascularization (NV) flow area and diastolic blood pressure were associated with RVLs in the PDR group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: WF SS-OCTA is useful for the identification of RVLs in patients with DR. NV flow area and diastolic blood pressure were associated with the presence of RVLs in eyes with PDR. Ischemia index, FAZ, and other WF SS-OCTA parameters were not associated with RVLs. Further longitudinal studies are needed to identify the role of RVLs in DR progression.

PURPOSE: Intraocular infections are sight-threatening conditions that can lead to vision loss. Rapid identification of the etiologies plays a key role in early initiation of effective therapy to save vision. However, current diagnostic modalities are time-consuming, lack sensitivity and inclusiveness. We present here a newly developed comprehensive ocular panel designed to improve diagnostic yields and provide a tool for rapid and sensitive pathogen detection. DESIGN: Experimental laboratory investigation. METHODS: A panel containing 46 pathogens and 2 resistance/virulence markers that are commonly detected in intraocular infections was developed. Genomic targets were scrutinized for stretches predicted to be specific for a particular species while being conserved across different strains. A set of primers for sample enrichment, and two 50mer NanoString compatible probes were then designed for each target. Probe-target hybrids were detected and quantified using the NanoString nCounter SPRINT Profiler. Diagnostic feasibility was assessed in a pilot clinical study testing samples from infectious retinitis (n=15) and endophthalmitis (n=12) patients for which the etiologies were confirmed by PCR or culture. RESULTS: Analytical studies demonstrated highly sensitive detection of a broad spectrum of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and parasites, with limits of detection being as low as 2.5 femtograms per reaction. We also found excellent target specificity, with minimal cross-reactivity detected. The custom-designed NanoString ocular panel correctly identified the causative agent from all clinical specimens positive for a variety of pathogens. CONCLUSION: This highly multiplexed panel for pathogen detection offers a sensitive, comprehensive, and uniform assay run directly on ocular fluids that could significantly improve diagnostics of sight-threatening intraocular infections.

(1) Background: In recent years, medical institutions across the U.S. have implemented a points system based on the Educational Value Unit (EVU) to assess and reward faculty for their educational efforts. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize the current literature on EVU systems and to evaluate their utility in the U.S. healthcare system. (2) Methods: We searched the Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed databases to identify literature describing the inception of EVU systems and current systems implemented by U.S. academic medical centers and medical schools. In total, a combined 48 studies and abstracts pertaining to EVU systems were reviewed, and a combined 26 published studies and abstracts from 1999 to 2022 pertaining to EVU systems were included. (3) Results: To our knowledge, at least 40 U.S. academic medical centers have used an educational metrics system, of which 21 institutions have published studies describing EVU systems in one or more of their medical departments. The outcomes associated with these self-described EVU systems are the focus of this study. EVU systems increase the number of faculty who meet baseline educational requirements, promote educational productivity, redistribute educational burden and funding among faculty members, and shift physician priorities towards education. The monetary reward associated with EVU systems is unlikely to be a significant factor contributing to these changes; instead, intrinsic motivation and a sense of academic responsibility play a larger role. (4) Conclusions: EVU systems are an effective way to evaluate and reward individual and departmental educational efforts in U.S. academic medical centers and medical schools. The adoption of EVUs will likely become more commonplace as U.S. academic medical centers and medical schools place additional emphasis on medical education.

BACKGROUND: Absence of hydrocephalus on neuroimaging may impart a false sense of security for patients with pineal cysts. In this case series, we characterize a subset of patients with pineal cysts having an occult presentation. Unifying features of worsening paroxysmal headaches suggesting intermittent obstructive hydrocephalus and radiographic evidence of third ventricular invagination characterize these patients as high risk. OBJECTIVE: To define features of occult, high-risk pineal cysts and outcomes of endoscopic cyst fenestration. METHODS: Charts were retrospectively reviewed for patients with pineal cysts evaluated at our institution between 2018 and 2021 who underwent endoscopic cyst fenestration. To capture cysts presenting as occult, patients were excluded if hydrocephalus was noted at presentation. Relevant clinical history, imaging, operative data, and clinical outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: Of 50 pineal cyst patients, 4 satisfied inclusion criteria. All patients presented with worsening paroxysmal headaches. In addition, 75% (3/4) also experienced intermittent syncope. Patients exhibited no hydrocephalus (n = 3) or fluctuating ventricular size on longitudinal imaging (n = 1). In all cases, high-resolution sagittal 3-dimensional T2 magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated invagination of the cyst anteriorly into the posterior third ventricle. All patients underwent endoscopic cyst fenestration with complete symptom resolution (mean follow-up of 20.6 months; range 3.5-37.4 months). CONCLUSION: The clinical history for occult, high-risk pineal cysts is notable for worsening paroxysmal headaches and episodic alterations of consciousness suggesting intermittent obstructive hydrocephalus. Because ventricular size can appear normal on standard imaging protocols, clinical suspicion should trigger workup with high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging designed to detect these cysts. Endoscopic cyst fenestration is a safe and efficacious management strategy.

Black patients are more affected by glaucoma and suffer from more advanced disease. Diagnostic challenges among black patients with glaucoma include lower rates of diagnostic testing and thinner average central corneal thickness, the latter of which affects intraocular pressure measurement. Treatment challenges include poor follow-up, medication adherence, and trust in providers. Black patients undergoing trabeculectomy have higher rates of failure compared to white patients. Race is not a definitive factor affecting success for tube shunts, laser trabeculoplasty, cyclophotocoagulation, and micro-invasive glaucoma surgeries, but the body of evidence is limited by low inclusion of black patients in these studies. Future steps should include increased attention toward improving trust between patients and providers, improving access to care, and increased representation of black patients in glaucoma research to better understand factors affecting racial disparities in glaucoma management and outcomes in this population disproportionately affected by the disease.

Orbital cellulitis in the pediatric population is treated primarily with antibiotic therapy. This leaves the inflammatory component unchecked. Corticosteroid therapy has been used to accelerate recovery and decrease the long-term morbidity in other infectious conditions. Its use has also been proposed for pediatric orbital cellulitis. The aim of this manuscript is to conduct a literature review to summarize existing evidence and understand ongoing controversies. Overall, prior investigations on corticosteroid therapy for pediatric orbital cellulitis are limited by their study design and sample sizes. One of the most discussed potential benefits is that adjuvant steroid therapy for pediatric orbital cellulitis is associated with shorter hospitalization without major infectious complications. However, decreased hospitalization length is an imperfect metric, especially without standardized criteria for hospital discharge. Future studies are warranted to better guide the use of adjuvant steroid therapy and to optimize its potential in the management of pediatric orbital cellulitis.

"Blindness upon awakening" occurs in a significant proportion of patients with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). This observation has led to a notion that nocturnal hypotension is a significant contributor and, perhaps, the final insult in a multifactorial process leading to the development of NAION, as has been proposed in other ischemic events like strokes, myocardial infarction, and ischemic rest pain. An extension of this concept has led to the recommendation that patients who have experienced NAION avoid taking blood pressure medications at bedtime. However, mounting evidence in the cardiology literature suggests that nocturnal hypertension is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity. In two prospective blood pressure monitoring studies in 1994 and 1999, Hayreh observed an extreme dipping pattern in nocturnal systolic blood pressure in NAION patients compared to reported normal values. Yet, two subsequent ambulatory blood pressure studies found either normal or non-dipping patterns in NAION patients. The majority of clinical trials published since 1976 that have studied nocturnal administration of antihypertensives have reported enhanced blood pressure control and reduced cardiovascular risk. Most notably, the large, prospective 2020 Hygia Chronotherapy Trial reported a statistically-significant beneficial effect of nocturnal antihypertensive dosing on cardiovascular outcomes and mortality. The controversy regarding nocturnal hypotension and NAION is of increasing relevance as there is new evidence to suggest a beneficial effect of nocturnal antihypertensive dosing in cardiovascular risk. This new information should prompt a re-evaluation of the relevant risk-to-benefit of reducing the risk of NAION on one hand, and the potential increase of cardiovascular risk on the other. Definitive resolution of this question would require a prospective, randomized control study with input from both cardiology and ophthalmology.

Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a vital role in a variety of human diseases including proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), in which retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells play a key part. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway was up-regulated in human RPE cells upon treatment with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2, a multifunctional cytokine associated with clinical PVR. Stimulation of human RPE cells with TGF-β2 induced expression of p110δ (the catalytic subunit of PI3Kδ) and activation of NFκB/p65. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated depletion of p110δ or NFκB/p65 suppressed TGF-β2-induced fibronectin expression and activation of Akt as well as migration of these cells. Intriguingly, abrogating expression of NFκB/p65 also blocked TGF-β2-induced expression of p110δ, and luciferase reporter assay indicated that TGF-β2 induced NFκB/p65 binding to the promoter of the PIK3CD that encodes p110δ. These data reveal that NFκB/p65-mediated expression of PI3Kδ is essential in human RPE cells for TGF-β2-induced EMT, uncovering hindrance of TGF-β2-induced expression of p110δ as a novel approach to inhibit PVR.

Usher syndrome (USH) is the most common form of hereditary deaf-blindness in humans. USH is a complex genetic disorder, assigned to three clinical subtypes differing in onset, course and severity, with USH1 being the most severe. Rodent USH1 models do not reflect the ocular phenotype observed in human patients to date; hence, little is known about the pathophysiology of USH1 in the human eye. One of the USH1 genes, USH1C, exhibits extensive alternative splicing and encodes numerous harmonin protein isoforms that function as scaffolds for organizing the USH interactome. RNA-seq analysis of human retinae uncovered harmonin_a1 as the most abundant transcript of USH1C. Bulk RNA-seq analysis and immunoblotting showed abundant expression of harmonin in Müller glia cells (MGCs) and retinal neurons. Furthermore, harmonin was localized in the terminal endfeet and apical microvilli of MGCs, presynaptic region (pedicle) of cones and outer segments (OS) of rods as well as at adhesive junctions between MGCs and photoreceptor cells (PRCs) in the outer limiting membrane (OLM). Our data provide evidence for the interaction of harmonin with OLM molecules in PRCs and MGCs and rhodopsin in PRCs. Subcellular expression and colocalization of harmonin correlate with the clinical phenotype observed in USH1C patients. We also demonstrate that primary cilia defects in USH1C patient-derived fibroblasts could be reverted by the delivery of harmonin_a1 transcript isoform. Our studies thus provide novel insights into PRC cell biology, USH1C pathophysiology and development of gene therapy treatment(s).

PURPOSE: Data from healthy eyes is needed to interpret optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) findings. However, very little normative data is available for wide-field swept-source OCTA (WF SS-OCTA), particularly 12 × 12-mm and disc-centered angiograms. Therefore, we aim to report quantitative metrics in a large sample of control eyes. METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, 482 eyes of 375 healthy adults were imaged on the 100 kHz Zeiss PLEX® Elite 9000 using protocols centered on the fovea (3 × 3, 6 × 6, and 12 × 12-mm) and optic disc (6 × 6 and 12 × 12-mm) between December 2018 and January 2022. The ARI Network (Zeiss Portal v5.4) was used to calculate vessel density (VD) and vessel skeletonized density (VSD) in the superficial capillary plexus, deep capillary plexus, and whole retina, as well as foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters. Mixed-effect multiple linear regression models were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The subjects' median age was 55 (38-63) years, and 201 (53.6%) were female. Greater age and worse best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were associated with significantly lower VD and VSD (p < 0.05). VD and VSD differed based on race and cataract status, but not sex, on some scan protocols (p < 0.05). FAZ circularity decreased with age, and FAZ dimensions differed based on race and ethnicity in certain scan protocols. CONCLUSIONS: We report a large database of parafoveal and peripapillary vascular metrics in several angiogram sizes. In referencing these values, researchers must consider characteristics such as age, race, and BCVA, but will have a valuable point of comparison for OCTA measurements in pathologic settings.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of corneal scarring location on corneal nerve regeneration in patients with herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis in their affected and contralateral eyes over a 1-year period by in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), and to correlate these findings to corneal sensation measured by Cochet-Bonnet Esthesiometer. METHODS: Prospective, longitudinal, case-control study. Bilateral corneal nerve density and corneal sensation was analyzed centrally and peripherally in 24 healthy controls and 23 patients with unilateral HSV-related corneal scars using IVCM. RESULTS: In the central scar (CS) group, total nerve density in the central cornea remained significantly lower compared to controls at follow-up (11.05 ± 1.97mm/mm2, p < 0.001), and no significant nerve regeneration was observed (p = 0.090). At follow-up, total nerve density was not significantly different from controls in the central and peripheral cornea of peripheral scar (PS) group (all p > 0.05), and significant nerve regeneration was observed in central corneas (16.39 ± 2.39mm/mm2, p = 0.007) compared to baseline. In contralateral eyes, no significant corneal nerve regeneration was observed in central or peripheral cornea of patients with central scars or peripheral scars at 1-year follow-up, compared to baseline (p > 0.05). There was a positive correlation between corneal nerve density and sensation in both central (R = 0.53, p < 0.0001) and peripheral corneas (R = 0.27, p = 0.0004). In the CS group, the corneal sensitivity was <4 cm in 4 (30.8%) and 7 (53.8%) patients in the central and peripheral corneas at baseline, and in 5 (38.5%) and 2 subjects (15.4%) at follow-up, whereas in the PS group only 1 patient (10%) showed a corneal sensation < 4cm in the central cornea at baseline, and only 1 (10.0%), 3 (30.0%) and 1 (10.0%) patients at follow-up in the central, affected and opposite area of the cornea, respectively. CONCLUSION: The location of HSV scarring in the cornea affects the level of corneal nerve regeneration. Eyes with central corneal scar have a diminished capacity to regenerate nerves in central cornea, they show a more severe reduction in corneal sensation in the central and peripheral cornea that persist at follow-up, and they have a reduced capability to restore the corneal sensitivity above the cut-off of 4 cm. Thus, clinicians should be aware that CS patients would benefit from closer monitoring for potential complications associated with neurotrophic keratopathy, as they have a lower likelihood for nerve regeneration.

Clinical staging systems for diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR) must closely relate to endpoints that are both relevant for patients and feasible for physicians to implement. Current DR staging systems for clinical eye care and research provide detailed phenotypic characterization to predict patient outcomes in diabetes but have limitations. Biochemical biomarkers provide a rich pool of potential candidates for new DR staging systems that can be readily measured in accessible fluids. Circulating biomarkers that are specific to the retina and relate to angiogenesis and inflammation have been suggested as relevant for DR. Although there is a lack of multi-ethnic studies evaluating circulatory biomarkers in DR, variability in circulatory biomarkers have been reported in people from different ethnic and racial backgrounds. Therefore, there is a need for future studies to evaluate individual or combinations of biomarkers in diverse populations with DR from different ethnic and racial backgrounds.

PURPOSE: To compare Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) diabetic retinopathy (DR) severity on ultrawide field (UWF) colour imaging (CI) and UWF fluorescein angiography (FA). DESIGN: Cross-sectional retrospective review. SUBJECTS: Patients with diabetes mellitus and at least mild non-proliferative DR on UWF-CI. METHODS: UWF-CI and UWF-FA images acquired within 1 month of each other were evaluated independently using ETDRS DR Severity Scale (DRSS) for colour photography adapted for UWF-CI and UWF-FA. Extent of non-perfusion (NP, mm2) was determined from UWF-FA images. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Agreement rate between DRSS on UWF-CI and UWF-FA. RESULTS: Images from 218 eyes of 137 patients with diabetes were evaluated. Agreement rate for DRSS between UWF-CI and UWF-FA was moderate to substantial (K=0.46, Kw=0.65). Over-all, DRSS was worse in 73 (33.5%) eyes on UWF-FA and in 16 (7.3%) on UWF-CI. Compared to UWF-CI, UWF-FA identified more severe DRSS in 26.5% (1 step) and 7.34% (≥2 steps) of eyes. DRSS was worse than UWF-FA in 56 (51.4%) in early DR (ETDRS levels 20-47, N=109) and 17 (15.6%) in eyes with severe DR (53 and higher, N=109). In this cohort, the extent of NP significantly increased as eyes approach moderate non-proliferative DR (levels 43-47, p=0.0065). CONCLUSION: When evaluating UWF-FA images using the ETDRS colour severity scale, DRSS is graded as more severe in a substantial number of eyes than when evaluating UWF-CI. It is uncertain how the DRSS levels using UWF-FA translate to clinical outcomes, but the additional lesions detected might provide added prognostic value. These and other recent data emphasise the need of obtaining outcome data based on UWF-FA and the potential need to develop DRSS specifically tailored for UWF-FA images.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationships of (1) tear osmolarity (TO) levels with the severity of signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) and (2) changes in TO with changes in signs and symptoms. METHODS: Patients (N = 405) with moderate to severe DED in the Dry Eye Assessment and Management (DREAM) Study were evaluated at baseline and at six and 12 months. Associations of TO with signs and symptoms were evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and regression models. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation [SD]) TO was 303 (16) mOsm/L at baseline and 303 (18) mOsm/L at both six and 12 months. TO was higher in older patients (306 mOsm/L for ≥70 years vs. 300 mOsm/L for <50 years; P = 0.01) and those with Sjögren's disease (311 vs. 302 mOsm/L; P < 0.0001). TO did not differ between patients randomized to placebo and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. TO was weakly correlated with conjunctival (r = 0.18; P < 0.001) and corneal staining scores (r = 0.17; P < 0.001), tear film break-up time (r = 0.06; P = 0.03), and Schirmer test score (r = -0.07; P = 0.02) but not with Ocular Surface Disease Index scores (r = 0.03; P = 0.40). Changes in signs and were not significantly correlated with change in TO at six or 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Within DREAM, TO was weakly correlated with DED signs, explaining <5% variability in signs. Changes in tear osmolarity were not associated with changes in signs and symptoms of DED, indicating that the association may not be causal.

PURPOSE: Social media support groups can provide accessibility to advice and emotional regarding medical topics, such as retinal detachment repair, but this is almost universally provided by laypersons. We sought to determine how topics related to retinal detachment repair are associated with various emotional responses and the spread of misinformation, as identified through an online social media support group. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of the largest Facebook support group for retinal detachment from 03/19/2021 to 07/19/2021. Members of the support group that posted during the study period. Comments were coded by content (Pre-procedural, Peri-procedural Post procedural, Repeat procedures) and participant response (Emotional responses, Asking for medical advice, and Misinformation). Associations between content and responses were examined using Pearson's chi-squared test, two-sample t-test, and linear regression. RESULTS: Posts that included written comments from the study period were analyzed. Negative emotional responses appeared in 30% of posts and positive emotional responses were in 16% of posts. Misinformation was more likely to appear in pre-procedure posts (5.3% versus 1.4%, p = .03). Negative emotional responses trended towards being more common in topics related to repeat procedures (40% vs 28%), although this did not reach statistical significance (p = .06). CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons should be aware that patients frequently express negative experiences on this forum, asked for medical advice, even in the post-operative period, and that these posts generated high engagement. Misinformation may be propagated in support groups, though less commonly with regard to post-procedural questions.

PURPOSE: To describe the 15-month baseline results and costs of the Manhattan Vision Screening and Follow-up Study, which aims to investigate whether innovative community-based eye health screening can improve early detection and management of glaucoma and other eye diseases among high-risk populations. DESIGN: 5-year prospective, cluster-randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Individuals age 40+ were recruited from public housing buildings in New York City for an eye health screening (visual acuity (VA) with correction, intraocular pressure measurements (IOP), and fundus photography). Participants with VA 20/40 or worse, IOP 23-29 mmHg, or an unreadable fundus image failed the screening and were scheduled for an optometric exam at the same location; those with an abnormal image were referred to ophthalmology. A cost analysis was conducted alongside the study. RESULTS: 708 participants were screened; mean age 68.6±11.9 years, female (65.1%), African American (51.8%) and Hispanic (42%). 78.4% (n = 555) failed the eye health screening; 35% (n= 250) had an abnormal image and were also referred to ophthalmology. 308 participants attended the optometric exam; 218 were referred to ophthalmology. Overall, 66.1% were referred to ophthalmology. The cost per participant to deliver the eye health screening and optometric exam was $180.88. The cost per case of eye disease detected was $273.64. CONCLUSIONS: This innovative study in public housing developments targeted high-risk populations, provided access to eye-care, and improved early detection of ocular diseases in New York City. The study has identified strategies to overcoming barriers to eye care to reduce eye health disparities.

A critical review of mechanisms of action and pharmacokinetics of nerve growth factor (NGF), including topical administration, and the studies showing the NGF treatment for anterior and posterior segment diseases in adult and pediatric population are summarized in our paper. Nerve growth factor is commonly used for many different ocular conditions in the adult population to promote nerve regeneration or cellular rescue. Clinical trials for recombinant human NGF have also treated several challenging ocular conditions, such as neurotrophic keratopathy, glaucoma, and retinitis pigmentosa with cystoid macular edema. The safety and efficacy of NGF have been demonstrated in pediatric patients as well. This leads us to consider new applications of NGF for the treatment of pediatric eye diseases.

Vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have played an important global role in reducing morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 infection. While the benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh the risks, adverse events do occur. Non-ocular adverse effects of the vaccines have been well-documented, but descriptions of ophthalmic effects remain limited. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of reported cases of corneal adverse events after receiving vaccination against COVID-19 and to compile existing clinical data to bring attention to these phenomena. Our review discusses corneal graft rejection, including proposed mechanisms, herpetic keratitis, and other reported corneal complications. Ophthalmologists and primary care physicians should be aware of such possible associations.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cases of herpes simplex and zoster ophthalmicus after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and assess the clinical presentations in patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) between December 11, 2020, and July 1, 2022. Patients diagnosed with herpes simplex ophthalmicus (HSO) and herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) after vaccination with BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech), mRNA-1273 (Moderna), and Ad26.COV2.S (Janssen) were included in the study. We performed a descriptive analysis of patient demographics, history, and ophthalmic and systemic clinical presentations. The correlations between vaccine type and continuous variables were assessed by the one-way analysis of variance test. In addition, we used the Pearson χ2 test to assess the association between 3 vaccines and categorical variables. A post hoc analysis was performed between HSO and HZO onset intervals after vaccination, dose, and vaccine type. The 30-day risk analysis was also performed for HSO and HZO onset postvaccination using the reverse Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1180 cases of HZO (983, 83.30%) and HSO (180, 15.25%) were reported. The mean age of patients with HZO and HSO was 59.02 ± 19.05 and 52.68 ± 17.83 years, respectively. Most of the cases of HZO (795, 80.87%) and HSO (131, 72.78%) were reported in patients who received BNT162b2. In the cohort, 63.28% and 65.56% diagnosed with HZO and HSO were women. About one third of HZO (36.52%) and HSO (35.56%) cases were reported after the first dose. More than half of the cases of HZO (61.34%) and HSO (64.45%) were reported within the first 2 weeks after vaccination. The estimated crude reporting rate (per million doses) in the United States was 0.25, 0.22, and 0.47 for BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, and Ad26.COV2.S, respectively. The onset interval for HZO was significantly shorter in patients who received BNT162b2 (20.51 ± 56.20 days, P = 0.030) compared with patients who received mRNA-1273 (36.56 ± 108.67 days) and Ad26.COV2.S (39.66 ± 60.15 days) vaccines. The 30-day risk analysis showed a significantly higher risk of HZO after BNT162b2 than the other 2 vaccines (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: The low crude reporting rate suggests that HZO and HSO after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination occur rarely. This study provides insights into the possible temporal association between reported HSO and HZO after SARS-CoV-2 vaccines; however, further investigations are required to delineate the possible underlying immunological mechanisms.

It is well known that humans have a massive memory for pictures and scenes.1,2,3,4 They show an ability to encode thousands of images with only a few seconds of exposure to each. In addition to this massive memory for "what" observers have seen, three experiments reported here show that observers have a "spatial massive memory" (SMM) for "where" stimuli have been seen and a "temporal massive memory" (TMM) for "when" stimuli have been seen. The positions in time and space for at least dozens of items can be reported with good, if not perfect accuracy. Previous work has suggested that there might be good memory for stimulus location,5,6 but there do not seem to have been concerted efforts to measure the extent of this memory. Moreover, in our method, observers are recalling where items were located and not merely recognizing the correct location. This is interesting because massive memory is sometimes thought to be limited to recognition tasks based on sense of familiarity.

An underlying diagnosis of keratoconus (KC) can complicate cataract surgery. In this study, the results of a focused review of the literature pertaining to cataract surgery in patients with KC are detailed. Topics essential for the appropriate management of this patient population are discussed. First, the individual and shared epidemiology and pathophysiology of cataract and KC are reviewed. Then, the theory and approach to intraocular lens power calculation are discussed, highlighting particularities and pitfalls of this exercise when performed in patients with KC. Finally, several special-although not uncommon-management scenarios and questions are addressed, such as surgical planning in cases where corneal stabilization or tissue replacement interventions are also necessitated.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is now a large body of experience with intraoperative aberrometry. This review aims to synthesize available data regarding intraoperative aberrometry applications and outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS: The Optiwave Refractive Analysis (ORA) System utilizes Talbot-moiré interferometry and is the only commercially available intraoperative aberrometry device. There are few studies that include all-comers undergoing intraoperative aberrometry-assisted cataract surgery, as most studies examine routine patients only or atypical eyes only. In non-post-refractive cases, studies have consistently shown a small but statistically significant benefit in spherical equivalent refractive outcome for intraoperative aberrometry versus preoperative calculations. In studies examining axial length extremes, most studies have shown intraoperative aberrometry to perform similarly to preoperative calculations. Amongst post-refractive cases, post-myopic ablation cases appear to benefit the most from intraoperative aberrometry. For toric intraocular lenses (IOLs), intraoperative aberrometry may be used for refining IOL power (toricity and spherical equivalent) and alignment, and most studies show intraoperative aberrometry to achieve low postoperative residual astigmatism. SUMMARY: Intraoperative aberrometry can be utilized as an adjunct to preoperative planning and surgeon's judgment to optimize cataract surgery refractive outcomes. Non-post-refractive cases, post-myopic ablation eyes, and toric intraocular lenses may have the greatest demonstrated benefit in intraoperative aberrometry studies to date, but other eyes may also benefit from intraoperative aberrometry use.